AUG 27, 2022
By: DANA BECKER
The Messenger Sports Reporter
dbecker@messengernews.net
For the first time this fall, the Iowa Central rugby program will compete within a conference landscape.
The Tritons joined the Big Rivers Rugby Conference alongside Adrian College, Aquinas College, Marian University, Thomas More University and Wheeling University. The league competes under the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Div. I billing.
For head coach Brent Nelson, this is an opportunity to continue to build the program into an elite one at the national rugby level.
"We are all well-funded varsity programs that are smaller schools," Nelson said. "We all want to build our enrollment and we all have the same goals to be competitive.
"It is going to be a very competitive league from the start."
Over the years, Iowa Central has played many of the schools they will be seeing again this fall. That has allowed for "open dialogue" between the coaches to get things up and running.
"We've been able to really find good balance in putting the schedule together," Nelson said. "I know the other five coaches on a very personal level. It's going to be highly competitive."
Last year, the Tritons qualified for the Rhino Bowl in Houston, falling to Wheeling in a thriller, 29-24. During the spring 7s season, they earned the Survivor Cup title at the Fighting Irish Invitational hosted by Notre Dame.
A handful of key players are back including Aiden Farrell, Andrew Thexton, Phoenix Twala and Wayne Cosper.
"Aiden broke his leg last fall and losing him really hurt us," Nelson said. "He is a great leader and was recently elected captain by his peers. Andrew is another great leader who can play multiple positions for us.
"Phoenix is electric. People stand up and take notice when he has the ball in his hands. And Wayne is incredibly fit and a blazer who just eats up all the conditioning we can give him."
Fort Dodge Senior High graduates Dalton Summers and Matt Surles-Davis also return. Summers will be in his third season, while Surles-Davis begins his second.
"We are pumped to have both of them back," Nelson said. "They represent Fort Dodge and that mentality of grinding until the end. We love that about them."
Iowa Central begins the season Saturday in Ames against Iowa State.
"Goal No. 1 is to beat Iowa State," Nelson said. "We have a friendly rivalry with them and we really bring out the best in each other.
"After that, we want to take care of business in the conference. From there, let the chips fall and see where we end up."
2022 IOWA CENTRAL RUGBY
Schedule
Aug. 27 — at Iowa State.
Sept. 3 — Marian; 10 — Nebraska; 17 — at Minnesota; 24 — at Davenport.
Oct. 1 — Thomas More; 7 — at Adrian; 15 — vs. Wheeling in Indianapolis; 21 — at Lindenwood; 29 — at Aquinas.
Nov. 12 — Big Rivers Playoffs; 19 — NCR qualifier.
Full article at: https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2022/08/triton-rugby-adds-conference-play/