ARCATA, Calif.--- The Cal Poly Humboldt Men's Rugby Team earned a fifth place ranking in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Preseason Power 10 Rankings in the Small College Division.
The Lumberjacks were the lone Northern California Collegiate Conference representative selected to the preseason top 10 list.
"The coaches are excited for this group of players and we have high expectations since we have added depth to our roster," assistant coach Vince Celotto said. "The players need to do the work though and the October 8th match under the lights of Redwood Bowl vs Cal Maritime will tell us who we are as a team and program. We have not beaten Cal Maritime on our home field in over a decade and they will be in our way to get to nationals. We will be challenging our players to compete this year for a championship and play the game we coach."
The 'Jacks return a veteran squad to the pitch this fall, headlined by 5 players who were selected as National Collegiate Rugby All Stars this past January. These players include Isaac Khelo, Logan McDaniel, Dante Cappellano, Adrian Magana and Jason Uipi.
Additionally, Latu Kolopeaua and local product Justin Celotto also seek to make an impact on a talent heavy roster.
"Mckinleyville High School grad Justin Celotto should be included, since returning for his last season with Humboldt before traveling in January to Sydney, Australia to test skills with a major rugby club. He is a tireless worker and was leading the team last year until a season ending knee injury knocked him out," Coach Celotto, who is also Justin's father and coaches alongside his oldest son Colin, said. "I feel very lucky as a father to be surrounded by my sons as we go for wins this season."
The squad kicks off their season on October 1, 2022 against the University of Pacific in Stockton, Calif., before returning to the friendly confines of the Redwood Bowl on October 8 for a matchup against longtime rival Cal Maritime.
"We haven't beaten them on our home field in over 10 years and will definitely need support with the campus and locals," Celotto said. "Preseason polls are great on paper, but our athletes need to focus on what we do good, make it better and take one game at a time."
