On Saturday, November 29, the Empire GU Upstate Men’s Selects entered an Under-23 side in the New York Sevens (NY7s), competing in the Men’s Social bracket. With players and coaches representing 12 different clubs and universities across Upstate, the weekend was a showcase of both talent and unity.
With no opportunity to train together prior to the tournament, their opening match against the Reprobates (Binghamton Alumni) promised to be an immediate test — and a sign of what might follow.
Upstate Selects answered swiftly and emphatically. Three tries in the opening three minutes signaled they were more than ready to compete. A convincing win set the tone for the day and confirmed for the coaching staff that this group was something special.
Onto the second match against Play Rugby USA Alumni — a known tough opponent — once again, the squad burst out with pace and precision, putting down four tries in the first half alone and cruising to another bonus-point win. With their third match a forfeit, the Upstate Men’s Selects advanced to the playoffs as the top seed.
The semifinal brought a strong Hartford Wanderers side. Upstate faced their toughest momentum shift of the day but settled in, controlled possession and powered through to earn their spot in the final.
The championship match versus Bayonne Bombers lived up to the billing. For the first time all tournament, the Upstate Men’s Selects found themselves trailing — down 14-12 at halftime. But the response was immediate and composed. Two quick tries in the second half turned the tide, and the Upstate Men’s Selects secured the Men’s Social championship with a hard-fought 24-19 victory.
“Overall it was an amazing weekend coaching the future of our league,” said Coach Bob Figueiredo. “A great experience for all the guys who participated.”
Upstate Men’s Selects vs Reprobates (Binghamton Alumni) — 32-5 Try scorers: Ryan Galligan (2), Tyler Callahan, Noah Lederman, Joey Brooks, John Cacares Man of the Match: Ryan Galligan
Upstate Men’s Selects vs Play Rugby USA Alumni — 43-5 Try scorers: Ryan Galligan (2), John Cacares, Bryce Gautreau, Tyler Callahan, Ioannis Pavlides, Zackery Robinson Man of the Match: Ioannis Pavlides
Semifinal — Upstate Men’s Selects vs Hartford Wanderers — 26-7 Try scorers: Jaden Cusprine, Joey Brooks, Noah Lederman, Zach Barstow Man of the Match: Noah Lederman
Final — Upstate Men’s Selects vs Bayonne Bombers — 24-19 Try scorers: Jaden Cusprine (2), Mike McDonald, Declan Noonan Man of the Match: Jaden Cusprine
MVP of the Tournament: Ryan Galligan
- Ryan Galligan — Buffalo Rugby Club
- Artie Padilla — Buffalo State University
- Dominic Ferguson — Buffalo Rugby Club
- Bryce Gautreau (Captain) — Buffalo Rugby Club
- Ioannis Pavlides — RIT
- Jaden Cusprine — Niagara University
- Jay Montgomery — Bayonne (formerly Buffalo State)
- Joey Brooks — Buffalo Rugby Club
- John Cacares — University at Buffalo Rugby Club
- Justin Bachman — Kenton Misfits Rugby Club
- Mike McDonald — University at Buffalo
- Noah Lederman — Plattsburgh State
- Tyler Callahan — Saranac Lake Rugby Club
- Declan Noonan — Buffalo State University
- Zach Barstow — SUNY Potsdam
- Zackery Robinson — South Buffalo Rugby Club
Coaches: Coach Bob Figueiredo — Syracuse Chargers Coach Owen Lawther — Buffalo Rugby Club / University at Buffalo
