where has the time gone, the rush since may

September 2011
NEWS
FROM THE BEGINNING...
... TO NOW
A scrum between the forward packs of the RUSH (left) and the Casper
Cannibal RFC (right) from Casper, Wyoming during our first Eastern Rockies
Rugby Football Union (ERFFU) D-III league match on August 20, 2011. This
was the RUSH’s second face-off against Casper, the first being at Roughstock.
(from left to right) RUSH founding members Scott Allen, Jeremy Ballard, and
Nicholas Miller raise their hands to volunteer themselves as offensive ball
carriers and demonstrate to newcomers Kenneth Fields and Virt Marcelo the rugby drill of "kick and chase." January 2011
WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE, THE RUSH SINCE MAY...
Through practices, socials, matches, fitness, fundraising, and recruitment events, the team strives to promote an awareness and
respect for gay men in contact sports and strengthen and promote positive self‐images and community building.
The Rush has had a busy summer, but
we’re back and officially rolling with our most
recent newsletter. Since May we have
most exciting event: our very first league match
against the Casper Cannibal RFC.
It is quite exciting to see what began as a
participated in a Ten-a-side tournament hosted
very small team has blossomed into a team of
by the Boulder Babes, a gay rugby tournament
more than 30 gentlemen. We have also be
held in Seattle, marched in the 2011 Denver
actively promoting our team Facebook page and
PrideFest parade, honored teammates at our
we now have well over 600 fans. This
inaugural awards banquet (The “Repsects”),
newsletter is for all of you. In this edition, you’ll
held numerous fundraising events, participated
get some insight into all of this summer’s
in Rookie Rugby training, hosted Rugby 101,
activities and details on our fall season. We
and of course, we’ve been practicing,
hope to see you all come out to support in
practicing, practicing. And what may be the
practices and to watch us during our matches.
[1]
Learning the Game
(taken from USA Rugby’s Spectators Guide to Rugby)
MOVING THE BALL
tackled, step out of bounds or run beyond
the goal line. Players run the ball to
advance toward the opponent’s goal line.
• Passing: The ball may be passed to
any player. However, it may only be
passed laterally or backward, never
forward. Players pass the ball to an open
teammate to keep it in play and further
advance it.
FUNDRAISING
Rugby is continuous like soccer. There is
no blocking in rugby. Additionally, rugby
does not have downs and it is not required
to reach 10 yards and stop. The person
with the ball leads the attack and there are
several ways to move the ball. Any player • Kicking: Any player may kick the ball
forward at any time. Once the ball is
may carry, pass or kick the ball and play is
kicked, players of either team, regardless
not stopped and therefore continues when
of whether or not the ball hits the ground,
the ball hits the ground or when a player is
may gain possession. Players typically
tackled.
kick the ball to a teammate in an effort to
advance it or to the opposing team to
obtain relief from poor field position.
• Running: When running the ball,
players may continue to run until they are
Hellfest is an annual tournament
presented by the Dallas Diablos RFC and
includes up to 10 IGRAB teams from around
the country. This tournament is an opportunity
to connect with fellow ruggers, on and off the
pitch, while enjoying Halloween weekend
festivities in Dallas featuring the famous
Halloween Street Party in the Cedar Springs.
As of the end of August 6 teams were
registered with participants from other IGRAB
teams coming together for a Barbarians team.
[2]
RUSH IN THE COMMUNITY
RUSH participated in Rookie Rugby training
conducted by USA Rugby
Rookie Rugby is a program developed by
We were lucky enough to have
USA Rugby for the nation’s Rugby For All
Kurt Weaver and Erin Kennedy from
developmental program aimed at getting more
USA Rugby and Mack Lewis from
children and youth involved with Rugby.
the USA Eagles Women’s U19 team
Through many basic exercises like learning how
to lead this training for us. There
to score a try (and do a “try dance”) all the way
are lots of great pictures from this
with progressive touch rugby games, the Rookie
event on our Facebook page. We
Rugby program as as much fun to be trained on
hope you enjoy the entertaining
as it was to participate in.
pictures!
Practices
RUSH SCHEDULE
SEPT - NOV 2011
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Infinity Park Field - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Matches
September 10
Anarchists
Bear Creek Regional Park (Colorado Springs) - 1pm
_____________________________________________
September 24
Broomfield Tigers
North Arvada Middle School - 1pm
READY, READY, RUSH!
