It was no surprise that Central Washington won the NCRC 7s, because they always win it, but it was a surprise that Gonzaga University finish second.

Zags, as they are known among Washington state fans of all sports, has played some good rugby over the years, but is now newly promoted to the DIAA NCRC championship in 15s, and had something to prove in the 7s tournament.

Prove it they did, beating Oregon, Western Oregon, and Western Washington to win their pool, and then Eastern Washington and Washington State to make the final, where they were steamrolled by CWU.

Overall the 5-1 record and 2nd place is a huge achievement for the Gonzaga team, whose head coach is junior Matthew Hoffeditz. While other area coaches help out, it’s Hoffeditz, along with the team leadership, that sets the tone and runs the team. Hoffeditz is nursing a knee injury and is unable to play, and so has taken on the coaching. Like several other Zags players, he has experience playing rugby in high school in Northern California - Hoffeditz at Jesuit of Sacramento.

Above, Patrick Doquilo and Darragh Ruane tackle a WWU attacker. Below top, Patrick Sapunor goes through; below, Doquilo kicks through. Photos by Laurent Cedard.

“We knew we had a good squad this year,” Hoffeditz told Goff Rugby Report. “We have been getting better each year at the 7s tournament. Two years ago we were 6th, and last year we were 4th, so we felt we could keep rising up.”

With a team heavy in sophomores and juniors, Gonzaga is young but with some experience, and they managed to retain their composure throughout the tournament. Hoffeditz said the plan was to use as many players as possible throughout the weekend, and hence some of the close scores. But eventually they started to settle on the right combinations. 

Junior Darragh Ruane, a product of Bellarmine Prep in NorCal, was an exciting player at flyhalf, cutting through defenses and opening up opportunities for his teammates. He was also the kicker, and since they won at least one game thanks to conversions, that was crucial.

Captain and wing Daniel Hodge scored three tries and was outstanding as the on-field leader - he is another Jesuit product. And Bradley Rustik was also prominent on the scoresheet, while Hunter Bingham, Joseph Keane, and Nick Soldati led a defensive effort. Michael Doquilo is a more local product, out of the Seattle Vikings U19 program, where he was on the state select side and garnered interest from higher-profile college teams. He was strong in contact and saw the field well. 

“All of our games were close, and pretty tough, although Washington State was probably the toughest game,” said Hoffeditz - Gonzaga edged WSU 15-10 in overtime.

This performance is a confidence boost for Gonzaga in 15s, as they look to deal with the likes WSU, Eastern Washington, and Boise State.

“We feel that we can compete in 15s, too,” said Hoffeditz. “We just need to keep it up.”

Hoffeditz said coaching his peers has not been difficult. The players and the coaches take a collaborative approach to the game, and that works well. 

“I have a lot of respect for them, and they have respect for me,” said Hoffeditz. “That’s how we make it work.