Mizzou continued its 'balanced attack' offense coupled with a 'bend but don’t break' defense as the tigers traveled east to battle Big 10 powerhouse Illinois. Lock, Danny Freeman opened the scoring nearly halfway through the first with a heads up play, diving on a loose ball out of a ruck and securing it in the tryzone. A 30-meter run by flanker Ryan Scheidt set up the play. Not more than 5 minutes later, winger John Pauley set up Mizzou’s second try of the match. Pauley zig-zagged in and out of Illini defenders, covering 20 meters and moving the ball inside the 15 meter line before finally being contained. While being taken to the ground Pauley was able to offload the ball to Hooker Adam Wright who found rookie winger, Luke Rosner for the first try of his collegiate career. From this point on the tigers seemed to gain more and more momentum as the clock ticked on.
Led by strong scrumming and hard-nosed rucking, the tigers were able to play a more physical game than their counterparts on this day. In the 32nd minute inside center Brett Henderson continued to spread the scoring out with what has become a routine play for him throughout his rugby career. Coming off of a ruck, Henderson, having a nose for the ball, sniffed out a weak pass from the Illini scrum half, picked the ball with one hand and raced to the tryzone for the tigers 3rd try of the match. Illinois did drive the ball down the pitch in methodic fashion at times but simply could not finish. The most notable account of this occurred late in the first half. A penalty resulted in the Illini containing possession of the ball near the 5-meter line. Running a set play to the forwards the Illinois club pounded the ball inside but came just short of the tryzone. The ball found its way to touch; out on the tigers, yet with Mizzou jumper DJ Seidel in the mix, Illinois could not retain possession in the lineout.
As Seidel tipped the ball away from the Illini jumper the tigers were able to secure it in the tryzone- achieving a 22-meter kick. With strong scrumming from the Mizzou pack, and Seidel acting as a roadblock in defensive lineouts, the Illinois squad had problems maintaining possession nearly every time play was interrupted. Scoring tries at the end of each half, Illinois never once gave up but by the time they scored for the second time the tigers lead was well out of reach.
Leaving plenty of room to improve throughout the season, the tigers showcased their depth (using all 7 available substitutions) and balance as seven different players scored nine tries. Missouri travels to Nashville next week to play in the 3rd annual Oak Leaf Cup tournament hosted by Vanderbilt University. In the inaugural tournament Mizzou fell one match short of reaching the championship and last year only lost to the number 7 ranked club in Division One collegiate rugby, Arkansas State- crushing an otherwise promising run in the tournament.
Tries scored: Brett Henderson (2), Luke Rosner (2), Danny Freeman, Dan Kloeckner, Ryan Mcdonald, Conor Strauss, John Pauley.

September 10, 2011: Truman State (exhibition)

Missouri visited Truman State in hopes of establishing themselves as a strong force in the recently formed Heart of America conference. Making the jump to Division One collegiate rugby, Mizzou agreed to bill this match as a preseason affair in hopes that each side would be able to get every member of their team a substantial amount of playing time. The tigers came out strong- the starting side finishing the first of five 20-minute periods with a 19-0 advantage. Strong running by flanker Ryan Scheidt and timely support from fullback Ryan McDonald and his younger brother Joe, also a flanker, highlighted the scoring of the first. It was the first time in over 5 years that Mizzou showcased brothers scoring in the same match.
The starting side showed encouraging passion and a strong desire to work as one solid unit, but the true story of Saturday’s outcome would be revealed in the ensuing four periods. On this sunny afternoon it would appear as if Mizzou contained nearly 35 starters. Substitutions made, the only aspect of Missouri’s side that seemed to change was the average age of those on the pitch. Many of the starters would not see playing time after the end of the first period, something that could not be said for Truman State’s players, yet the level of play remained nearly unchanged. Encouraging play from rookies Luke Rosner was just the tip of the iceberg of what appears to be some to the best depth Mizzou has seen in recent history. Also showing improvement were second year players, prop, Brandon Pascal, showing a downhill running style and hard-nosed flanker John Bean, displaying a motor that showed no signs of slowing.
As the final whistle blew Mizzou walked off the pitch with a 49-12 victory. The final score, however, seemed to take a back seat to the new theme of this year’s club: depth and unity. Missouri looks ahead to its next match in Champaign, Illinois where the tigers will face a hungry Illini club.

