February 7, 2025

Two NMT Rugby Players Compete in All-Stars Tournament

Master’s civil engineering student Nicholas Hutt and sophomore environmental engineering student Akong Chungong traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15 to join the National Collegiate Rugby Pacific Coast Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, a team composed of players from across the western United States—from Division III to Division I—spent the weekend competing against seven other regional teams.

Hutt and Chungong played at inside center and wing, respectively. Chungong made a notable impact by scoring a try in the Grizzlies' second match against the Independent Reds, while both players impressed with their unselfish support play. Hutt, a native of Corrales, NM, demonstrated his defensive prowess by preventing an almost certain try (touchdown) in the team’s final match. Both players credited NMT head coach Jason Oliphant for instilling the philosophy that “a team of stars won’t go anywhere. The best players instead help their teammates shine.”

While the Grizzlies faced tough competition, sharing a pool with both of the tournament’s eventual finalists, Hutt and Chungong described the experience as invaluable. Despite the team finishing with a 1-4 record, both players progressed from being fringe members to taking on leadership roles and becoming starters. Their coaches praised their performance, stating they “delivered more than expected.” For Chungong, a Cameroonian and Rio Rancho High School graduate, this tournament was a hopeful step toward catching the attention of USA Rugby talent scouts.

Beyond the competition, the tournament also fostered camaraderie—one of rugby’s core values. Many of Hutt and Chungong’s new teammates were former opponents, including players from NMT’s longtime rival, the Colorado School of Mines. Yet, as is often the case in rugby, on-field rivalries quickly turned into friendships. “If I called up half of those guys tomorrow needing help,” Chungong reflected, “they’d be there for me.”

In addition to their athletic achievements, Hutt and Chungong have been recognized by National Collegiate Rugby for their academic excellence. Both were named Scholastic All-Americans, an honor requiring a minimum 3.5 GPA and participation in at least 50% of their team’s matches.

Looking ahead, the New Mexico Tech Men’s Rugby team will focus on the seven-a-side version of the sport for the spring season, with the goal of earning a spot in the national championship, scheduled for April 25-27 in Boyds, Maryland.