FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Indiana Tech will be launching a men's rugby program accepting some of the best athletes from around the country, starting in the fall of 2024, announced by the Director of Athletics Jessie Biggs on Tuesday. With the addition of rugby, Indiana Tech will now have 29 varsity programs represented in the athletic department.

Rugby will affiliate with National Collegiate Rugby and compete independently before entering conference play. The program will compete around the Midwest in 15s in the fall and 7s in the spring.

The early goals of the program are to grow a roster of more than 15 student-athletes to be on campus in the Fall of 2024 and increase the roster to more than 40 in the first three years while entering full conference play. Additionally, the program wants to gain a foothold in the community as a destination for youth rugby camps, referee training, and coach development while building a reputation for service and leadership for our players.
 
With the addition of the program, Tech has hired Sam DiFilippo to serve as the program's first head coach and to help guide the program through its inaugural period.
 
"We are excited for Sam DiFilippo to join our staff here at Indiana Tech," Biggs said. "His knowledge of not only the game but also the connections with local and national Rugby associations and individuals will be a key piece to getting this program started in the right direction." 
 
DiFilippo began his rugby playing career in high school, where in 2004, he was a team captain for Bishop Dwenger when they won a state championship. He played competitively around the Midwest in college but ultimately fell in love with coaching.
 
"I have a deep love for rugby and am dedicated to using this sport to enhance campus life at Indiana Tech. As an experienced coach, I strive to create a culture of excellence and help everyone involved in the rugby program reach their full potential," DiFilippo said.
 
 "I want to thank Jessie Biggs, David Bokhart, and the search committee for this opportunity. I am grateful for the chance to lead the new Men's Rugby Program. I am very excited to join the Warrior Family and build on the culture of success here at Indiana Tech. I am eager to connect with the next wave of student-athletes and build a program of great character both on and off the pitch."
 
DiFilippo became a certified coach in 2005 and, since then, has worked to have a significant impact on the rugby community as a coach and an administrator. As president and assistant coach of the Fort Wayne Men's Club, he marshaled an undefeated season, including a Midwest Championship and a national fifth-place finish in 2017. As a coach for Bishop Dwenger Rugby, he guided the team to win the JV Super League title in 2021 and a Varsity State Runner-Up finish while being ranked among the top teams in the nation.
 
DiFilippo holds a bachelor's degree in Education and Theology from Marian University. He also earned his master's in Sports Management from Indiana State University. He has a Level 300 Coach Certificate and is a Coach Educator for USA Rugby.