That’s it! The Raiders have won the Rugby Colorado State Championship, taking home the trophy of victory. The energy was wild, and the stakes were high. Both teams were equally hungry for the win. The Regis Jesuit Raiders won 31-7 against the Vista Vipers at Infinity Park.

The Raider seniors heavily influenced the score of the game. Captain Erin Croke ’24 was unstoppable. She grinded her way through many of the opposing players, creating multiple advances for the team. After being tackled multiple times, she was able to get up with no hesitation. “Winning this game meant everything to me since I am graduating this year. I am so proud of my teammates and the hard work we put in,” said Croke.

Croke states, “I only wish for the girls next year to carry on the legacy and keep up the hard work.” Croke says it was stressful, but she truly knew she had to be a leader and motivate her peers. Croke states, “Without the spirit coming from the stands and the hope that was embedded in the team, I don’t think we could have won.” The team truly had the spirit to keep them going.

They were all determined to win. I asked Croke how she felt after winning the championship her senior year; she states, “although I am sad, I am so happy that my team was able to work together to bring home the trophy.”

She is sad to leave the team and carry on her journey, but one piece of advice she offers the undergraduates on the Rugby team is, “Show up, keep working hard, and it will pay off, you guys have a great coach and even better teammates”.

The game was a tough battle but the Raiders came out stronger than ever. The team says it is all due to the support from their family and friends, the hope. They had, and the hardwork and dedication they put into training.