No. 7 Rugby Faces No. 6 Kutztown in Decisive Contest

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The seventh-ranked Army West Point men's rugby team will close out conference action on Saturday afternoon, traveling to sixth-ranked Kutztown for an afternoon battle with the Golden Bears.

Army (5-1-0) will square off with the Golden Bears (4-0-0) at 1 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW
As always, fan can visit www.GoArmyWestPoint.com for up-to-date information and follow the Black Knights on Twitter @ArmyWP_MRugby and Instagram @armywprugby.

THE GAME
The seventh-ranked Army West Point men's rugby squad will cap off conference action on Saturday, hitting the road for a battle with Rugby East rival Kutztown. The Black Knights enter the game with a mark of 5-1-0, having suffered their first loss of the season last weekend to Iona. Kutztown is the Rugby East's only unbeaten team, competing to a record of 4-0-0.

"I think we've rebounded well already with a good week of practice and I expect us to have a pretty determined, both effort and performance, far better than we had a week ago," said head coach Matt Sherman. "We respect Kutztown and we know they're a very good opponent. They're very athletic and probably the most experienced team in the league. They're well-skilled and can attack all over the field. They're a threat everywhere. But our priority is on ourselves and putting in a great effort and a more precise performance."

ARMY'S LAST TIME OUT
The Black Knights suffered their first loss of the season last weekend, dropping a 43-26 decision at Iona to fall to 5-1 on the year.

"I think a lot of little things went wrong for us; execution errors, poor tactical decisions and we weren't the more urgent, hard-working and aggressive team on the field today," said head coach Matt Sherman. "Full credit to Iona, they were deserving victors and put in a tenacious and determined performance. I don't think we put in our best effort or focused performance. That's on me, I didn't have the team prepared to play."

Iona got on the board first, driving the ball down the field and taking the early 5-0 lead.

In the 18th minute, the Black Knights responded as vice-captain Jacob Banarhall dotted down. Thomas Del Pino was able to successfully boot the conversion to give the Black Knights the 7-5 lead.

A penalty kick from the Gaels in the 29th minute made it 8-7 in favor of the home team. They found the try zone once again in the 32nd minute to go up 15-7.

Army closed out the first half with a bit of momentum as it was able to score in the 38th minute to send the team into the break down by 15-14. Sullivan claimed the score as Del Pino earned his second conversion of the afternoon

Iona jumped out again in the second half with a kick-and-chase play to earn a try and take the 22-14 advantage.

The Black Knights answered on the following possession as Banarhall recorded his second score of the evening and Del Pino was again successful on the kick, bringing the score to within one as Iona clung to a 22-21 advantage.

The Gaels would go on a 14-point unanswered streak to go up by a mark of 36-21.

Army was able to dot down once again as time ticked off the clock, but Iona sealed the deal on the ensuing kickoff, scoring again to put the game out of hand and walk away with the 43-26 win.

"We can and we will learn a lot of lessons from today," added Sherman. "We got knocked down, but we will get up and get better moving forward. Firstly, we will never take the field again not prepared to give the full measure of our best effort. Secondly, we will address our accountability to each other to not make repeated mistakes. We will get better at learning lessons and committing as a team to not making the same mistakes."

KUTZTOWN'S LAST TIME OUT
The Golden Bears remained the only undefeated team in conference action last weekend as they knocked off 10th-ranked Wheeling Jesuit at home by a score of 31-14.

Kutztown stormed out to a quick four-try lead before surrendering a point to the Cardinals. Kutztown's Wesley Hartmann, Jordan Ghyzel and Alex Faison-Donahoe each scored in the first half for a 19-0 lead. Johan Van Wyk began the second half with a score for the Golden Bears and then Wheeling Jesuit finally got on the board with two converted tries. Vetekina Malafu put the nail in the coffin late for Kutztown to seal the 31-14 victory.

LAST YEAR VS KUTZTOWN
Last season, the Black Knights fought to a thrilling 34-30 upset of then third-ranked Kutztown from Anderson Rugby Complex. A try from captain Collum Magee in the 76th minute of the game lifted the sixth-ranked Black Knights to the win.

