The Franciscan Barons have claimed their title as Division III National Champions after a hard fought 29-17 win over Slippery Rock on Saturday in Houston. The Barons had an incredible comeback in the post season after their conference championship loss to The Rock, besting three powerhouse teams to earn their rematch in the final.
The first half went back and forth, with a close 14-12 score in favor of Franciscan. The Barons had tries from eight man Abraham Schmiesing and flyhalf Lex Lang, followed up by two conversions from scrumhalf Nathanael Bateman. The Rock trailed close behind with tries from second row Kameron Kruzelyak and prop John Elick, supported by a conversion from flyhalf Chase Nething.
The Barons opened up the second half with a try from flanker Dominic Grecol, with Slippery Rock’s eight man Alec Harbison grounding a try. Unfortunately those were The Rock’s last points of the match, with Schmiesing claiming one more try. Bateman locked in the win with a conversion and penalty kick, officially earning the team their championship win.
This is a big win for the Barons, as they did not make regionals last year. Slippery Rock took the trophy at 7s nationals this spring, but couldn’t carry the momentum for 15s in Houston.
The Division III MVP went to Baron prop Jacob Leerkes, a junior majoring in accounting and business management.
Holy Cross secured third place in the division on Saturday as well, beating New Mexico Tech 29-7.
