ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The #2 seeded Central Washington University Wildcats Men's Rugby team would be eliminated from the D1A Men's College Rugby National Championship playoff by the #3 seed BYU Saturday afternoon seeing the Wildcats fall by a final score of 24-40 to the Cougars. 
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY
"Slow start against a team that is ruthless with their execution in the first 40 today. BYU are incredibly physical and paid us pay for some poor play at times today. I love our fight, we have a group that cares and that will propel us to evolve next year. Finally thank you to our seniors, you changed our program and have been part of some truly memorable wins. I look forward to watching your next steps and can't wait to welcome you back here." 
 
SEASON RECAP
Your Wildcats finished the season with a 9-4 record (including postseason). They had big wins against ranked opponents in Arizona, Cal Poly, BYU, and UCLA. Finishing being ranked #4 in the power rankings and named the 2 seed in the Western side of the bracket. The Wildcats would win their opening round matchup of the playoffs against a tough opponent in Arizona. 
 
The Wildcats had 3 seniors this season in Calvin Liulamaga, Cam Nelson, and Isaiah Simera-Saldana. Calvin joined the Wildcat squad back in 2020, the centre has been a huge part of the Wildcats success over the past 4 years, and recorded a two try game against the Seattle Rugby Club earlier this season. The Auburn Washington native will return home after graduation to coach and work, graduating with a major in Accounting and minor in Finance. Cam joined the Wildcats back in 2020 as well, the prop has helped play a pivotal role for the 'Cats over the past 4 seasons. The Roseville California native will be putting his Craft Brewing major to use upon graduation as he will be returning home to start a career as a craft brewer. Isaiah Simera-Saldana joined the Wildcats back in 2021 and has been a big part in helping the Wildcats over the past 3 seasons. A native of Spokane Washington, Isaiah looks to return home to coach and teach. Playing the wing position, Isaiah will earn a degree in Education.  
 
Oscar Treacy would have himself a phenomenal season, recording 2 hat tricks on the year and setting a career high 4 tries in the contest against UCLA. Treacy would score a total of 11 tries on the year for the Wildcats. 
 
Thank You Wildcat fans for an amazing season! Your Men's Rugby team will have more action to come with 7's season coming up!