Where We've Been

It was only 2 short years ago that our beloved Spartans endured an arduous, winless season. A season frought with difficulty and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Personalities clashed, and though the team featured strong, athletic players, many of whom had experience, the lack of unity was apparent. The team had inconsistent and sporadic attendance at trainings. Our head coach at the time let us know that he needed to step down due to some serious health problems. The search for a new head coach was on.

In addition to undertaking the head coach search, Mike Annab founded the board featuring charter members Lance Crannell, Jose Cong, Matt Cluin, DJ Avilucea, and Chris Webb. The team began their search for a new head coach in earnest, fielding applications from former professional rugby players, professional coaches, and other applicants as far as away as Canada and South Africa. However, Lance presented the name of an individual who was interested in the position. During our first meeting with Nick Schlobohm, we knew we'd found Spartan Rugby's next head coach.

Nick Schlobohm had a storied career as a rugby player at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., winning three national championships under coach Tim O’Brien, two in 15s, and one in 7s. He was the top try-scorer in 2014 and also named to the USA Rugby All-Playoff team that same year. His club career saw him playing with Back Bay 7s as well as winning a DIII divisional championship with Olde Gaels 15s. He also served as 1st team defensive coach, as well as head coach for the 2nd team, for the Olde Gaels while still a player. Nick's aspirations aligned with the position and he was eager to take the team to the next level, and help them seek their potential.

From Dream to Reality

Head Coach Nick Schlobohm formed an effective and talented coaching team. Forward's coach Nathan Grant and back's coach Hayden Warneke, along with strength and conditioning coach, Gabe Marin, shaped the 22-23 Spartans into a formidable pack. Old habits are difficult to break, but effective training, elite fitness, and dedication to rugby have brought success. The wins started coming and the rugby gods smiled on SJSU with an unexpected Bowl Game invitation to play in Houston.

That wonderful opportunity resulted in Spartan Rugby's first ever national bowl win over the University of South Florida. Getting there wasn't easy. The team had to raise nearly $27,000 in a week's time. Club Sports provided $5,000 and the rest had to be raised through alumni, parents, friends, and the community. The board was equal to the task. With that amazing success, the team was bolstered and not only did recruiting improve, but that win restored a great deal of pride in the program. Building off that amazing win, the Spartans marched into the preseason having scheduled games against some of the toughest teams in the nation, Western Washington, and St. Mary's. Though both ended in a loss, the Spartans put up points against each team and gained valuable experience. After a dominant display against DI team UCSC to regain the MacBeath Cup, the Spartans were ready for league. Now, going into the second half of the season undefeated, the Spartans are poised to not only make playoffs, but make a bid for another bowl game.

This is where we need your help.

Our Journey Forward

It's a bit cliché to say that success "takes a village." The old saying, "if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together" applies to us, especially during this time. This team has an opportunity to do something very special. The current level of success is not only encouraging, but the pride in Spartan Rugby is evident in the sheer number of people who have come out to support the team, buy merchandise and wear it proudly, and directly support the team's efforts through donations. After all, successes do not solely belong to the team. They belong to all of us, those who came before, and those who will come after. It is the legacy of Spartan Rugby since 1971 until long past our limited reach, that's being built today. We have big dreams, difficult dreams. But we have belief in what we're doing and we would love for you to come alongside this journey. We want you to say, "With you!"

2025 Playoff & Bowl Game Fund

By Spartan Rugby Alumni Association

2025 Playoff & Bowl Game Fund

Help get our boys to Houston!