Army West Point Athletics
Saturday, March 1
West Point, N.Y.
12:00 PM
Army West Point
vs
Guelph
Men’s Rugby Set to Open 2025 Campaign Against Guelph
February 28, 2025 | Men's Rugby
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Army West Point Men's Rugby (8-1, 4-1 Rugby East) is poised to open its 2025 spring campaign by hosting Canadian rival Guelph (9-2, 6-0 OUA) this Saturday.
The Black Knights enter the match on the heels of an 8-1 overall record from the fall—the best start to a season since the 2021-22 National Championship campaign. Sophomore Howie Heller led the team in overall points, compiling 53 points from five tries, 15 conversions, and four penalty kicks, while sophomore Benji Kemp contributed 30 points from nine tries.
A stream of the fixture will be available on YouTube.
Coach's Corner
"We're thrilled to welcome the Guelph Gryphons back to West Point and appreciate them coming down. They will provide the tough test we seek out of the gate this spring, representing one of the strongest collegiate teams in Canada. We look forward to the challenge, as well as the opportunity to implement some of the improvements we've been working on in this first spring performance," said Head Men's Rugby Coach Matt Sherman.
Cadet's Corner
"I'm amped to see how we play on Saturday as this well be a good test for us to begin our spring season. We are confident the hard work will pay off," said Nathan Gould.
All the boys have put in so much effort this offseason, in the weights and on the field. I am proud, and excited to see them put it all together, and perform this weekend," said Noah Sanchez.
"Can't wait for the guys to get back out on the field. Last year this was a tough match up that gave us a good test early in the spring. Looking forward to showing our off-season work and starting the spring season off well," said Jacob Bottarini.
"We've put a ton of work in on the field and in the weight room over the winter and are excited to take the pitch for the first time this spring. Guelph is a great team and will be an awesome challenge choice. We are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our climb this semester," said Elijah Manges.
Black Knight Notes
Seven Army West Point men's rugby players received Rugby East end-of-fall-season honors, with junior George Engels and sophomore Benji Kemp earning First-Team selections, sophomore Howie Heller and senior Nate Gould named to the Second Team, and Andrew Bardak, Gabe Savage, and Joey Knight receiving Honorable Mentions.
Guelph enters the match after posting a 9-2 record in the fall and finishing fourth in the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship. The Gryphons narrowly missed a bronze medal, losing 40-47 to the UBC Thunderbirds.
This game will serve as a high-octane rematch between the Black Knights and the Gryphons. In their first-ever varsity meeting last season, the Gryphons narrowly defeated the Black Knights 11-10.
Follow the Black Knights
Follow Army Men's Rugby on X @ArmyWP_MRugby and on Instagram @armywp_rugby. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.
The Black Knights enter the match on the heels of an 8-1 overall record from the fall—the best start to a season since the 2021-22 National Championship campaign. Sophomore Howie Heller led the team in overall points, compiling 53 points from five tries, 15 conversions, and four penalty kicks, while sophomore Benji Kemp contributed 30 points from nine tries.
A stream of the fixture will be available on YouTube.
Coach's Corner
"We're thrilled to welcome the Guelph Gryphons back to West Point and appreciate them coming down. They will provide the tough test we seek out of the gate this spring, representing one of the strongest collegiate teams in Canada. We look forward to the challenge, as well as the opportunity to implement some of the improvements we've been working on in this first spring performance," said Head Men's Rugby Coach Matt Sherman.
Cadet's Corner
"I'm amped to see how we play on Saturday as this well be a good test for us to begin our spring season. We are confident the hard work will pay off," said Nathan Gould.
All the boys have put in so much effort this offseason, in the weights and on the field. I am proud, and excited to see them put it all together, and perform this weekend," said Noah Sanchez.
"Can't wait for the guys to get back out on the field. Last year this was a tough match up that gave us a good test early in the spring. Looking forward to showing our off-season work and starting the spring season off well," said Jacob Bottarini.
"We've put a ton of work in on the field and in the weight room over the winter and are excited to take the pitch for the first time this spring. Guelph is a great team and will be an awesome challenge choice. We are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our climb this semester," said Elijah Manges.
Black Knight Notes
Seven Army West Point men's rugby players received Rugby East end-of-fall-season honors, with junior George Engels and sophomore Benji Kemp earning First-Team selections, sophomore Howie Heller and senior Nate Gould named to the Second Team, and Andrew Bardak, Gabe Savage, and Joey Knight receiving Honorable Mentions.
Guelph enters the match after posting a 9-2 record in the fall and finishing fourth in the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship. The Gryphons narrowly missed a bronze medal, losing 40-47 to the UBC Thunderbirds.
This game will serve as a high-octane rematch between the Black Knights and the Gryphons. In their first-ever varsity meeting last season, the Gryphons narrowly defeated the Black Knights 11-10.
Follow the Black Knights
Follow Army Men's Rugby on X @ArmyWP_MRugby and on Instagram @armywp_rugby. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.
Players Mentioned
Hooker
/ Men's Rugby
Hooker
/ Men's Rugby
Lock
/ Men's Rugby
Center
/ Men's Rugby
Lock
/ Men's Rugby
Flanker/Eight
/ Men's Rugby
Fullback
/ Men's Rugby
Prop
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