Penn State’s win over Wheeling Jesuit may well have put the rest of Rugby East on notice.

After losing to AIC in a non-conference game and then beating St. Bonaventure, but not by much, PSU’s win over the Cardinals might well be an indication that the Nittany Lions are sharpening their claws.

And good timing, too. New Head Coach Blake Burdette is now in town and working with the team, which should perhaps give the players a little security. With Director of Rugby Chris Amoratis now reducing his time running the team, things might settle down.

“I am really proud how the team responded to the situation,” said Penn State’s Jonathan Swart. “Hopefully we can build on the performance [with] Blake starting his role as head coach.”

The performance, a 38-33 defeat of WJU, included just two tries, as most of Penn State’s offensive forays ended with penalties, which Jimmy Ronan put over.

“Jimmy Ronan’s kicks were incredible,” said Swart. 

But there was more to the performance.

The lineouts weren't great but in open play Penn State were a handful. Mimi Goodman photos.

“We played some great rugby in stages, but gave away too many penalties at the breakdown,” said Swart. “But, we had a few players return from injury and a few players got their first opportunity at the first side live, and no matter who stepped on the field, they never let the level or the mentality drop. Everyone stepped up when asked to. Andrew Iscaro and Briuan McKellar had outstanding performances. Mike Dabulas led the attack for the first time at flyhalf which was great see him lead like that.”

Looking ahead, Penn State needs to get better in the lineout, and clean up their efforts around the ruck, but with their scrum looking solid and the goalkicking producing points and the coaching situation settling down, it might be just the beginning for Penn State.