Bobcat Ruckers Dominate SUNY Potsdam at Home
Gabriels, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College men's rugby team had a banner day on Saturday as they defeated SUNY Potsdam 70-15 at home during Open House Weekend.
Because the Bears only traveled with 13 players the teams opted to play rugby 10s for safety reasons, giving both sides ample opportunities for subs in case of injury. The Bobcats also benefited from practicing different match situations while getting some of the newer players involved on the pitch.
Gianni Santonastaso (Hillsboro, NJ) led the way for the Bobcats with four trys as he came back from an injury he received earlier in the season. First year players Jaquan Wright and Tristan Klotz (Frankfort, NY) added two trys each while Jack Bricca-Hall (Midland Park, NJ), Michael Lachance (Attleboro, MA), Giovanni Foster (Boonville, NY), and Luke Geiger (Batavia, NY) contributed a try each.
"Witnessing this group of players come into their true form has been eye opening," said Santonastaso. "The dedication not only to the sport but to each other has been outstanding. Our goal has been to get better every day, and the team has consistently pushed each other to reach this goal," he added.
Senior kicking specialist and team captain Griffen Johnson (Rome, NY) went 5/10 with conversions as he added 10 points himself. Also of note were the first year players who really made a difference on offense and defense in the game.
"All the guys played well and they're coming together at the right time," said head coach Pat Romeo.
The Bobcats are vying for a spot in the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. Romeo spoke about getting everyone together and working toward that goal.
"We need everyone with match experience this time in the season to make a push to the next level. This weekend gave us that chance to get everyone on the same page - we need to keep this momentum going," he added.
The Bobcats are 2-2 and head to Canton, NY to take on St. Lawrence University on Saturday. If they win that game they'll punch their ticket to the playoffs.
--------------
At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.