CRC SQUAD NAMED FOR NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Matt Rogers captains a balanced side that hopes to bring home the Pete Dawkins trophy. (Photo credit: Travis Prior)
May 31- Arizona has announced their roster for the most high profile tournament of the year, the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship starting tomorrow in Philadelphia.
Matt Rogers leads a balanced, experienced squad and hopes to help the Wildcats break through this year and claim the program's first sevens crown in the national spotlight of the ESPN family of networks. Joining Rogers in the team leadership is Vice Captain Ben Scoular, who captained the side in last weekend's warm up tournament, the USA Rugby College Sevens in Tucson.
A number of veteran CRC performers make up the 12-man squad, including Garrett Walker, Jonah Eldridge, and Zach Heisterkamp. "We had a challenging camp, put them through a lot, but these guys got better each week, and to see some of our juniors like Zach Heisterkamp take a big step forward is exciting. They're ready for the show and they'll set a great example for our young guys" said Head Coach Sean Duffy. Two of those youngsters are Freshmen Matthew Start and Jack McCrossin, a great feat to end their first season in Tucson.
For the Arizona to have another strong day one, they'll need to make it through Fordham (10:40 AM), Saint Joseph's (3:35 PM), and Saint Mary's (5:35 PM). Day two's times and opponents will be determined by Saturday's results, with all 24 teams in the event seeded in to cup, bowl, and shield rounds. The Wildcats hope to continue their strong Philly form, having reached the Cup Semifinals three of the past four years. As in past years, the showcase of college Rugby will be held at Talen Energy Stadium, home to Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union.
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Day One (all times EST)
-10:40 AM- Fordham
-3:35 PM- Saint Joseph's- ESPN+
-5:35 PM- Saint Mary's- ESPN+
CRC Roster