Season ends in round of eight
4/24/07
The 2007 season came to an abrupt end for the Aztecs this past Sunday as Cal sank SDSU's Final Four aspirations with an emphatic 78-0 win. Despite an gigantic defensive effort from the Aztecs, SDSU could not overcome Cal's fresh legs and class. This weekend however, was an important step for the program, giving the young Aztec side a taste of postseason play. For a full match report, click here.
Aztec Rugby would like to extend its deepest and heartfelt appreciation to the friends and families of the Aztec Rugby Club for supporting the Aztecs throughout the postseason, and for showing up in full force this weekend to cheer on the Aztecs. Many Cal players and fans commented on the turn out. Thank you for your continued support.
SDSU into Elite Eight - to face Cal
4/21/07
The San Diego State Aztecs overcame a fourteen point deficit to defeat Harvard earlier today in Strawberry Canyon in their opening match of their Sweet Sixteen campaign. SDSU beat Harvard 46-14. Senior prop Kyle Miller opened the Aztec scoring late in the first half and the Aztecs added six more in the second. Captain Joe Fontana had yet another strong game, making his presence felt on the pitch and on the scorecard, leading the Aztecs with two tries on the day.
The Aztecs will now face defending national champions Cal on their home pitch Sunday. Kickoff time will be posted as soon as it is announced.
Click here for the complete scoresheet for the Aztecs' match against Harvard.
Click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's coverage of the match.
A friendly reminder for our Northern California supporters:
The SDSU Rugby Foundation is hosting a dinner tonight for the Aztecs and their supporters at the Pyramid Brewhouse. The function will begin at 5:00PM. Details below.
Join the Aztecs for Dinner on Saturday Night!
4/17/07
The SDSU Rugby Foundation announced today that it will host a dinner for the Aztec alumni and supporters that will be in Berkeley this weekend for the Sweet Sixteen. The event will start at 5:00 PM at the Pyramid Brewhouse in Berkeley and is less than two miles away from the Aztec team hotel (see inset to the right). This will be a great opportunity to meet fellow supporters as well as the Aztec players following their first match of the weekend. The event is on a donation basis.
Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
901 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
Telephone: (510) 528-9880
SDSU into Sweet Sixteen
4/8/07
For the first time since 2001, the San Diego State Aztecs have earned a berth in the national Sweet Sixteen tournament after beating rival UCSB in a one-off playoff match last night. For many of the Aztec players and supporters, the 34-12 victory was enough to all but wipe out memories of last year's playoff loss to Santa Barbara. However, this year, under new head coach Dan Payne, the Aztecs took full advantage of the opportunity for a Sweet Sixteen bid, and enjoyed an excellent effort by the foward pack, led once again by captain Joe Fontanta, that set the backline loose.
Juniors Rudy Salazar and Gabe Chait led the Aztecs with two tries apiece, but only after senior inside center Matt Rose scored a huge opening try within the first ten minutes of the match.
The Aztecs will have two weeks of recovery and preparation before their showdown against Harvard, the Northeast #2 seed, which will take place in Berkeley, CA.
The Aztecs enjoyed the largest home crowd all year on Saturday night, and would like to extend its deepest appreciation and thanks to all the supporters who traveled great distances to cheer the Aztecs to victory.
Continue to check back on AztecRugby.com for updates on the Aztecs' Sweet Sixteen preparations and travel info.
Aztecs cruise over Long Beach, Get Ready for UCSB
3/27/07
The San Diego State Aztecs have played themselves into their second consecutive 2v3 playoff against Santa Barbara after defeating Long Beach State 60-0 on OMBAC's home pitch this past Saturday.
In the curtain-raiser for OMBAC's SuperLeague match against San Francisco Golden Gate, the Aztecs looked sharp in all phases, with dominating set pieces and polished back play. It was a big day for freshman backs with scrumhalf Jamie Purcell getting his first A-side start and outside center Duncan Kelm having an outstanding performance with a feverish work rate and several scathing runs.
The Aztecs jumped on the visitors early and never looked back, crusing to the win.
