Playoff spot clinched!
Hawkeyes hold off Wayne State, 30–17, to book HOA playoff semifinal slot
October 18, 2025
by Peter Heimer
“We knew Wayne State would bring their A game, and we knew what was at stake, and the boys met the challenge.” Iowa head coach Tyler Dailey
Background
For the 2025 fall season, the Heart of America rugby conference added three teams, splitting the league into two six-team divisions, North and South. One of the new teams in the North division, Wayne State, had been one of the top Division III teams in the country before making the jump up to CRAA DIAA. After hosting – and defeating – the University of Iowa Hawkeyes in Wayne, NE, last year in a non-conference match, the Bobcats traveled to Hawkeye Rugby Fields, Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the first time to take on the Hawks in a key Heart of America matchup.
Both teams nationally ranked; must-win conference showdown
Coming into the match, Iowa maintained its ranking as the 4th-ranked D1AA team in the country. Wayne State came to Iowa City as the 9th-ranked team nationally, not far behind. Both teams knew it would be a battle.
The Hawkeyes sat atop the HOA North division, undefeated. Iowa State had one loss (to Iowa), and Wayne State had one loss (to Iowa State). A Wayne State win would create a three-way tie at the top of the North division and, through the bonus point system, the Hawkeyes would likely fall to third place and thus miss out on a repeat trip to the conference tournament semifinals. It was a must-win showdown for both teams.
Three tries, three conversions, two conversions, and quality play from the forwards – both on attack and on defense – gave Iowa a nervy, clutch 30–17 victory over the visiting Bobcats. Wayne State came into the match with big, strong, fast, and physical players; the Hawkeyes were up to the task.
Two Abbas tries, strong defense, clutch kicking, late flurry give Iowa halftime lead
The Hawkeyes applied early pressure both in the forward attack and kicking game to take a seemingly comfortable 24–7 halftime lead. At the five-minute mark in the first half, flanker Abass Kemokai picked up at the back of a ruck two meters from the tryline and muscled and spun his way to the Hawkeyes’ first try of the day. Flyhalf Ren Heimer slotted the angled conversion to stake the Hawks to an early 7–0 lead over the Bobcats. Early nerves were settled.
The next thirty minutes saw both teams go back and forth, scoreless, with the Hawkeyes’ usual stout defense holding up for long stretches of time. At the 30th minute, the Bobcats conceded a penalty and Heimer’s kick from 35 meters put the Hawkeyes up 10–0 as time was running out in the first half. But the first-half scoring was not finished.
At the 35-minute mark, the Bobcats took advantage of some shaky Iowa lineouts and ball-handling and scored their first try, successfully converted, to make the score 10–7 with only minutes left in the first half. But the first-half scoring was not finished yet.
A high box kick by scrumhalf Michael Johnson put Wayne State under pressure and forced a penalty. An alert, quick tap and go by Johnson led him to cross the tryline for Iowa’s second try. Heimer’s conversion made the score 17–7. But the first-half scoring was not finished ye
A long run by Kemokai took the ball deep into Wayne State territory where the Hawkeyes, just before the half ended, applied pressure and Kemokai scored his second try. Heimer’s third conversion gave Iowa a 24–7 halftime lead – comfortable on the scoreboard, uneasy on the pitch.
Second-half scoring slowdown; more good defense
Two Heimer penalty kicks accounted for all of Iowa's points in the second half. Wayne State scored two tries, one converted, for a final score of 30–17. The Iowa pack, led by vice-captain Sam Zimmerman, flanker Dan Portz, and number 8 Hudson Vroegh, was able to control the tempo of play. Late Bobcat attacks were thwarted by the Hawkeye defensive line, which has been superb all season. Two tries were too little, too late for the Bobcats.
Coach Dailey impressed
After the match, head coach Tyler Dailey was excited about the Hawkeyes’ effort. “Our defensive effort today was outstanding! Abass Kemokai was an absolute menace on defense, being disruptive everywhere, and he also scored two of our three tries,” commented Dailey.
Dailey added, “This win was a result of the commitment these players have made to develop and grow together. Everyone here is having fun, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.”
Next up: Nebraska, conference semifinals
The victory keeps the Iowa season perfect at 6–0, atop the HOA North division, and guarantees a spot in the conference semifinals. The Hawkeyes host the Huskers of Nebraska at the Hawkeye Rugby Fields on Saturday, October 25, 2025. A victory will give Iowa the first seed and set up a match against the South Division second-place team on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Stay tuned for the opponent and location.
B team results
The Hawkeyes B team continued its winning ways, shutting out the Wayne State Bobcats B team behind tries by Colt Berg and Nate Kline, and strong forward play by 6’4” lock Noah Biehl.
