James Madison University’s Madison Rugby Club secured the state championship title for the second year in a row at the Ed and Sandy Lee Cup in Mechanicsville, Va., recently. With the leadership of senior scrumhalf, Dylan Maris, of Moorestown, the team was able to defeat the University of Mary Washington, 22–17.
Although the Dukes lost to the undefeated Eagles during the regular season, Madison quickly took control of the game early on in the finals. With 10 minutes left in the game, Maris was able to secure a box kick for center fullback, Mike DiGennaro, to follow through and fend off two Mary Washington players for a score.
Maris began playing rugby after searching for a competitive fix during his freshman year at JMU. Leading the team as scrumhalf, the position comparable to quarterback in football, Maris is responsible for managing the game and ensuring adequate ball distribution on the field.
Despite his new honor, Maris felt a modest tinge of surprise. “I felt that I had worked hard and played well, but still felt as if there were a few other players equally deserving of the title,” said Maris.
