As the weather warms and summer approaches, one tradition at MCB returns with all the energy and camaraderie it has come to represent: Rhino League. Now entering another exciting season, sign-ups for Rhino League 2025 are officially open.
Teams in the Rhino League aren’t limited to MCB–players, and they often come from nearby departments like SEAS and OEB. While members of the MCB community organize the league, anyone with an active Harvard ID is encouraged to join in the fun.
“Rhino League is about more than just the competition,” says Commissioner Marc Duque Ramirez, a graduate student in the lab of Florian Engert. “It’s about creating community across departments and keeping a fun summer tradition alive. When we do it right, it’s one of the highlights of the season.”
Marc, who co-led the League last year, is now running solo as commissioner, and is confident in the structure and features that made last year a success. Streaming will once again be part of the playoffs, and the Rhino League website, introduced last year to report scores and track standings, will continue to be used.
“A lot of people really liked being able to check scores and see how their friends were doing,” Marc explains. “We’ll definitely keep that going, especially for the playoffs—we want people to feel connected, even if they can’t make every game in person.”
One lesson Marc took from last year’s run was the need for clearer communication across departments. “We heard that some groups didn’t know when or how to sign up,” he says. “So I’m going to make sure we reach out directly this time—especially to folks who missed out last year. Everyone should have a fair shot at joining.”
Key Dates:
Sign-ups open: Friday, April 25, 2025
Registration deadline: June 2, 2025
Season kickoff: Mid-June (exact date TBD)
Finals: August 29, 2025 (coincidentally the same day as the arrival of the incoming MCO graduate students.)
To register a team, participants will need a team name, department affiliation, contact information for a team captain, and a full roster of teammates. As always, players may only compete on one team and must play in at least two regular-season games to qualify for playoff participation.
Asked what he’s most looking forward to this season, Marc is clear: “I just hope everyone has a good time. Last year went pretty smoothly, and I’d love to keep that spirit going. It’s a chance to relax, have fun, and see people from across MCB in a totally different context.”
With sign-ups officially open, now’s the time to gather your teammates, choose a creative team name, and get ready to play. Whether you’re in it for the glory, the competition, or just some sunshine and laughs—Rhino League 2025 is here.
Please email questions to rhinoleague@fas.harvard.edu