SDSU now prepares for its playoff match against Santa Barbara. Last year, the Aztecs season ended in Santa Barbara after the Gauchos edged the Aztecs in a thriller. However, the tables have turned this year as the Aztecs finished one championship point ahead of Santa Barbara to earn home field for the playoff game.
The Aztecs will have an abbreviated training schedule this week due to Spring Break, but will have two full weeks of preparation for the match which has been scheduled for a 7:00 PM kickoff on April 7th.
The Aztecs have not earned a Sweet Sixteen seed since 2001.
SDSU to host Long Beach St. at OMBAC's home pitch
3/19/07
The Aztecs announced today that their last match of the season against Long Beach State this Saturday will take place at the Little Q, the home pitch of OMBAC. Because of OMBAC's SuperLeague match taking place later on that same day, the game has been scheduled for 11:30 AM, rather than the usual 1:00 PM start that the Aztecs are accustomed to. Admission to the Aztec match will be free, though there will be a charge to watch the SuperLeague game later on in the day which will feature Aztec head coach and US Eagle pool player Dan Payne.
Directions to the Little Q can be found on here on the Maps & Directions page.
The Aztecs wish to extend their sincere appreciation to their fans and supporters that have faithfully supported the team throughout the 2007 regular season, and would like to invite you all to enjoy a sunny San Diego Saturday with the team at Qualcomm.
Aztecs head into last league game with another win
3/18/07
The San Diego State Aztecs rebounded in a big way against cross town rivals UC San Diego yesterday afternoon on an overcast day in La Jolla. Stung by a loss against touring Texas A&M earlier in the week, the Aztecs put the little practice time they had during the shortened week into good use. With a dominant scrum and set piece and polished backline moves, the Aztecs overwhelmed the Tritons 49-10.
Aztec captain Joe Fontana once again led from the front challenging the UCSD defense around the fringe and setting up locking partner Zac Winter for a big run.
The Aztec halfbacks also had strong games, with Rudy Salazar a forward-esque try off of the base of a ruck, and, along with replacement scrumhalf Jamie Purcell, serviced the backline with consistent passes.
Tim Pembrook ran the backline for the first time this year in the place of regular Alex Litchig, and the Aztecs worked the ball wide with ease to set up big runs from Joe Jamie and fullback Ian Higgins.
The Aztec "B" side capped the afternoon off with a 60-0 effort.
The Aztecs will play their last regular season game against Long Beach State at home this Saturday.
For news from around the leauge, click here.
Aztecs return from Arizona with wins and hunger
3/5/07
The Aztecs returned home at around 10 o'clock at night from a long but productive Arizona tour yesterday but eager to improve on their performances against U of A and ASU. SDSU went downed Arizona State 17-10 after a one day turn-around after defeating U of A on Friday. For a match report, click here.
The Aztecs are holding steady at third place in the SCRFU standings, with UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ahead of SDSU by championship points. UCSB plays San Luis Obispo this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Aztecs will enjoy a bye from league play this weekend. However, the Aztecs will host a touring Texas A&M on Monday March 12 at 5:00PM. Texas A&M is currently ranked tenth by GoffOnRugby.com, two spots behind SDSU. Click here for the current GoffonRugby.com national rankings.
San Diego State starts Arizona trip with a win
3/3/07
The San Diego State Aztecs began their biannual tour of Arizona in fine fashion on Friday evening with a big win over the Arizona Wildcats. The strong Aztec defense held the home side to three penalty goals in the 14-9 victory. The Aztecs scored two tries, with fullback Ian Higgins converting both tries.
Across the state, SDSU's next opponent, Arizona State put up 51 unanswered points against USD in a 58-7 blowout. Arizona State's win over the Torreros sees the Sun Devil's move up in the league standings to fourth, just behind SDSU.
The Aztecs face ASU tomorrow, at 1 PM in the match that will be crucial to the Aztecs' playoff hopes.
Click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's converage of the SDSU/Arizona match.
