Imagine a group of young athletes, fueled by faith and determination, battling against the odds to achieve something extraordinary. That’s exactly what happened when Franciscan University’s rugby team clinched their first-ever National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Division III National Championship. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: this victory wasn’t just about winning a title—it was the culmination of 25 years of hard work, sacrifice, and a mission to excel both on and off the field.
On December 14, in Houston, Texas, the Franciscan Barons faced off against Slippery Rock University in a thrilling championship match, emerging victorious with a score of 29–17. This triumph marked a historic milestone for the program, which had never before claimed a national title. The Barons’ journey to the top was anything but easy. With a stellar 12–2 overall record and an undefeated home slate, they faced—and defeated—the nation’s No. 1-ranked team not once, but twice. Their postseason run was a gauntlet of challenges, but they navigated it with grit and grace.
And this is the part most people miss: Franciscan’s success wasn’t just about physical prowess. Athletics Director Danny Andersen highlighted the team’s character, stating, ‘Our team went toe-to-toe with the finest competition in the country and came out on top. They faced adversity with poise, discipline, and grace, all while representing Franciscan University with honor.’ This championship, he added, is a tribute to the men who built the program over 25 years, blending a passion for rugby with a mission to spread the Gospel through sport.
The Barons’ road to the title began on November 15, when they secured their spot in the NCR Division III Tournament by defeating Susquehanna University. From there, they embarked on a postseason run that included stunning upsets and dominant performances. In the Round of 16, they knocked off top-ranked Virginia Military Institute with a 29–19 victory. They followed this with a commanding 36–10 win over Duke University in the Elite Eight. In the Final Four, they dispatched Holy Cross 44–20, setting the stage for their third and most crucial matchup against Slippery Rock.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Franciscan and Slippery Rock had split their two previous meetings, with the Barons winning 15–7 on October 11 when Slippery Rock was ranked No. 1, but falling 26–20 in the conference championship on November 8. The national title game was their rubber match, and Franciscan delivered a complete performance to secure the win. But was it luck, or was it destiny? Some might argue that their earlier loss to Slippery Rock was a strategic turning point, while others might say it was simply a matter of heart and determination. What do you think?
Junior accounting major Jacob Leerkes, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, was named the tournament’s MVP for his standout play. Sophomore captain Joseph Moleski, a business management major from Carrollton, Texas, reflected on the team’s journey, saying, ‘Playing on the team has meant everything. It took a lot of work and a lot of prayer, but I was surrounded by the tightest-knit group of guys. Seeing the final seconds expire and hearing the whistle—it didn’t feel real. Our whole season came down to that moment, and it was perfect.’
Head coach Jason Adams credited the team’s focus and growth, noting, ‘The boys took it one game at a time. They learned from the Slippery Rock loss earlier in the year and became better finishers with each match. After that loss, they said they wanted Slippery Rock in the finals. That’s when I knew we could catch fire—and glory to God, that’s exactly what happened.’
As the Barons celebrate their historic victory, it’s clear that this championship is more than just a trophy. It’s a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of teamwork. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport as physically demanding as rugby, how much does spiritual and emotional strength contribute to success? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
To relive the moment, check out this photo of the team celebrating their victory: https://flic.kr/p/2rLZst4. And if you’re curious to learn more about Franciscan University’s rugby program, Division III athletics, or other sports offerings, visit franciscanathletics.com.
