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Jesuit Rugby Prepares for Big Battle Against Penn State

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Jesuit Rugby Team will take on the biggest challenge in their young program's history this weekend when they host the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Pine Room & Athletic Fields at Oglebay Park on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 3pm.
 
This will be the first match for the Cardinals in the Rugby East conference, arguably the most competitive conference in college rugby. It will also be the first home match as a member of Division 1-A rugby, the nation's highest level of competition, giving Wheeling sports fans their first look at the future of Jesuit athletics.
 
In only their second season since the program's revival as a varsity sport on the campus of WJU, the Cardinals sit at .500 (2-2) thus far in their 2013 campaign. They have earned notable wins over the University of Buffalo and last year's D1-AA national quarterfinalists, St. Bonaventure. Also notable is their narrow 28-30 opening weekend loss to the Michigan Wolverines.
 
According to WJU head coach Eric Jerpe, Saturday's match against the Nittany Lions will set a benchmark for the Cardinals.
 
"This is where we want to be, said Jerpe. "Penn State will be a massive challenge for us, but the guy's attitudes this week have been great. They are up for this challenge, and if we perform well, we will know we are on the right path in our development as a program."
 
The Cardinals should at least be well rested for this match, having had three weeks off due to unexpected cancellations.
 
"The guys are really itching to play, but they are such a tight knit group that they have kept their composure well," he added.
 
This will be the only home match of the fall for WJU, unless the school's new artificial playing surface is ready in time for their November 2nd game against Davenport University.  Jerpe adds that playing at Oglebay will be a unique way to expose the community to the game of rugby.
 
"It's going to be a great afternoon," said Jerpe. "It's a showcase setting for a great game that the community can rally around. If you love football, you'll love rugby."
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