Army West Point Athletics
Saturday, October 17
New Rochelle, NY
3 PM
Army West Point
at
Iona
Fourth-Ranked Men’s Rugby Heads to Iona
October 16, 2015 | Men's Rugby
WEST POINT, N.Y. – The fourth-ranked Army West Point men's rugby team will look to remain perfect on Saturday when it travels to New Rochelle, N.Y., for an afternoon matchup with Iona.
The Black Knights (5-0) are set to kick off with the Gales (3-2) at 3 p.m.
HOW TO FOLLOW
As always, fan can visit www.GoArmyWestPoint.com for up-to-date information and follow the Black Knights on Twitter @ArmyWP_MRugby and Instagram @armywprugby.
THE GAME
No. 4 Army will hit the road for a 3 p.m. meeting with the Gales of Iona, competing in the third of five straight road contests to conclude the season. The Black Knights boast a record of 5-0, sitting atop the Rugby East with 25 points. Army is coming off of a 63-13 blowout of West Virginia last weekend.
Iona enters the contest with a mark of 3-2, having fallen last weekend to No. 7 Kutztown. Iona has earned three wins in the Rugby East, dropping contests to top-10 opponents Kutztown and Wheeling Jesuit.
"We rate Iona as a good team," said head coach Matt Sherman. "I think, first and foremost, they've been improving steadily for the last couple of years and are a threat to beat anyone on any day. I think that they are hardworking and scrappy, very tenacious and they're really trying to put pressure on the opposition, especially on the defensive side. We'll need to do well to handle that pressure."
NATIONAL RANKINGS
With the team's impressive road victory over national powerhouse Penn State, the Black Knights moved to No. 4 in the Canterbury D1A Top 20 National Poll on Oct. 6. Army spent a considerable amount of time as the nation's fifth-ranked team, opening the season in the spot and holding it until the jump to No. 4.
The Cadets have reached as high as the third spot, a position they held from Oct. 30, 2014-March 19 2015.
The D1A Top 20 Poll determines the 12 teams who advance into postseason play in the spring to play for a national championship. The Rugby East is well-represented among the nation's top squads, boasting four of the top-20 programs. Army leads the way in the fourth spot, followed by Kutztown at No. 7, Penn State at No. 8 and Wheeling Jesuit at No. 10.
ARMY'S LAST TIME OUT
Traveling a modified roster in order to give the A-side some rest for the final push of the season, the Black Knights earned a 63-13 victory over Rugby East newcomer West Virginia.
Eight different Cadets found the try zone on the afternoon as the team improved to 5-0 on the season.
"I think, as a team, it was nice to see guys get an opportunity that they earned and make the most of it," said head coach Matt Sherman. "I think that builds confidence in the depth of our squad and it also creates more competition within our team, which is going to help us get to another level."
Army got the jump early, as Andrew Borer scored in the seventh minute. Thomas Del Pino converted the kick and the Black Knights took the 7-0 lead. Del Pino would score a try of his own in the 20th minute to put the Cadets up 12-0.
Just four minutes later, Jack Ireland dotted down to put the game at 17-0 in favor of the Black Knights.
Captain Donny Goff found the try zone in the 32nd minute as Del Pino added his second conversion of the afternoon. West Virginia would score its first points of the game in the 36th minute, and freshman Torran Raby answered just two minutes later to send Army into the break with the 29-7 advantage.
Goff started the scoring for the Black Knights in the second half, recording his third try of the season and second of the game in the 43rd minute. Vice-captain Jacob Banarhall dotted down in the 54th minute as Del Pino converted both kicks.
"With a new blend of players taking the field, it was important that our captains and all of our senior players to look for leadership moments," said Sherman. "I think that Donny, Jake and other embraced the responsibility and helped steer the ship forward today."
West Virginia kicked for points in the 62nd minute to put the Army lead at 43-10.
