In the news
BGSU News · Michael Bratton · November 22, 2024
The 34-33 comeback over two-time defending champion Louisville gave BGSU its 42nd MAC title, an unbeaten conference season, and a 17th straight trip to the national playoffs, starting with a home quarterfinal against Clemson.
Read at BGSU NewsBG Independent News · David Dupont · May 6, 2023
The field was officially dedicated as Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field in a ceremony led by the BGSU Rugby Alumni Association, which raised the funds for the naming. State Sen. Theresa Gavarone read an Ohio Senate proclamation, and speakers recalled Mazzarella's 1,285-216-47 record and the club's founders, including Roger Holliday.
Read at BG Independent NewsBGSU News · Pete Fairbairn · November 10, 2021
BGSU marked 40 consecutive Mid-American Rugby Conference titles, a run that began in 1982 under coach Bill Cotton with Roger Mazzarella as captain. The story tallies 104 straight winning seasons, 19 National Collegiate Championship appearances, nine All-Americans, and an all-time record of 2,587-412-88.
Read at BGSU NewsSentinel-Tribune · Bradley Sexton · December 14, 2025
BGSU led 15-14 late before Tennessee scored the winning try in the final two minutes. Phillip Tracy scored twice and Joey Apel added a conversion and a penalty. It was the Falcons' fifth national championship game in ten years.
Read at Sentinel-TribuneSentinel-Tribune · December 12, 2025
No. 7 BGSU (10-3) reached its second straight national final after wins over Babson (55-3), Virginia Tech (71-24), and Louisville (26-21), setting up a rematch of the 2021 final against unbeaten No. 1 Tennessee in Houston.
Read at Sentinel-TribuneGoff Rugby Report · Alex Goff · December 7, 2025
After losing to Louisville twice in the regular season, BGSU beat the Cardinals 26-21 in the national semifinal when flanker Harvey Harris scored in sudden-death overtime. Zach Szepiela, Evan Holderer, and Phil Tracey scored tries and Joey Apel kicked penalties.
Read at Goff Rugby ReportNational Collegiate Rugby · December 14, 2024
BGSU finished as national runner-up after falling 57-12 to Kentucky at SaberCats Stadium in Houston. Nico LaBianca scored one of the Falcons' two late tries.
Read at National Collegiate RugbyBGSU Athletics · December 12, 2024
BGSU Athletics previews the Falcons' trip to the Division I-AA national championship game, a No. 2 vs. No. 1 matchup with Kentucky.
Read at BGSU AthleticsGoff Rugby Report · Alex Goff · November 18, 2024
Down 28-8 to Louisville in the MAC final at Mazzarella Field, Bowling Green stormed back and won 34-33 when prop Vinnie Pfahl scored as time expired. Colton Crabiel, Phil Tracey (two), and Evan Holderer also scored tries, with Joey Apel converting three.
Read at Goff Rugby ReportSentinel-Tribune · Fitzpatrick Jerdon Metzger · October 5, 2024
At Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field, BGSU scored 79 unanswered points after Maryland's opening penalty to beat the No. 16 Terrapins and climb to No. 3 in the national coaches poll. Joey Apel led with 14 points; Griffin Wilson and Phil Tracey added 10 each.
Read at Sentinel-TribuneSentinel-Tribune · J. Patrick Eaken · June 1, 2023
A profile of Roger Mazzarella: freshman player in 1968, 35 years teaching seventh-grade science at BG Junior High, head coach from 1985 to 2008 (reaching the national final in his first season), and then Director of Rugby Operations and recruiter through the 2018 national title.
Read at Sentinel-TribuneSentinel-Tribune · J. Patrick Eaken · June 1, 2023
A history of the club from its 1968 founding: early coach Tom Haigh (who started the Poe Ditch Officers alumni group and the MAC tournament), New Zealander Bill Cotton, and the Roger and Tony Mazzarella eras — plus tours to England, Italy, South Africa, and Ireland, nine All-Americans, and five U.S. Eagles.
Read at Sentinel-TribuneGoff Rugby Report · GRR Staff · April 28, 2023
National rugby coverage of the field renaming, recapping Mazzarella's path from 1968 freshman to player, head coach (1985-2008), and Director of Rugby Operations. Alumnus Kurt Weaver: he has spent six decades making BGSU Rugby one of the premier clubs in the country.
Read at Goff Rugby ReportBG Independent News · David Dupont · April 26, 2023
College Park Rugby Field would become Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field, with a renaming ceremony on May 6 — declared Roger Mazzarella Day by Bowling Green Mayor Michael Aspacher — followed by the annual alumni game and cookout and an evening gala at Olscamp Hall.
Read at BG Independent NewsBGSU News · December 2, 2018
In the club's 50th anniversary season, BGSU beat St. Joseph's University 26-7 in Charlotte, N.C., to win the fall 2018 Division I-AA national championship — the program's first national title. Tries from Sam Ciancutti, Ryan Steinmetz (on an interception), Phil Bryant, and Zachary Miller built a 26-0 lead, with Chris Labadie adding conversions.
Read at BGSU NewsBGSU News · Emily Helm · May 2016
After winning the MAC Sevens title in April with wins over Dayton, Cincinnati, and Miami at the College Park pitch, the Falcons headed to the National Sevens Championship in Cary, N.C., over Memorial Day weekend. Coach Tony Mazzarella, captain Nick Ross, and center Adam Regini talk about bouncing back from early-season losses.
Read at BGSU NewsPress stories are summarized by the BG Rugby Alumni Association and link to the original publications. Seen a story we're missing? Send it to info@bgraa.org.
