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Tradesman Tourney
Despite starting off slow against MSU Saturday mourning, CMU was able to increase it's intensity throughout the day. Some miscommunications prevented the Exiles from getting a proper warm up before their match with MSU and this along with the pour weather conditions resulted in a sluggish start against the Spartans. Late in the game the Exiles stepped up the intensity and nearly tied the game, unfortunately it was too little to late and the Spartans who were able to capitalize on CMU's few mistakes won 2 tries to 1. The Exiles however manage to feed off of this upset and carried the intensity into the following game against Western. Intense forward play and speed to the break downs, allowed CMU to get ahead and stay ahead on a young Western team. As the game progressed, the Exiles subs entered the game and kept the intensity at a high level. A much needed mid-day break was used by the exiles to warm up and refuel after being outside for several hours in 34° weather with constant sleet and rain. After the break, CMU got on the boards early against NMU and keep the led throughout the game. NMU put up a great fight, however the smothering defense of CMU would not let up, and with plenty of offensive pressure lead by the forwards the Exiles were able to come out victorious. All in all, it was a great day of rugby with tough competition and over whelming conditions. Many of the younger players also gained experience and showed off their abilities in a combined B-side event against Cleveland State University. The day showed that the future is bright for CMU rugby.
Yet another Exiles v. ND match
On a day bolstering rain and at times hail the CMU Exiles met with Notre Dames RFC. It was CMUs first exhibition of the spring season and yielded admirable results. The game started off with an excellent kick administered by rookie Chris Rogers and the Exiles acquired possession shortly after. CMU controlled the ball and field position for most of the day, but were only able to punch it in for a try twice. Both scores came from break away runs.The first came from a scamper around the corner of the defense to the center of the tryzone by Dan baby hendro". The second 60 meter run almost proved to be too much for forward Phil Steffke, but Steffke was able to muster enough energy to shake off two would be tacklers to finish the run for a try. Pawlowski was 1 for 2 on the kicks. CMU was pleased defensively, playing a very physical first and second half. The game ended after a hit by Dwain Ackerman rendered a man unconscious. Fortunately the ND player was not seriously injured. Exiles 12 ND 0. ND offered a first-rate third half.
Central Dominates Fighting Irish
The Central Michigan Mens Rugby Football Club played the University of Notre Dame in a tough match this weekend in South Bend, Indiana. The CMU Exiles defeated the Irish by a final score of 61 to 7. The Exiles were led by Trevor Beals, scoring three tries, and Dwain Ackerman and Brandon Smith adding two tries each. The game featured hard hitting and complete domination by the forwards of Central. The Exiles look to continue their success this weekend playing Ferris State, Western Michigan, Grand Valley, and the Detroit Tradesmen in a tournament held in Detroit.
CMU Defeats Notre Dame
The exiles were able to hold off Notre Dame in their first victory of the season. Though we were missing 6 guys to select side we manage to out preform Notre Dame throughout the match. They were out played in the line outs, and our backs ran around them for most of the day. The pack play excellent for having many new members in it. After Simbas kickoff the exiles took posestion after a few hard rucks. The ball was thrown out to Aaron Montero who broke two tackles and score his first try. Pineapples with the distance couldn't convert the conversion Exiles 5-0. Notre Dame came charging back and on a few botched rucks scored ad made their conversion. Exiles-5, Norte Dame-7. Eventually the exiles puched another hard fought try in with a great run by rookie Josh. Simba's attempt at the conversion was pathetic, yet he played a good game as scrummy. The final score Exiles 10 Notre Dame 7.
CMU EXILES RFC WELL REPRESENTED IN COLLEGIATE
This year's Michigan Collegiate Select-Side is
expected to be the strongest of recent years, and will
settle for nothing less than an LAU Championship.
Represented by nearly 50+ players from Michigan
Universities, the Side was even entertaining the idea
of entering two teams in the April 12-13 event in
Rockford, Illinois, where they will look to avenge
last year's 2nd place finish (upon Iowa
disqualification).
In order to meet expectations of this year's
competition, the Side has been participating in
preparatory matches versus the state's top
competition.
