Brent Nelson understands that his Iowa Central rugby program is anxiously awaiting the start of their spring season Saturday. 

But Nelson is also impressed by all the trials and tribulations that his current group of players has endured while waiting to get to this point. 

The Tritons compete for the first time since October when they head to Davenport for a match in Michigan. 

"It's been difficult for everybody," Nelson said. "As a young person, I think that having something to strive for is important. This pandemic is making this very fluid for all involved but I just really commend our guys for involving themselves in the process. That has been really big because they have come together in the weight room and in practices, working to improve their skills and rugby-IQ.

"I know it has been hard for them, but they have done a great job improving in such a weird semester with testing and all the unknowns that come with that right now."

Iowa Central had a pair of matches in the fall with Iowa State. Other planned dates, though, were scrapped for the season. 

For Nelson, the issues away from the competition have not kept him from continuing to strive to keep the Tritons among the elite in the nation.

"We are a very unique program in that we have independent status," he said. "But we are always looking to play the best teams we can. Thankfully, we have a lot of teams that want to play us."

Lane Pruisner, Hugo Minnaar and Dakota Southworth are among the key returning pieces for Iowa Central. Pruisner was named to the U20 All-American team, Southworth was honored as one of the top players at his position and Minnaar will serve as the captain for the team.

"For Lane to receive that honor, that is very special for him," Nelson said. "And Dakota has really become a big player for us. 

"Hugo is a great leader and a really bright young man that is just an overall good human being to be around. He is great to have on the team."

Nelson has also added key freshmen that are "going to be major contributors this year."

As he explained the difference in his two-year program compared to a four-year has benefits.

"We bring kids in and expect them to compete right away," Nelson said. "But that can also mean going up against juniors and seniors who are 2-to-3 years older. For me, it's a huge selling point because it allows them the chance to play and contribute against some of the best teams and players in the sport."

Assisting Nelson will be Skip Reed, Chef Michael Hirst, Miguel Secor and Dan Petefish. 

"I am so blessed and lucky to have these four coaches stepping up and filling the role of Jake Mizell, who has moved on to Arkansas State," Nelson said. "They have helped me in countless ways to get our team prepared for the upcoming season."

-By Dana Becker