St. Charles wins another state title

The St. Charles High School Rugby Club culminated their 2008 season with a hard fought 24-17 victory over Lincoln-Way to defend their 2007 title as Illinois state champions this past Monday.

St. Charles finished with a 20-1 record. Their only loss this season was at the Midwest Championship Tournament in Elkhart, Ind. earlier this season.

The club consists of 50 players, freshman through seniors, from both St. Charles East and North High School and has previously won state championship titles in 1999 and 2001.

These players set an outstanding example of how cross-town rivalries are set aside as one team proudly represents the community of St. Charles.

Many of the players also compete in other sports at the high school level such as football, wrestling and soccer. The skills they develop in these sports often compliment those learned in rugby maximizing their performance athletically.

Rugby begins practicing in March and the season ends in May.

The team is led by head coach Jay Crawford, and coaches Andy McPeak, Ryan Crawford, Joel Crawford, Tom Zimmerman, Nolan Day and Pat Nickelson.