Wheeling, W. Va. - Last time they took the field, the Wheeling University Men's Rugby team brought 7's Rugby back to Bishop Schmitt Field for the first time since the 2022 season. They look to build on the momentum from a hot start as they head to one of their toughest challenges of the year at the Fighting Irish 7's. The Cardinals will face some of the toughest competition they have seen all season as they prepare for the Collegiate Rugby Championships (CRC) National 7's later this season.
The Cardinals would play host to the Nail City 7's for the first time since the 2022 season, and started play strong against Indiana Tech. They would have the first of two 50+ point efforts, picking up a 55-5 win to start their run in pool play. As they continued through pool play, the Cardinals would pick up two more wins, taking down Marian 34-7, before surviving a close match-up with St. Bonaventure 21-17. After going 3-0 in pool play, the Cardinals would earn their place in the first semifinal match as they faced Indiana Tech. The Cardinals would put together their highest scoring match of the afternoon, putting up 58 points in a 58-0 shutout victory. It would be a Big Rivers Rugby Conference (BRRC) matchup in the finals as Wheeling battled Marian. The Cardinals would get the victory taking down Marian 34-7 and claiming their second 7's title of the season.
Leading the way for the Cardinals was Panashe Mugorogodi, who was named the Nail City 7's Tournament MVP. Mugorogodi would play a big part in the team's push to the championship, scoring four tries during the two postseason matches of the tournament. It began against Indiana Tech, where Mugorogodi would tie for the team lead with three tries in the effort, totaling 15 points, and scoring the first three tries of the day for the Cardinals. He would score his final try in the championship match, helping the Cardinals secure their 34-7 win. Mugorogodi played a big role in the team's run during the 15's National playoffs and looks to help the Cardinals again as they try to repeat as 7's National Champions in 2025.
While some of their stars from the 2024 National Championship run led the way, there were several newer members of the team that stepped up. Mason Ziegler had a breakout performance for the Cardinals, scoring four tries and totaling 20 points throughout the day. His biggest effort would come in the semifinal matchup with Indiana Tech when Ziegler scored three straight tries in the second half. He looks to transition his skills from the football field to the Rugby pitch as he helps lead the Cardinals through 7's season. As he has for the last two seasons, Shadreck Mandaza continued his success on the pitch. He would score seven tries on the day, while going 10-17 on conversion kicks. Mandaza is one of the key players to the Cardinal's success and he looks to continue leading the kicking game for the Cardinals.
With one more regular season 7's tournament ahead of them, the Cardinals are looking to get ready for what they will face in postseason play. The Fighting Irish 7's will be the toughest of the team's three regular season tournament, with several of the other teams that are scheduled to make the CRC National 7's already in attendance. Head Coach Mike Geibel is excited to see the tougher competition, knowing that it will help his team as they head towards a National title defense. Just like the CRC 7's the Cardinals will have to win to continue advancing, with both a championship bracket and a knock-out back at the event. Aside from the host Notre Dame, the Cardinals will also see St. Bonaventure, Brown, Kutztown, and some of the other top teams in the National field. The Cardinals look to handle the challenge and keep their undefeated run going.
The Details
The Fighting Irish 7's is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 29th, with first matches around 11 AM. Follow along with wucardinals.com for updates throughout the day.