Dom Mori found the try zone for his first of the season in the 64th minute, and the Mountaineers would again record a penalty just five minutes later, putting the Black Knights' lead at 48-13. Those would be the final points of the afternoon for the Mountaineers as Army closed out the game with 15 unanswered.
Ireland, Connor Parker and Del Pino scored in the 73rd, 75th and 77th minutes as Army earned the 63-13 victory.
"It is important for us to develop depth as a team for multiple reasons," said Sherman. "Fortunately for us, we have multiple guys deserving of opportunities through their level of commitment and play. It was great to see some new guys make the most of that opportunity today and push our depth and standard higher."
IONA'S LAST TIME OUT
The Gales are coming off of a heartbreaking 33-24 defeat at the hands of seventh-ranked Kutztown on Sunday afternoon. Iona held the Golden Bears to a 21-12 lead at halftime, but saw the game run away in the final 40 minutes.
The two teams traded tries in the opening minutes of the second half, but Kutztown jumped out to the 33-19 lead. Iona snuck in a score as time ticked off the clock to cut the lead to a manageable nine points, but was unable to find the try zone again before the final whistle.
ARMY WHO TO WATCH: SEAN BERRY
Head Coach Matt Sherman turns his attention to Sean Berry this weekend, as the junior will make his second consecutive start in the lock position.
"I thought Sean had his best game of the year last week against West Virginia," said head coach Matt Sherman. "It was his first starting opportunity and he really made the most of it. What stood out the most was his physicality in the breakdown and his work rate. He was really active, hit a lot of rucks and was really productive when he was there."
RUGBY EAST STANDINGS
Through five weeks of competition, the Black Knights are atop the Rugby East standings, boasting a record of 5-0 and earning 25 points.
Penn State checks in with 20 points and a record of 4-1, followed by Kutztown, who enters the weekend as the other undefeated team with a mark of 3-0. Iona drops to 3-2 on the season, while Wheeling Jesuit rounds out the middle of the pack with a mark of 2-2.
At the bottom sits West Virginia (0-3), Buffalo (0-4) and St. Bonaventure (0-5).
RUGBY EAST DOMINANCE
The Black Knights have been a formidable foe in the Rugby East, capturing the title in 2014 and earning a perfect 11-0 conference record since the start of the 2014-15 season.
In the last 11 Rugby East contests, the Black Knights have outscored opponents by an average of 42.6-18.1. Army has held five opponents to 15 points or less, including both shutouts to open the season.
The 2015-16 squad features five of the eight All-Rugby East honorees from 2014-15. Andrew Fargo, Thomas Del Pino and David Huff landed on the first team, while vice-captain Jacob Banarhall earned second-team recognition and Peter Basnight garnered honorable mention honors.
GOFF NAMED RUGBY EAST PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Four Rugby East victories to open the season have earned the Army West Point men's rugby team national attention, as captain Donny Goff has been the leader on and off the pitch for the fourth-ranked Black Knights. For his guidance and impact on the pitch, Goff was named the Rugby East Player of the month on Oct. 2.
"I couldn't do anything without my team," Goff said, "my Brother to my left and my Brother to my right. As a group we fight for 80 minutes and never give up. Each and every guy on the pitch has contributed to our success so far this season and we'll continue to get better every day."
As the team's captain, Goff provides the vocal leadership for the Black Knights, backing up his words with hard-work and tough play. He scored a try in the team's 48-0 blanking of Buffalo to start off the season.
"Donny is a leader in every aspect of his life," said head coach Matt Sherman. "He constantly strives to achieve his best and improves his standard in everything he does. It's no different on the rugby field where he works hard to get the most of himself and the team."
Army opened the year with back-to-back dominant performances, claiming a pair of shutout wins over Buffalo and St. Bonaventure. The Black Knights were faced with a bit of adversity in a highly penalized Wheeling Jesuit match but were able to come away with the 35-23 win to remain unbeaten on the season. At eighth-ranked Penn State, Goff captained a team that earned a hard-fought 46-36 victory on the road.
