Grace College student-athletes Halley Krochta, Cameron Bergstrom and Madison Ramsey were recently named to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Ohio Conference All-Star Team. All three players traveled to Austin, Texas, to be honored for their high level of play in the league and to participate in the all-star tournament this past weekend on Saturday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22.
“It is great to see our players recognized as among the best in our conference,” said Tyler Scott, Grace College Women’s rugby coach. “Halley returned for her second all-star tournament, while Cammie and Madi went for the first time.”
Krochta, a senior from Medina, Ohio, working towards an M.Div. in pastoral counseling, was looking forward to the tournament, knowing that it was her last chance to play at this level.
“I was eager to go back to Texas this year to be a part of the all-star tournament again, but this time in a new city and with new teammates,” said Krochta. “It was my hope that we would continue to reflect Christ to our teammates from other schools who might not know Him. And I also couldn’t wait to be the first person to congratulate Cammie and Madi when they scored some well-deserved tries!”
Krochta and Bergstrom, a junior elementary education major from Lowell, Indiana, are co-captains of the Grace team. Bergstrom has played all three of her years at Grace and made a strong performance at the tournament, scoring a try and several conversion kicks.
“It was an honor to play in this tournament among other all-stars that I’ve played against in my past seasons,” said Bergstrom. “I love meeting new people, so it was awesome to meet people who share my love of rugby.”
Ramsey, a counseling major from Greenwood, Indiana, is in her first year with the rugby team. She first heard about the opportunity to play at Grace on her tour of campus as a junior in high school.
“I came back to campus for a second visit and ate lunch with the team. Instantly I knew these girls would be my family,” said Ramsey.
According to Scott, despite the fact that Ramsey is a freshman, her spot in the tournament was well-deserved.
“While she has only been playing rugby for five months now, Madi has shown that with passion and hard work, crossover athletes can quickly make an impact on the rugby field,” said Scott. “All three athletes are well-deserving of this honor, and I’m glad they had the chance to travel to Texas for this occasion. I know that they represented Grace College Women’s Rugby well,” said Scott.
The Grace Women’s Rugby team continues to grow and is looking to expand its roster. Club scholarships are available for interested players, and previous rugby experience is not required. The Grace team plays several tournaments in the fall and spring season as part of the Ohio Valley Women’s Collegiate Rugby Conference.
For more information about the Grace Women’s Rugby team, contact Tyler Scott at rugby@grace.edu or 574.372.5100, ext. 6442.
Photo Attached: Grace College student-athletes (left to right) Halley Krochta, Cameron Bergstrom and Madison Ramsey were recently named to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Ohio Conference All-Star Team.
