The University of Michigan Wolverines growled their way to a 7s victory in Dayton, Ohio, winning all four games at the Dayton 7s to take the cup.

Led by some excellent work out wide by Sequoyah Burke-Combs and with captain Zach Burns keeping the team together, Michigan defeated Michigan State 24-10, Kent State 36-0, and University of Dayton 30-7. 

In the final, they faced the Notre Dame College Falcons, coming out winners 26-10.

“Our defense is working very well,” said Michigan Coach Brandon Sparks. “Most of the time you can find 12 fast guys who can play some 7s, but to get them to play defense is another thing. Everyone was solid, and played well together.”

That might have been thanks in part to Michigan’s recent trip to Costa Rica. The Wolverines toured the country, playing in a 7s tournament and also playing the Costa Rican national team. They won all of their games, got a massive confidence boost, and came together as a unit.

“The rugby was surprisingly good, and the refereeing was really good,” said Sparks. “We just really came together there.”

Next up for Michigan will be the Notre Dame 7s, and then on to the Big Ten 7s series, which culminates on April 18.