Writer and Photographer / Keeley Miller
2015 was a big year for the HSE Varsity Boys Rugby team with a state win, undefeated season, Mudsock victory and recognition as an official school club team.
“The goal at the start of the season for the team was set high, despite this being only the first year for the team as an official school club,” said Head Coach Nico Squadroni. “This lofty goal was accomplished by great focus and determination of the players, starting in January with indoor workouts, having scrimmages in snow storms, traveling to out of state tournaments, playing a demanding regular season and staying focused throughout the playoffs.”
Rugby, known as the predecessor of American football, is a unique game with similarities to football, wrestling, soccer and hockey. A game for everyone, there are positions for strength, speed and players of all shapes and sizes. All 15 players work together, making it a true team sport where every athlete has the opportunity to score. In 2010, the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association reported that rugby was the fastest-growing sport in the United States. The HSE team reflected that data as they grew throughout the season.
“With the addition of a handful of new guys to the club, this team started off strong and got better as the year went on. They had an undefeated regular season, winning the Liger Trophy in the backyard battle over Fishers,” said Squadroni. “They continued their winning streak through the playoffs and earned the right to play for the State Championship. In their biggest game and most difficult challenge of the year, they showed what made them a great team and played the best rugby of the year on the largest stage.”
The team was led by team captain Ryan Echeverria and 2015 MVP Tyler Janney. Both members graduated in 2015 but plan to play rugby throughout college at Colorado State and Indiana University, respectively.
“I said from the beginning that it was our main team goal to win state,” said Echeverria. “Once we got to that moment at state, we felt prepared and locked in. We had been there and worked hard, and we just had to go out and take it.”
With a final score of 7-5 at the state championship, the team took home the gold.
“It is probably one of the best feelings of high school,” said Janney. “I hadn’t really won anything in sports, and it was the final game of my high school career. It was a really great ending and a really great feeling to finally win state.”
Next season, the team will be led by senior team captain Jacob Forman. Forman has played rugby since sixth grade, persuaded by his brother who was the team captain during his high school career. Following in his brother’s footsteps, he hopes to make the team even stronger.
“I am extremely excited to be captain. I have been waiting three years for this,” said Forman. “My main goal for next season is to create a good foundation for teams to win state because there are going to be a lot of new players.”
