In Spring 2012, the Great Midwest Rugby Conference (originally named the WIIL Rugby Conference) was formed by joining D2 collegiate men's teams from the Wisconsin RFU, Illinois RFU, and CARFU. This was done partially to comply with USA Rugby's directive on forming conferences as well as increasing competition and enhancing the reputation of rugby in the Midwest. The Great Midwest Conference Champion receives an automatic berth to NCR Nationals and historically the conference finalist and 3rd place teams have also advanced to Nationals based on the competitiveness of the conference. In recent years, the Great Midwest added a Small College competition, has branched out into Iowa, and continues to add new teams to elevate our competition.
Marquette Takes 3rd in GMW, Books Place in NCR Playoffs
Marquette defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater in relatively emphatic fashion 54-22 to finish 3rd in the Great Midwest and book a spot in the NCR D2 playoffs.
Illinois State, Northern Iowa to Great Midwest Final
The South division of the Great Midwest Conference shook things up with Northern Iowa and Illinois State both winning semifinals Saturday.
That sets up a championship final November 6 in Cottage Grove, Wisc., while Wisconsin-Whitewater and Marquette will battle for this.
Where We Are in Great Midwest
Marquette kept up their winning ways with a comprehensive defeat of UW-Milwaukee (59-12) to finish the regular season 4-0.
Also winning were Northern Iowa, 55-16 over Loyola, Northwestern 43-0 over Illinois-Chicago, and UW-Whitewater, 43-0 over Northern Michigan.
Great Midwest Playoff Picture Sharpens
Wisconsin-Whitewater put together an impressive display to beat UW-Platteville on Sunday 49-19 to move to 2-1 in the Great Midwest.
Men's DII College Roundup
Some teams made a few statements this week in Men's DII College Rugby.
Men's DII Scores from the Weekend of October 9
Here's a look.
