Messenger file photo: Returning Fort Dodge rugby players are (left to right): Sam Davidson, Jesse Egli, Drew Mason, Korben Davis, Brennen Stickrod, Owen Stok, Hunter Kasperbauer and Cael Adams.

The Fort Dodge Stags have built a tradition on the rugby pitch and head coach Tom McClimon feels they have the strength to keep the momentum going in 2026.

It’s going to take plenty of work in the weeks to come, but McClimon feels they can get there.

“Our M.O. has always been that we feel we are the toughest team out there,” McClimon said. “We still have to find our identity with this group.

“We do have some experience returning, with two-time all-stater Jesse Egli, Hunter Kasperbauer, Drew Mason and Korben Davis. We have flexibility with our roster.”

The Stags, who were established in 2019, have qualified for the state tournament every season of their existence, finishing fifth a year ago and as silver medalists in 2024. Cael Adams, Sam Davidson, Brennen Stickrod and Owen Stock are also back this season for Fort Dodge.

Egli attained first team all-state status for the Stags in 2025.

“Jesse is our leader and has been that guy for the past two seasons,” McClimon said. “Drew Mason played some last year. He is seeing the field more now and doing a great job.

“Hunter and Sammy are wingers that are useful at tackling and their willingness to play hard. Cael still has a lot to learn about rugby, but is doing a great job and works extremely hard and his knowledge is growing.”

McClimon is also expecting big things from the St. Edmond duo of Matthew Crimmins and Evan Knox. Crimmins was a third-place state wrestling medalist for the Gaels this past season.

“The sport of rugby was made for Matthew,” McClimon said. “He works hard and is physical.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Evan. He has grown up early on and is figuring out how to play and doing an awesome job.”

The Stags have been preparing for about a month.

“We’ve to raise the work rate and speed of getting ready,” McClimon said. “You have to go non-stop in rugby. We have to improve on that consistently and be more comfortable with what we are doing.

“We saw that in our loss to Bondurant-Farrar (last week). We played well against a team that I feel is the best in the state, though.”

The Stags host their only matches of the season on Friday inside historic Dodger Stadium. Fort Dodge will play Des Moines Lincoln at 6:20 p.m. and West Des Moines Valley at 9 p.m.

The Stags junior varsity team will take the field on Friday at 7 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.

2026 FORT DODGE STAGS

Roster

Seniors — Sam Davidson, Jesse Egli, Luke Fierke, Hunter Kasperbauer, Drew Mason, Brennen Stickrod, Owen Stok.

Juniors — Christian Calles, Korben Davis, Noah Essman, Kyle Pederson, Jayce Skow, Aden Tjalsma.

Sophomores — Cael Adams, Matthew Crimmins, Jesse Fuller, Kadince Kisler, Evan Knox, Coy Nichols, Kaden Nichols, Hunter Singer, Spencer Smith, Bryce Tessandori, Malachi Harvey.

Freshmen — Leighton McCrady, Nolan Price, Brody Reimers, Lance McQuillen, Max McQuillen.

Schedule

April 17 — Des Moines Lincoln, 6:20 p.m.; 17 — Valley, 9 p.m.; 24 — at Cedar Falls (Urbandale, 6:20 p.m.; Southeast Polk, 7:20 p.m.; Cedar Falls, 9:20 p.m.).

May 1 — at Waverly Shell-Rock (Ankeny, 7 p.m.; Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 8:20 p.m.; Waverly Shell-Rock 10 p.m.)