April 2-3, 2011: Ruggerfest

In a weekend that Mizzou would see plenty of action. The team used the tournament as a chance to give everyone time on the first team and be evaluated. The first game was a low scoring affair versus Northern State, a Men’s club out of South Dakota. It was evident that spring break and taken a toll of the team as there were a few miss handled balls and an offense that couldn’t seem to get its stride. Even with a man down for Northern State, after a strong jawed Sean Siebert took a punch to the face by No. 8, Mizzou was unable to put points on the board. It was a due to a strong defense against a much bigger men’s side that only allowed 3 points. Though never satisfied with a loss, the Tigers held their heads high as Northern State had made it to the sweet 16 in Men’s D3 a year before.
The second game of Saturday would be against the Indy Impalas, yet another men’s team. Mizzou would see an improved spark on offense after letting up a try early. The try was punched in off of a short 5 meter penalty. Mizzou would see scores from from Rookie Conor Strauss and Back's Captain Ryan McDonald for a strong win. Rookie Scrumhalf Tony Born would convert making the final score 12-7.
Sunday Mizzou had its final game against Cedar Rapids from Iowa, yet another Men’s team with a strong pack who boasted a visit to the final four in Men’s D3 a year ago. It would be yet another low scoring affair that saw strong defense and several players step up on their Aside debut. The Tigers lone score would come in the second half as Mizzou Back’s Captain Ryan McDonald set up rookie inside center Conor Strauss for a try outside the Headhunters 22. Exploiting a small gap in the defense, McDonald would call for a hard inside crash by Strauss who used his speed and strength to break through to the try line. The conversion was made, making the score 7-0. It wouldn’t be until the final minute of the game that Mizzou would let up the game tying score. After a unlucky penalty kick that would not make it to the touch line due to a heavy wind, the impalas would use their size to slowly pick and jam their way to a final try. Neither team would go on to score in overtime. The game would be decided on kicks. Mizzou lost after a good showing by McDonald who made a 50 meter kick only to miss a 60 meter try. Mizzou looks forward a college tournament in Iowa against stiff competition.

March 19, 2011

In what would be a forward dominated game with unbeatable scrimmaging from a smaller, but stronger pack and some of the best mauling Mizzou has seen in years Mizzou beats Truman 48-21. Though the pack had a strong showing it was the fantastic ball work from the backs that lead to their tries. The opening try came from Rookie Wing Tresslar, which would be his first of his college career. It did not take long for Truman to bounce back scoring off their wing. With solid support throughout the whole game Mizzou was able to work its way up the field ending in Rookie LooseHead Taylor Larkin punching it in for his first try of his college career. Truman would bounce back with their opposite wing taking advantage of an overload. Mizzou refused to get down on themselves even after a misjudged pass that lead to a pick 5 by Truman’s Inside. From this point on Mizzou would not allow any more points against them running up the score constantly. Notably was Back’s Captain Ryan McDonald, who started at Flyhalf before moving to his natural position at Inside, scoring three tries. Between each of these tries were tries by: Fullback Aaron Lewis, Rookie Flanker Ryan Scheidt, and Rookie Flanker Andrew Lazalier. Outside of scoring the Tigers saw great support from Locks Dan Kloeckner and Danny Freeman and a refreshing hard hitting style from Rookie Fullback/Center Sean Siebert.

