Christian Brothers Academy won the Varsity Rugby New Jersey State Championships this past weekend, beating St Augustine by one points.

The championship was played over five tournaments with points awarded for each tournament. The last tournament was played Sunday in Denville, NJ, hosted by Morris Rugby.

Don Gangemi passes to a teammate.

The CBA athletes played some excellent rugby, led by Dan Goetz, Nick Zanghi, Alex Halpin, Cam DiGiorgio, Dom Gangemi, Sam Houston, Michael Lemoine, Jack Stryker, Aris Magoulas, Ryan Tumulty, and Nick Drosos - all try-scorers on the day.

The team also showed some excellent defense. Co-captains Goetz, Halpin, and DiGorgio tested defenses up the middle, while speedsters Zanghi and Magoulas burned opponents out wide. Dom Gangemi was very physical in offense and defense Ryan Tumulty was super in his one-on-one tackling. Jack Stryker scored an 80-meter try off a scrum, and that was sort of his signature move, while Ryan Paris has excelled at whatever role is required.

“The improvement in our athletes this year has been remarkable," said CBA Coach Pat Moroney. "The lads work hard all season improving their core skill set and team continuity. The program continues to go from strength to strength with the support of Coach Chiaravalloti, Mr. Fales, Brother Frank and the administration. Our coaches worked hard to improve the athletes both inside and outside the white lines and I would like to thank Coaches Lenihan, Terilli and Sullivan of their tireless work with both the Varsity and U16 squads. CBA Rugby Parents are our biggest fans make the program possible - this season the parents ensured that the lads nutrition was looked after at all the tournaments, raised funds for our team and cheered relentlessly from the sidelines."