Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- Saturday saw the American Rugby Premiership Championship being hosted at Lupo Family Field, the South Division Champions, Life University Men's Club Rugby, and the North Division Champs, New York Athletic Club, meeting in a hard-fought contest that saw the Running Eagles defend their title with a 20-10 victory.

It did not take long for the Running Eagles to record their first score of the game, Jacquez Odendall passing the ball back to a Harley Davidson that was racing towards the near boundary who then found Jonah Carrignan who raced into the try area to see his team on top 5-0.  Before the 20th minute of the game the NYAC defensive effort forced a Life U error near the try area to see them earn a scrum opportunity. The Running Eagles turned NYAC over on the scrum off a penalty, bullying NYAC on the following scrum to see Johan Momsen tap down a try. Life U's lead expanded to 12-0 after Odendall's conversion. New York was not going to be held scoreless over the first 40 minutes of play, a break down the far touchline saw NYAC get the Running Eagles out of position for their first try in the 31st minute to cut into Life U's lead before the half, 12-7. 

After the teams came out of the break, New York recorded another score to make the game even closer, a Life U penalty giving NYAC a penalty kick opportunity that they capitalized on to see the score 12-10 at 47:56. The Running Eagles responded well, getting back on task in the 54th minute to record their third try of the game. The score came from one of Life U's favorite plays, a line out near the try area turned into a bruising maul that ended with a Chris Russouw try and 17-10 lead for the home team after another missed conversion. The physicality turned up as the game drew closer to a close, but the Running Eagles consistently found answers to every NYAC threat. In the 72nd minute, a costly penalty by New York gave Life U and Matias Corrado a prime chance to create breathing room as the game drew towards its conclusion. Corrado nailed the penalty kick, boosting the Life U lead to two scores at 20-10. With less than four minutes to play, another NYAC penalty set up Corrado up with a stab at icing the game. The kicked sailed slightly wide left to keep the score at 20-10. With less than 30 seconds to play, a chip kick ahead by NYAC was not cleanly handled seeing an advantageous Life U player stealing the ball and ending any hopes of a comeback for New York. After the clock hit 80, a scrum was awarded to Life U. Adrian Escobedo set the ball in, the Running Eagle pack got a good push, and after recovering the ball, Life U kicked into touch to claim another ARP Championship.

Head coach Dr. Blake Bradford congratulated his team on toughing out a win against top class competition. "It was a tough battle today by our men. It wasn't a perfect performance but we showed a lot of grit against a formidable foe. I am extremely proud of the hard work these men have put in all season long and their dedication and sacrifice has been admirable." Dr. Bradford finished by commending his team and the staff, saying, "This is a very special group of players and they deserve this championship. I would also like to thank our amazing staff for all their contributions to making this season a success."

Having defended their title, the 2022 season comes to a close on a high note. Looking forward, the Running Eagles looking to preserve their hold on the ARP title next Fall.