Jimmy Wolfer scored two tries and kicked four conversions in the 28-26 St. Joseph’s victory over Pitt on Saturday, securing 1st place in the Keystone West.

It’s not hard to see his influence. The elusive center needed to score those tries, and certainly needed to kick those conversions - a couple of which were right on the sideline - for the Hawks to win that game.

“All week we felt really good going into the game,” said Wolfer. “We were schedule to play on Founders Field in Pittsburgh, and I love playing there. But we had to change at the last minute and it was a narrower field than we’re used to. We were a little concerned, but the forwards just did a great job working through the phases. It wasn’t until late in the game we were able to find some space in the backline, but I was able to slip through a couple of gaps in the second half.”

Wolfer’s acceleration and sidestep helped make it happen It’s something he’s been able to showcase since his days at Xavier HS in New York. The same goes for the goalkicking.

“I always have been the kicker,” Wolfer told Goff Rugby Report. “In high school I always kicked. I never really changed the way I kicked. But [Head Coach] Dan Yarusso had a coach come in for a short time - [former Australia kicking coach] Damien Hill - and he changed up how I approach it. He work with me on striking the ball better, but also making sure I approach it the same way every time. I have been feeling a lot more comfortable with it.”

Wolfer was perfect with his kicks this past weekend, although he pointed out “one just trickled over.”

Looking ahead, Wolfer said he wants St. Joe’s to win the conference. Despite the strength of the club, and its 7s success, the Hawks have struggled to finish the job.

“This is my 4th year here and we haven’t really won anything in 15s,” Wolfer said. “It’s something we think about. At crucial times we haven’t gotten it done, so it’s something we want to accomplish.”

Wolfer is known for his ability in 7s, but he says he really enjoys the 7s game. The Criminal Justice major will likely be back for one more fall season at St. Joe’s since he changed his major some what late. That just means he gets to play a little more - not that graduation would stop him. The former HS All American has played all over the backline in his career, and seems not to care too much where he plays, as long as he plays.

“I am in love with the sport,” he said. “I have been since I started playing. I got to work with Mike Tolkin and Mike Petri at Xavier and they taught me so much, and I’m in my 8th year playing, and anything I do after school, rugby will be part of the decision. I live for the sport.”

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