Army held the advantage for a majority of the game before Kutztown pounded out 11 unanswered to take the lead. Magee's try and a successful conversion from vice-captain Logan Pearce gave the Black Knights the edge in the waning minutes.

Peter Basnight, Jake Lachina, Magee and Pearce all factored in on the scoresheet, handing Kutztown its first loss of the season and lifting the Black Knights to a perfect 6-0.

Basnight opened the scoring in the second minute with a quick try to get things going and putting the Black Knights up 5-0.

Kutztown responded in the 6th and 12th minutes to take the 12-5 lead.

A penalty kick from Pearce in the 16th minute brought the Black Knights within three points of the Golden Bears lead, turning the momentum in favor of the young Army squad.

Plebe Lachina muscled through for a try in the 24th minute, putting the Black Knights back on top 13-12, but Kutztown would respond just three minutes later, regaining the 19-13 advantage.

Magee and Lachina picked up right where they left off to close out a strong first half for Army.

In the 30th minute, Magee's first score of the afternoon brought the team within one, with Pearce succeeding on the conversion to put the Black Knights up 20-19.

Lachina followed the captain's lead, scoring in the 33rd minute, with Pearce adding his second conversion of the afternoon, giving Army the 27-19 advantage.

Kutztown added a score in the waning minutes of the half, sending Army to the break with the 27-24 lead.
The second half started off slow, with neither team able to convert any scoring chances until the 54th minute, when Kutztown tied the game up on a penalty kick. Another penalty kick from the Golden Bears in the 66th minute gave Kutztown the three-point advantage.

Magee showed his leadership and dominance in the 76th minute, as the reigning D1A Player of the Week, pounded his way through the Kutztown defense to score what would be the game winning try. Pearce succeeded on his third conversion of the afternoon to put the Black Knights on top 34-30.

Kutztown kept the game interesting in the final minutes, threatening late in the game, but Army's defense came up big, regaining possession of the ball deep in their own territory and allowing the clock to run down.

ARMY WHO TO WATCH: JOHN SPROUL
Firstie John Sproul has had an impressive season thus far in the second row for the Black Knights. The California, Md., native has earned the start in the No. 5 jersey in five of the team's six contests, lacing up with the starting 15 against Iona, Penn State, Wheeling Jesuit, St. Bonaventure and Buffalo.

Sproul dotted down against Buffalo and St. Bonaventure, having posted two tries on the season. Last fall he earned the start in all nine contests, earning a score in the win over Buffalo.

"I think John has had some good performances in different areas throughout the year," said head coach Matt Sherman. "I just have a feeling he's due for a breakout performance on Saturday."

RUGBY EAST STANDINGS
Through six weeks of competition, Army holds the top spot in the Rugby East, having played six of seven conference matches already this season. Army's record of 5-1-0 has produced 25 points to pace the league.

Kutztown, who earns a mark of 4-0-0, checks in at No. 2, joined by Penn State (4-1-0) and Iona (4-2-0) all with 20 points.

Wheeling Jesuit's 11 points place the Cardinals in fifth with a record of 2-3-0.

Rugby East newcomer West Virginia earned its first win of the season to claim four points and move to No. 6, while Buffalo (0-5-0) and St. Bonaventure (0-5-0) sit at the bottom of the pack.

UNCHARTED TERRITORY
Army's first loss of the season marks the first time the Black Knights have fallen in conference action since joining the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014. Last year, Army blew through conference play, finishing the regular season with an unblemished mark of 8-0 as the Rugby East Champions.

"This week we worked on discipline and composure," added head coach matt Sherman. "Particularly being more disciplined with the ball in hand, we were far too reckless a week ago. I expect a more disciplined performance this weekend."

NATIONAL RANKINGS
With the loss at Iona, the Black Knights fell three spots to No. 7 in the Canterbury D1A National Poll. Army spent a considerable amount of time as the nation's fifth-ranked team, opening the season in the spot and holding it until the jump to No. 4.