March 5, 2011

With a last minute pick up against Southeast Missouri State, Mizzou believed it would be a perfect time to work on defense and allow many backups to get quality time. The scoring began early in the first half with a quick pass from Scrumhalf Bryan Hebron to No. 8 Brotemarkle. It wasn't long after this that Captain Brotemarkle had to come off the field and be replaced by Danny Freeman. Many would go on to say that Freeman had one of his best games to date. Showing great leadership on the field, consistent defense and hardnosed running. It would not be long before the score was increased again by Junior Lock DJ Seidel, who has had a nose for the try zone this year. It was one more try, by Fullback Aaron Lewis, before MU began to rotate several players. It was about this time that SEMO scored there first try due to several missed tackles on their fullback. MU nearly responded with the first kick return for a try by Rookie Strongside Flanker Ryan Scheidt, who was caught 25 meters short of the try line. Before the second half began there would be two more trys from Outside Center Brett Henderson and Scrumhalf Bryan Hebron. It was at half that nearly all the starters had been taken out. The game quickly became interesting as many of the young MU players had their first taste of A-side time. However, it was clear that these players were not strung out to dry without leadership when Bryan Hebron astounded the fans as he scored back to back tries juking his way to the tryline. During this half several rookies clearly stood out most notably John Bean and O'Shay with their tenacious defense and Kevin Pekkernen who scored his first try. The game would come to an end with a run of combined power and speed by Weakside Flanker Andrew Lazalier. Though the young players showed heart and determination in their defense SEMO would finish their scoring on the back of their Loosehead. The game would come to an end with a try by Hooker Adam Wright, another player to score his first try. As this game is put behind them, Mizzou will look ahead to Truman.

February 26, 2011

When Mizzou took the field against Washington University, there was a sense that it could be a high scoring affair. Mizzou chose to stress defense because of this. Mizzou meet their goal, giving up only one try to Wash U. Throughout the game there was constant scoring, but one could not go without noticing Senior wing Aaron Lewis, who not only scored 4 trys on his own, but dished out two more (one to CurtJohn and one to Rookie Conor Strauss). There were also trys scored by Bryan Hebron with his “Barry Sanders” style of running and DJ Seidel who was once again in great support on a break away. Along with these points came a hard run try by Rookie Andrew Lazalier, who has become one of the most consistent players on the MU roster. While the defense was successful in keeping Wash U to a mere 5 points, it is still far from perfect.

February 19, 2011

Dropped balls and poor rucking plagued Mizzou this weekend in what ended as a 46-10 loss to SLU. SLU took the lead early in the game with a try (conversion was not made). Mizzou looked rusty after having only one week of full practices (due to weather). SLU followed up their try with a penalty to put them up 8-0. Mizzou began to pick up momentum at this point. However, SLU’s fullback was able to find a gap for another try making the score 15-0. Mizzou, not letting up, came back to score a try. Following a powerful run by Flyhalf Mark Menne, Captain Matt Brotemarkle jammed the ball in for Mizzou’s first points. Mark added a successful conversion to make the score 15-7. With time dwindling in the first Mizzou continued to build off their success finding points again via a Mark Menne penalty kick. Going into the half only down 5 points, Mizzou prepared for the second half. Due to several dropped passes and a let down, on what had been aggressive rucking, SLU took advantage and put up a quick try. The game went on with several injuries to the Mizzou side. With position in their favor, SLU was able to add three more tries before the game was over. With the taste of defeat still in their mouth Mizzou can only continue to push themselves harder week in and out in preparation for the rest of the season. There is no doubt that every player will not forget this loss and use it to push them to a successful season.

November 20, 2010

Saturday #11 Mizzou took on #6 SLU in a game that could very well decide Westerns. Mizzou took off with an early lead thanks to Flyhalf Mark Menne taking advantage of two early penalties in SLU's half of the pitch. With time left in the first half, Mizzou kept the pressure up via Fullback Aaron Lewis' try. However, before the half was out SLU made the score board with a penalty kick. After half, Mizzou came out firing again with a try from Outside Center Brett Henderson. With constant pressure on the Flyhalf from Rookie Flanker Ryan Scheidt, and domination in scrums by Hooker Alex Huck, it is easy to see why SLU's backline was having trouble scoring. With this being said, the game was long from over as SLU clawed their way back with two tries to make the score 20-15. Even after two yellow cards (Captain Matt Brotemarkle & Rookie Flanker Andrew "Salisbury Steak" Lazalier), Mizzou refused to give points to SLU's continually battling back inside crash. With the time up on the sinbins, and little time left on the clock it was all or nothing for Mizzou. SLU made it to within the 22 of Mizzou with about 5 mintues left. The rest of the game would be played on the goal-linew with SLU knocking on the door of yet another possible victory over the Tigers. It was pick after pick that the Tigers had to battle. Their bodies battered, sweat dripping, with the roar from the crowd filling their ears. The atmosphere set the mood for what would be an epic ending to what was dubbed as "The Clash of the Titans". As SLU inched closer and closer, the Ref let it be known that, after what felt like a lifetime, the next stoppage would end the game. As the the ball flew out of the ruck to SLU's Flyhalf, no Tiger stood still in what was a final calvery charge. None came up as quickly or with as much intensity as Captain Ryan McDonald. To many, it was utter confusion wondering what was happening as "McD" ran down the field. That was until he held the game ball over his head, only to boot it out at the 50 for what would be the sweetest of victories.

