By: Jackson Vukman
The Robert Morris University rugby team delivered a statement performance in the NCR Challenge Cup regional final, also known as the Steel Belt Bowl, defeating Le Moyne University 49–12 to bring a historic fall season to a triumphant close. Le Moyne reached the final by winning the Lake Effect region and defeating DeSalle University, the Mid-Atlantic champion. Still, RMU proved to be a step ahead from the opening whistle.
RMU entered the Steel Belt Bowl riding the momentum of a 10–1 fall campaign that included capturing the ARU Division IV Championship. That success propelled the Colonials into the NCR Regional Championship, where they showcased their depth, discipline, and physicality on both sides of the ball.
The team was led by junior captain #8 Nick Chromy and senior fly half Matt Bennett, whose leadership and composure were evident throughout the match and across the entire season. However, the standout performance of the championship game belonged to Samy Bayer, who was named Player of the Match. Bayer anchored the defense, making relentless tackles and applying constant pressure to Le Moyne's back line. His impact extended to offense as well, when he hauled in a perfectly placed kick pass from Bennett and crossed the try line in a highlight-reel moment.
RMU's scoring in the Steel Belt Bowl came from a full-team effort, with tries from Xavier Moyer, Morris Corbitt, Aiden Mazeruku (2), Levi Smith, Nick Chromy, KJ, Samy Bayer, and Blake Hodak, while Jack Steiner added two conversions.
Beyond the final score, the season itself marked a milestone for the program. The Colonials put together the longest season in the club's 23-year history, beginning on August 16 and finishing on November 22. Along the way, they completed 14 weeks of training, 47 practices, one scrimmage, and 11 games, all while building a competitive culture that defined their run.
Before the season began, the team established four clear goals:
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Win two out of three matches against WVU (D2), Kent State (D2), and D3 rival Franciscan — RMU's only loss came to Franciscan, but a pivotal, hard-fought victory over Kent State became the moment the team truly began to believe in itself.
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Finish undefeated in league play — achieved with a 4–0 record.
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Win the ARU Championship — achieved.
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Win the Steel Belt Bowl — achieved.
By the end of the fall, the roster grew to 25 players, the largest the program has had since 2019. While RMU will graduate two seniors and four-year contributors in Matt Bennett and Blake Hodak, the foundation for the future is firmly set.
As RMU looks ahead to spring training and a return to Division III competition next fall, the goal is simple: continue building and re-establish the program as a consistent threat.
The team extends its sincere thanks to parents, alumni, friends, and especially the many alumni parents who returned to support the program long after their sons had graduated. Their presence helped make the season even more special.
Congratulations to the Colonials on a championship season to remember.
— Coaches Shawn Crago, Shawn Colondanato, and Noah Terry
