QUINCY, Mass. -- The Kutztown University Men's Rugby team traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for their second national 7's qualifier. The Golden Bears have automatically qualified for the 2023 National Tournament as the returning CRC National Champions. However, stiff competition and the ability to experiment with different player combinations while the season is young, is something that is invaluable to the Kutztown coaching staff going forward.

It was late March and a typical New England day as winter fought to stay alive. Overcast skies with the threat of freezing rain and a constant wind, capable of forty mile gusts throughout the competition. 
 
The Golden Bears were the first contest of the day and took the pitch at a zealous, 7:30AM. The sun was hovering at a stone's throw from the horizon when Kutztown sent the first kickoff into the air. The opposition was Merrimack College, from North Andover Massachusetts. The Warriors as they are nicknamed, were rousted out of their slumber by the Golden Bears, 63-0. 
 
An hour later, Kutztown took on the perennial New England power house, Northeastern University. The Huskies have a strong rugby tradition and are well know for their seven's program in that part of the world. The Golden Bears played an exceedingly fast paced game, with a very aggressive and stingy defense. The final outcome saw Kutztown dominate with a 35-0 victory. 
 
The third match of the day brought Kutztown and Rugby East rival, St Bonaventure, face to face at the half way line for the Quarter-Finals. It was a see saw affair with both sides demonstrating superb rugby skills with the Golden Bears holding on to a slim 14-12 lead at the halfway point. The Bonnies scored a try and then fought to keep Kutztown out of the try zone. The Golden Bears were within inches on one attempt and only a few yards on another. St. Bonaventure hung on and then scored a try at the end of the match to send them into the semi-finals, with a close fought victory 24-14. 
 
Kutztown was then slated to play American International College but the Yellow Jackets opted to pull out of the tournament and the Bears went home with a forfeit win. 
 
RUN WITH THE BEARS !