Unearthed Archives: The 1st All Wisconsin Girls Match

Our historical investigation staff recently unearthed photographs of the 1st All Wisconsin high school girls rugby match.  They were located in a box in the basement of the old league offices next to the washing machine.

There had been earlier matches in Wisconsin where DSHA hosted Wayzata (MN) and where DSHA played Marquette University's B side as well as UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater.   But this was the first match between two high school sides.  

Dan Chanen was head coach of the first DSHA team.  Linda Niemela coached the Krusaders girls team, spelled with a K because they were not yet officially recognized by CMHS.

They played a home and away series in the fall of 1998.  From the very beginning it was a special rivalry.  Coach's homes were targeted.  And a wonderful first after-match social occurred, which was something these high school athletes and trailblazers had never experienced until that moment.

WGR Class of 2020

Congratulations to the following WGR Alumni who plan to compete on college varsity teams in the upcoming school year.  There may be more we are unaware of.  There are also numerous players likely to end up at club college teams.

While they may not get a chance to take the field this fall, we wish all of these impressive young women the best in their transition to college during these difficult times.

WGR Class of 2020:

Haley Crow             Catholic Memorial HS                 Quinnipiac University      (NCAA NIRA D1)

Alexis Haskins        Catholic Memorial HS                 Quinnipiac University      (NCAA NIRA D1)

Bella Huschitt         Divine Savior Holy Angels HS    Dartmouth University      (NCAA NIRA D1)

Abby Kayser           Divine Savior Holy Angels HS    Dartmouth University      (NCAA NIRA D1)

Gwen Knutson        Brookfield                                    Queens University            (NCAA NIRA D2)

Hannah Pfersch       Hamilton HS                                Quinnipiac University      (NCAA NIRA D1)

Angelina Pieters      Catholic Memorial HS                 Lindenwood University   (USAR  D1 Elite)

Spring 2021 Event Dates

Midwest High School Girls Rugby Championships    April 24th-25th, 2021
     Moose Rugby Grounds, Elkhart, Indiana
     Midwest Youth Rugby Website



National Girls Tournament                                          May 15th-16th, 2021
     Location TBD
     Look for info HERE on Lifelawrugby