The 2007 USA Rugby Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah concluded Saturday and determined who earned the right to be called national champions. After two long grueling days in the heat, the Highlanders out of Utah were crowned national champs with a decisive 29-7 victory over Sacramento Jesuit.

This came as no surprise as the Highlanders have won 16 national championships, two second place finishes, and one third place finish in the last 23 years.

Houston's own St. Thomas High School earned the right to compete in the championship tournament but did not fare as well as they had hoped. The Eagles went 0-3 in the tournament but have every reason to hold their heads up with pride.

All three of their games were very close, including an overtime game that they fell short in with a 22-17 loss against Tacoma. The Eagles were down by two tries at halftime, but played with great intensity in the second half to tie the game at 17 before the end of regulation. Tacoma was able to squeak by in the five minute overtime period to secure their win and earn a #7 rank in the nation.

In their first game the Eagles fell to Sacramento Jesuit 21-13 in a close game that could have gone either way. Jesuit ended up playing the Highlanders in the championship game where they were heavily outmatched.  

St. Thomas could have easily been in the championship game but were crippled by shortened 22 minute halves set forth by the rugby union. Had longer halves been alloted, the Eagles would have stood a better chance in their quest to victory. Nonetheless the Eagles finished #8 in the nation with their success in the USA Nationals.

The Eagles will have to rebuild next year as they are losing quite a few seniors, however, they have some of the top coaches in the nation which could play a big role in their success next season.

Stay tuned to the Athlete's Connection for more coverage on the USA tournament and interviews with the St. Thomas coaches and players as well as pictures and highlight video from all teams who participated in Nationals.

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