Kutztown Goes 2-0 on Canada Tour

ACRC favorite, Kutztown opened their 2014 Fall season last weekend with a quick Canadian jaunt, visiting the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Thunder of Algonquin College. 

On Saturday, the Golden Bears defeated U. Ottawa 57-10. The running Bears scored nine tries with six conversions. Freshman Nu'u Aiava, Junior Jordan Ghyzal and Sophomore Alex Duke, each dotted down one time. Hat tricks were recorded by reserve sophomore Flanker Allan Kaufman and Senior Winger Robert Stortz. Stortz was making his first appearance since recovering from ACL surgery in 2013. Kutztown led at halftime 24-3. 

On Sunday Kutztown traveled to the other side of Ottawa City and took on the 2013 Ontario College Athletic Association runner-up, Algonquin University. The Golden Bears braced for a battle as Algonquin came out of the gate with crisp ball movement and hard-charging forwards.

Kutztown held the Thunder from crossing the goal line early and took turnover ball in the shadow of their goalpost. Within seconds, Kutztown's talented back line was on the attack. It was the last time Algonquin would cross mid-field until late in the contest. 

The Golden Bears exploded for ten tries and six conversions, en route to a 62-7 dismantling of the host side. Once again Senior Winger Robert Stortz led the charge with two tries. Nu'u Aiava scored, along with Jonathan Sage, Adam Grider, Johan Van Wyk, Trent Hensley, Devon Somma, Cap Huizenga  and Andrew Paradise. 

Throughout the weekend, the Kutztown forward pack, led by Junior #8 Wes Hartman and the new lock combination of Freshman Nick Holt and Sophomore Adam Grider, played outstanding "Go Forward" rugby. The Golden Bear back line, led by Senior Fly-half Brad Frederick, were too quick for their Canadian counterparts. As the season progresses and the Bears get all the pieces in place, this could be their best back-line ever. 

2013 ACRC fall champions Kutztown opens their home season this week against Buffalo University.