A consummate professional, Goff credits his teammates with much of his success. Joined by vice-captain Jacob Banarhall, 15 different Black Knights have found their way to the score sheet in just four contests. Army is averaging 46 points per game, surrendering just 14.75.
HUFF EARNS AAA HONORS
Scoring two tries in the second half to lead the Army to a 46-36 victory over eighth-ranked Penn State has earned yearling David Huff the title of Army Athletic Association Athlete of the Week.
This is the first Athlete of the Week honor for Huff who has amassed a team-leading 18 tries since the group joined the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014.
In the 69th minute of action, with Penn State attempting to mount a comeback and the Army lead at just 10, Huff scored his first of the evening with a burst of speed down the far side of the field.
He would find the try zone again in the 77th minute, dotting down to put the game out of reach for the Nittany Lions.
On the year, Huff has posted three tries in three matches, earning his first of the season in the 35-23 win over Wheeling Jesuit before his two-score performance at Penn State. His 18 tries since the start of the 2014-15 season account for 11 percent of the team's total offense
ARMY IN THE PRESS
The men's and women's rugby teams were featured in a piece written by Martin Pengelly of the Guardian US, documenting the history of the program since it made a tour of the UK in 2002.
The story connects the audience with the Class of 2002, the first to graduate from West Point in a time of war since the Vietnam era. It also tells the story of the three 2002 graduates who have lost their lives in the time since leaving the Academy.
To read the piece, view the features section on www.GoArmyWestPoint.com through the men's rugby page.
ARMY RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND
With the addition of New Zealander Marty Veale to the coaching staff, the Army team has been gaining popularity in the country. Recently, New Zealand TV program Q&A visited the Black Knights during practice to film a feature, featuring Veale, head coach Matt Sherman, captain Donny Goff, vice-captain Jacob Banarhall and firstie Jack Ireland.
To view the footage, visit http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/military-academy-incorporates-rugby-video-6400118.
SHERMAN ERA
The 2015-16 season ushers in a new chapter for the Black Knights as it officially kicks off the Matt Sherman era. The former All-American and national team member's hiring was announced on Aug. 11 by Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. Sherman joins the Black Knights staff after a five-year tenure as the Director of Rugby at Stanford. With his hiring, he becomes the first full-time coach in Army West Point men's rugby history, filling the void after Mike Mahan announced his retirement in May. The men's rugby program joined the Army Athletic Association in August 2014.
"I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Army West Point men's rugby program," stated Sherman. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join one of the great institutions of leadership, dedicated to service of our country, as well as a rugby program with a distinguished tradition and history. I am proud to become your head coach and excited to get to work on the challenges ahead."
Since 2011, Sherman has led all rugby efforts at Stanford, including coaching, staffing, recruiting, administration and scheduling for both the men's and women's programs. Under his tutelage, the men's team reached the national quarterfinals twice and the women's program advanced to the national final four three times. In addition, he helped the rugby programs fundraise more than $1 million and increased admitted recruits from zero to seven.
While leading the Cardinal program, Sherman also served as the Men's College All-Americans Head Coach from 2012-2014. In both of his years with the team, he earned a winning record and more than 50 percent of his athletes moved on to play for the senior men's national team.
From 2009-11, Sherman worked with the U.S. Men's National Team as an assistant coach, working with the back line. His squad produced a victory over Russia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Sherman is joined at West Point by his wife, Kristen, daughter, Piper (infant), and dog, Cooper.
FARGO NAMED D1A NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Following a two-score performance in the season-opener against Buffalo, Andrew Fargo earned the distinction as the D1A National Player of the week on Sept. 17. He ranks second amongst the Black Knights with four tries on the season, earning a pair of scores against Buffalo and St. Bonaventure.
