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NYSRC Holds 2003 Collegiate Championship Weekend
Four Champions Crowned, NRU Playoff Field Set

BATAVIA, NY -- The New York State Rugby Conference (NYSRC) held its 2003 Collegiate Championships this weekend here at Genesee Community College. The conference crowned champions in three men's divisions (Division I, Division II, and Division III) and Women's Division I, while also holding preliminary rounds for Women's Division II.

Cornell, which captured both the Division I men's and women's championships, paced a field of 24 teams that played over the course of two days. A record crowd of 700 over the two-days braved strong winds and 40 degree temperatures to take in Championship Weekend.

"This was a great weekend of rugby which featured outstanding championship matches," said Mike Hodgins, NYSRC President. "Each of the teams this weekend were quality clubs, and it showed in the level of their desire, effort, and play. We look forward to sending our representatives to the NRU playoffs and expect them to compete very well."

Cornell captured the Men's Premier Division I title after topping 2002 title winner Buffalo, 33-17. The traditional rivals played a tight first half, but Cornell broke it open in the second behind the play of Luke Schaefer, who was named the Division MVP. Both teams will advance to the Northeast Rugby Union (NRU) playoffs next weekend.

Syracuse topped Brockport, 32-17, in the Division I qualifier to earn the NRU #3 seed.

Cornell had a much more difficult time in the Women's Premier Division I final, holding off Syracuse, 6-0. Playing a methodical game, Cornell jumped out to a first-half 3-0 lead. Syracuse rallied with some late opportunities, but could not overcome Cornell's strong defense. Cornell's Allison Graf was named the Division I MVP for her play. Cornell and Syracuse will both advance to the NRU playoffs.

In Men's Empire Division II action, Binghamton dominated Geneseo, 46-14. Binghamton's Brian Grillo led the charge on his way to MVP honors. In the Division II qualifer, Siena topped Buffalo State, 17-0. With the win, Siena earned the NRU #2 seed, while Geneseo will be New York State's #3 representative.

The Men's Excelsior Division III championship was decided early Sunday morning, with Cortland running away from Rochester, 27-10. Cortland was led by John Bloodgood, who led a strong team effort that saw four different players score. Cortland now advances to the NRU playoffs.

The weekend also saw the preliminary rounds of the Women's Division II playoffs. Top seeded Brockport, #2 Albany, #3 Oneonta, and #5 Colgate advanced with first round wins on Saturday. In second round play on Sunday, Oneonta and Albany battled through a scoreless regulation and two overtime periods. Oneonta claimed a 6-3 win on kicks. Brockport, undefeated in the regular season, advanced to the Division II championship game with a 19-0 win over Colgate. Oneonta will travel to Brockport next Saturday for the Division II title match. The winner will receive the NRU #1 seed, while the second-place club will get the NRU #2.

The New York State Rugby Conference governs over 70 clubs at the men's and women's club, men's and women's collegiate, and youth levels.