0-3 to 3-0: CCHS Rugby Rebounds from Disappointing ‘24 Season

During the 2024 season, the Charlotte Catholic Rugby team had an underwhelming 0-7 league record and did not perform as well as expected. However, the team has completely turned around and kicked off this season with a 3-0 record and a huge win over Marvin Ridge.

A prominent reason for the team’s newfound success may be their new head coach Jason Zhemke. Coach Zhemke recently led the #1 nationally ranked club team, the Charlotte Cardinals, to a 2024 National Championship Title. He is joined this season by assistant coaches Mark Keough, Sean Kim, and Ian McKillop.

The team’s right wing, sophomore Jack McFee, attributes the team’s success to the hiring of Coach Zhemke. “Coach Zehmke, a former professional rugby player, took control of the team this past offseason and he's been a huge contributor to [the team’s] success,” he stated.  

Sophomore Forward Thomas McKillop noted that the drills Coach Zhemke has instituted in practice have aided in the boys’ success. He says they are very tough but they “help [them] get [their] structure and team chemistry up before the games.” Thomas’ favorite drill involves 9 to 11 players scrimmaging within a confined playing area. He says the main goal is to help the team get their timing down on offense and their defensive awareness to improve.

Drills such as these reflect the experience and professionalism of Coach Zhemke. Charlotte Catholic is fortunate to have a coach whose association with professional rugby benefits the high school’s program. 

The star sophomores say the goal is the same as it is every season: to win the state championship. Jack understands this is no easy task, but said, “Our confidence has continued to build throughout the season and we believe that we can accomplish our goal.”

One of the Rugby team’s biggest challenges is now ahead of them as they prepare to face  a talented and top-ranked team, the Hough Huskies. In preparing for this game, the team has installed a few new defensive strategies to exhaust the Huskies’ high caliber offense. The team knows the game will be a challenging test but that everyone is looking forward to the physical matchup.

The rugby team has much of their season still ahead, but they are off to a great start, and it seems they have all the tools they need to compete with the toughest teams and make a run to the state championship.