Last season, the Del Mar, Calif., native was named to the All-Rugby East first team squad, garnered All-American Collegiate Rugby Conference first team recognition, was selected to play for the All-Army team at the Las Vegas 7s 2015 Men's ACR Tournament, was named the AAA Athlete of the Week once during the spring and scored a try against Davenport, which earned AAA Play of the Week. He's recorded 14 career tries since joining the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014.
RUGBY EAST EXPANSION
Rugby East teams will gain a new rival this season as the Mountaineers of West Virginia join the conference. The Mountaineers posted a successful 2014-15 season, capturing the Keystone Conference title in 15s action and qualifying for the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships.
Army met with the Mountaineers for the first time on Oct. 10, claiming a 63-13 victory from Morgantown, W.Va.
So far this season, West Virginia is 0-3, having fallen to three of the top teams in Penn State, Iona and Army.
MEET YOUR CAPTAINS
The 2015-16 squad will be captained by senior Donny Goff, with Jacob Banarhall serving as the vice-captain.
Goff, a prop from Framingham, Mass., was not active on the fall 2014 roster due to injury. He rejoined the team in the spring, recording a score in Army's 37-0 victory over Seton Hall at the Four Leafs Tournament and earning the start in the team's meetings with UMass, Navy, St. Mary's and Davenport. He opened the 2015-16 season with a try against Buffalo, scoring in the 10th minute of action.
A native of Auburn, N.H., Banarhall earned the start in each of the team's nine fall contests. He recorded two scores in the fall, posting tries against Iona and Buffalo. During the spring, he tied for second on the team with five tries, earning two scores against Stony Brook in the title game of the Four Leafs Tournament. He led a second-half comeback in the match with Navy, scoring three times, including the game-tying score and go ahead marks. He was named to the All-Rugby East second team in the fall and posted his first try of the 2015-16 season at Penn State in the 46-36 victory.
CADET CHAIN OF COMMAND
Three members of the men's rugby team have been elected into positions of leadership in the cadet chain of command, representing the largest contingent of any corps squad team at the Academy. Andrew Borer leads the way as the 4th Regimental Commander, while Cameron Hargis earns the title of 1st Regimental Command Sergeant Major and Donny Goff serves as the 3rd Regimental Command Sergeant Major.
CLASS RINGS
The Class of 2016 received their class rings in a ceremony held at Trophy Point on Aug. 28, 2015. A time-honored West Point tradition, the Class of 2016's rings contain gold from 356 West Point graduates donated to the West Point Association of Graduates in addition to steel melted down from the World Trade Center.
FARGO TRAVELS TO NEW ZEALAND
Cow Andrew Fargo closed out his summer training at the Crusaders International High Performance Unit on the South Island of New Zealand, working alongside many international players.
Fargo, who led the Black Knights' spring 15s squad with six tries, had a spectacular sophomore campaign, earning All-Rugby East first team honors in the fall. He was tabbed the Army Athletic Association Athlete of the week following his performance in the win over UMass and his impressive score against Davenport earned him the Army Athletic Association Play of the Week. He recorded two tries in the season-opener against Buffalo and another pair in the win over St. Bonaventure.
Documenting his excursion, Fargo kept a blog of his experiences in the hot bed of international rugby. Visit www.GoArmyWestPoint.com for more information.
UP NEXT
Army will face arguably its toughest test of the season next weekend when it travels to Kutztown, Pa., for a battle with the seventh-ranked Golden Bears. Kutztown entered the season as the favorites in the Rugby East and joins Army as the only other unblemished team in conference play.
Last season, Army battled to a 34-30 victory over the Bears from Anderson Rugby Complex, thrilling a wild home crowd. A try from 2014-15 team captain Collum Magee in the 76th minute lifted the Black Knights to victory as the then sixth-ranked Cadets upset the third-ranked Golden Bears.
Kickoff between Army and Kutztown is slated for 1 p.m.
The Black Knights (5-0) are set to kick off with the Gales (3-2) at 3 p.m.
