The Final Scrum - Annual End of Season Banquet a Smashing Success!

After a season filled with blood, sweat, and maybe some tears, the Iowa Men’s Rugby team gathered together to reflect on their collective perseverance, stand-out moments from the season, and commemorate a job well done. The annual end-of-season banquet was graciously hosted at Big Grove Brewery, a local Iowa City favorite, and perhaps the only venue with a buffet table long enough to satiate the Hawkeyes through the post-season into springtime preparations. Despite months of muddy cleats, bloodied uniforms, and perhaps some of the smelliest socks on planet earth, current and former teammates dressed to the nines to celebrate an undefeated season and the brotherhood of a lifetime forged through their collective trauma and triumph.

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As the evening kicked off, players and fans around the room reminisced on season highlights, notably the season opening walk-off win against the Iowa State Cyclones after an impressive 40-yard penalty kick from captain Ren Heimer in the 81st minute of the match after being down 22-21, leveraging that winning momentum forwards against other formidable opponents such as the nationally ranked Wayne State Bobcats, and even through truly bleak weather against the Kansas Jayhawks, when at times it seemed almost inevitable for the ball to up and blow away.

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Thankfully, despite the tumultuous journey, the Hawkeyes concluded the competition season by clinching a playoff spot, finding the flow of a cohesive lineup (one filled with a mix of rookie and senior experience), and building out a tough-as-nails reputation full of fighting spirit. 

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As dinner conversation began dying down, captains Sam Zimmerman and Daniel “Boat” Portz took the floor to graciously thank those who had ardently supported the men’s Iowa Rugby Team throughout the season. Outstanding contributors include Wendy Zimmerman, owner of Get Fresh cafe and parent of Sam Zimmerman, who not only continuously stayed for set-up and tear down, but one was one of the parents who helped in providing the entire team with nutritious and filling meals after every single home match. As well as Carlos Bell, player Josh Bell’s father, who not only greatly supported the team’s fundraising efforts but drove three and half hours each way every Saturday to make it out to the pitch.

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Zimmerman emphasized how the broader rugby community’s commitment to showing up for the team, whether in big ways or small, cultivated an environment of trust, reliance, and pride – and how as a player it was incredibly impactful to see how many people truly wanted to see them succeed. On a larger stage, rugby continues to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and deep reliance on each other in a way no other sport does, and opening the evening with gratitude was the perfect bridge into an evening centered around such communal recognition.

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Continuing comments acknowledged the work the team had put in year-round leading up to the season, narrating the brutal pre-season workouts in a heated sauna, 5 A.M. wakeup times, and even the difficulty of explaining to others that no, they couldn’t come to the football tailgate, they had a match. But in justifying such a grueling schedule, Daniel Portz talked about how as a senior in high school, head coach Tyler Dailey had driven five and half hours to come watch him and fellow teammate Clayton Brown play, in spite of the fact they at the time hadn't even fully committed to Iowa yet. Daniel says this is perhaps the truest demonstration of the heart and soul that is Iowa Rugby, the investment in one another, even when it’s inconvenient. Portz concluded his remarks reflecting on the season's prosperity, his hopes for the upcoming 7’s season, and thankfulness for rugby as both a culture and great love, by reading Theodore Roosevelt’s famous speech “Man in the Arena”.  An apt way to end such a close season and impart drive for what’s to come.

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As the evening continued, awards began to be passed out. Ren Heimer received Most Valuable Player, fitting as a senior fullback who was named recently named to the 2026 National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-Tournament Team, a roster comprised of only 23 players, solidifies his status as not only one of the top collegiate players in the United States but significant play makers of the Hawks. Michael Johnson went on to receive Back of the Year, with Coach Alistair Miller remarking that no scrum of the season would’ve been as successful without his help. Forward of the Year went to Abass Kemokai, who consistently utilized his high motor in countless dominant tackles and off-pitch dance parties. Next up, Most Improved Player went to Josh Bell, who made great strides in his ball handling, pitch awareness, and who overwhelmingly put in the work, through hours of arriving early and staying late. Lastly, Rookie of the Year went to Kevin Tomkins, who had significant starts against Minnesota, University of Northern Iowa, Wayne State, and Nebraska, and has helped develop the fortitude of the up and coming starting lineup. 

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As official awards ended, the team voted on and made personalized team awards for several other players. Notable recipients include Joe Portz for Best Dougie and Tyler Jurva for Best Impromptu Speech Giver. 

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With the 15s season officially in the books, the Hawkeyes now turn their sights toward the speed and precision of the upcoming 7s circuit. They carry with them not just the tangible legacy and recognition of the 2025-2026 season but the grit of the pitch and a profound gratitude for a community that believes in their capabilities. Even when the wind is blowing against them and the walk-off kick seems impossible. Still, they rise, excited for all to come.

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