Hawkeyes Finish Season Undefeated
Balanced offense from mixed side lifts Iowa squad to lopsided win.
October 28, 2025
By Brian Edeker
Fresh off a gutsy win against #9 Wayne State College the Iowa side took to the Hawkeye Rugby Pitch for an 11 a.m. kickoff against Heart of America rival Nebraska Cornhuskers under cloudy skies and seasonally cool temperatures. The Hawkeyes went into the wind in the first half but were seldom challenged by the high ball as Nebraska chose to advance the ball on the ground even when deep in their own territory. Nebraska, coming off a win against Missouri last weekend, focused loose play close to the forwards, while Iowa countered with wide-open play and exciting backline moves to establish a comfortable 29-5 halftime lead.
The first half scoring opened with a try from winger Nate Kline, connecting with a beautiful pass from Henry Schwob, slotting in for Ren Heimer at flyhallf. Schwob converted for an early 7-0 lead. Fullback Colt Berg was the next Hawkeye to touch down for a 5 pointer, with a nice assist from center Jack Tompkins. Nebraska was able to sustain play for several minutes in the first quarter of the match to slot an unconverted try. Nate Kline was able to bust through the Husker defensive line for the Hawkeyes 3rd try, shortly followed by a charge through the Huskers in loose play by lock Noah Riehl for the Hawks 4th try. The Hawks added one more touch down for a 29-5 lead at the half.
The second half opened with a light wind at the home team’s back. The scoring opened with a tap-and-go penalty play to freshman prop Caden Wetherell, a standout heavyweight wrestler and rugby player from Waverly-Shell Rock High School, who rumbled in from 10 meters with several Huskers ineffectually clinging to his sides. Henry Schwob slotted the afters for a 36-5 lead. Hooker Josh Bell followed up with another forward rush, crossing the line in the corner to leave Ren Heimer, who had come in at the half, with a wide angle kick at goal which he calmly booted through. In the next passage of loose play Heimer received an outlet pass and proceeded to cut the Husker defense to ribbons, juking and weaving his way to the try zone from 60 metros out. Next on the try parade was wing replacement Ryan Downey sporting a black scrum cap and dotting down for the Hawkeyes’ 9th try, and rounding out the scoring was scrum half replacement Joe Portz, younger brother of flanker Dan Portz, to make the final score 58-10.
Next up for the Hawkeye squad is the Heart of America (HOA) championship semi-final against University of Kansas on the home turf of the Hawkeye Rugby Pitch, November 8, 2025. Game time TBD. The Jayhawks are currently ranked #7 in division 1-AA after overcoming a late charge from HOA South foes Arkansas to secure a 16-10 victory