HOW TO FOLLOW
As always, fan can visit www.GoArmyWestPoint.com for up-to-date information and follow the Black Knights on Twitter @ArmyWP_MRugby and Instagram @armywprugby.
THE GAME
No. 4 Army will hit the road for a 3 p.m. meeting with the Gales of Iona, competing in the third of five straight road contests to conclude the season. The Black Knights boast a record of 5-0, sitting atop the Rugby East with 25 points. Army is coming off of a 63-13 blowout of West Virginia last weekend.
Iona enters the contest with a mark of 3-2, having fallen last weekend to No. 7 Kutztown. Iona has earned three wins in the Rugby East, dropping contests to top-10 opponents Kutztown and Wheeling Jesuit.
"We rate Iona as a good team," said head coach Matt Sherman. "I think, first and foremost, they've been improving steadily for the last couple of years and are a threat to beat anyone on any day. I think that they are hardworking and scrappy, very tenacious and they're really trying to put pressure on the opposition, especially on the defensive side. We'll need to do well to handle that pressure."
NATIONAL RANKINGS
With the team's impressive road victory over national powerhouse Penn State, the Black Knights moved to No. 4 in the Canterbury D1A Top 20 National Poll on Oct. 6. Army spent a considerable amount of time as the nation's fifth-ranked team, opening the season in the spot and holding it until the jump to No. 4.
The Cadets have reached as high as the third spot, a position they held from Oct. 30, 2014-March 19 2015.
The D1A Top 20 Poll determines the 12 teams who advance into postseason play in the spring to play for a national championship. The Rugby East is well-represented among the nation's top squads, boasting four of the top-20 programs. Army leads the way in the fourth spot, followed by Kutztown at No. 7, Penn State at No. 8 and Wheeling Jesuit at No. 10.
ARMY'S LAST TIME OUT
Traveling a modified roster in order to give the A-side some rest for the final push of the season, the Black Knights earned a 63-13 victory over Rugby East newcomer West Virginia.
Eight different Cadets found the try zone on the afternoon as the team improved to 5-0 on the season.
"I think, as a team, it was nice to see guys get an opportunity that they earned and make the most of it," said head coach Matt Sherman. "I think that builds confidence in the depth of our squad and it also creates more competition within our team, which is going to help us get to another level."
Army got the jump early, as Andrew Borer scored in the seventh minute. Thomas Del Pino converted the kick and the Black Knights took the 7-0 lead. Del Pino would score a try of his own in the 20th minute to put the Cadets up 12-0.
Just four minutes later, Jack Ireland dotted down to put the game at 17-0 in favor of the Black Knights.
Captain Donny Goff found the try zone in the 32nd minute as Del Pino added his second conversion of the afternoon. West Virginia would score its first points of the game in the 36th minute, and freshman Torran Raby answered just two minutes later to send Army into the break with the 29-7 advantage.
Goff started the scoring for the Black Knights in the second half, recording his third try of the season and second of the game in the 43rd minute. Vice-captain Jacob Banarhall dotted down in the 54th minute as Del Pino converted both kicks.
"With a new blend of players taking the field, it was important that our captains and all of our senior players to look for leadership moments," said Sherman. "I think that Donny, Jake and other embraced the responsibility and helped steer the ship forward today."
West Virginia kicked for points in the 62nd minute to put the Army lead at 43-10.
Dom Mori found the try zone for his first of the season in the 64th minute, and the Mountaineers would again record a penalty just five minutes later, putting the Black Knights' lead at 48-13. Those would be the final points of the afternoon for the Mountaineers as Army closed out the game with 15 unanswered.
Ireland, Connor Parker and Del Pino scored in the 73rd, 75th and 77th minutes as Army earned the 63-13 victory.
"It is important for us to develop depth as a team for multiple reasons," said Sherman. "Fortunately for us, we have multiple guys deserving of opportunities through their level of commitment and play. It was great to see some new guys make the most of that opportunity today and push our depth and standard higher."
