Indiana Tech To Add Men's Rugby; Names Rugby Coach
Indiana Tech To Add Men's Rugby; Names Rugby Coach
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Indiana Tech has announced that it will be launching a men's rugby program starting this coming fall.
With the addition of rugby, Indiana Tech will now have 29 varsity programs represented in the athletic department.
The team will play under National Collegiate Rugby and will play an independent schedule at first. The initial goals are to grow the program from a roster able to play 7s to a squad of 40 within the first three years. Additionally, the program wants to gain a foothold in the community as a destination for youth rugby camps, referee training, and coach development while building a reputation for service and leadership for players.
With the addition of the program, Tech has hired Sam DiFilippo to serve as the program's first head coach and to help guide the program through its inaugural period.
"We are excited for Sam DiFilippo to join our staff here at Indiana Tech," said Indiana Tech Director of Athletics Jessie Biggs. "His knowledge of not only the game but also the connections with local and national Rugby associations and individuals will be a key piece to getting this program started in the right direction."
DiFilippo began his rugby playing career in high school, where in 2004, he was a team captain for Bishop Dwenger when they won a state championship. He played competitively around the Midwest in college but ultimately fell in love with coaching.
"I have a deep love for rugby and am dedicated to using this sport to enhance campus life at Indiana Tech. As an experienced coach, I strive to create a culture of excellence and help everyone involved in the rugby program reach their full potential," DiFilippo said. "I want to thank Jessie Biggs, David Bokhart, and the search committee for this opportunity. I am grateful for the chance to lead the new Men's Rugby Program. I am very excited to join the Warrior Family and build on the culture of success here at Indiana Tech. I am eager to connect with the next wave of student-athletes and build a program of great character both on and off the pitch."
DiFilippo became a certified coach in 2005 and, since then, has worked to have a significant impact on the rugby community as a coach and an administrator. As president and assistant coach of the Fort Wayne Men's Club, he marshaled an undefeated season, including a Midwest Championship and a national fifth-place finish in 2017. As a coach for Bishop Dwenger Rugby, he guided the team to win the JV Super League title in 2021 and a Varsity State Runner-Up finish while being ranked among the top teams in the nation.
DiFilippo holds a bachelor's degree in Education and Theology from Marian University. He also earned his master's in Sports Management from Indiana State University. He has a Level 300 Coach Certificate and is a Coach Educator for USA Rugby.
Based on Fort Wayne, Ind., but with regional locations as well, Indiana Tech University is organized into three colleges: College of Business; Taiwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences. It is an NAIA school and has seen some significant athletic success