On March 22, the Collegiates, represented by Exiles
Locke Ryan Hoag, Flanker Karl Nielson, Centre Trevor
Beals, Wings Kirk Nielson and Kevin McClelland,
Half-Back Yuki Tanabata, and #8 Justin Hickey(c),
traveled to paradise lost, Bowling Green, Ohio for a 2
matches versus the BGSU Falcons. Fresh off of a
Championship performance in this years annual St.
Patty's Day Tournament, in Savannah, GA, the Falcons
immediately applied pressure on the Collegiates. Not
giving in though, the Michigan All-Stars fought
through miscommunication to go into the break with a 4
tries to 1 deficit. The Collegiates managed to
regroup and outperform the Falcons in the second half,
thanks to dominant pack play. Despite a final score
of roughly BGSU 43- M 24 (7 tries to 5 tries), the
Side finished a clean, attacking match on a high note.
(CMU TRY - Tanabata)
The Second match saw much more open back play, with
the same intensity as the first game. Unfortunately,
no more than 10 minutes in, McClelland, in a
courageous try saving tackle, went down with a serious
concussion, and was taken to the ER. After a night's
stay in Toledo, McClelland was released and suffered
no serious effects, but remains on the DL.
The Score cards differ, depending on who you talk to,
but we will call it a 27-27 tie. (CMU TRY - Beals)
March 29, the Collegiates traveled to East Lansing to
face Division 1 MLR powerhouse, Grand Rapids Gazelles
RFC. In a hard hitting match, the first half saw both
teams evenly match in possession, with no points on
the board. Big runs by Hickey, Tanabata, Beals, and
Hoag highlighted the first stanza, with multiple bone
jarring tackles by the latter two. The second half
opened with the same intensity that capped the first.
Beals managed to shed a couple gazelles from his
midfield position, and outrun the defense for the
afternoon's first score. Beals' try was successfully
converted by #10 Tanabata. The Collegiates continued
to provide relentless pressure versus the opposition,
and soon after, capitalized on a scrum pick up by #8
Hickey, who spun off of a tackle on the right side and
shed another to touch down with Kirk Nielson barking
in support. Nielson converted the try. Despite
constant bickering, and punches thrown, and yellow
cards distributed by the unhappy Gazelles, the
Collegiates maintained class, and continued to batter
the opponent with stifling defense. At the 65 minute
mark the Side took the opportunity to make well
deserved substitutions, with a 14 - 0 lead in hand.
Grand Rapids managed to whine and fight their way back
into the match, and closed the day with a 21-14
victory over the Collegiates. The Michigan Side has
nothing to hang their heads over, as they showed much
courage and class, and continue to have high
expectations for the LAU.
The Collegiates have this weekend off, to rest and
participate with their home clubs, in preparation for
the following weekend in Rockford. Match ups are
unknown, but will be announced in the near future.
Good luck to the Exiles participating, and the rest of
the side on their quest for Michigan Superiority!
Central Splits at UW-Milwaukee
In the first match against current National D2 runners-up Northern Iowa, Central came out and played inspired rugby. The teams both played a physical game that was more closely contested than the score would indicate. Talented players at flyhalf and fullback for NIU proved to be the difference. Yuki Tanabata scored the lone try and Karl Nielson converted his lone chance. Exceptional performances were also put up by Lee Eifler and Ryan Hoag.
In the consolation match CMU came out and convincingly avenged a 2001 playoff loss to Eastern Illinois with a score of 31-5. Karl Nielson scored three tries in his fine winger performance, remaining tries scored by Kevin and Yuki. Nielson was also 3-5 on conversion kicks. Simba Mwaye did not play after faking a foot injury. It is not known if all athletes from Zimbabwe also cannot handle hungover, Sunday matches. The shame of "pumping" both Nielson's behinds was also obviously weighing Simbarashe's thoughts down.
Central loses at Ferris State
In the first loss to Ferris State since 1994, CMU lost a close match 24-17. Ferris came out hard. They were in Central 5 meters for most of the beginning of the match. CMU would clear the
pressure. No score for about 20 minutes. Ferris scored twice quickly. No scoring after that. Half: 12-0.
