Iowa State is romping to a HOA title. Photo Daniel Coleman.
Author: Alex Goff
Iowa State has wrapped up a undefeated run in the Heart of American with an emphatic 55-17 defeat of Principia.
At 4-0 ISU is tops in the HOA and awaits the winner of a game rescheduled from an earlier postponement. Iowa and Wayne State are both 2-1 and will play next week to secure 2nd in the standings.
Then #1 and #2 will play for the conference championship.
Iowa State has been tested, with Wayne State holding the cyclones to a season-low 31 points and Iowa getting close at 39-20. Principia probably put more offensive pressure on ISU than anyone and, in fact, took an early 7-0 lead on an interception.
Iowa State answered to make it 7-5 but Principia responded with a shot at goal to lead 10-5.
But Iowa State's breadth of ability started to show. Zach English was once again outstanding for this Cyclones team and he led Iowa State on an offensive surge in the middle part of the game.
Freshman flyhalf Jacob Hughell shook off throwing that early interception to run a nice attack and made several impressive plays, scoring twice and showing effort in doing so—he saved a penalty kick to touch from going out and instead thundered up the sideline, used his support and then took a hard line over.
His second try was him setting up his power runners and then working hard to be in support for the return pass.
"It's been impressive for a freshman to step into a team with high expectations and put on the fall he's having," said Iowa State Head Coach Ant Frein.
Iowa State players have reason to celebrate. Photo Daniel Coleman.
Iowa State came into the season wondering about how they would complement English with a second playmaker. Hughell has answered the call. As for English. He scores, makes tackles, and doesn't miss tackles.
Iowa State is being chased, however, and Frein is not cocky about winning the conference final.
Wayne State and Principia are school-supported programs and, as we said, tested the Cyclones in many ways. Iowa is very close to being excellent, and while Minnesota is winless there are several areas of the game where they are very strong.
Iowa State, however, has beaten them all so far.
"I really think the team we have this year is the most complete group we've had," said Frein.
As a 17-year-old Spencer Huntley required a waiver to play for the USA U20s, an indication of how he was rated in the USA age-grade pathway. He got that waiver and impressed for the USA U20s, and then moved up to the USA U23s. He led the San Diego Mustangs to a national HS Club championship in 2024.
He also played in the SoCal single-school league for Cathedral Catholic.
Hope Rogers began playing rugby at age 16 in high school and continued to compete during her time at Penn State University. There, she won four National Championships, was crowned MVP on two occasions, was named to the USA Under-20s and earned Collegiate All-American honors for four years. Rogers was also an impressive discus player during her senior year in high school where she broke a school record and won Gold at Districts for the sport.
Nathan Caruso is a steady, smart fly half who drives Villanova’s attack with calm decision-making and a reliable skill set. He’s been central to Villanova’s success in the MARC, controlling tempo and keeping the team organized under pressure.
Tonga Kofe is one of the most promising young front-rowers to come out of the American rugby pathway. A powerful and hard-working prop, he rose through the Utah Warriors development system.
Ray Santiago has emerged as one of RPI’s most influential forwards, a player whose size, athleticism, and rapid development make him stand out in the Division II landscape.
Christy Ringgenberg is one of the most accomplished and versatile players to wear the USA jersey, earning recognition on the Goff Rugby Report All-Time American list for her impact on both 15s and 7s.