SDSU Ranked #8 in Nation by GoffonRugby.com
3/1/07
Following their win's over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Santa Barbara, the San Diego State Aztecs begin their Arizona tour ranked number eight in the nation by GoffonRugby.com. Though the Aztecs have been ranked consistently in the top 20 teams, this is the first time that the Aztecs have been placed within the top ten.
However, the Aztecs remain ranked third in Southern California, mainly because current pace-setters UCSB and Cal Poly has more games under their belts. The Aztecs will need a strong showing in Arizona this weekend to strengthen their case for the postseason.
Click here for the full GoffonRugby.com collegiate rankings.
Aztecs rebound in a big way against undefeated Cal Poly
2/26/07
San Diego State bounced back from their shocking upset against last placed USD to score a big win against first place Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Saturday. SDSU won the match 35-24 at home. Blindside flanker Ryan Howe, in his first match back from injury, had a big day with the Aztecs' first two tries on electrifying runs. Fullback Ian Higgins had a strong game with a try, a conversion, and two penalties. For a full match report, click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's complete coverage.
The Aztecs will now travel to Arizona on Thursday to play both Arizona schools over the weekend. With Cal Poly's loss, UCSB moves into first place in the standings with San Luis Obispo and SDSU in second and third, respectively. Both Arizona schools are close behind and the Aztecs will need a strong showing against both schools to keep pace in the playoff race.
SDSU Make it Three Out of Three Against UCLA
2/12/07
San Diego State improved their 2007 league record to 3-0 after defeating the visiting Bruins 36-17 on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Though the Aztec match was not the weekend must see with the USA Sevens Tournament staged just across town, the Aztecs enjoyed a large home crowd.
In what was their third big test in three matches, the Aztecs played a close physical game just as they had in their season opener against Santa Barbara two weekends earlier.
The Aztecs prepare this week to travel across town to USD to take on the Torerros who will be looking for a big upset. Though this is not an offical home game, Aztec supporters are encouraged to make the short drive and make their presence known on the USD campus. The kickoff time is yet to be announced, but will be posted as soon as it is.
The Aztecs on a roll after downing Claremont
2/5/07
The Aztecs improved their 2007 record to 2-0 this past weekend beating the Claremont Colleges 38-12. For a full match report, click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's full coverage.
Aztecs Open Season With Big Win over rival Gauchos
1/27/07
The San Diego State Aztec Rugby Club opened their 2007 SCRFU League campaign with a big win at home yesterday against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, edging the Gauchos 28-23 in a physical confrontation in front of a lively crowd. Click here to read the full report.
Check out reactions from the match on AmericanRugbyNews.com as well was GoffonRugby.com
Match Reports
1/27/07 vs. UCSB
Location: HOME
Kickoff: "A" 1:00 PM, "B" 3:00
The San Diego State Aztec Rugby Club opened their 2007 SCRFU League campaign with a big win at home yesterday against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, edging the Gauchos 28-23 in a physical confrontation in front of a lively crowd. The Gauchos began the week ranked #13 by GoffonRugby.com and #20 on AmericanRugbyNews.com, after beginning their league season with a win over UCSD last weekend. The Aztecs entered the week unranked.
The Aztecs, notorious for slow starts last season, came out strong out of the gate and enjoyed much of the possession and territory in the first half, while keeping the Gauchos under pressure, and led 18-3 at the half. The first half also saw the Aztecs' first hiccups, with two Aztecs sinbinned in the first half for repeated offenses. The second half saw a resurrgence from Santa Barbara, but the resilient Aztecs rode their forward pack, led by captain Joe Fontana, to a gritty win. The tries of the day belonged to the tight five, with prop Kyle Miller leading the way with two tries. The SDSU backline, anchored by inside-center Matt Rose, was solid in the win, with freshman outside center Duncan Kelm impressing. Fullback Ian Higgins had a strong game from the back as well as successfully slotting two penalties and a conversion.
The Aztec Man of the Match, named by head coach Dan Payne, was rookie flanker Ryan Howe who worked tirelessly to harass the Gaucho inside halves.