October 1
Grand Junction
Infinity Park Field - 2pm
October 8
Denver Wolverines
Dick’s Field - 4pm
Magnitude
15.11
October 22
Anarchists
Dick’s Field - 4pm
October 29
Hellfest Tournament
Dallas, TX
Fundraising
to be announced
[3]
MAGNITUDE 15.11 BY JEREMY BALLARD
had to quickly overcome this
of theirs as well. Throughout the tournament
mental set-back and clear our
our versatile back Aaron Smethers played
minds for the match ahead of us.
various positions; many of which were new to
Prior to kickoff, the team huddled
him. He was up to the challenge and excelled in
and unanimously agreed to
many of these new positions. In the remainder of
dedicate the match to Joe. After,
the high-tempo match the RUSH scored another
we did our team chant and got
down to business.
Huddle at
Magnitude
the intensity of the game began to take its toll
and we lost two more of our clutch players from
RUSH vs Fogmada
At the moment of kickoff we
let it be known that the RUSH
was determined to come out
Over Memorial weekend the RUSH
try and two-point conversion by our fly half but
swinging; even though our
injuries. Patrick Dunn (full back) sustained a
concussion and Jim Nethercott (flanker)
sustained a separated shoulder. The final score
was 12-49. Although we lost the RUSH felt like
winners having given the more experienced
team a run for their money.
traveled to Seattle for the Magnitude 15.11
opponent was a seasoned and well established
tournament. This was the teams first 15's
team. The first try of the game and in the
tournament and first encounter with other
RUSH's history was completed within the first
IGRAB teams. As the team rolled up to Seattle
minute of the match and the rugby ball
there was one mindset; We HAVE to leave our
triumphantly touched down in the try zone in
match to Jimmy and Patrick who had been
mark on the other teams. Prior to this
front of rugby legend Ben Cohen. It was truly a
injured in the previous match.
tournament the team had only had its first
team effort. The initial kick off had our scrum
practice ever at the end of January and only
half (Jeremy Ballard) receiving the ball.
played in a handful of matches prior to the
Immediately the the scrum half hit the full back
team would have to dig deep, rely heavily on our
tournament. 90 percent of the team also was
(Patrick Dunn) with a pass. The ball was sprinted
pack, play a lot of defense and play what at
brand new to rugby back in January when there
forward and crashed with a fast recycle by the
times seemed like the most physical of all the
was just the 3 founders of the club (Nicholas
scrum half to the fly half (Scott Allen). From
matches of the tournament against our most
Miller, Scott Allen and Jeremy Ballard). We
there the ball moved down the back line to
seasoned opponent. During this match we
brought 17 of our own players to the tournament
inside center (Miles Styer, Gotham Knights) and
would also pick up a couple of whores from
in the 5 short months we had been together. The
out to the outside center (Nicholas Miller). As the
Quake B as we were down some players. The
players overall were very nervous about whether
outside center was cleared for an almost near
match was truly physical from the start and on
they could play so many matches back to back.
break away, he off loaded to the looping scrum
average their players typically outsized us. The
Only time would tell. The team was also lucky
half who received the pop around the 50,
pack was put to the test with the physicality but
enough to have a few friends from the Gotham
breaking several near tackles to score moments
was able to hold their own in the scrums. The
Knights, Seattle Quake and Minneapolis
later over the try line. Quick thinking, fast pace,
best defensive play in the pack came from the
Mayhem whore on with the team for the
and untamed ferocity (as referenced in the team
front three (Scott Hancock, loose head prop)
tournament (In the rugby world “whore” means
chant) elevated the team's determination and
and eightman although everyone in the pack
to play with a team you are not normally
excitement. From there everything just clicked
had their part to play. The backs too had to play
affiliated with.)
