Norwich Men’s Rugby Advances to NCR Division II Sweet 16, Faces Scranton University
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The #3M Norwich University men’s rugby team will compete in the National collegiate Rugby (NCR) Men’s Division II Sweet 16 this weekend, taking on Scranton university, the #2 seed from the Midwest Region and 2025 Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC) Champion. This marks the Cadets’ fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance.
Norwich’s leadership includes team captains Aedan Kerr (Hillside, N.J.) and Jeff Pappalardo (Boxford, Mass.), alongside four-year seniors Dumisani Janda (Harare, Zimbabwe) and Sonny Mammaro (Asbury, N.J.).
Scranton enters the match on a six-match winning streak, following a 23-20 victory over Salisbury in the MARC title match. Freshman ryan Wimmer was named MVP of the MARC playoffs.
“Coach Manhey and I are proud of how this young team has battled to get to this stage,” said Norwich Head Coach Kirk Weggler. “We all are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead in Columbus, Ohio.” Assistant Coach austin Manhey echoed the sentiment.
The Midwest Region bracket also includes top-seeded Northern Iowa and #4 Grand Valley State. Other regional brackets feature the West Region (Chicago, Colorado Mesa, Loyola-Chicago, Benedictine), the East Region (Vermont, IUP, Cornell, Villanova), and the South Region (UNC-Wilmington, Coastal Carolina, Memphis, Salisbury).
The four regional winners will advance to the CRC Division II final Four, hosted Dec. 12 in houston, Texas.
Norwich reached the Final Four last year, defeating Villanova and Georgetown before a double-overtime semifinal loss to IUP.The Cadets finished third nationally after defeating Towson.This year’s team blends experienced players wiht new additions,maintaining a defence-first identity throughout the fall campaign. Norwich has secured nine consecutive postseason berths.
