Bearcats Battle Hard in 15s Finale at Wingate

WINGATE, N.C. - The Lander University Bearcats closed out their fall 15s season on the road against Wingate University, facing a talented varsity program sponsored by Wingate Athletics. The Bulldogs boast a deep roster with several international players and an experienced coaching staff, making them one of the strongest emerging collegiate rugby programs in the region.

Despite the 60-10 final score, the match was far more competitive than the numbers suggest. The Bearcats trailed just 20-10 at halftime, playing with purpose and confidence throughout a tightly contested first half.

Lander struck first when freshman hooker Davido Sanchez powered across the line for his first career try. Moments later, fly half Jacob Dawkins added another score after a crafty line break by scrumhalf Chase Matthews, who used a quick pick-and-go to set up Dawkins perfectly for the finish.

The second half remained competitive, with both sides battling evenly until a four-minute stretch midway through the half saw Wingate score three consecutive tries, all of which were converted. That sudden burst of scoring created a lopsided final score that didn't reflect the intensity and balance of play for most of the match.

Still, the Bearcats displayed toughness and composure throughout, finishing the season finale with pride and grit.

Man of the Match: Ethan Syswerda

Senior forward Ethan Syswerda earned Man of the Match honors in his final appearance for the Bearcats. A Greenwood native and Ninety Six High School graduate, Syswerda will earn his degree in physical education this December and plans to become a high school teacher and coach.

"Ethan has been a joy to coach and a tremendous teammate," Heach Coach Buck Billings said. "He's grown into a great rugby player and an even better man. We're going to miss him — not just his play, but his leadership and presence off the field."

Senior Highlights and Standout Performances

Jacob Gregory, a senior forward, played exceptionally well with a relentless work rate. One of the program's most consistent performers over the past four years, Gregory embodied toughness and commitment in every phase of play. While this was his final 15s match, he'll return for the spring 7s season, bringing invaluable experience and leadership.
Ethan "Brownie" Brown returned from a season-ending injury last year and made a big impact in his first significant minutes of the season.
Nathan Brown, Ethan's twin brother, is graduating early this December with a business degree and will begin his career as a financial adviser. In his final match, he provided solid minutes in the front row as a substitute prop — a fitting full-circle moment for a player who has contributed selflessly to the program.
Chase Matthews and Jacob Dawkins worked well together in the 9-10 connection, creating attacking opportunities and steadying the tempo.
Davido Sanchez, the freshman hooker, scored the team's opening try and continues to impress with his work rate and fearlessness up front.

Coach's Reflections

"It's always disappointing not to send our seniors like Syswerda, Gregory and Nathan Brown out with a win," Coach Billings said. "But considering the adversity we faced with injuries and the strength of our schedule, I'm proud of the way our young guys stepped up. Those minutes against top competition will pay off."

The Bearcats faced one of the toughest schedules in the program's young history — opening with Clemson, traveling to West Point, and battling both NC State and UNC Charlotte, two of the top-ranked sides in the country.

Looking Ahead

With several key players set to return from injury and two new recruits joining in January, the Bearcats are eager to shift focus toward the spring 7s season.

"This fall gave us the growing pains we needed," Billings added. "The future looks bright for Bearcat rugby."

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Players Mentioned

Ethan Syswerda: Senior

Jacob Dawkins: Junior

Jacob Gregory: Junior

Nathan Brown: Junior

Davido Sanchez: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Ethan Syswerda
: Senior

Jacob Dawkins
: Junior

Jacob Gregory
: Junior

Nathan Brown
: Junior

Davido Sanchez
: Freshman