The Cadets have reached as high as the third spot, a position they held from Oct. 30, 2014-March 19 2015.

The D1A Top 20 Poll determines the 12 teams who advance into postseason play in the spring to play for a national championship. The Rugby East is well-represented among the nation's top squads, boasting five of the top-15 programs. Kutztown leads the way in the sixth spot, followed by Army at No. 7. Penn State checks in at No. 8, with Wheeling Jesuit at No. 10 and Iona at No. 13.

ARMY COMMITS TO VARSITY CUP
United World Sports and the Varsity Cup universities announced Monday that the United States Military Academy at West Point and Penn State University have committed to the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Rugby Championship as the final 15th and 16th teams in the competition.

"Historically and on an annual basis, these two iconic institutions are among the very best rugby teams in the nation," said Jack Clark, the head coach at California and member of the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame. "They have outstanding coaching and significant institutional support."

Army and Penn State bring their considerable rugby histories and success to the Varsity Cup, which is widely recognized as the most prestigious postseason championship tournament in the history of U.S. collegiate rugby.

"We are delighted to be joining the Varsity Cup Championship," said Black Knights head coach Matt Sherman, a former international player for the United States and former head coach of the Collegiate All-Americans. "We look forward to the opportunity to compete against these great institutions and rugby programs this upcoming spring, in particular our fellow service academies."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year's Varsity Cup," added Army West Point Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Boo Corrigan. "This will be a new and exciting challenge for our cadets and coach Matt Sherman as we compete on this national stage."

The 2016 Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Rugby Championship will commence with four rounds of single-elimination tournament play on April 9, with the quarterfinals contested April 16 and semifinals on April 23. The Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Rugby Championship final will take place on May 7. Tournament seedings and venues are expected to be announced shortly.

RUGBY EAST DOMINANCE
The Black Knights have been a formidable foe in the Rugby East, capturing the title in 2014 and earning an 11-1 conference record since the start of the 2014-15 season.

In the last 12 Rugby East contests, the Black Knights have outscored opponents by an average of 41.25-20.17. Army has held five opponents to 15 points or less, including both shutouts to open the season.

The 2015-16 squad features five of the eight All-Rugby East honorees from 2014-15. Andrew Fargo, Thomas Del Pino and David Huff landed on the first team, while vice-captain Jacob Banarhall earned second-team recognition and Peter Basnight garnered honorable mention honors.

BLOGGING WITH JACK
Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the men's rugby program, firstie Jack Ireland will be blogging for www.GoArmyWestPoint.com. Fans can follow along with the Black Knights as Ireland provides a special look inside the squad.

Those interested can visit the men's rugby page on www.GoArmyWestPoint.com and click on "cadet blogs" under the "more+" dropdown menu.

GOFF NAMED RUGBY EAST PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Four Rugby East victories to open the season have earned the Army West Point men's rugby team national attention, as captain Donny Goff has been the leader on and off the pitch for the fourth-ranked Black Knights. For his guidance and impact on the pitch, Goff was named the Rugby East Player of the month on Oct. 2.

"I couldn't do anything without my team," Goff said, "my Brother to my left and my Brother to my right. As a group we fight for 80 minutes and never give up. Each and every guy on the pitch has contributed to our success so far this season and we'll continue to get better every day."

As the team's captain, Goff provides the vocal leadership for the Black Knights, backing up his words with hard-work and tough play. He scored a try in the team's 48-0 blanking of Buffalo to start off the season.

"Donny is a leader in every aspect of his life," said head coach Matt Sherman. "He constantly strives to achieve his best and improves his standard in everything he does. It's no different on the rugby field where he works hard to get the most of himself and the team."

Army opened the year with back-to-back dominant performances, claiming a pair of shutout wins over Buffalo and St. Bonaventure. The Black Knights were faced with a bit of adversity in a highly penalized Wheeling Jesuit match but were able to come away with the 35-23 win to remain unbeaten on the season. At eighth-ranked Penn State, Goff captained a team that earned a hard-fought 46-36 victory on the road.

