Cincinnati high school rugby: St. Xavier names new head coach

St. Xavier High School class of 1988 graduate Mark Weidner has been named head rugby coach of the Bombers, according to St. Xavier athletic director Brian Reinhart. 

“We are excited to have Coach Weidner lead our rugby program,” said Reinhart.  “As an alum of St. X and having served as an assistant coach, Coach Weidner lives the mission of the school and will be a great leader and role model for our student-athletes.”

Weidner has 13 years of rugby experience.  He was a collegiate All-American at the University of Cincinnati, played international rugby, played on the U.S. National Under 25 Rugby team and was a member of the U.S. National 7s team. Weidner was the head JV coach for St. Xavier rugby last year. Weidner is currently the vice president for WQSi.  He has also been a youth basketball and softball coach for the past 15 years.

“I am excited and honored to lead these young men in a sport that I love so much for this nationally recognized rugby program,” Weidner said. “I look forward to being a bigger part of the St. Xavier community and continuing the upward trajectory of this rapidly growing Olympic Sport.”

His wife, Janice, and eight daughters and one son have supported his passion for athletics and the sport of rugby. Weidner begins his new assignment immediately. 

Rugby is not an OHSAA-sponsored sport. It is played on a club level with St. Xavier participating in the Greater Miami Rugby Conference with teams from Lakota, Northern Force, Moeller, Miami County, Walnut Hills and Withrow.