The Aztec B's also had a big day, coming out strong in the first twenty minutes of the first half, and eventually emerging victorious 17-5.
The Aztecs ended a five year winless drought against the Gauchos with Saturday's victory, having come the closest with a draw two years ago. The Aztecs were 0-2 against Santa Barbara last season, including the 2 vs. 3 playoff that ended the SDSU season which was in Santa Barbara.
The Aztecs will travel up to Los Angeles next weekend to face Claremont, who was recently promoted from Division II, who are fresh off of an upset against Arizona State this past weekend. Santa Barbara will travel to Arizona to face University of Arizona and ASU next weekend.
San Diego State: Ian Higgins, Joe Jamie , Duncan Kelm, Matt Rose, Bryan Akioka, Alex Litchtig, Rudy Salazar, Riley O'Hagan, Ante Drazina, Ryan Howe, Joe Fontana (c), Zac Winter, Dave Buboltz, Gabriel Chait, Kyle Miller
Tries: Miller (2), Fontana, Chait
Con: Higgins
Pen: Higgins (2)
For the first time since 2001, the San Diego State Aztecs have earned a berth in the national Sweet Sixteen tournament after beating rival UCSB in a one-off playoff match last night. For many of the Aztec players and supporters, the 34-12 victory was enough to all but wipe out memories of last year's playoff loss to Santa Barbara. However, this year, under new head coach Dan Payne, the Aztecs took full advantage of the opportunity for a Sweet Sixteen bid, and enjoyed an excellent effort by the foward pack, led once again by captain Joe Fontanta, that set the backline loose.
Juniors Rudy Salazar and Gabe Chait led the Aztecs with two tries apiece, but only after senior inside center Matt Rose scored a huge opening try within the first ten minutes of the match.
The Aztecs will have two weeks of recovery and preparation before their showdown against Harvard, the Northeast #2 seed, which will take place in Berkeley, CA.
The Aztecs enjoyed the largest home crowd all year on Saturday night, and would like to extend its deepest appreciation and thanks to all the supporters who traveled great distances to cheer the Aztecs to victory.
Continue to check back on AztecRugby.com for updates on the Aztecs' Sweet Sixteen preparations and travel info.
Aztecs cruise over Long Beach, Get Ready for UCSB
3/27/07
The San Diego State Aztecs have played themselves into their second consecutive 2v3 playoff against Santa Barbara after defeating Long Beach State 60-0 on OMBAC's home pitch this past Saturday.
In the curtain-raiser for OMBAC's SuperLeague match against San Francisco Golden Gate, the Aztecs looked sharp in all phases, with dominating set pieces and polished back play. It was a big day for freshman backs with scrumhalf Jamie Purcell getting his first A-side start and outside center Duncan Kelm having an outstanding performance with a feverish work rate and several scathing runs.
The Aztecs jumped on the visitors early and never looked back, crusing to the win.
SDSU now prepares for its playoff match against Santa Barbara. Last year, the Aztecs season ended in Santa Barbara after the Gauchos edged the Aztecs in a thriller. However, the tables have turned this year as the Aztecs finished one championship point ahead of Santa Barbara to earn home field for the playoff game.
The Aztecs will have an abbreviated training schedule this week due to Spring Break, but will have two full weeks of preparation for the match which has been scheduled for a 7:00 PM kickoff on April 7th.
The Aztecs have not earned a Sweet Sixteen seed since 2001.
SDSU to host Long Beach St. at OMBAC's home pitch
3/19/07
The Aztecs announced today that their last match of the season against Long Beach State this Saturday will take place at the Little Q, the home pitch of OMBAC. Because of OMBAC's SuperLeague match taking place later on that same day, the game has been scheduled for 11:30 AM, rather than the usual 1:00 PM start that the Aztecs are accustomed to. Admission to the Aztec match will be free, though there will be a charge to watch the SuperLeague game later on in the day which will feature Aztec head coach and US Eagle pool player Dan Payne.
