Wheeling, W. Va. - In the fall season, the Wheeling University Rugby team had an impressive run going 7-2-1 and winning the inaugural National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Rhino Rugby Bowl over Iowa Central Community College. They look to keep that success going in the spring as they kick-off 7's season on Saturday at the Pitt 7's Tournament. They will play three pool matches and based on those results will play one placement match.
The Wheeling Rugby team is coming off of an impressive NCR Rhino Rugby Bowl Championship back in December, as well as a third-place finish in the NCR All-Star Rugby Shield Challenge with the Great Lakes Thunderbirds. Wheeling sent 11 players down to Houston, Texas for the all-star event and had freshman Chief Chipfumbu be named to the All-Tournament Team. In that event, Wheeling helped the Thunderbirds score 72 total points over the weekend with Stanley Giani and Mohamed Haddar among the Wheeling players to score a try.
Most of the 15's roster will be returning for the spring season led by sophomores Ayoub Jalli and Mohamed Haddar. Both played instrumental roles in the Cardinals' offensive attack during the fall season and will use their speed and agility to pace the Cardinals during 7's season. Haddar got the season started off strong with six tries over the team's first two games of the 15's season. He did not score in the Rhino Rugby Bowl but assisted on two of his team's tries to help them get the win.
Jalli returns after an impressive fall season that saw him total 200+ points during the season combined between tries and conversion kicks. In the Rhino Rugby Bowl, Jalli did not score on a try, but was able to convert two of his five conversion kicks in the game to help his team pick up the win. Jalli will once again be looked upon as a top scorer for the Cardinals this spring season as they try to qualify for the NCR Rugby Nationals May 28th through May 30th.
The Wheeling Spring schedule features five different 7's tournament and one 15's match that will be held at Bishop Schmitt Field. The Pitt 7's tournament kicks things off on the road as Wheeling will be playing three pool matches, with the fourth game being decided by the results of the first three games. They kick things off against the Pitt Grey team at 10 AM followed by Dayton at 11:40 AM and West Chester at 1 PM. It will be a big weekend of Rugby as Wheeling looks to get 7's season started off strong.
The Matchups
Pitt Greys: The Cardinals and Panthers are set to match up for the first time in team history Saturday at 10 AM. As the tournament hosts, Wheeling will be trying to knock off the home team and get their 7's season off on the right foot. Wheeling is coming off a win in the NCR Rhino Rugby Bowl, and looks to keep their momentum going.
Dayton: The Cardinals and Flyers are set to match up for the first time in team history on Saturday at 11:40 AM. Dayton comes into the tournament ready to kick off their 7's season as they look to get out to a hot start.
West Chester: The Cardinals and Rams will be meeting for the first time in team history on Saturday at 1 PM.
The Details
The first game of the day for Wheeling is scheduled to begin at 10 AM against the tournament hosts Pitt Grey. Check back to wucardinals.com for live coverage of all the day's action.
