JONESBORO - Sloppy, muddy field conditions didn't keep Arkansas State University from defeating Iowa Central Community College, 30-10, in the spring season opener Saturday afternoon in collegiate rugby at Curt Huckaby Field.

A-State, undefeated in the fall season, picked up where the team left off by knocking off the two-year old Iowa Central program in the first meeting between the two schools. A steady morning rain that left the field in a mess created issues for both squads.

"It was sloppy day," said Blake White, A-State head coach. "It was partly due to the weather and partly by the pressure from Iowa Central. They played well. It was good for us heading into the conference season. It was a good match."

Action got underway when the Red Wolves' Tabo Maree stole a line out and ran it in for the score to put the Red Wolves up, 5-0. Calvin Gentry added another try from the corner to increase the lead to 10-0. Just before the halfway point, Iowa Central connected on a penalty kick to cut A-State's score to, 10-3.

Early in the final period, Brandon Rokela added three for A-State with the penalty kick to put the score at 13-3. At the 29-minute mark, Ruan Knuppel scored the try and Rokela converted to increase the Red Wolf lead to 20-3. Gentry capitalized on the tap-and-go for another successful try, making the score, 25-3.

As the clock wound down, Omphile Magome scored with no time remaining, leaving the final score at 30-10 in favor of Arkansas State.
White was pleased with the play of Maree, saying, "He had a fantastic game tackling, running and every phase of the game. Also, one of our new guys, Wallace Kwasu, had a strong game." Kwasu, from Kenya, joined the team earlier in the month. 

"It was the first live action in two-to-three months and the guys enjoyed it," added White. "It was a good start."
Arkansas State travels to Marietta, Ga., Saturday, Feb. 3, to face long-time nemesis Life University in the opening game of Mid-South Conference play.