IONA'S LAST TIME OUT
The Gales are coming off of a heartbreaking 33-24 defeat at the hands of seventh-ranked Kutztown on Sunday afternoon. Iona held the Golden Bears to a 21-12 lead at halftime, but saw the game run away in the final 40 minutes.
The two teams traded tries in the opening minutes of the second half, but Kutztown jumped out to the 33-19 lead. Iona snuck in a score as time ticked off the clock to cut the lead to a manageable nine points, but was unable to find the try zone again before the final whistle.
ARMY WHO TO WATCH: SEAN BERRY
Head Coach Matt Sherman turns his attention to Sean Berry this weekend, as the junior will make his second consecutive start in the lock position.
"I thought Sean had his best game of the year last week against West Virginia," said head coach Matt Sherman. "It was his first starting opportunity and he really made the most of it. What stood out the most was his physicality in the breakdown and his work rate. He was really active, hit a lot of rucks and was really productive when he was there."
RUGBY EAST STANDINGS
Through five weeks of competition, the Black Knights are atop the Rugby East standings, boasting a record of 5-0 and earning 25 points.
Penn State checks in with 20 points and a record of 4-1, followed by Kutztown, who enters the weekend as the other undefeated team with a mark of 3-0. Iona drops to 3-2 on the season, while Wheeling Jesuit rounds out the middle of the pack with a mark of 2-2.
At the bottom sits West Virginia (0-3), Buffalo (0-4) and St. Bonaventure (0-5).
RUGBY EAST DOMINANCE
The Black Knights have been a formidable foe in the Rugby East, capturing the title in 2014 and earning a perfect 11-0 conference record since the start of the 2014-15 season.
In the last 11 Rugby East contests, the Black Knights have outscored opponents by an average of 42.6-18.1. Army has held five opponents to 15 points or less, including both shutouts to open the season.
The 2015-16 squad features five of the eight All-Rugby East honorees from 2014-15. Andrew Fargo, Thomas Del Pino and David Huff landed on the first team, while vice-captain Jacob Banarhall earned second-team recognition and Peter Basnight garnered honorable mention honors.
GOFF NAMED RUGBY EAST PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Four Rugby East victories to open the season have earned the Army West Point men's rugby team national attention, as captain Donny Goff has been the leader on and off the pitch for the fourth-ranked Black Knights. For his guidance and impact on the pitch, Goff was named the Rugby East Player of the month on Oct. 2.
"I couldn't do anything without my team," Goff said, "my Brother to my left and my Brother to my right. As a group we fight for 80 minutes and never give up. Each and every guy on the pitch has contributed to our success so far this season and we'll continue to get better every day."
As the team's captain, Goff provides the vocal leadership for the Black Knights, backing up his words with hard-work and tough play. He scored a try in the team's 48-0 blanking of Buffalo to start off the season.
"Donny is a leader in every aspect of his life," said head coach Matt Sherman. "He constantly strives to achieve his best and improves his standard in everything he does. It's no different on the rugby field where he works hard to get the most of himself and the team."
Army opened the year with back-to-back dominant performances, claiming a pair of shutout wins over Buffalo and St. Bonaventure. The Black Knights were faced with a bit of adversity in a highly penalized Wheeling Jesuit match but were able to come away with the 35-23 win to remain unbeaten on the season. At eighth-ranked Penn State, Goff captained a team that earned a hard-fought 46-36 victory on the road.
A consummate professional, Goff credits his teammates with much of his success. Joined by vice-captain Jacob Banarhall, 15 different Black Knights have found their way to the score sheet in just four contests. Army is averaging 46 points per game, surrendering just 14.75.
HUFF EARNS AAA HONORS
Scoring two tries in the second half to lead the Army to a 46-36 victory over eighth-ranked Penn State has earned yearling David Huff the title of Army Athletic Association Athlete of the Week.
This is the first Athlete of the Week honor for Huff who has amassed a team-leading 18 tries since the group joined the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014.
