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.
Crucial Win For Marquette
Going into this past weekend's games, Marquette and Minnesota-Duluth had a very simple goal—win and you host a Great Midwest playoff game; lose and you're on the road.
Great Midwest Confirms Quarterfinal Matchups
The Great Midwest finished off its regular season and with the results the conference quarterfinal matchups are all set.
Watch Out For Loyola-Chicago
Loyola-Chicago’s defeat of Northern Iowa has the Great Midwest sitting up and taking notice.
Now at 2-1, Loyola is tied with Northern Iowa at 3-1 and in a solid position to make a go in the Great Midwest playoffs.
Now, Loyola’s 27-22 loss to Illinois State on September 7 looms large as an indication that Loyola could be very serious.
Great MW: UNI Winning, Platteville Surging
No one doubts that Wisconsin Whitewater is still the favorite to win the Great Midwest Conference, but other teams are bubbling up to a high level.
Loyola of Chicago has beaten UIC and DePaul and looked pretty good doing it. Their only loss was 27-22 to Illinois State, which sits 3-0.
Warhawks Slam Duluth, And More From Great MW
Wisconsin-Whitewater reminded us all that the Warhawks are still able to fly, beating Minnesota-Duluth 57-17 and putting paid to any notions that the Bulldogs might chase the Warhawks down.
