AMU Rugby Team Wins State Championship

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Published on Wednesday, 12 March 2014 17:41

Major sports like football, basketball and soccer may get more attention, but one of the most dominating collegiate sports teams in Florida for the last two years has been the relatively unsung Ave Maria University rugby squad, The Papists.

The team was undefeated this year, earning the Florida college rugby championship and earning a berth in the U.S. South regional playoffs March 15-16 in Pensacola, FL. To get there, the Papists had to win a tough, physical match against last year's Florida champs, the University of North Florida – a team that beat AMU last year, handing the Papists their only loss in the 15 games they've played over the last two seasons.

This year, playing at the UNF campus in Jacksonville, the Papists overcame a 19-5 deficit at halftime to win 29-26 in a chippy game that was close until the closing seconds.

Rugby is a club sport at Ave Maria, meaning the squad receives minimal funding, no scholarships for players and no salaries for their coaches. To represent Florida in the playoffs, the Papists are seeking help to cover the team's travel expenses. They've set a goal of raising $7,000 and one donor has agreed to match the first $3,500. Anyone wishing to contribute should send a check with "rugby club" in the memo line to Ave Maria University, Attn Pat Logue, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, FL 34142.