Arkansas State Crowned Champions of the South

ASU traveled to Knoxville yesterday to battle the undefeated Tennessee Volunteers for the right to claim the 2008 division one South championship.  ASU had never defeated UT in Knoxville.  Both came away with their wishes somewhat satisfied.

ASU opened the scoring with a penalty kick by David Caswell and a 3-0 lead.  Tennesse followed with a penalty kick and the score was tied 3-3 at half.  Tennessee continued their scoring with another penalty kick and a converted try stretching their lead to 13-3.

As time slipped away ASU mounted a furious challenge in the last ten minutes to pull even with the Vols, with a penalty kick by Curtis Huckaby and converted try from Jake Grubbs with Caswell on the conversion.  On the last play of the game ASU missed a penalty kick just wide left and the game ended in a 13-13 tie. 

Since both ASU and Tennesse were undefeated in conference play, the league tie breaker would be determined by points scored for and against league teams.  ASU scored 323 and gave up 34 while UT scored over 225 and gave up 78.  ASU was crowned 2008 division one champs in their first year in division one.  ASU now travels to Albuquerque to face fourth ranked San Diego State in the sweet 16 on April 18th.

ASU Rugby is now attempting to raise 10k for the trip to Alburquerque and the Sweet 16.  This will cover the bus and motel rooms.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  All donations can be made to ASU rugby c/o Curt Huckaby, box 595, Lake City, AR  72437.