This year the Jesuit Rugby Team is looking to rebound after a tough loss in the National Invitational Tournament Tier 1 National Championship by one point to Gonzaga Prep of Washington D.C.

Even with the disappointing loss, the Marauders enter the 2015 rugby season ranked No. 1 in the nation by  the Guff Rugby Report .

Jesuit kicked off its season by participating in 31st annual Kick Off tournament on Jan 24. The team was able to get back into the swing of things, while capturing the Kick Off Tournament Championship.

The Marauders will look to work hard this season, as they try to regain the Tier 1 National Title in Charlotte, North Carolina this year.

“The 2015 team is a rebuild and reload [team] with talent; [a] team that will win due great team work and believing in each other,” said Varsity Head Coach John Shorey.

With last year’s success in the Tier 2 National Championship, Jesuit has proven that this year’s senior class is extremely gifted by walking away with a championship.

Even though this is the case, the rugby team is not going into the season with too much confidence.

“I believe our team this year is playing with a chip on our shoulder. We feel like we have something to prove, and although we are the preseason national No. 1, it means nothing as of now,” said senior Nick Econome.

Strong leadership will help the Marauders to succeed this season.

“I want to be an effective leader, making sure the team has focused and intense practices and is fully prepared, both mentally and physically, for any team we face,” said senior Robert Paylor.

With leadership and a chip on their shoulders, Jesuit’s Varsity Rugby should have a strong season as they attempt to regain the Tier 1 National Championship this May.