NDC rugby started their 2021 fall season with a 3-week welcoming camp under their new coaching structures. The men's and women's programs ran side-by-side, getting back into a rhythm and running at least two session per day.

The men's program kicked off with a not-so-friendly, friendly game versus the NDC Alumni on Sept. 5th. This was the inaugural Alumni game and it was a hard-fought battle with the cunning alumni taking it to the current Falcons in the first half and the current players coming back to tie the game to a 21-21 draw. It was a great start to what will be a great tradition.

The following week, the NDC men's rugby team traveled to West Point, to take on the Black Knights of Army. The NDC Falcons had a young touring squad with six exciting freshmen in the 23-man team going to Army. The Falcons were still in the game and down 19-6 until the 65th minute, after which the inexperience of a young team led to a 47-6 defeat. The two penalty kicks were converted by fullback Jeff Mutuku, who was also a standout Player of the Match.

On Sept. 18, the Falcons traveled to Grand Rapids, Mich. to face Davenport University. The Falcons got off to a rocky start by conceding two tries within the first six minutes of the match. Blindside flanker, David Grecol saw space and hit back with a try of his own in the 12th minute, bringing the score to 14-5.

With four key personnel not available for selection after Army, the defense was out of sorts and went into the tunnel at halftime trailing 25-5. In the 55th minute, the Falcons crossed the whitewash for the second time through fancy footwork by freshman Sam Evans, who put a kick in for Fadzai Mushonga to score. The game score was less than favorable for the NDC Falcons with a final score of 42-12 loss.

With a couple of faces returning this week, the rugby lads are optimistic as they travel to Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 25th and have their first home match against Wheeling on Sunday the 26th.