College 7s on the West Coast got started in Bellingham, Wash., as 16 teams played in the Western Washington University 7s Saturday, with Central Washington emerging as cup winners.

CWU was without All Americans Aladdin Schirmer and Seth Halliman, who were working with the USA team, but welcomed back Tanner Barnes from a long injury. Barnes played well, but sustained an injury that kept him out of the final.

CWU drew a tough pool with Arizona State in there, and the Sun Devils proved to be a difficult opponent, as they moved through the quarterfinals to meet the Wildcats again in the final.

CWU defeated University of Victoria in the semis, while ASU got by Western Washington.

CWU’s 2nd side stepped in to replace University of British Columbia, and did very well, winning the Plate over Washington State.

“We’ve only just got back to school,” said CWU Head Coach Tony Pacheco. “We basically had one practice and went out there. So to get that result was nice. We’re not fit, I wouldn’t expect us to be, but the guys grinded it out.”

Ian Wright scored two tries in the final, which CWU won 21-19. And several players showed well in the tournament, especially Maverick Schirmer, who has returned to campus bigger and stronger.

Meanwhile, Arizona State 7s Coach Ian Gregor was very pleased with his team’s start.

“Everyone was excited to get some international competition,” said Gregor. “It was a tough competition and we’ve graduated some important leaders on the team, so it was good to see how the players reacted.”

Alex Sandstrom has taken over the center position held by his brother, Adam, who graduated, and played very well. Newcomer Nathaniel Short showed why he was a HS All American, and Gregor had praise for the play and leadership of Connor McRae.

Next up for CWU will be the Boise State 7s, the next event in the NCRC 7s Series. Next up for Arizona State will be the West Coast 7s.