It was a great day in Bellingham for the big Rugby game between the Beavers and Wolves from Western Washington. It was a big step in the right direction towards winning the NCRC Championship and getting to the sweet 16 but that championship will have to wait another year as the Beav’s lack of depth hurt us and we saw our Championship hopes fade in the second half. I will let coach Hall recap in more detail below but for a dad that watched his son and the rest of the Beav’s leave it all on the field I was extremely proud of all the young men in Orange and Black. We ended our season ranked 22nd in Division 1AA per the flo Rugby report. No one seemed satisfied that I talked to and they are committed to working hard to reach bigger heights next year.
Coach Troy Halls Summary and edited video of the championship game-
The Beavers finish 2nd in the Northwest with a loss in the Championship vs. a solid Western Washington side. Final score was 7-32.
From the get go, you could tell both teams were up for it. Western Washington new they were in for a battle all over the field, and for most of the game, they got it. I also think it is important to keep in mind, that no team has come close to the Vikings in years. Yes, they still won, and in a convincing fashion as they ran in a few second half tries. They deserved the title and the seed into the sweet 16. The boys were incredibly upset at the final whistle - knowing they came up just short. But there were plenty of lessons to take away (coaches & players) from the day - and are now a better team for it. With that said, the Beaver supporters out there should be proud of how far this team has come in less than 18 months.
One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to make the playoffs. So to finish 2nd, is something we don't take for granted - and it is important that we focus on the positives. (don't get me wrong, the boys weren't happy about being 2nd!). The passion, belief, and commitment is there. So, we now flush that loss, and look forward to an exciting sevens season beginning the first week of April.
WWU GAME FILM
Lastly, I have attached two images for you. One of the boys after our final practice of the winter. And the other a small notebook the boys gave to me up in Bellingham. Each of them took the time and said a few words of appreciation to me, talked about their experience at OSU, and what it means to be apart of this program. For me, this is what it is all about, and it meant a lot. It makes the travel, and weeks away from my wife and two young kids, a little easier.
Get behind this team. There is no closer unit in the Pacific Northwest.
Cheers,
Troy
Get to know our Captains
Prior to the playoff game against the University of Oregon I took a moment to talk to Captains Keirran McCullough and Alan Hopps about the team and where we are at. These two guys went through the worst couple years and ended their 15’s collegiate careers in the NCRC Championship. I feel that without the commitment shown and their leadership the turn around of the program would not have happened so quickly. Eighteen months ago the rebuild began. They bought into what coach Hall and Winston wanted to implement into our culture and philosophy as a team and the rest of the players have gone all in.