Masters civil engineering student Nicholas Hutt and Sophomore environmental engineer Akong Chungong flew to Atlanta Georgia on January 15th to join the National Collegiate Rugby Pacific Coast Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are made up of players from across the western United States, from Division III to Division I. And they spent the weekend facing off against seven other representative regional teams.

Hutt and Chungong slotted in at inside center and wing, respectively. The latter scored a try in the Grizzlies second match against the Independent Reds, while both impressed with their unselfish support play. Hutt, a native of Corrales, NM, showed his defensive smarts in stopping an almost certain try in the team’s final match. The pair credited NMT head coach Jason Oliphant, who taught them that “A team of stars won’t go anywhere. The best players instead help their teammates shine.”

Unfortunately, the Grizzlies didn’t exactly shine when it came to the scoreboard. They shared a pool with both of the tournament’s eventual finalists, finishing with a 1-4 record. Most of the matches, however, were tightly contested, with the teams often separated by less than a converted try at the whistle. 

In any event, Hutt and Chungong described the tournament as “an amazing experience.” Both started on the fringes, only to eventually take on leadership roles within the squad and become starters. According to the team’s coaches, they “delivered more than expected.” It is a hopeful sign for Cameroonian and Rio Rancho High School graduate Chungong, who is looking to get noticed by USA Rugby talent identifiers.

Yet, the sport of rugby has never just been about athletic competition but also camaraderie. Many of Hutt and Chungong’s new teammates were former opponents, including players from NMT’s archrival Colorado School of Mines. Chungong learned upon arrival, much to his displeasure, that he'd be sharing a bed with the Oredigger's massive number 15. The fullback tried to provoke Chungong at November's regional championship, with taunts and references to him being a "a little boy." On-the-field insults and resentments, however, were soon forgotten, and new friendships developed. “If I called up half of those guys tomorrow needing help,” remarks Chungong, “they’d be there for me.”

The two players have also been recognized by National Collegiate Rugby for their academic achievements. They are among several Tech rugby players who were listed as Scholastic All Americans. The designation requires a 3.5 GPA and that players play in at least 50 percent of their team’s matches.

In the spring season, New Mexico Tech Men’s Rugby will focus on the seven man-version of the sport, aiming for a spot in the national championship scheduled for April 25-27 in Boyds, Maryland.