For the second straight weekend, Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha squared off at Storz Rugby Complex in North Omaha for “The Dodge St. Rivalry”. In the first meeting on September 22nd, UNO handled Creighton by a score of 37-8. This weekend’s match proved to be much more competitive, with both teams playing with sound fundamentals on a cold, wet playing field. UNO started the scoring and seemed to be pulling away when Creighton found an answer through their pick and go game, which opened the field for their back line. But UNO was able to maintain possession late and the final ended with a score of 27-17, the Mavericks over the Jays. Last spring, it was Creighton who was dominant against the UNO side, winning 24-10 in their first match against one another in years.
The UNO club was on hiatus for a few years, but now seems to be as strong as ever. They have a heavy GOATS presence supporting them. UNO was able to reform last year with the help of not only several dedicated student leaders with rugby experience, but also GOATS old boy Tom Beers as coach. Since then, the torch has been passed on to Kyle Cihal, also a GOATS old boy. Several of the UNO collegiate players play with the GOATS 7s team in the summer as well and bring great knowledge and passion to their program.
And although you may not know it, Creighton has been a steady, knowledgeable rugby presence in Omaha for decades. During their nationals run a few years back, the Omaha GOATS were made up of many Creighton alumni. As of now, Creighton is a student-led organization that are governing and coaching themselves extremely well. Some of their members put the UNO rivalry aside in the summer and play with GOATS 7s team as well. The GOATS have a small role in the current Creighton squad, as Danny Walsh, a GOATS old boy and past board member, serves as their Faculty/Staff Moderator for the club and coaches when available.
Both Creighton and UNO have a few more matches left in their fall season, including some home matches at Storz, and look to build on their successes thus far. Check them out on their websites and social media sites.
UNO Rugby: https://www.unorugby.com/
Creighton Rugby: https://creighton.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/rugby