Kutztown Rugby

The 2009 fall rugby season was a huge success as both the first and second side squads qualified for the Middle Atlantic Premier League Finals. The 1st side will open their run for the national championship by taking on this year’s undefeated, University of Delaware Blue Hens. This Mid-Atlantic semi-final will kick-off on March 27, 2010.  On that same weekend, the Golden Bear’s 2nd side will play for the Premier League’s 2nd side championship. They take on the Midshipmen of Navy, in a highly anticipated rematch of their regular season contest, won by Navy 17-15.

One of the big reasons for this success lies in the recruitment of four freshmen ruggers that head coach Doc Jones refers to as his FAB FOUR.  This group of exceptional young athletes is made up of Jamie Gregory, Mike Cress, Matt Fredrick and Greg Conover.                                                                                                                                   

Jamie Gregory takes the rock downhill

Jamie Gregory: A 6’ 230 pound, a highly recruited front row forward from the United Kingdom has lived up to his status as a Berkshire U-20 stand out in his native England.  Jamie started every 1st side match and was instrumental in helping to lead the forward pack to one of their most outstanding seasons in recent years.             

Mike Cress Turns North

Mike Cress: 6′2″ 210 pounds, stepped into the eighth man slot when All-American Honorable Mention Dirk Scheepers was absent due to graduate school studies. Not only did this young charger fill in – he excelled throughout the campaign and stamped his name into the Golden Bear back row for years to come.

Matt Frederick is on the move

Matt Fredrick: 6′ 260 pounds, came to Kutztown Rugby as a highly recruited high school football player that had signed a letter of intent to be a scholarship lineman at Lycoming College.  This bruiser can run a 4.7 forty yard dash and will light up anyone coming his way on defense. “Freddy” was a mainstay in the front row and a driving force on the 2nd side as well as a 1st side reserve.  He is one to watch, as he hones his rugby skills, in the maroon and gold jersey.

Greg Conover shows the way

Greg Conover: 6′3″ 215 pounds, hails from New Jersey, where he spent last year playing for the South Jersey Men’s Club. He is a natural and fits into the club’s plans for the future. He is as comfortable playing second row, as he looks binding on at flanker.  He was a solid 1st side reserve and one time starter. His starting role on the 2nd side gave the pack, a most mobile forward that covered the pitch with confidence and authority.

The future looks exceptionally bright and these freshmen, along with other outstanding freshmen and sophomore players, will give the Kutztown Nation, a great deal to cheer about in the years to come.