Academy Update - Atlantis Rugby Goes 12-0 in Summer XVs!
- Dave Codell
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
The Atlantis Rugby Academy had a phenomenal Summer of 2025 in fifteens with a combined 12-0 record across three sides. The U16 Boys and U19 Girls got things off to a great start with matching 4-0 records at the Buckeye Invitational in Ohio and the U18 Boys followed up with a 4-0 record of their own at the Mount Invitational Tournament in Maryland.
The U16 Boys outscored their opponents 105-38 on the weekend and were led by Bennet Glock (inside center, Union Rugby in New Jersey) who scored 7 tries and was awarded MVP. James Burke (scrum half, Elizabethtown PA) showed poise and leadership as team captain and also contributed 2 tries.
They were joined on the score sheet by Matt Lis (prop, Berks County PA) with 3 tries, Chris Imperato (No. 8, Doylestown PA) with 3 tries, Max Bonner (flanker, Malvern Prep PA) with 2 tries, and Liam Hollinger (wing, Elizabethtown) with 1 try.
Per Coach Jess Nedzwecky: Generally speaking, the forward pack was a huge part of our success with their physicality and dominant set pieces. Sean Lynch (lock, La Salle) stole several lineouts, especially on the second day; and we put immense pressure on our opponents in scrums. The backs moved the ball extremely well with Jacob Beckenhauer (Doylestown) calling smart matches at flyhalf. The entire team played solid defense as is evident in the point differential. Fresh legs off the bench was crucial for success in the heat, and there was absolutely no drop off when the subs entered the game.
A main focal point of our two practices leading up to the tournament was learning the structure and running our system. The boys came together amazingly well on and off the pitch. What worked best for us was sticking to that structure and playing solid all around defense with only a few lapses.
Looking towards the future, Atlantis U16 will have 11 of these players eligible for next season.
The U19 Girls totaled a 152-23 scoreline, including a 53-0 shutout in one of their matches. Coach Brittany Vegso indicated: Our focus on defensive roles proved successful, Leading up to the tournament we focused on integrating our dynamic attacking structure into open play. The high rugby IQ of these players was evident, as they were able to use the structure and adapt it to each opponent at hand. A testament to the dynamic nature of their attack is the multitude of players and variety of positions who scored, with multiple tries all weekend from:
Maggie Hoffman-Long
Paisley Davies
Adelina Jackson
Mack Aluise
Campbell Way
Jayelle Jones
Bridget McGonigle
Terra Beckenhauer
Allie Beckenhauer
Nolah Flynn
Noelle Robinson
Nolah Flynn was near perfect on conversions for the weekend, adding to our point totals. Allie Beckenhauer captained the team and was also named tournament MVP. Allie stole multiple lineouts as jumper, was a defensive presence, and her field vision brought her to support wide attack at pace. Her humble leadership style shone on the field, as she set up multiple teammates for tries that she could have also scored herself.
Last, but by no means least, the U18 Boys traveled to The Mount and came away with an overall 77-39 scoreline. On day 1 of the tournament the boys had the defense fully in-tune and only allowed 14 total points on the day in 11-7 and 13-7 wins over Ohio and the Midwest. On Day 2 the offense roared to life with 20-8 and 33-17 wins against Miami and North Carolina.
The 28 player squad featured a good mix of veterans and newcomers with 17 returning Atlantis rugby players and 11 players make their first appearances for us. They represented 17 different programs and came together quickly with a very strong mix of skills and talent.
The roster also featured Nicholas Briggs from CBA who played in both the Buckeye Invitational and the Mount Invitational to give him two tournament championships with Atlantis Rugby this summer.
The XV Academy will return in the fall of 2025 so be on the lookout for details shortly on how to join and participate!
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