The Rye Boys Rugby coaching staff have decided to name all eight seniors on their roster as team MVPs for the 2026 season: Jack Anderson, Hunter Gillies, Yusei Kioke, Gavin Fitzpatrick, Ben Stigliano, Carsten Steinmann, Sam Surak, and Mark Pellegrini.
“This extraordinary group has been the heartbeat of our program over the last four years,” the team posted on social media. “Through their tireless dedication, they have elevated Rye Rugby from a promising newcomer to a program of true national prominence.”
The senior class held the responsibility of keeping Rye competitive as they transitioned from Division II (where the team won two national championships in 2016 and 2018) to Division I. With the promotion came a whole new level of discipline, skills, and dedication required to succeed at the top division of New York State high school rugby. The Garnets showed in the past two seasons why they can handle the tougher competition, regularly ranking within the top 25 in the entire state. The Class of 2026 was a major reason why.
“From their start as freshmen to their final games as senior leaders, this group has influenced the growth and spirit of Rye Rugby more than any other cohort,” the social media post continued. “Their contributions are cemented in every win and milestone reached while in the program.”
In 2026 alone, the Garnets played well enough in the regular season to reach the state semifinals before falling to Xavier. The Garnets earned important late-season wins over Rockaway and Chaminade to help them reach a final record of 6-4. The seniors were their best players game-in and game-out in all ten matches.
Off the field, the senior class played a major role in Rye Rugby’s successful ‘Scrum on the Sound’ fundraiser, which raised more money than in recent memory for the program. These efforts help ensure that future Garnet teams have an A+ experience as they seek a NYS championship at the Division 1 level.
Three of the seniors – Fitzpatrick, Stigliano, and Steinmann – will continue their rugby careers at the collegiate level as members of the class of 2030. Fitzpatrick, a captain, is off to North Carolina, while the other two are committed to Fairfield.
There will be plenty of holes to fill in the starting lineup next year for the Garnets, as their eight-man senior class graduates as team MVPs and real program drivers.