A consummate professional, Goff credits his teammates with much of his success. Joined by vice-captain Jacob Banarhall, 19 different Black Knights have found their way to the score sheet in six contests. Army is averaging 45.5 points per game, surrendering just 19.2.

HUFF EARNS AAA HONORS
Scoring two tries in the second half to lead the Army to a 46-36 victory over eighth-ranked Penn State has earned yearling David Huff the title of Army Athletic Association Athlete of the Week.

This is the first Athlete of the Week honor for Huff who has amassed a team-leading 18 tries since the group joined the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014.

In the 69th minute of action, with Penn State attempting to mount a comeback and the Army lead at just 10, Huff scored his first of the evening with a burst of speed down the far side of the field.

He would find the try zone again in the 77th minute, dotting down to put the game out of reach for the Nittany Lions.

On the year, Huff has posted three tries in three matches, earning his first of the season in the 35-23 win over Wheeling Jesuit before his two-score performance at Penn State. His 18 tries since the start of the 2014-15 season account for 11 percent of the team's total offense

ARMY IN THE PRESS
The men's and women's rugby teams were featured in a piece written by Martin Pengelly of the Guardian US, documenting the history of the program since it made a tour of the UK in 2002.

The story connects the audience with the Class of 2002, the first to graduate from West Point in a time of war since the Vietnam era. It also tells the story of the three 2002 graduates who have lost their lives in the time since leaving the Academy.

To read the piece, view the features section on www.GoArmyWestPoint.com through the men's rugby page.

ARMY RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND
With the addition of New Zealander Marty Veale to the coaching staff, the Army team has been gaining popularity in the country. Recently, New Zealand TV program Q&A visited the Black Knights during practice to film a feature, featuring Veale, head coach Matt Sherman, captain Donny Goff, vice-captain Jacob Banarhall and firstie Jack Ireland.

To view the footage, visit http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/military-academy-incorporates-rugby-video-6400118.

SHERMAN ERA
The 2015-16 season ushers in a new chapter for the Black Knights as it officially kicks off the Matt Sherman era. The former All-American and national team member's hiring was announced on Aug. 11 by Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. Sherman joins the Black Knights staff after a five-year tenure as the Director of Rugby at Stanford. With his hiring, he becomes the first full-time coach in Army West Point men's rugby history, filling the void after Mike Mahan announced his retirement in May. The men's rugby program joined the Army Athletic Association in August 2014.

"I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Army West Point men's rugby program," stated Sherman. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join one of the great institutions of leadership, dedicated to service of our country, as well as a rugby program with a distinguished tradition and history. I am proud to become your head coach and excited to get to work on the challenges ahead."

Since 2011, Sherman has led all rugby efforts at Stanford, including coaching, staffing, recruiting, administration and scheduling for both the men's and women's programs. Under his tutelage, the men's team reached the national quarterfinals twice and the women's program advanced to the national final four three times. In addition, he helped the rugby programs fundraise more than $1 million and increased admitted recruits from zero to seven.

While leading the Cardinal program, Sherman also served as the Men's College All-Americans Head Coach from 2012-2014. In both of his years with the team, he earned a winning record and more than 50 percent of his athletes moved on to play for the senior men's national team.

From 2009-11, Sherman worked with the U.S. Men's National Team as an assistant coach, working with the back line. His squad produced a victory over Russia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Sherman is joined at West Point by his wife, Kristen, daughter, Piper (infant), and dog, Cooper.

FARGO NAMED D1A NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Following a two-score performance in the season-opener against Buffalo, Andrew Fargo earned the distinction as the D1A National Player of the week on Sept. 17. He ranks second amongst the Black Knights with four tries on the season, earning a pair of scores against Buffalo and St. Bonaventure.

Last season, the Del Mar, Calif., native was named to the All-Rugby East first team squad, garnered All-American Collegiate Rugby Conference first team recognition, was selected to play for the All-Army team at the Las Vegas 7s 2015 Men's ACR Tournament, was named the AAA Athlete of the Week once during the spring and scored a try against Davenport, which earned AAA Play of the Week. He's recorded 14 career tries since joining the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014.

