Keystone Rugby Conference Fall 2016 Season

The Keystone Rugby Conference has finalized the Fall 2016 15’s season.  This year the Conference will consist of 8 teams in two divisions. Playing in the WEST will be the Lock Haven University, Millersville University, Saint Joseph’s University, and the University of Pittsburgh. The EAST will feature Rutgers University, Temple University, Villanova University, and West Chester University. Each team will play three divisional matches which will lead into a crossover quarterfinal match hosted by the higher seed. After the quarterfinals two final four brackets will be established, CUP & BOWL, for a championship weekend on October 29th & 30th. The Championship weekend will be hosted in the Philadelphia area and each team will have two matches, one on Saturday (semi), and one on Sunday (final/cons).

Anyone’s guess who will run away with the Championship this year so let’s take a look at the teams…

IN THE WEST…

Lock Haven:

Lock Haven struggled a bit making the transition from D2 to D1 last year but they did spend spring 2016 season focusing on 15’s in anticipation of the fall 2016 15’s season. Hopefully their hard work pays dividends this season.

Millersville University:

Looking to rebuild with a new coach Alex Artus a Kutztown alum. We’re losing a few key starters Greg Pffeinger and captain Sean Bryson as well as props Brian Moonsammy and Cristian Munchel. Senior leadership in Drew Stauffer, Paul Sommerville and captain Danny Falcon will be necessary to have success. With a large freshman class the team is looking forward to implementing a revitalized system of play.

Saint Joseph’s University:

The Hawks move over to the West to help fill the void in the division left by James Madison and Shippensburg.  The Hawks graduated a few quality players this past year but look for other Hawks to step up this year.  Captain Jimmy Wolfer did an impressive job leading team last spring and will look to carry the teams momentum into the fall season. Aram Keshgegian and Chris Curcio should be a 1-2 punch in the backs and look for Brendan Shields and George Harris to make a significant impact in the forwards.

University of Pittsburgh

Pitt impressed last fall going to the Keystone Final last fall. The team did graduate a few players but have several guys that should fill the ranks nicely for a tough and physical Pitt team.

IN THE EAST…

Rutgers University

Rutgers looked good last fall, losing close matches to both Temple and Saint Joseph’s. Hopefully this will be their year and the team from NJ can go the distance.

Temple University

Temple made it to the final four in the last 15’s season. In the spring 7’s season, the Owls took flight and secured the Keystone 7’s Championship. Look for captain Michael Wellstein to lead a dangerous Temple team this fall.

Villanova University

The Wildcats return to the Keystone Conference for their second season in D1-AA play. Last fall the team became acclimated to the step up in competition and are ready to make an impact on the league this coming season. This season’s team will be a young one, but returns the majority of its starters. Their quick offense is led by speedsters Tim Plante and Sean Kent. Their experienced forward pack includes junior Matt Hughes and Sophomore Aaron Earlywine. With an experienced coaching staff and a strong recruiting effort the team looks to bolster and improve the roster while building on the foundation the Wildcats have been setting up for the upcoming season.

West Chester University

West Chester came on strong at the end of the fall 2016 15’s season. They also took a team trip to Argentina this past spring so look for the Rams to make some waves this fall.

The season is set to kickoff on September 24th so be sure to mark your calendars and get out and support your favorite team.

Good luck to all teams…