Second half back and forth both teams playing hard. Hickey scored. Karl Nielson conversion no good. Ferris answered to go up 17-5. CMU came back down quick ruck
from Simba to Hickey to Yuki, and Bung went for about 30 meters for the score. Conversion good. 17-12. Ferris scored on a misplayed kick by Tanabata. 24-12. Hickey then scored with the game out of reach.
Final: 24-17
Hickey (2)
Tanabata (1)
Karl Nielson 1/3 conversion kicks.
CMU defeats Northern Michigan
In a huge lopsided victory against the Moose Men, tries were scored by Beals, Hickey (2), Tanabata (2), German, Bailey, and many others.
CMU and NMU then combined to play the Detroit Tradesmen.
CM Life 10/9/02
Mens Rugby Defeats UIC, 29-3
By Bob McKee
Central Michigan Life
October 09, 2002
Senior Flyback Brian Willey led the Mens Club RugbyTeam to victory on Saturday over the University ofIllinois-Chicago.
The Mens Club Rugby Team is now 3-1. They have onlylost to Michigan State, 19-10, in the first game of the season.
Brian had two quick tries, it started us off right and got us off on the right foot, said Kirk Nielson,President of the Mens Rugby team.
The Rugby team dominated the playfield and only allowed a few points late in the second half. We played decent. We still have a long ways to go until we get better. Although, this was one of our better games, Nielson said.
Nielson is looking forward to a successful season and hopes for a playoff appearance.
We have the potential to be a great team, but we have a lot of things to figure out before we make it to the playoffs. Its hard to say how far we are going to go, we just lost a key player to injury. As long as we are healthy, we can go a long way., Nielson said.
Junior Fullback Yuki Tanabata was honorable mention all-American last spring. He is one of the players that will need to get more touches. We just need to work it out to the backs more, and have more support for the run, Nielson said.
This week the Mens Club Rugby Team will have two games. They will play Northern Michigan and the Detroit Tradesman at home. Northern is a hard team, they should be a good test for us this week, Nielson said.
Mens Rugby Defeats UIC, 29-3
Central win at Illinois-Chicago
Central came out and dominated from the opening kickoff. Everyone was back from injury and illness, and it showed. Backs and forwards both played above the level of the competition. Tries were scored by Brian Willey(2), Justin Hickey, Justin "Beetle" Bailey, and Simba Mwaye. Karl Nielson was 2-4 on point after kicks, Denunzio Nielson still 0 for the season so far.
There were ooh's and ahhh's coming from the crowd about Central's fullback Yuki Tanabata. On this occasion, not for his play, but for his lovely Man Show Boy haricut.
B-sides continued the domination by posting a huge lopsided victory. Dave "Steamin" Zeemens scored yet another try to raise his career total to 1, congrats Doink. B-side record now stands at 2-1-1.
Central Wins at Home vs. GVSU
In a face-paced game, Central came out strong early and held on for a 35-17 over Grand Valley State University. The back play was once again strong, led by Dwayne Ackerman with 2 tries in his 3rd A-side match. Tries were also scored by Justin "Stork" White, Brian Willey, and Brandon "Pinapples" Smith powered his way through the defense in a spectacular display of brute strength. Karl Nielson was 1-4 on kick conversions, and 1-1 on penalty kicks. Kirk Nielson still lacks confidence and hasn't made any kicks yet this season.
B-sise fought hard for a 10-10 tie to bring their season's record to 1-1-1.
Central Loses to MSU
Central came out quickly, with a nice foreign connection between Simba Mwayae and Yuki Tanabata for a long try. Central played a flat, uninspired 2nd half, and MSU came back to control the game, rolling off 19 unanswered points. Tanabata added another penalty try at the tail end of the match. Kirk Nielson was 0-3 on kicks for post, Hot Karl Nielson 0-1. Final score MSU 19 CMU 10.
The B-side lost their second match of the season 10-0. They now stand at 1-1.