Directions to the Little Q can be found on here on the Maps & Directions page.
The Aztecs wish to extend their sincere appreciation to their fans and supporters that have faithfully supported the team throughout the 2007 regular season, and would like to invite you all to enjoy a sunny San Diego Saturday with the team at Qualcomm.
Aztecs head into last league game with another win
3/18/07
The San Diego State Aztecs rebounded in a big way against cross town rivals UC San Diego yesterday afternoon on an overcast day in La Jolla. Stung by a loss against touring Texas A&M earlier in the week, the Aztecs put the little practice time they had during the shortened week into good use. With a dominant scrum and set piece and polished backline moves, the Aztecs overwhelmed the Tritons 49-10.
Aztec captain Joe Fontana once again led from the front challenging the UCSD defense around the fringe and setting up locking partner Zac Winter for a big run.
The Aztec halfbacks also had strong games, with Rudy Salazar a forward-esque try off of the base of a ruck, and, along with replacement scrumhalf Jamie Purcell, serviced the backline with consistent passes.
Tim Pembrook ran the backline for the first time this year in the place of regular Alex Litchig, and the Aztecs worked the ball wide with ease to set up big runs from Joe Jamie and fullback Ian Higgins.
The Aztec "B" side capped the afternoon off with a 60-0 effort.
The Aztecs will play their last regular season game against Long Beach State at home this Saturday.
For news from around the leauge, click here.
Aztecs return from Arizona with wins and hunger
3/5/07
The Aztecs returned home at around 10 o'clock at night from a long but productive Arizona tour yesterday but eager to improve on their performances against U of A and ASU. SDSU went downed Arizona State 17-10 after a one day turn-around after defeating U of A on Friday. For a match report, click here.
The Aztecs are holding steady at third place in the SCRFU standings, with UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ahead of SDSU by championship points. UCSB plays San Luis Obispo this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Aztecs will enjoy a bye from league play this weekend. However, the Aztecs will host a touring Texas A&M on Monday March 12 at 5:00PM. Texas A&M is currently ranked tenth by GoffOnRugby.com, two spots behind SDSU. Click here for the current GoffonRugby.com national rankings.
San Diego State starts Arizona trip with a win
3/3/07
The San Diego State Aztecs began their biannual tour of Arizona in fine fashion on Friday evening with a big win over the Arizona Wildcats. The strong Aztec defense held the home side to three penalty goals in the 14-9 victory. The Aztecs scored two tries, with fullback Ian Higgins converting both tries.
Across the state, SDSU's next opponent, Arizona State put up 51 unanswered points against USD in a 58-7 blowout. Arizona State's win over the Torreros sees the Sun Devil's move up in the league standings to fourth, just behind SDSU.
The Aztecs face ASU tomorrow, at 1 PM in the match that will be crucial to the Aztecs' playoff hopes.
Click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's converage of the SDSU/Arizona match.
SDSU Ranked #8 in Nation by GoffonRugby.com
3/1/07
Following their win's over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Santa Barbara, the San Diego State Aztecs begin their Arizona tour ranked number eight in the nation by GoffonRugby.com. Though the Aztecs have been ranked consistently in the top 20 teams, this is the first time that the Aztecs have been placed within the top ten.
However, the Aztecs remain ranked third in Southern California, mainly because current pace-setters UCSB and Cal Poly has more games under their belts. The Aztecs will need a strong showing in Arizona this weekend to strengthen their case for the postseason.
Click here for the full GoffonRugby.com collegiate rankings.
Aztecs rebound in a big way against undefeated Cal Poly
2/26/07
San Diego State bounced back from their shocking upset against last placed USD to score a big win against first place Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Saturday. SDSU won the match 35-24 at home. Blindside flanker Ryan Howe, in his first match back from injury, had a big day with the Aztecs' first two tries on electrifying runs. Fullback Ian Higgins had a strong game with a try, a conversion, and two penalties. For a full match report, click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's complete coverage.
