Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 4/8/09 Section: Sports

After a strong start to the season in the fall where they were 8-0, the Wolves finished the season 4th in the west region.
Entering the regional tournament, the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union (PNRFU) champion Wolves looked to make some noise and earn a berth to the 16-team national tournament. Only the top three teams from the region qualify for nationals, so the team knew the challenge it faced.
Even a tougher challenge was the team's semifinal opponent, Cal Maritime, the number one team in the nation. The Wolves played valiantly, but lost by seven points.
Despite the 34-27 loss, the team still had a chance to make nationals if it could have defeated Humboldt State in the third-place game. In yet another closely-fought battle, the Wolves lost 20-15, ending the team's most successful season to date. Despite the loss, it was the furthest a Western team has ever advanced in the regional tournament.
The Wolves finished the regular season at an impressive 18-1-1, capped by a dominant 43-17 win over Western Washington to win the PNRFU.
Team captain Shawn Martin thinks the Wolves will be even better next season. "We might lose one guy, maybe two guys, out of 29" he said.
Even though the year was so successful for the Wolves, Martin looked at it as a building year. "We had a lot of young guys who grew up over the year," he said. "It was an abrupt end, but it was very much a growing year."
Martin credits sophomore hooker Joe Boyd as one of those young guys who grew up. "He really stepped up this year. He listened and learned and worked hard."
Freshmen Kenny Koopman, wing, and Tony Falotico, center, impressed Martin as well, as did the Wolves' three unpaid student coaches, head coach Thomas Silberberger and assistants Adam Swick and James Holmes
The only key loss for the Wolves appears to be Center Josh Rau, who will be transferring schools to pursue his Master's degree.
Given the number coaches and athletes returning, "next season looks very good."

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