Life University Athletics

Santa Clara, Calif. – The Life University men's rugby team dominated the University of California-Berkeley 60-5 to claim the 2018 D1A Rugby National Title. For the third time in six years, the Running Eagles claimed the national crown, as well as a finish to a perfect 17-0 season.

In the first five minutes of play, a kick-on was recovered by Austin White for an early try with a successful conversion putting the Running Eagles ahead 7-0. Minutes later Cal scored its only try of the day with an unsuccessful conversion, as Life University would put the game away in dominating fashion.

Duncan Van Schalkwyk went for points off a penalty to put Life ahead 10-7. Harley Wheeler tallied his first try of the day after an excellent pass to the outside as Wheeler barreled his way through. Sean Coughlan added the next points for the Running Eagles, as Wheeler picked up his second try of the match minutes later. The Running Eagles held a 29-5 lead at the half.

The second half would prove no different, as early into the action Wheeler picked up his third try of the match. Ryan Rees added a try before Brian Muntanga scored his only try of the match. Mitch Wilson also scored, as the final points were awarded on a penalty try with three minutes remaining in the game for the final score of 60-5 in favor of Life University.

"We came out here and really attacked Cal, started strong and finished the game strong," said co-captain Mitch Wilson when asked what was key to the Running Eagles National Championship victory. "This started way back in September of 2017 when we started our fall season against Penn State, and it built from there through the spring season and all the way up to today."

The Running Eagles end the 2018 15s campaign a flawless 17-0 and claim their third national championship in six years.