Vikings Shine on Family Day with Commanding Win Over Oregon State

It was an incredible day for Western Washington University Rugby as the Vikings took the field for their Family Day matchup against Oregon State University. With 52 players suiting up and a strong crowd of alumni, friends, and family in attendance, the pride and passion surrounding the program were on full display.

Despite Oregon State’s 2XV pulling out late, WWU’s ability to field three full sides was a powerful statement about the program’s growing depth, commitment, and culture. Every player embraced the opportunity to step up, demonstrating the team’s “no excuses, just opportunity” mentality.

The highlight of the day came with the 1XV’s commanding 66–0 victory over Oregon State — a performance built on structure, intent, and relentless defense. The Vikings crossed the try line ten times, with Eli Ashman continuing his standout season by scoring his 100th career try in a WWU jersey. Four of those tries came from players coming off the bench, showcasing the team’s remarkable depth and readiness at every position. Janco Jonkers added to the impressive effort, converting 8 out of 10 kicks to round out a complete and dominant performance.

Head Coach Adam Roberts emphasized that the team remains in its development phase but continues to take major strides forward. Each week, the players’ decision-making, composure, and rugby IQ are improving, reflecting their growing ability to think critically and play with purpose.

At the heart of the program’s progress are its core values—hunger, humility, and hard work—principles the team continues to embody both on and off the field. “When we control those elements,” Roberts noted, “everything else follows.”

The day also featured the first-ever K2 Family Event, where the community gathered after the match to celebrate and connect. The atmosphere of support and camaraderie captured what makes Viking Rugby so special—an unshakable bond between players, alumni, and families.

Looking ahead, WWU Rugby prepares for a challenging stretch, with matches against Central Washington University and the University of Victoria on deck. “Not many programs in America can split their squad like this,” said Roberts. “We’re on the hunt for two more wins.”

Fans won’t have to wait long for the next big event. On November 14th, the Vikings will host Grand Canyon University under the lights at Harrington Field for their annual Alumni Day, kicking off at 6 PM.

WWU Rugby continues to grow stronger every week, driven by its culture, values, and the incredible support of the Viking community. The message is clear—the best is yet to come.