Travis in action.
Former Chattanooga Christian School football and wrestling standout Lane Travis made program history this weekend with Tennessee Tech Rugby, helping lead the Golden Eagles to their first-ever national championship tournament berth since the club was founded in 1977.
The team claimed victory at the Bluff City 7’s Challenge, held at McBride Field in Tobey Park, Memphis. The tournament was played under relentless rain, turning the field into a muddy, unforgiving battleground — but Travis and his teammates embraced the challenge with grit and determination.
Tennessee Tech’s journey to the title was anything but easy.
In their opening match against Ole Miss, the team fought back from a 14-0 deficit to win 26-19. They followed that performance with another comeback victory, defeating DePaul 19-12 after trailing early. Travis’s presence on the field brought explosive energy, helping drive momentum when it mattered most.
In the semifinal match against Mississippi State, Tech delivered a statement win, shutting out the Bulldogs 14-0 with disciplined defense and sharp execution. Travis continued to shine as a dynamic offensive threat and a dependable defensive asset.
The final match against Memphis was a chance at redemption for Tennessee Tech, following a lopsided 77-10 loss to the Tigers in 15s play last fall. The Golden Eagles struck early with a try from Todd Harris, followed by a key turnover and score from Troy Glecker. But Memphis fought back to tie the game at 19-19 by the end of regulation.
In overtime, with the rain-soaked field turning every movement into a battle, Lane Travis receiving the ball with open space ahead, Travis raced 80 meters down the sideline, breaking tackles and refusing to be stopped. His try sealed the victory and punched Tennessee Tech’s ticket to nationals — the first in program history.
Travis led all scorers across the tournament with seven tries, including the game-winner in the final. His play earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team, joined by teammates Todd Harris, Troy Glecker, and PJ Truax.
Travis’s performance on the rugby pitch is a reflection of the athlete he has always been — explosive, driven, and unshaken in the face of adversity. His years at Chattanooga Christian School were marked by standout achievements in football and wrestling, where he consistently set the tone with leadership and work ethic. Now, as a key player in Tennessee Tech’s historic run to the national championship, Travis continues to raise the bar and demonstrate the kind of competitor he’s always been.
Tennessee Tech rugby team.