New Paltz, NY - In the first Tri-State Conference game of the year an inexperienced SUNY-New Paltz team not only conceded 10 tries but also struggled to keep 15 players on the field. A slew of high tackles left New Paltz down to 13 players in the first half and territory was gained along with gaps a plenty to expose. The scoreline probably flattered Vassar and there is still a massive amount of room for improvement with this squad. There can be no hiding that a lot of hard work is necessary and all the players must strive to get better at every session.

Vassar College Men 66 v 3 SUNY-New Paltz
Tries: Phil Knowlton (2), Gene Waddy (1), Mark Gislason (1), TJ Usher (2), Max Czekaj (3), Ted Twit (1).
Cons: Mark Gislason (8).

Ill discipline, probably on account of inexperience, was a major factor in the demise of the hosts SUNY-New Paltz on a beautiful sunny day in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Multiple penalties given away allowed Vassar to either run at the disorganized defense or gain territory through kicks to the touchline. The home team started with confidence and having got themselves into Vassar's half a penalty kick for goal gave them a 3-0 lead. However, New Paltz would not score again in the match and although they had 2 chances late on this was a pretty one-sided affair.

Vassar had to rejig their lineup with Luca Perira Frears and Zhongjia Hou unavailable in the front row. In addition, Eli Schair-Rigoletti is still out of action so TJ Usher had his second game at number 9. Fortunately, Ted Twit was back and he did a very good job in the center consistently getting over the gain line with his carries.

Phil Knowlton, who had to slide across from prop to hooker, deservedly scored Vassar's first try when he charged forward from a 5-meters penalty and intelligently placed the ball on the line when a tad short. From 3-0 down the Brewers led 5-3. The Vassar forwards needed to straighten their running lines but in any event big lock Gene Waddy got on the scoresheet next. The rucks were messy and Vassar needed to do a better job of placing the ball but apart from some steals the ball would eventually emerge.

The first 3 lineouts Vassar overthrew but Samia Jaman managed to win the ball for the Brewers although this was not the original design.

TJ Usher is a work in progress at 9 as his pass can be wayward at times and must improve. He also needs to do a better job of using the team's patterns to break down a defense rather than run across the field trying to get around multiple defenders! Still this was only his second match in the role and there is no question about his commitment in defense or effort when carrying the ball. It was Usher who sprinted in for Vassar's 4th try and the bonus point was in the bag.

At the half it was a Vassar 26-3 lead as Mark Gislason had not only picked up a try when he opted to keep a ball but he also slotted 3 conversions.

Vassar played up what was a slight slope in the second half but New Paltz did not make any adjustments so the second 40 was very much more of the same. Vassar gained field position and then eventually there would be a breakdown in the home defense. Vassar lock forward Max Czekaj scored 3 tries and it was good to see the big man running confidently. Usher and Knowlton picked up another score each and Ted Twit went over so it was a comprehensive win come the close of play.

The scorers get mentioned but there were some good contributions from others as they toiled away making tackles, hitting rucks and carrying the ball. But every player has to understand that no-one is anywhere near being even competent yet. Next week the team will work to be better in the game against Montclair State. 

Team: 15 Kiran Mullen 14 Ken Kabeya 13 Marius Kruse 12 Ted Twit 11 Tony Mwangi 10 Mark Gislason 9 TJ Usher 1 Jojo Goldin 2 Phil Knowlton 3 Ben Kaplan 4 Max Czekaj 5 Gene Waddy 6 Gabe Slavin 7 Samia Jaman 8 Kaiden Tocher. Subs: Miles Yum for Jojo Goldin, Caleb Joyce for Marius Kruse, Anthony Kolesar for Gabe Slavin & Will Taaffe.

Record: 2-1-0

Next: Sunday September 21st, 2025 Vassar College Men versus Montclair State University Men KO 2:00 pm