Editor's note: This letter was submitted by Lakewood Girls Rugby coach Andre Bruwer following the high school's national second-place finish.

I am super proud of our Lakewood girls and our Lakewood parents and community who have helped year long with fundraisers.

It took more than just pure guts to achieve a second-in-the-nation finish. It took a community supporting us financially to help us get there, so a big “thank you” to everyone who stepped up and help our girls achieve what for some is only a dream.

What TV didn't show is that our girls walked on hot coals to get to the final, they faced up with a seven-time National Champion and undefeated Midwest Champion since 2003 and took them down, 19 points to 0.

They left nothing behind; they played their hearts out to get through to the final around. Unfortunately it did take everything out of us and we had nothing left to give in the final, we did ice baths, but when you come up against teams travelling with 40+ players to our 21, all you can do is close your eyes and hope their is still something in the tank. 

I am super proud of what our girls have done and their achievements deserve praise from all corners, they have worked from September through May in rain and snow, they have braved the elements and conquered many more hurdles than I would care to mention, but believe me, their is no team more deserving of a medal right now than our own Lakewood Girls Rugby Squad.

So congratulations ladies… "second in the Nation, baby."

-Andre Bruwer