Kutztown traveled to College Station, Texas with one goal in mind – become 7s National Champions. That possibility was ripped off the table by eventual champ Arkansas State, which beat the Golden Bears 31-12 in the Cup Quarterfinals, forcing them into the Plate bracket.

But Kutztown was able to salvage the weekend, beating Central Washington and Navy to take home some hardware.

“I was so proud of the boys. They showed a lot of heart, losing that game to Central Washington in the group stage and Arkansas State, they’re one of the best teams in the country,” said Kutztown’s Jamie Gregory.

“To come back against Central Washington and beat them, and then Navy, who is a big rival, just showed a lot of heart from the boys.”

The Plate Semifinal win over Central Washington was especially gratifying, as it was the first time in four tries Kutztown was able to top the Wildcats. Central Washington beat them 26-17 in pool play Friday, in the semifinals last year and the final of the 2011 Las Vegas Invitational.

“If anything it was relief so we know we can beat them for the future, and we’re not scared of them at all," said Gregory, "so if we have to play them again in a big game, bring them on.”