Blake McCarthy (left) runs with the ball while Hank Smith (right) tackles Victor Himich (middle) in the SLU vs SIU rugby game in the upper arena court Sep. 9, 2023.

Maya Griffin (10) tips the ball over the net during a match with the Carterville Lions and the Marion Wildcats September 10, 2025 at the athletic center at the Carterville Community High School in Carterville, Illinois. 

The Carterville Lions face off against the Marion Wildcats September 10, 2025 at the athletic center at the Carterville Community High School in Carterville, Illinois. 

Sophomore Cooper Schwieger goes for a dunk during the SIU v. Valpo game Feb. 22, 2025 at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. 

Rugby players jump for the ball during a rubgy tournament April 12 in the upper arena by the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. 

The Maryville rugby team pushes against the SIU team during a scrum Oct. 14, 2023 in the upper arena court at SIU in Carbondale, Illinois.

Fans watch from the side lines during the Herrin Tigers v. West Frankfurt Redbirds September 5, 2025 at the high school football stadium in Herrin, Illinois. 

Layla Yates (12) goes for a spike practicing before a match between the Carterville Lions and the Marion Wildcats September 10, 2025 at the athletic center at the Carterville Community High School in Carterville, Illinois.