The US Military Academy’s men’s rugby program’s season is done and it has been a successful one, overall.

Army won the Rugby East, earning a bye to the DIA quarterfinals, and completed the program’s resurgence from suspended club to varsity program.

“It’s been a learning experience,” said Head Coach Mike Mahan. “We’ve had some good moments and some tough moments.  The players’ general understanding of the game has improved by leaps and bounds. They have a better idea of what’s going to happen in the game.”

Looking ahead, they lose some important seniors, including Rugby East and ACRC MVP Collum Magee, but, added Mahan, he said he is very pleased with the leadership potential of the juniors, and “it’s encouraging to me the freshmen and sophomores who were starters.”

As a varsity program, West Point can draw on more resources than it has in the past. They also have some recruiting leeway, which will help the program target high school rugby prospects.

But it quite possibly won’t be Mahan doing that targeting. The coach wouldn’t speak on the record about it, but multiple reports are that Mahan is stepping down - he was always an “interim” head coach, anyway. The Academy has put out a call for applications for Head Coach and has reportedly received a large number. It is a hugely popular job.

But it’s important to recognize Mahan’s contribution, as he was the one who escorted the program out of its suspension and into being a viable team again. It was Mahan who was at the helm when rugby became a varsity sport at West Point. 

Now it could well be up to another to help the team grow going forward.