RUGBY EAST EXPANSION
Rugby East teams will gain a new rival this season as the Mountaineers of West Virginia join the conference. The Mountaineers posted a successful 2014-15 season, capturing the Keystone Conference title in 15s action and qualifying for the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships.

Army met with the Mountaineers for the first time on Oct. 10, claiming a 63-13 victory from Morgantown, W.Va.

So far this season, West Virginia is 1-3-0, having fallen to three of the top teams in Penn State, Iona and Army, and knocking off Buffalo to capture its first win in conference action last weekend.

MEET YOUR CAPTAINS
The 2015-16 squad will be captained by senior Donny Goff, with Jacob Banarhall serving as the vice-captain.

Goff, a prop from Framingham, Mass., was not active on the fall 2014 roster due to injury. He rejoined the team in the spring, recording a score in Army's 37-0 victory over Seton Hall at the Four Leafs Tournament and earning the start in the team's meetings with UMass, Navy, St. Mary's and Davenport. He opened the 2015-16 season with a try against Buffalo, scoring in the 10th minute of action.

A native of Auburn, N.H., Banarhall earned the start in each of the team's nine fall contests. He recorded two scores in the fall, posting tries against Iona and Buffalo. During the spring, he tied for second on the team with five tries, earning two scores against Stony Brook in the title game of the Four Leafs Tournament. He led a second-half comeback in the match with Navy, scoring three times, including the game-tying score and go ahead marks. He was named to the All-Rugby East second team in the fall and posted his first try of the 2015-16 season at Penn State in the 46-36 victory.

CADET CHAIN OF COMMAND
Three members of the men's rugby team have been elected into positions of leadership in the cadet chain of command, representing the largest contingent of any corps squad team at the Academy. Andrew Borer leads the way as the 4th Regimental Commander, while Cameron Hargis earns the title of 1st Regimental Command Sergeant Major and Donny Goff serves as the 3rd Regimental Command Sergeant Major.

CLASS RINGS
The Class of 2016 received their class rings in a ceremony held at Trophy Point on Aug. 28, 2015. A time-honored West Point tradition, the Class of 2016's rings contain gold from 356 West Point graduates donated to the West Point Association of Graduates in addition to steel melted down from the World Trade Center.

FARGO TRAVELS TO NEW ZEALAND
Cow Andrew Fargo closed out his summer training at the Crusaders International High Performance Unit on the South Island of New Zealand, working alongside many international players.

Fargo, who led the Black Knights' spring 15s squad with six tries, had a spectacular sophomore campaign, earning All-Rugby East first team honors in the fall. He was tabbed the Army Athletic Association Athlete of the week following his performance in the win over UMass and his impressive score against Davenport earned him the Army Athletic Association Play of the Week. He recorded two tries in the season-opener against Buffalo and another pair in the win over St. Bonaventure.

Documenting his excursion, Fargo kept a blog of his experiences in the hot bed of international rugby. Visit www.GoArmyWestPoint.com for more information.

UP NEXT
Army will cap off the season next weekend, traveling to Colorado Springs, Colo., to take on Air Force in a service academy battle. The Black Knights will meet with the Falcons on Friday, Nov. 6, with kickoff set for 3 p.m.

Last season, Army hosted Air Force in a Halloween matchup, under the lights at Anderson Rugby Complex. The Black Knights downed the Falcons in a thrilling 19-17 contest, as a try from Andy Sullivan and successful conversion from Andrew Borer lifted Army to the win in the 68th minute.

No. 7 Rugby Faces No. 6 Kutztown in Decisive Contest

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Players Mentioned

Jacob Banarhall

Peter Basnight

Andrew Borer

Thomas Del Pino

Andrew Fargo

Donny Goff

Cameron Hargis

David Huff

Jack Ireland

Jake Lachina

Collum Magee

Logan Pearce

John Sproul

Andy Sullivan

Army West Point Athletics