In the 69th minute of action, with Penn State attempting to mount a comeback and the Army lead at just 10, Huff scored his first of the evening with a burst of speed down the far side of the field.
He would find the try zone again in the 77th minute, dotting down to put the game out of reach for the Nittany Lions.
On the year, Huff has posted three tries in three matches, earning his first of the season in the 35-23 win over Wheeling Jesuit before his two-score performance at Penn State. His 18 tries since the start of the 2014-15 season account for 11 percent of the team's total offense
ARMY IN THE PRESS
The men's and women's rugby teams were featured in a piece written by Martin Pengelly of the Guardian US, documenting the history of the program since it made a tour of the UK in 2002.
The story connects the audience with the Class of 2002, the first to graduate from West Point in a time of war since the Vietnam era. It also tells the story of the three 2002 graduates who have lost their lives in the time since leaving the Academy.
To read the piece, view the features section on www.GoArmyWestPoint.com through the men's rugby page.
ARMY RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND
With the addition of New Zealander Marty Veale to the coaching staff, the Army team has been gaining popularity in the country. Recently, New Zealand TV program Q&A visited the Black Knights during practice to film a feature, featuring Veale, head coach Matt Sherman, captain Donny Goff, vice-captain Jacob Banarhall and firstie Jack Ireland.
To view the footage, visit http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/military-academy-incorporates-rugby-video-6400118.
SHERMAN ERA
The 2015-16 season ushers in a new chapter for the Black Knights as it officially kicks off the Matt Sherman era. The former All-American and national team member's hiring was announced on Aug. 11 by Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. Sherman joins the Black Knights staff after a five-year tenure as the Director of Rugby at Stanford. With his hiring, he becomes the first full-time coach in Army West Point men's rugby history, filling the void after Mike Mahan announced his retirement in May. The men's rugby program joined the Army Athletic Association in August 2014.
"I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Army West Point men's rugby program," stated Sherman. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join one of the great institutions of leadership, dedicated to service of our country, as well as a rugby program with a distinguished tradition and history. I am proud to become your head coach and excited to get to work on the challenges ahead."
Since 2011, Sherman has led all rugby efforts at Stanford, including coaching, staffing, recruiting, administration and scheduling for both the men's and women's programs. Under his tutelage, the men's team reached the national quarterfinals twice and the women's program advanced to the national final four three times. In addition, he helped the rugby programs fundraise more than $1 million and increased admitted recruits from zero to seven.
While leading the Cardinal program, Sherman also served as the Men's College All-Americans Head Coach from 2012-2014. In both of his years with the team, he earned a winning record and more than 50 percent of his athletes moved on to play for the senior men's national team.
From 2009-11, Sherman worked with the U.S. Men's National Team as an assistant coach, working with the back line. His squad produced a victory over Russia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Sherman is joined at West Point by his wife, Kristen, daughter, Piper (infant), and dog, Cooper.
FARGO NAMED D1A NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Following a two-score performance in the season-opener against Buffalo, Andrew Fargo earned the distinction as the D1A National Player of the week on Sept. 17. He ranks second amongst the Black Knights with four tries on the season, earning a pair of scores against Buffalo and St. Bonaventure.
Last season, the Del Mar, Calif., native was named to the All-Rugby East first team squad, garnered All-American Collegiate Rugby Conference first team recognition, was selected to play for the All-Army team at the Las Vegas 7s 2015 Men's ACR Tournament, was named the AAA Athlete of the Week once during the spring and scored a try against Davenport, which earned AAA Play of the Week. He's recorded 14 career tries since joining the Army Athletic Association in August of 2014.
RUGBY EAST EXPANSION
Rugby East teams will gain a new rival this season as the Mountaineers of West Virginia join the conference. The Mountaineers posted a successful 2014-15 season, capturing the Keystone Conference title in 15s action and qualifying for the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships.