The Aztecs will now travel to Arizona on Thursday to play both Arizona schools over the weekend. With Cal Poly's loss, UCSB moves into first place in the standings with San Luis Obispo and SDSU in second and third, respectively. Both Arizona schools are close behind and the Aztecs will need a strong showing against both schools to keep pace in the playoff race.
SDSU Make it Three Out of Three Against UCLA
2/12/07
San Diego State improved their 2007 league record to 3-0 after defeating the visiting Bruins 36-17 on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Though the Aztec match was not the weekend must see with the USA Sevens Tournament staged just across town, the Aztecs enjoyed a large home crowd.
In what was their third big test in three matches, the Aztecs played a close physical game just as they had in their season opener against Santa Barbara two weekends earlier.
The Aztecs prepare this week to travel across town to USD to take on the Torerros who will be looking for a big upset. Though this is not an offical home game, Aztec supporters are encouraged to make the short drive and make their presence known on the USD campus. The kickoff time is yet to be announced, but will be posted as soon as it is.
The Aztecs on a roll after downing Claremont
2/5/07
The Aztecs improved their 2007 record to 2-0 this past weekend beating the Claremont Colleges 38-12. For a full match report, click here for AmericanRugbyNews.com's full coverage.
Aztecs Open Season With Big Win over rival Gauchos
1/27/07
The San Diego State Aztec Rugby Club opened their 2007 SCRFU League campaign with a big win at home yesterday against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, edging the Gauchos 28-23 in a physical confrontation in front of a lively crowd. Click here to read the full report.
Check out reactions from the match on AmericanRugbyNews.com as well was GoffonRugby.com
Match Reports
1/27/07 vs. UCSB
Location: HOME
Kickoff: "A" 1:00 PM, "B" 3:00
The San Diego State Aztec Rugby Club opened their 2007 SCRFU League campaign with a big win at home yesterday against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, edging the Gauchos 28-23 in a physical confrontation in front of a lively crowd. The Gauchos began the week ranked #13 by GoffonRugby.com and #20 on AmericanRugbyNews.com, after beginning their league season with a win over UCSD last weekend. The Aztecs entered the week unranked.
The Aztecs, notorious for slow starts last season, came out strong out of the gate and enjoyed much of the possession and territory in the first half, while keeping the Gauchos under pressure, and led 18-3 at the half. The first half also saw the Aztecs' first hiccups, with two Aztecs sinbinned in the first half for repeated offenses. The second half saw a resurrgence from Santa Barbara, but the resilient Aztecs rode their forward pack, led by captain Joe Fontana, to a gritty win. The tries of the day belonged to the tight five, with prop Kyle Miller leading the way with two tries. The SDSU backline, anchored by inside-center Matt Rose, was solid in the win, with freshman outside center Duncan Kelm impressing. Fullback Ian Higgins had a strong game from the back as well as successfully slotting two penalties and a conversion.
The Aztec Man of the Match, named by head coach Dan Payne, was rookie flanker Ryan Howe who worked tirelessly to harass the Gaucho inside halves.
The Aztec B's also had a big day, coming out strong in the first twenty minutes of the first half, and eventually emerging victorious 17-5.
The Aztecs ended a five year winless drought against the Gauchos with Saturday's victory, having come the closest with a draw two years ago. The Aztecs were 0-2 against Santa Barbara last season, including the 2 vs. 3 playoff that ended the SDSU season which was in Santa Barbara.
The Aztecs will travel up to Los Angeles next weekend to face Claremont, who was recently promoted from Division II, who are fresh off of an upset against Arizona State this past weekend. Santa Barbara will travel to Arizona to face University of Arizona and ASU next weekend.
San Diego State: Ian Higgins, Joe Jamie , Duncan Kelm, Matt Rose, Bryan Akioka, Alex Litchtig, Rudy Salazar, Riley O'Hagan, Ante Drazina, Ryan Howe, Joe Fontana (c), Zac Winter, Dave Buboltz, Gabriel Chait, Kyle Miller
Tries: Miller (2), Fontana, Chait
Con: Higgins
Pen: Higgins (2)
