Falcons look to begin the 2024 season with a Home win over Wolverines on Friday
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green Men's Rugby team will play its first game of the season this Friday August 30th, hosting University of Michigan (1-0). The match will be held at Roger Mazarella Rugby Field. At 5:00pm
"I am looking to start off on a good foot, to be as organized as we possibly can" Head Coach Tony Mazarella said. "The goal is to minimize the beginner's mistakes as much as possible."
Last Time on the Field
Last fall BGSU went 9-3 (7-0 MAC). The Falcons were able to finish as the No. 1 seed going into the MAC Tournament with an impressive 7-0 record while also leading the MAC in Points Differential with a +244 and only conceded 57 pts, the fewest of all MAC teams. The Falcons also scored an impressive 301 pts throughout last year's MAC campaign. Ultimately, the Falcons were only able to secure a 2nd place finish at the MAC Tournament following a 40-17 defeat to Louisville.
The Falcons have retained last year's MAC Conference Scoring Leader, Joey Apel (Junior), who lead the conference with 63 pts from 1 try, 1 pk, and 28 conversions. Overall Apel scored 108 points on four tries, three penalty kicks and 39 conversion kicks. Apel has also been named this year's team Captain. And was named to the All-American squad at the end of last fall.
"I think we are really excited for this Friday. We got a lot of guys moving around. A loss of returning players as well" said Captain Apel. "We have yet to lose a game on Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field, and I think we will look to continue that streak on Friday. I know we've got the guys that have the drive to get it done."
Additionally, the Falcons will see 8-man Phil Tracey (Junior) return for another season. Throughout the 23-24 season Phil scored 18 trys for 90 pts and was named Vice-Captain for the 24-25 season and joined Apel on the All-American squad.
 "I am really excited to see this group of guys come out. A lot of our returners are looking real sharp, and we've got a big influx of talent from freshmen and returners" said Vice-Captain Phil Tracey. "I'm excited to see how the team melds together, and put on a show for our first home game. Michigan's a good squad, but I think we can really bring it to them."
Milestone Markers
?    The Falcons have won 7 straight regular-season matches dating back to September of 2023.
?    Joey Apel (Junior) and Phil Tracey (Senior) have been elected Captain and Vice-Captain for the 2024 season.
?    Kosta Anderson (5th Year) has been elected Club President and will serve alongside Ben Young (Junior) as Vice President, Paolo Sferrella (Junior) as Treasurer, and Fitzpatrick Metzger (Grad Student) as Secretary.
About Michigan
Michigan managed a 5-5 overall record for the Fall 2023 season. The Wolverines finished 6th overall in the Big 10 after a 24-26 defeat to Wisconsin. Throughout last season the Wolverines managed to score 289, conceded 222, and managed a +67 pts differential. This season Michigan (1-0) have started out with a 14-5 home victory over Cincinnati last Friday. Michigan lost to the Falcons last fall 35-10. The Wolverines have not defeated BGSU in a 24 match streak going back to 2005.
Bowling Green vs. Michigan
Bowling Green, Ohio | Roger Mazarella Rugby Field
Friday, August 30 | 5:00pm
Up Next
Bowling Green will play its MAC Home Opener vs. Cincinnati on Saturday, September 7 at 2pm.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons Rugby team on social media for schedule updates and any information:
?    Instagram: @rugbgofficial
?    Facebook: BGSU Men's Rugby
