Saint Martin’s Kingfishers Storm Past Wichita in Kansas State Rugby Semi-Final
By Vincent Prezzia
Saint Martin’s Academy Kingfishers delivered a commanding 36-12 victory over the Wichita Barbarians in the Kansas State Rugby Championship semi-final at the neutral field of St. James High School. Led by the resolute captain Ethan Blakie, the team’s rekindled passion and unbreakable camaraderie propelled them into the state final, a testament to their grit as they chase a historic threepeat (a third consecutive state title) after a season of soaring highs and humbling setbacks.
The match ignited with a stumble, as Wichita pounced on a bobbled pass to surge over for a converted try, seizing a 7-0 lead. The Kingfishers, undaunted, rallied behind fly-half Will Van De Ryt, who coolly slotted two penalties to narrow the gap to 6-7. Momentum swung as Saint Martin’s pack, driven by prop Ben Walsh and lock Jack Staunton, powered through a series of pick-and-go’s, culminating in a try that pushed them ahead 13-7. Winger Joseph Masny, known as “Silly Wizard,” played a smart and strategic game, his clever positioning on offense opening lanes and his disciplined tackling on defense thwarting Wichita’s wings. Van De Ryt struck again with a penalty to make it 16-7, then showcased his guile with a deft dummy to dance over for a try, his conversion landing to send the Kingfishers into half-time leading 23-7. Scrum-half Robbie Ritson, a dynamo of precision and energy, orchestrated the attack with flair, while Blakie’s commanding presence anchored the squad.
The second half saw Saint Martin’s tighten their grip. In the 44th minute, JP Van De Ryt broke through to score, extending the lead to 28-7 despite a missed kick. Will Van De Ryt added another penalty to make it 31-7, his boot a relentless weapon. Wichita mustered a response, crossing for an unconverted try with 15 minutes left to close it to 31-12, but the Kingfishers’ defense, bolstered by Staunton, Walsh, flanker Vince Lima fresh off an injury, JP Gallo, and winger Daniel Ellis, who all delivered a barrage of bone-rattling tackles, held firm, with Masny’s tactical nous snuffing out flank attacks. The final flourish came when outside center Sam Egger split the Wichita line with a searing run, touching down to seal the 36-12 rout, the conversion drifting wide. The Kingfishers’ unity, forged in jest and trust, shone through, their playful brotherhood driving a tempo Wichita could not match.
This triumph was a clarion call of Saint Martin’s heart: Blakie’s steadfast leadership, Ritson’s sparkling play, Masny’s strategic brilliance, Will Van De Ryt’s masterful kicking and try, and the tackling ferocity of Staunton, Walsh, Lima, JP Gallo, and Ellis fueled a squad that played as one. The 36-12 scoreline, a redemption from an earlier lackluster clash with Wichita, launches Saint Martin’s into the state final. With the season culminating next week against Aquinas, a formidable foe who edged them earlier this year, the Kingfishers stand on the cusp of a historic third straight Kansas title, their resolve steeled for the ultimate test.
