The Full Story

UNC- Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. Our commitment to student engagement, creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression, and responsible citizenship is expressed in our baccalaureate and masters’ programs, as well as doctoral programs in areas of expertise that serve state needs. Our culture reflects our values of diversity and globalization, ethics and integrity, and excellence and innovation.

Mission

Nickname

Seahawks/Clamdiggers

Year Established

1984

Coaches

Jim Wiseman, Phillip Pitstick, Buck Buckingham, Robert Greenough, Perry Pence, Jacob Throneberry

Notable Achievements

Southern Rugby Conference 15's Champions:

2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2021, 2023, 2024

Southern Rugby Conference Champs Spring:

2012 & 2013

National Top 25 (Divison II):

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, an2016

National Top 10 (Divison II): 2012, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2023, 2024 Finished in Top Elite 8 in 15’s both 2012-2013, 2015-2016, 2024-2025 seasons

Finished in the Top Elite 8 in 7’s 2015 College National Championship in Denver CO

Finished as #6 ranked team in the nation. Finished in the Top 16 in 7’s 2016 College National Championships in Cary, NC.

2016 Cape Fear 7’s Tournament Champions (Social Division) Multiple USA South Rugby Panthers selections and an All American college 15’s selection.

2023 Top 12 finish at the NCR 7'sCollegiate Rugby Championship

2024 5th place finish at the NCR 7'sCollegiate Rugby Championship

Multiple Southern Rugby All Conference player selections in 15’s and 7’s.