After a challenging 1–3 record in 2024, the Sacred Heart University men's club rugby team—known proudly as the X-Men—entered the 2025 season determined to redefine their identity. With the arrival of new head coach Gennaro Gelsi, a veteran with more than 20 years of rugby coaching experience, the program set out to rebuild from the ground up.
From the first practices in early September, Gelsi emphasized two core principles: team culture and fundamental skills. Sessions were filled with small-sided gameplay, constant communication, and an atmosphere that balanced high effort with genuine enjoyment. As players learned to trust both the system and each other, a stronger, more unified team began to take shape.
On the field, the X-Men developed a structured offensive pattern built around a 1-3-3-1 attack, while also strengthening set pieces such as the lineout, scrum, kickoffs, and penalty plays. The lineout in particular became one of SHU's signature threats, producing multiple scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Regular Season Dominance
The X-Men opened their regular season at home on September 20 against Central Connecticut State University. Determined to prove they belonged among the North Atlantic Collegiate Rugby Conference contenders, SHU delivered a statement performance, winning 55–0 and scoring nine tries.
Their momentum only grew in Week 2, when they hosted Quinnipiac University. Despite Quinnipiac's size advantage, Sacred Heart's relentless pace and work rate overwhelmed the visitors. The X-Men scored 11 tries, led by Tom Ferreira, who touched down four times in an explosive offensive display.
Week 3 sent SHU on the road to face Mass Maritime, the defending conference champions and one of the region's most established programs. Despite a strong effort, the X-Men fell 64–26. The loss marked the season's midpoint, but instead of deflating the team, it sparked a renewed focus.
Sacred Heart bounced back immediately in Week 4 with a commanding 56–10 win over Southern Connecticut State University. Mike Agate led the scoring with four tries, supported by several standout defensive efforts.
The regular season concluded with another dominant road win, this time at the University of Hartford. SHU controlled all phases of the match, winning 49–0 and using the contest as a final tune-up before postseason play.
By season's end, the X-Men had scored 255 points while allowing just 84 across five games—an extraordinary turnaround from the previous year.
Playoff Heroics
Finishing near the top of the conference secured the X-Men a spot in the North Atlantic Collegiate Rugby D4 Semifinals, setting up a road matchup against Plymouth State University. Plymouth proved to be SHU's toughest opponent of the year, jumping ahead 33–19 with just 17 minutes left.
What followed was one of the most dramatic moments in recent program history.
With their season on the line, the X-Men rallied to score three unanswered tries, completing a stunning comeback to win 36–33. The match showcased the team's grit, conditioning, and belief in their system. Senior leaders—especially Xavier Moore and Ryan Mastropaolo —rose to the occasion in a defining performance for the program.
The win earned SHU a berth in the conference championship match, held at General Foley Stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, the X-Men once again faced Mass Maritime. Despite a tough, spirited effort, Sacred Heart ultimately fell 54–12 to the defending champions.
A Season of Growth and Momentum
Although the X-Men came up short in the final, the 2025 season marked a major step forward for the program. The team built a foundation of confidence, culture, and accountability that will carry them into the spring season and the 2026 campaign.
Senior standouts throughout the year included Ryan Mastropaolo, James Malloy, Cody Kelsey, Jeremy Suhr, and Ethan Roberts. Mastropaolo led the team in scoring, with 10 tries, followed by Mike Agate with 8 tries and Matthew Badia with 7 tries. Team captains—Jeremy Suhr, Cody Kelsey, and Ryan Mastropaolo—helped anchor the squad on and off the field.
With a renewed identity, a proven coaching direction, and a roster hungry for more, the X-Men are poised to build on one of their strongest seasons in recent memory.