October 30, 2010

Saturday the Tigers took on Washington University on the always pleasant Epple Field. For the first time in the semester the Mizzou squad came out with immediate aggression and it was obvious when looking at the final score: 66-0. With constant pressure on the fly-half by rookie flanker Andrew Lazalier, and what seemed to be nonstop scoring from the backline; it was little surprise that Wash U had little opportunity to score. Mizzou was relieved to see a return of injured Captain, Ryan McDonald, who came in the second half long enough to score two quick tries to put the Tigers lead well out of reach.

October 27, 2010

Wednesday the Tigers took on the Saint Louis Royals at Lindenwood University. the Royals are currently ranked No. 1 in Men’s D III. This game was the first rugby game held on the Lindenwood football field, who are currently setting up a team. The Tigers fell to the Royals 46-30. Coming out flat from the opening kickoff through much of the first half, it was hard for the Tigers to keep up with the Royals who capitalized on 3 knock-ons, taking them all for tries. The Tigers, refusing to give up, put their heads down and did not let up another try going into the second half. Putting up 30 hard points and great play by DJ Seidel and JP Victor, it looked as if the win was in the Tigers grasp. However, with the lack of a kicking tee throughout the whole game and not enough time, Mizzou fell for only the third time this year.

October 16, 2010

The University of Missouri S&T side came down to Epple today, however, they were unable to bring a full side, and were forced to forfeit But, we all came here to play some rugby, and were not disapointed. We played two officials 30 minute halves, with another 30 minute half right after, to ensure all the players that came got a chance to play. The Tigers let the Miners use some of their players to allow for a competitive match. The final score was 46-8 Mizzou. The Tigers still have a lot to work on with tough matches against the STL Royals and Washington University coming up Oct. 27th and 30th respectively.

September 25, 2010

After a few of the most competitive teams in the Big XII dropped out of the tournament, the Tigers decided it would be best for the team not to attend. However, they decided to compete with KU at their pitch in Lawrence, KS. The four hour drive took some energy out of the Tigers, giving up a try to KU on their first drive. However, the realization of a potential loss quickly fired them up. Matt Brotemarkle, Mark Menne and John Pauley scored 2 tries each, while Aaron Lewis, Bryan Hebron, Ryan McDonald and CurtJohn added tries of their own. After a few missed conversions, Ryan McDonald and Mark Menne regained their focus converting one and four times respectively. The Tigers ended up giving up a penalty kick, and another try, beating the Jayhawks 60-13.

September 18-19, 2010

This week, the Tigers traveled to Nashville, TN to compete in the Vanderbuilt Tournament. They started off with a tough loss to Arkansas State (24-0), but quickly recovered with three straight wins against Emory (53-3), Middle Tennesse State (26-5) and Tennesse Tech (31-5). However, with those wins their next game was against Arkansas State again. This was a much tougher fought game for the Tigers, but in the end, they fell 21-6. The Tigers finished 3rd in the tournament and will take that to the Big XII Tournament next week.

September 11, 2010

Saturday the Tigers traveled to Rolla, MO to take on the Missouri S&T Miners. After a Friday night of rain the game feild was in less than ideal condition. The Tigers came out strong scoring on their first play. Just as quick as the first try, Aaron Lewis and Dan Kloeckener put two more on the board for Mizzou. The first half ended messy, but was quickly turned around in the second half on tries by Bryan Hebron and Brett Henderson. Mizzou gave the starters some rest towards the end of the game to beat S&T 46-0. Next weekend, they travel to Nashville, TN to compete in the Vanderbuilt Tournmanent.

July 10, 2010

Summer 2010 7s Team Congratulations to the Mizzou Men's 7's side for coming in 1st Place in The Heartland 7's Tournament in Kansas City. The Tigers won the open division defeating top teams like the KC Blues and Topeka RFC.