LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Aug. 30, 2016)—They are the small college team which achieved lofty heights last spring during a national tournament. The men's rugby team from St. Mary's College of Maryland enjoyed a magical postseason run, beginning the tournament as a number eight at-large seed, to finishing second in the nation at the National Small College Rugby Organization tournament in Philadelphia last June.
The team, led by Head Coach Larry Donmoyer and Assistant Coach Terry Pledger, joined the Commissioners of St. Mary's County for a special ceremony in Leonardtown to honor their accomplishment.
Team Captain Kyle Powers was joined by team members Samuel Baker, Ali Biglarbeigi, Matthew Carr, Rick Djeuhon, Andrew Giganti, William Hankins, Samuel Howe, Alhaj Khadar, Andrew Marinich, Ivan Messi, Kyle Moore, and Kyle Powers. The group says they are more than just a team, affectionately referring to each other as brothers.
"During the National Small College Rugby Organization tournament, the St. Mary's College of Maryland men's rugby team outscored and beat their rivals Franklin & Marshall College, Ithaca College, The Claremont Colleges and Susquehanna University," said Commissioner Tom Jarboe (1st District). "The team played with great effort up to their defeat to New Mexico Highland University, giving them the number two spot in the nation."
In honoring the team, the commissioners recognized the team's athleticism, poise, sportsmanship and leadership in representing St Mary's College of Maryland and St. Mary's County at the national tournament, along with their outstanding work and dedication to create a stronger and better community.
St. Mary's College of Md.'s Men's Rugby Team Lauded by Commissioners
(Back row L-R) Commissioner Mike Hewitt, Commissioner Tom Jarboe, Commissioner Todd Morgan. (Front row L-R) Kyle Moore (Mt. Airy, Md.), Ivan Messi (Damascus, Md.), Sam Baker (Glen Burnie, Md.), Andrew Marinich (Bel Air, Md.), Ali Biglarbeigi (Olney, Md.), Alhaj Khadar (Brentwood, Md.), Rick Djeuhon (Silver Spring, Md.), Matt Carr (New Market, Md.), Coach Larry Donmoyer and Commissioner James Randy Guy. Missing for the photo from the official 12 man playing roster for the NSCRO Championship: Graduating seniors Kyle Powers (Towson, Md.) and Sam Howe (Frederick, MD); Returning players missing Will Hankins (Annapolis, Md.) and Tom Cullen (Kensington, Md.); and Assistant Coach Terry Pledger. (Photo courtesy of SMCM)
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