Central Win vs. Michigan
In 80+ degree temps, Central came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat U of M 36-24. Tanabata notched three tries, Kevin came in and had two long tries from the wing, Hickey rounded out the scoring with one try. Central needed a full 80 minutes to pull out with a win.
B side won their first match of the season 15-5.
Central Six-Pack Heads to New York
This past weekend six CMU members (Tanabata/Bung, Hickey, Hoag, Nielson's, Willey) traveled to upstate New York to compete in the CanAm games in Saranac Lake. All six members started both matches for the East-Side Hyenas, a hybrid of Detroit Tradesmen, Grand Rapids Gazelles, Flint Rogues, and CMU Exiles. The Hyenas lost two close matches to Boston Irish Wolfhounds and either Burlington or White Plains.
In a suprise turn of events, Yuki Tanabata was far out-classed in the drinking department by the blacked-out Kirk "Denunzio" Nielson. Ryan Hoag extended the evening festivities by throwing a couple balls around with a professional, African-American switch-hitter.
Once again, there were whispers throughout the crowd circulating about a small Japanaese man who ran hard and looked like a "fleeing skunk-man".
Six members of CMU power Detroit Tradesmen to finals
On July 6th, Justin Hickey, Ryan Hoag, Yuki Tanabata, Denunzio Nielson, Karl Nielson, and Brian Willey played for the Detroit Tradesmen in the Milwaukee 7's tournament. The team posted wins over Lincoln Park, Sciota Valley, and the University of Illinois-Chicago in pool play. They then beat the Chicago Lions 14-5 in the semifinals before running out of gas and losing to Sciota in the final. Denunzio Neilson also capped for the Duluth Snow Monkeys B-side, congrats Kirk.
Tanabata All-American Honorable Mention
Yuki Tanabata received the MVP award for the Midwest select side team in San Francisco. He played winger for both games, scoring 3 tries. Some spectators say he looked "eerily like a skunk" with his hedgehog style haircut. Congratulations.
Michigan Select Sides Take 2nd
Michigan College Men's Select Sides took second at the Midwest LAU this Spring. THe tournament took place in Rockford, IL on April 13th and 14th. Central Michigan sent scrumhalf Yuki Tanabata, 8-man Justin Hickey, lock Ryan Hoag, winger Kirk "Denunzio" Nielson, loose forward Karl Nielson, and flyalf Brian Willey. Michigan beat Minnesota, lost to Iowa (later disqualified), and defeated Illinois. Congratualtions to Tanabata, Hickey, and Hoag. They will participate in All-Midwest tryouts in Indianapolis May 17th and 18th.
Exiles Beat State
Club rugby beats State
Jeremy Speer
LIFE Sports Writer
October 08, 2001
They arent a school sponsored sport, they dont even have a coach, but for some reason, the Central Michigan mens rugby team continues to win games.
Central defeated Michigan State 24-22 in a comeback victory. The win puts another notch for Central as they have fought their way to a 4-0 season mark.
Weve been working hard this year, said senior co-captain Justin Hickey. Were fighting a lot. We took a down step this year because we dont have a coach, but all Ive got to say is that we stepped it up.
The game was close throughout, as the rival squads fought back and forth during the first half. The Spartans scored a try late in the first half, to take a 17-10 advantage.
Central came back in the second half, scoring consecutive tries to take a 24-17 advantage. Leading the charge for the Chippewas were the captain tandem of Hickey and Brian Willey, each of whom scored a try. On the game, Hickey collected a hat trick.
This years team has a lot of seniors and senior leadership, said Hickey. We had very strong forward play. We just wanted it more.
In the waning moments of the contest, Michigan State had three opportunities to seize the game. After scoring a try to make the game 24-22, the Spartans missed the kick to tie the game up.
As the Central defense attempted to stop the imposing attack, the Spartans continued to put on pressure, getting two chances to win the game on penalty kicks. Both were wide right, giving the Central the win.
We have a lot of heart, said Hickey. This team is very tight. We have a lot of leaders this year and we work hard.
