ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Rising seniors Michael Strehle and Austin Taylor will serve as captains of the Navy men's rugby team during the upcoming 2025-26 season, Navy director of rugby Gavin Hickie announced today.
 
"The biggest challenge in coaching at Navy is selecting our captains each year. We have lots of guys on the team who would do a great job of captaining the side, however, we are very excited about Michael and Austin leading this year's team," remarked Hickie. "Both men have grown significantly on and off the pitch over the past couple of years. The leadership of Navy rugby does not fall exclusively on their shoulders; they will lean on their classmates and the rest of their teammates."
 
Strehle is a native of Belle Harbor, N.Y., who appeared in 13 games during the 2024-25 season and made 12 starts. He scored three tries for a total of 15 points, including his first career try in a 35-10 victory over Penn State last September. A history major, Strehle holds a 3.13 grade-point average and has earned academic honors in three of his six completed semesters.
 
Taylor appeared in 15 games and made 14 starts for the Mids last year. The Atlanta, Ga., native concluded his junior campaign with two tries and a total of 10 points. He scored once in the fall during a 49-19 victory over Queens and again in the spring in a 27-8 win against seventh-ranked Mount St. Mary's. A mathematics with economics major, Taylor holds a 3.87 GPA and has earned academic honors in four of his six completed semesters at Navy.