At this point a year ago, Ron Laszewski had just been named head coach of the newly formed Lindenwood men's rugby program, but it really only existed on paper at the time.  Since then, all the Lions have done is complete an unbeaten collegiate season, win the Western Division II Championship, and capture the USA Rugby Men's Division II College National Championship with a 50-12 victory over Salisbury University Saturday afternoon at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Much like the semifinal contest on Friday, the game against the Sharks was a defensive battle at the beginning.  Physical play ruled the day as both teams were energized in the first half, but the Lindenwood counter attack, led by Morgan Findlay, eventually gave the Lions the momentum and their first score.  Cody Schwahn and Tyler Black added tries later to send Lindenwood into halftime with a 19-5 lead. 

The Lions came to play in the second half and opened up a 31-5 lead with two quick scores from Trevor Locke and Jake O'Neill.  The Sharks countered with a try to stay within striking distance, but Lindenwood slammed the door after that.  Lincoln Magee picked up back-to-back tries and Prince Russell finished off the scoring for the Lions. 

Magee led Lindenwood with two tries and Brendan Davis pitched in with five conversions in the kicking game.  Locke picked up one score and was named the MVP of the Championship.
The Lions finished with a collegiate record of 20-0 and topped the 100 point mark six times during the regular season, but defense propelled them to the national title.  The most points they yielded in the post-season was 15 in the Sweet 16 against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the 2011 National Champions.

Any sports program only has one shot at its inaugural season.  Lindenwood men's rugby definitely made the most of it.