The Chippewas travel to Ann Arbor to play Michigan this week, and they entertain perennial powerhouse Bowling Green on Oct. 20th.
Both games are looked upon as tune-ups for the upcoming playoff tournament, which will be held in either Dayton, Ohio or Bowling Green.
CMU 19, GVSU 17
Central Michigan University traveled to Grand Valley State University on October 29 for what was sleighted to be one of the most competitive D-II games in the Michigan Union this season. Despite starting the game without No 8 Justin Hickey, Loosehead Bryce Patton, Lock Mike Davis or Fly-half Brian Willey, the Exiles went in at half time with a 7-5 deficit. Car problems made the four usual starters about 25 minutes late for the match.
Strong pack play and solid defense in the second half led to a CMU victory after GVSU missed a penalty kick for post with little time left on the clock. No 8 Justin Hickey scored two tries for CMU, Center Simbarashe Mwayi scored the third. Wing Rob Pitman was 2 of 3 on the day.
Central is looking ahead to their upcoming match against Michigan State (2-1).
Sunday, September 23
CMU defeats NMU
The Exiles defeated Norhtern Michigan University's Moosemen on september 22. Trys were scored by Yuki Tanabata (FB, 2) Simba Mwayi (C, 2) Justin Hickey (No8, 1) and Steve Jerman (S, 1). Wing Rob Pitman was 3 for 6 on conversion attempts. The Moosemen managed 2 trys in the match.
Solid ball-handling was the key to the win, as CMU committed very few penalties or turnovers. A good job recycling the ball inside set up overloads that allowed the back row to score. CMU used 3 props and 4 wing forwards on their way to the win, keeping fresh legs in the game.
Next week: CMU @ Grand Valley
Misfortunes overshadow CMU's 12-5 win over FSU
As a result of miscommunication and time-zone discrepancies between USA Rugby (in Colorado) and Mount Pleasant, CMU was forced to play Ferris State away, instead of at home under the lights. Despite playing a rather sloppy game overall, the Exiles were able to edge FSU out in the second half, scoring 12 unanswered points. Trys were scored by Yuki Tanabata (FB) and Rob Pitman (W). Pitman was 1 of 2 on conversion attempts. The rookies, many of whom got to see alot of action were very impressive, and should prove to be excellent additions to the Central team. On a less enthusiastic note, Scrum-half Frank Gerzetich was sidelined early in the first half with a torn MCL, which may or may not require surgery. Gerzetich will be replaced by Steve Jerman for the remainder of the season.
Wednesday, August 22
Fall 2001 Season
Hey everyone, be ready for the fall 2001 season. We've got alot of important games, they're all important. We are aiming to kill in the D-II playoffs, but everyone is going to need to work hard to get there. THat means practice Tuesday and Thursday, and do your part the rest of the week, either lifting, or running, or biking, etc.
I hope everyone had a better summer than me, and we're gonna cap it all off with a blowout friday night at the house. Hope to see you there.
CMU to Host Michigan Cup
The Exiles Rugby club at Central Michigan University, along with the Michigan Rugby Football Union, are looking forward to hosting this year's Michigan Cup. After a several year hiatus, the Cup should be a welcome tournament to all teams in the union.
The tournament is scheduled for the weekend of April 5-7, with games starting friday evening, and continuing through the championship games to be played on Sunday. There will be brackets for collegiate A's and B-sides, as well as several Men's divisions.
For more information, contact Brian Willey
Fall results
September 8.......CMU @ Midland, Scrimmage Detroit RFC, thanks to a WMU forfeit
September 14.......Ferris State 5 CMU 12
September 22......CMU 36 @ Northern Michigan 12
September 29......CMU 19 @ Grand Valley State 17
October 5.........Michigan State 22 @ CMU 24
October 13........CMU @ University of Michigan Cancelled
October 20........Bowling Green W@ CMU L,
October 23........CMU @ University of Michigan (rescheduled)CMU wins by forefeit
October 27........CMU 24 v E. Illinois 36@ BGSU Midwest D-II round 1
October 28........CMU 31 v Pittsburgh 24
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