The presence of rugby in America has increased significantly in the last decade, and has now become the fastest growing college sport in the nation. With momentum picking up each year, the Summit Storm rugby teams have continued right along with the trend, rocketing into the 2025 spring season with impressive force.
Boys Summit Rugby Season:
Without letting the cancellation of their first season game become a setback, the Summit High School Boys Rugby team has hit the pitch this season with three wins so far.
This past weekend they especially made a statement, with an exhilarating game played against the West Valley Rams. The Storm started off pushed back deep into their try zone, but through a series of fast passes and quick cuts the boys swiftly turned the game around, ending at the final whistle with a 47-12 win.
“We definitely started slow, the Rams took it to us, and they scored first,” commented Ross Emerick, one of the head coaches of the boys team. “But then we kind of hit our stride, and we were the fitter team.”
Hoping for another win this weekend, the boys will be playing their honorary senior game on Saturday at the Pacific Crest Athletic Fields at noon. The game is against the Canby High School boys team and a win for the Storm will mean ending this season in fourth place in the Rugby Oregon league.
If this happens, the boys are expected to have a good chance at being a competitive team in the playoffs, which begin on May 10.
Girls Summit Rugby Season:
Also playing this Saturday, the Summit High School Girls Rugby team will be having their senior game at Pacific Crest Athletic Fields against Canby High School at 10:30 a.m. This game will be the fourth in their season so far, and winning it means making it to Oregon’s playoffs this year.
The season started off with a tight game against the Portland Grackles, and while the Storm scored four tries in the second half, the game decidedly ended in the Grackles favor. However, in their most recent game against the Valley Panthers, the Storm showcased an impressive defensive performance and a speed-driven offensive that led to their thrilling 36-5 win.
“Our game plan worked, everyone took care of their jobs really well, and we had really good opportunities that we used throughout the game,” explained Hazel McRobie, the team’s captain.
Now turning their attention to this weekend, the Storm is hoping to put on a good show for their home supporters. Whether it’s a win or a loss, the team will spend time after the game to recognize all of its senior players, most of whom have been with the team since its beginning in 2023, including McRobie. The coaches are hoping it will be a great way to show appreciation for the seniors, and acknowledge the admirable determination and grit that they have put into the team so far.
