Pacific West Champions DU’s Men Club Rugby team has won the Pacific West Championship and is now headed to Nationals.

On April 6, DU played against California Maritime in the semi-finals. Maritime was the Pac West Champions last year and was the expected team to win it again this year. DU

was able to prevail 21-17, sending them to the championship game.

On April 7 DU faced Occidental College in the championship game at Infinity Park. Both teams fought with intensity in hoping to become the Pac West Regional Champions.

Family and friends filled the stands at Infinity Park during Sunday’s game. Boone was

even seen at the game joining fans to cheer on their

team.

It was looking good for the Occidental Tigers in the beginning of the game. Within the second minute, the Tigers were already up three tallies. By the end of the 20th minute Occidental was up 17-0.

Denver did not let the score discourage their spirits. Instead, the team pushed forward with execution and earned 14 tallies by the end of the first half. Casey

Slattery and Osa Aihie both scored and Joe Parker made the conversions.

DU started the second half refreshed and ready to go. Jake Miller scored the third try and Parker converted. Denver was in the lead for the first time in the

game 21-17.

Both teams continued to play with intensity as the time winded down. DU was down by one point with less than eight minutes left. At the last minute,

Slattery scored a try during the last play giving DU the lead. The whistle was blown and DU won 31-27.

“I think anyone who watches the rugby team can see that they are a team with so much heart and dedication. Every single one of those players wants to win so badly and you can really see their love for the game on the field. No matter what the score is, whether they are winning or loosing, the team always plays at 110 percent and I love that you can really see their perseverance at every game,” said Ava Geupel, a dedicated fan.

Denver’s victorious win over Occidental crowned them Pac West Champions. This is the furthest DU Rugby has ever gotten in playoffs. The last time DU Rugby was in the playoffs was back in 2007.

DU is in the final four with St. John, Duke, and New Hampshire College. These four teams will compete to become National Champions. Winning the National Championship would be quite the prize for Denver since the National Small College Rugby Organization involves over 200 men’s teams.

“I am still in shock that we are Pac West Champions! This is the furthest I have ever gotten in any sport I have ever played. This is also the furthest DU Rugby has ever

gotten in history. It was kind of unexpected. I am really proud and excited for our team,” Gabe Bram said.

Casey Slattery, second position was awarded MVP at Sunday’s game. Trever Hanson was awarded with the ball of the game.

“Casey totally deserved to be MVP. He is just

such a good player and we all

see his hard work both on and off the

field,” said Gabe Bram about his

teammate.

DU will play against St. John on April 27. The Saturday game will take place at Infinity Park in Glendale. Duke and New England will also be playing on April 27 at

Infinity. The winning teams will face each other on April 28 for the National Championship.

Tickets are online and ready for purchase. Visit http://infinityparkatglendale.com/index.php/rubytown/schedule/range.listevents/