The San Diego Mustangs Youth Rugby Club’s U18 squad has been crowned the number one team in the country after winning the Rugby High School National Championship on May 24, 2025.
The tournament, held in Elkhart, Indiana, saw the Mustangs defeat the Charlotte Cardinals 19-14 in a thrilling final.
This victory marks the Mustangs’ first national championship in 13 years, and it was a moment of immense pride for the team and their supporters.
A Long-Awaited Victory
This win was particularly significant for the Mustangs, who had come close to a national title in recent years. The team had finished in fourth place last year, second the year before, and third the year before that.
“We’ve been knocking on the door for a while,” said Assistant Head Coach Matty Sandoval. The players, fully aware of how long they had been striving for this victory, were overjoyed to finally clinch the title.
Sandoval noted the sense of pride among the team, as they became the group that finally brought home the championship.
The team’s triumph was celebrated by their families and alumni, who welcomed them at San Diego International Airport with cheers, balloons, and signs, marking their return as national champions.
The Road to Victory
The Mustangs arrived in Indiana with 45 players, splitting them into their “A” and “B” sides. Led by Sandoval and head coach Ramon Samaniego, this was Samaniego’s final year as the U18 coach after 18 seasons.
He will be passing the torch to Sandoval, who also coaches the Torrey Pines High School rugby team.
In the tournament, the Mustangs started strong, coming in as the number two seed, a position they had held all year. In the first round, they crushed the Woodlands team from Houston 53-12.
In the semifinal, they triumphed over the Caveman from American River, Utah, with a 36-19 victory, setting up a showdown with the Charlotte Cardinals, the defending champions and top-ranked team.
The Championship Game
The championship game was a tense, hard-fought battle. Charlotte struck first, scoring a try and converting it for a 7-0 lead. The Mustangs responded with a try of their own but missed the conversion.
At halftime, they were trailing 7-5, but Sandoval said the team remained optimistic, feeling confident they could turn things around.
In the second half, scrumhalf Spencer Huntley took control of the game. Huntley, who has been hailed as the best high school rugby player in the country, scored all 14 of the Mustangs’ points in the second half.
Sandoval praised Huntley’s performance, saying he had been “fantastic” and that he was the best player he had ever seen. Huntley’s exceptional skills were a key factor in the Mustangs’ narrow 19-14 victory.
A Bright Future for the Mustangs
The championship game also saw standout performances from other players, such as Matteo Bresenden, who was named co-MVP along with Huntley. Bresenden, known for his strong lineout and maul skills, played a crucial role in the team’s success.
The Mustangs’ lineout, led by Carson “Nugget” Palmberg, is considered the best in the country, and their maul tactics were a key part of their strategy.
After winning the national title, the Mustangs were met with an emotional celebration from the local rugby community. The players were deeply touched by the support from their families, coaches, and alumni.
Sandoval emphasized that this team would be remembered not only for their championship win but also for the culture of fun and camaraderie they brought to the Mustangs program.
College Dreams and the Next Generation
As is customary for the U18 team, many players will move on to college rugby programs. The Mustangs will send four players to the University of California, Berkeley, a rugby powerhouse.
These players—James Curtis, Sam Violett, Will Shreckengaust, and Liam Spieker—are set to continue their rugby careers at one of the top programs in the country.
Other players, like Will Barrett and Carson Palmberg, will go on to play for the University of Arizona and the University of Utah, respectively.
Despite a senior-heavy team, the Mustangs have a strong group of younger players coming up, including a talented U16 squad. The future of the team looks bright, with Sandoval taking over as head coach for the 2025 season.
A Culture of Care and Success
As Sandoval transitions to head coach, he will continue to emphasize the values of presence, gratitude, and care. He believes that these principles are key to the team’s success, both on and off the field.
“The key to high school guys performing is knowing that they’re loved and accepted,” Sandoval said. “If they feel that, they’re going to play out of their skin for ya.”
These values have helped create a culture that not only produces excellent rugby players but also helps shape young men who will contribute positively to society.
The San Diego Mustangs U18 team’s victory in the Rugby High School National Championship is a historic achievement for the club, ending a 13-year wait for a national title.
The team’s dedication, teamwork, and exceptional talent, led by stars like Spencer Huntley, propelled them to victory.
With a strong incoming group of players and a solid foundation of values, the Mustangs are poised for continued success in the years to come.
