Emilie Jenson

Public Information Coodinator 

The 2023 Triton Rugby Team has only been together in practice for two weeks, but Head Coach Brent Nelson already knows this year's squad has something special.

"I am excited for what we have going so far," Nelson said. "This team has great energy and a great vibe. They have a lot of character which will speak well for decision making during match play."

Nelson is looking to the leadership of returning players Aidan Lemley, Matt Surles-Davis, Noah Champion and Juan Rivas to move the team forward this season.

Surles-Davis, A Fort Dodge Senior High graduate is in his third season with the Tritons, has been elected captain of this year's squad.

"He (Surles-Davis) is a hardworking young man with great leadership qualities, we are grateful to have him as a returning player for a third year," Nelson said.

Also in his third season with the Tritons, Champion is expected to lead with class.

"Noah is a great kid who will start for us and be a leader for this team," said Nelson. "When your team is made up of leaders and not just great rugby players that is a great quality to have."

Nelson is also excited for the leadership of Lemley, a standout player from Waterloo.

"Aiden is a hardworking returner," said Nelson.

Takudzwa Musingwini, an incoming first-year player from Zimbabwe, will be another key player for Iowa Central.

"He is an electric player who has played at a high level," Nelson said Of Musingwini. "He also possesses a lot of professionalism and maturity."

The Tritons are founding members of the Big Rivers Conference, founded last year, including teams from Marian, Aquinas, Rio Grande, Principia, Thomas More and Wheeling 

"We had high aspirations to win the conference, but fell just short of that goal least season," said Nelson. "That drove our staff to recruit a squad that can really compete at the Division I level. Winning the conference will always be a goal. We feel like we have a strong team with strong leadership that can compete on the national stage year in and year out."