On February 6^th, the Tri State Rugby Conference announced it's All-Conference team for the Fall 2018 season. The SUNY Maritime Men's Rugby team was granted 4 members, whose stellar performances during their undefeated regular season, post season run, and NSCRO nationals qualifying season were enough to place them amongst the league's best for both Division III & Division II. These members were Owen Serbent (Killingworth, Conn./) (8 man), McCale Butto (Wyomissing, Pa./) (Fullback), J.T. D'Angelo (Inside Center), & Kevin Kane (Staten Island, N.Y.) (Prop).
 
Owen Serbent (Killingworth, Conn./), was admitted as an 8-man for the 2^nd year in a row. Serbent's dominance and rugby gamesmanship propelled him to be arguably one of the best rugby player's in SUNY Maritime College history, and arguably the most elite player in the Tri-State Conference. While leading the team and the league in a large majority of statistical categories, Owen's value to the team was even more valuable for his on the field / off the field leadership ability. A master at the breakdown, Serbent created 15-not releasing calls (turnovers) on opponents, and was awarded the SUNY Maritime Men's Rugby Jackal trophy for his commanding defensive efforts.
 
McCale Butto (Wyomissing, Pa./), at Fullback, came in with his first nomination to the All-Conference team. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy, as McCale bounced back this season with a vengeance after suffering several serious knee injuries during his 4-year career at Maritime. Butto represented the most reliable tackler on the team throughout the season, making countless try-saving tackles, even on the most open of breakaways. Offensively, Butto had one of the best seasons at the fullback position in Maritime history. The fullback aggressively inserted himself into the majority of backline plays, but never faltered to hustle back and make critical defensive plays.
 
J.T. D'Angelo was awarded the honor of All-Conference at the Inside Center position. The Inside Center routinely delivered punishing blows on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Offensively, D'Angelo led the team in try's, points, and meters gained. Defensively, D'Angelo became known as a tackler that would contest field position most efficiently by not just making the tackle, but driving the opponent backwards to set himself or a teammate up to contest the ruck. D'Angelo remained a consistent headache for opposing defenses all season, as both his top flight speed, brutal physicality, and unique ball-handling ability created no-win situation mismatches for defenders, and made him a nightmare to guard. J.T. will be back this spring season as the Backline Captain.
 
Representing the most improved player on the team, Kevin Kane (Staten Island, N.Y.) was selected to the All-Conference team for his dominance at the Flanker position. Like D'Angelo, Kane commanded respect from opponents at all physical aspects of the game, from the breakdown, to the tackle, to the scrum. Kane was awarded the Maritime Rugby "Administer of Pain" team award this season. This award was well deserved by Kane, who routinely punished opponents by delivering bone chilling contact offensively & defensively. Kane will return this Spring season, serving as the Forward Captain.