By Preston Lowden | 6.22.18

The Cleveland Crusaders are excited to announce they are partnering with the newly formed Cleveland Rugby Academy (CRA) to hand over the reigns to the Cleveland area elite level sevens program. The Academy, created and managed by Luke Markovich (Notre Dame Rugby Coach), Zack Stryffeler (NOLA Gold MLR), Pat Rahill, Mike Pelagalli and others, is an effort to streamline the summer 7s program in Cleveland, with an eye on qualifying for the National 7s tournament August 11-12. CRA plans to develop talent all across the board, from the senior men’s club level down to the vast Cleveland youth talent pool. “We’re very excited with the early buy-in from the Cleveland rugby community, specifically the Cleveland Crusaders,” Markovich stated when asked about his initial thoughts after a couple weeks of training with the newly formed club. “While the Academy will serve as a pathway for all ages, the initial summer focus is on developing our elite men’s 7s team. The Midwest features a grueling 7s circuit with many competitive teams. The first qualifier is a great indicator of the strength of the region. We have a couple factors in our favor at the moment, most notably youth and anonymity. Simply, we’ve put a lot of time and effort into this system and we’re looking forward to showing the product.”

Crusaders’ fifteens coaches are extremely excited at the prospect of being able to enjoy some downtime after a grueling fall and spring. It affords an opportunity for them to reflect on a tough season and focus solely on preparations towards a 15s National Championship run. Crusaders’ club players are looking forward to working with Luke, Zack, Pat, and Mike to draw on their knowledge as elite level coaches. Crusaders’ star lock Joe Brown summed up the club’s feelings: “Switching up our summer program with different teammates, coaching styles, and overall atmosphere, has revitalized us all. The grind of a long 15s season starts to let complacency slip in a bit, but the change of scenery with the Cleveland Rugby Academy has been a nice breath of fresh air. We are also enjoying taking on mentorship roles with the high school and college kids that are home for the summer. Just really excited to be a part of the whole thing.”

The Academy kicks off this Saturday, June 23 at Firehouse 7s in Chicago. Coach Markovich announced selections at practice this week:
Andrew Baldado (St Ignatius/Ohio State)
Brandon Brackins (Brunswick/CSU)
Cory Graham (Notre Dame College)
Cullen Barelka (Notre Dame College)
Josef O’Brien (St. Ignatius/Ohio State)
Luke Markovich (Miami University)
Preston Lowden (Kent St/Cleveland Crusaders)
Nick Musarra (Bowling Green/Cleveland Crusaders)
Mike Piazza (Notre Dame College)
Roneil Reynolds (Notre Dame College/Cleveland Crusaders)
Wale Williams (Notre Dame College)
Tommy Walsh (Notre Dame College)
Ryan Sands (Notre Dame College/Cleveland Crusaders)
Siosiua Vaingina (Tonga)
The Cleveland Rugby Academy team will then compete at the Crusaders’ Rock n Roll 7s tournament (Mentor, OH June 30), Legacy 7s (Brighton, MI July 7), Rockford 7s (Rockford, IL July 14), and the Midwest Championships (Cincinnati, OH July 28). Please check out the Cleveland Rugby Academy Facebook page, and email any inquiries to clevelandrugbyacademy@gmail.com

In addition to the Cleveland Rugby Academy activities stated above, the Crusaders will still be entering a social side and collegiate select side team into a few area tournaments in an attempt to keep a stronghold on local competition. Rock n Roll 7s, Youngstown Sundown 7s (July 14), and Canton Hall of Fame 7s (July 30) are on the schedule. If you are interested in joining either the social or collegiate side, please send the Crusaders a facebook message or email to recruitment@clevelandcrusadersrugby.com