When the USA Collegiate Rugby Championship kicks off next weekend in Philadelphia, it will be another reason to lace up the boots and get on the pitch. From Central Washington to Navy, some of the best collegiate rugby talent will get a chance at stardom.

“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling,” Central Washington player Kellen Gordon said. “To know that we will be on national television and representing our team and school is unbelievable; we can’t wait to get there.” For Central, the road to Philadelphia has been an exciting one. Having played seven games in two days and going undefeated in the 7’s Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) in Las Vegas. “Vegas was an incredible journey for our squad,” Gordon said. “It taught us a lot about our strength and resilience as a team.”

Now it’s time to put the Cinderella story to rest and concentrate on the road ahead. And it’s a daunting one for the Wildcats. “We aren’t taking any game for granted because we know the field is tough,” Gordon said.” “We have to continue to play our system because that is what has gotten us here.”