The 2012 season was the first at the Division I-AA level for NIU’s men’s rugby. Saturday, the fall season came to an end with a home win against Central Michigan.

The Huskies (7-1) defeated the Chippewas (4-4) 29-3.

Junior flanker and team captain Osama Shayeb said the Huskies used an offensive formula in their victory.

“[We] just played to our strengths,” Shayeb said. “We came out a little slow in the first half, but we ended up turning it around playing our own game and ended up with a win.”

Coach Kris Osterloh said the Huskies executed their game plan to perfection against the Chippewas.

“[The] first thing was to wear them down,” Osterloh said. “We were hoping and guessing that they were not going to be as fit or physical as us, so it was, you know, hit ’em hard at the fringes and then try to score.”

One Huskie led the way in the victory over Central Michigan, as senior fly half Alex Binetti registered two tries in the win.

Shayeb said Binetti, the leader of the backline, brought a lot to the team against the Chippewas.

“He controlled the field really well, just up the middle [and] setting the tone for the game.” Shayeb said.

NIU finishes the fall season second in MAC rugby play, despite it being the team’s first season at the Division I-AA level.

Shayeb said playing at a higher level this season brought more challenges that took time to get used to.

“Every weekend is a challenge…,” Shayeb said. “We drive seven and a half hours away to Ohio or they come here and we really don’t know what to expect of any team. We’re used to being the top dog in the Chicago area but now that we play Midwest rugby, it gets a lot tougher week by week. It’s a lot more work but it pays off.”

Osterloh said the success in the first year shows the program belongs at this level.

“I think it speaks well, we definitely deserved to be up at DI,” Osterloh said. “This is where we belong and, you know, I think we have a bright future in this league we’re in to be a powerhouse as always and to stay dominant.”

NIU is waiting on a ruling from USA rugby to determine whether or not it is eligible for the national tournament in the spring.