Preview by Michael Griffin for Goff Rugby Report.(Kevin Mercer photo)

American International College

Nickname: Yellow Jackets 

Home Pitch: Romald J. Abdow Field, Springfield, Mass.

Head Coach: Josh Macy

2015 Conference Rank: #1

AIC is to the ECRC what Kentucky’s Men’s Basketball Program is to the SEC; unbelievable talent throughout the roster and the clear-cut favorite to win the conference year in and year out. Over the last half-decade or so American International has proven themselves as the model of success for College Rugby. Posting a perfect 10-0 record last fall the Yellow Jackets look to carry on their excellence behind All-Americans Jihad Khabir, flyhalf, and Christian Adams, wing.

Both standouts are DC natives and have the ability dictate the outcomes of a match. Though only 5’ 10” and 160lb, Khabir has exceptional speed, ability to visualize the field, and can put the ball where it needs to be, making him one of the most dangerous flyhalves in the conference. Adams, likewise, is in a league of his own at wing as he is quick and also big and powerful. The AIC forward pack can play a little, too.

So the question becomes can AIC be beaten? Yes, yes they can. The Achilles Heel for this Yellow Jacket squad is to make them forget they are playing rugby and make them think it is a street brawl. What do you do to a schoolyard bully? You stand up and fight them. Teams like NEC and UMass typically fair closer matches against the Yellow Jackets because they are not afraid to receive or give punches and yes, talk smack. With that being said, it is anticipated for AIC to finish atop the ECRC once again and play in a premiership bowl game down in Charlotte at the ACRCs next November.