Army met with the Mountaineers for the first time on Oct. 10, claiming a 63-13 victory from Morgantown, W.Va.
So far this season, West Virginia is 0-3, having fallen to three of the top teams in Penn State, Iona and Army.
MEET YOUR CAPTAINS
The 2015-16 squad will be captained by senior Donny Goff, with Jacob Banarhall serving as the vice-captain.
Goff, a prop from Framingham, Mass., was not active on the fall 2014 roster due to injury. He rejoined the team in the spring, recording a score in Army's 37-0 victory over Seton Hall at the Four Leafs Tournament and earning the start in the team's meetings with UMass, Navy, St. Mary's and Davenport. He opened the 2015-16 season with a try against Buffalo, scoring in the 10th minute of action.
A native of Auburn, N.H., Banarhall earned the start in each of the team's nine fall contests. He recorded two scores in the fall, posting tries against Iona and Buffalo. During the spring, he tied for second on the team with five tries, earning two scores against Stony Brook in the title game of the Four Leafs Tournament. He led a second-half comeback in the match with Navy, scoring three times, including the game-tying score and go ahead marks. He was named to the All-Rugby East second team in the fall and posted his first try of the 2015-16 season at Penn State in the 46-36 victory.
CADET CHAIN OF COMMAND
Three members of the men's rugby team have been elected into positions of leadership in the cadet chain of command, representing the largest contingent of any corps squad team at the Academy. Andrew Borer leads the way as the 4th Regimental Commander, while Cameron Hargis earns the title of 1st Regimental Command Sergeant Major and Donny Goff serves as the 3rd Regimental Command Sergeant Major.
CLASS RINGS
The Class of 2016 received their class rings in a ceremony held at Trophy Point on Aug. 28, 2015. A time-honored West Point tradition, the Class of 2016's rings contain gold from 356 West Point graduates donated to the West Point Association of Graduates in addition to steel melted down from the World Trade Center.
FARGO TRAVELS TO NEW ZEALAND
Cow Andrew Fargo closed out his summer training at the Crusaders International High Performance Unit on the South Island of New Zealand, working alongside many international players.
Fargo, who led the Black Knights' spring 15s squad with six tries, had a spectacular sophomore campaign, earning All-Rugby East first team honors in the fall. He was tabbed the Army Athletic Association Athlete of the week following his performance in the win over UMass and his impressive score against Davenport earned him the Army Athletic Association Play of the Week. He recorded two tries in the season-opener against Buffalo and another pair in the win over St. Bonaventure.
Documenting his excursion, Fargo kept a blog of his experiences in the hot bed of international rugby. Visit www.GoArmyWestPoint.com for more information.
UP NEXT
Army will face arguably its toughest test of the season next weekend when it travels to Kutztown, Pa., for a battle with the seventh-ranked Golden Bears. Kutztown entered the season as the favorites in the Rugby East and joins Army as the only other unblemished team in conference play.
Last season, Army battled to a 34-30 victory over the Bears from Anderson Rugby Complex, thrilling a wild home crowd. A try from 2014-15 team captain Collum Magee in the 76th minute lifted the Black Knights to victory as the then sixth-ranked Cadets upset the third-ranked Golden Bears.
Kickoff between Army and Kutztown is slated for 1 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Scrum Half
/ Men's Rugby
Flanker
/ Men's Rugby
Lock
/ Men's Rugby
Fullback
/ Men's Rugby
Fly Half
/ Men's Rugby
Center
/ Men's Rugby
Prop
/ Men's Rugby
Center
/ Men's Rugby
Wing
/ Men's Rugby
No. 8
/ Men's Rugby
Flanker
/ Men's Rugby
Prop
/ Men's Rugby
Lock
/ Men's Rugby
Center
/ Men's RugbyArmy vs Air Force
Saturday, October 29
Army vs St. Bonaventure
Sunday, October 02
Army vs Kutztown
Friday, September 09
Army vs. Life
Saturday, April 16