WEST POINT, N.Y. - On the weekend honoring those victims of the September 11 attacks, the Iowa Central rugby program will take on the Army 2nds here on Sunday.

The top-ranked Tritons have scored wins over Iowa State, Marian and Northern Iowa to begin the season. 

"We are excited for this opportunity to play one of the best programs in the country," Iowa Central head coach Brent Nelson said. "The rugby complex at West Point is absolutely stunning. The atmosphere is electric and the scenery is breathtaking. Frankly, all things point to a shock and awe event in which we get caught up in the moment.

"But our boys are ready and coaches Lippert and McCallion are keeping them grounded and focused."

The match will feature the second 15 for Army, but Nelson knows it will still be a big-time test for his squad.

"We are one of the top programs in the country as well and Army puts their pants on the same way we do," he said. "We didn't come all this way to back down. We do not ask for respect, we will need to earn that.

"We expect to get a very strong side from them. Being able to offer this level of competition to our young men shows what type of commitment Iowa Central has to be the best. And to be the best you have to be willing to take shots. (Sunday), we're shooting our shot. Win or lose I'm proud of these boys."

-By Dana Becker