as if everyone’s mental lightbulb went off at the
a lot of defense during this match as the team
same time and it was obvious the RUSH wasn't
was barely on the offensive. With the little ball
here to roll over. The pack was instrumental in
we did have there was several big break a ways
several major breakaways (Dan Connors,
in the back line by whore fullback (Michael
eightman, Michael Fuller, tight head prop, whore
Patrick Tinker, Quake B) and outside center
Carlos Preciado, loose head prop and Virt
(Nicholas Miller) during this match. At one point
Marcelo, hooker). The line outs also worked
he was lifted off the ground entirely by two of
really well in this match with our jumper (David
their players being slammed into the ground
Klotz, lock and lifter Carlos Preciado, Gotham
resulting into a minor knee injury. Our inside
Knights) not only winning our put ins but some
center (Miles Styer, Gotham Knights) also played
Day 1
On the first day of the tournament we were
hit with a couple of set backs. During the warm
up practice prior to our first match one of our
players (Joe Davis, Hooker) was rushed to the
emergency room with a neck injury. One of our
teammates (Kenneth Fields, Flanker) rode with
Joe to the hospital in the ambulance. The team
[4]
RUSH vs Quake A
During the team chant we dedicated this
Our next match was truly a match were the
MAGNITUDE 15.11 CONTINUED
part of the match with a mild concussion. The
on a minor knee injury from the day before was
saves during this time (whore Colin Walker,
team also paid due to lack of energy during the
officially taken out of the match as he sustained
Flanker, whore Andrew McCarthy, Flanker,
match as none of us snacked in between
more damage to his knee blowing it up to the
whore Kent Karls, Fly half Scott Allen just to
matches keeping our energy levels as alive and
size of a large water balloon. This was a huge
name a few). Ultimately the Quake broke
explosive as during the first match but the team
loss for the back line and again we had to make
through scoring once in the first half. During the
drummed on with heart. The final result of the
quick decisions pulling in a tight head prop
break the team agreed to leave nothing on the
match came with praise for the team as our
(Michael Fuller) at out side center. The pack
pitch, even if that meant dismembering
opponents poured out compliments to the team.
again was instrumental in pick and goes. Flanker
ourselves in the process. This half by far out of
Statements like "you played with true heart,"
(Kenneth Fields) had several crucial break a
all the matches was probably the most brutal as
"we never seen a new team so organized," "our
ways.The second half also became very
we gave it our all. In the end the Quake was able
team use to get defeated by a higher score line,"
physical. In the pack whores loose head prop
to score on us several more times resulting in a
"if you keep going at this rate by Bingham Cup
(Raul Huezo) and hooker (Orlando Figueroa)
score of (0-38). The referee had been inspired by
you have a true chance at coming home with
played an extremely intense game slamming
what he witnessed our team do knowing that we
some hardware." These are just of the few
players left and right and leading the way by
were brand new. He was moved by our efforts
comments that allowed us to keep our heads
example. Raul was also good at keeping to the
and awarded us the match ball to keep. The
held high. Final results were (0-88).
team motivated through yelling and hauling ass
entire team, whores and all signed the ball and it
between dry heaving. Our fly half (Scott Allen)
will be kept forever as a keep sake.
At the end of the day the team and
was able to pull off one more try in the corner
individual players learned a lot about themselves
bringing the match even. With only a couple
and the sport. We were also happy to hear and
minutes left the Barbarians were able to break a
see that our injured players returned to us in one
way in the dying seconds to put another try on
piece not severely hurt.
us. This match was probably one of the most
rewarding of all the matches for the entire team
Day 2
RUSH vs IGRAB Barbarians
Day two, match three started out very
similar to day one, match one.The barbarians
were a mix of seasoned players from various
IGRAB teams coming together. This laid a
challenge ahead for us as it was similar to an allstar team. However, this time there was even
more urgency to get it done. Again the RUSH
scored first in this match setting the tone for
what would be a nail bitter. Two of the 3 trys
scored were scored in the first half (Jeremy
Ballard, scrum half and Miles Styer, Inside
Center). There also were a couple of missed
opportunities as RUSH players were tackled
before the try line not knowing about the second
motion, placing the ball for a ruck instead of
scoring. The RUSH also lead for the first half of
the match. However, the Barbarians were not
going to go down without a fight. They hit back
hard during the second half scoring on us
immediately and then again twice more. Our
outside center (Nicholas Miller) who was playing
as we almost had our first victory. The final
score was (15-20).
Final Moments of the tournament
In the final moments of the tournament
after it was all said and done emotions were
rampant. Everything from crying, laughter, joy,
silence, self reflection, prosperity, etc. took
place. Players could hardly believe the fruit of
their efforts and hard work. Players could hardly
RUSH vs Quake B
For our final team chant we lined up across
believe what they had just partaken in and that
at the end of the day they were able to step up
and do this and be a part of history both the
the 50 facing our opponent. We chanted at them
clubs and their own. Again the team was praised
arms locked across each other similar to New
by various coaches, players and refs. The team
Zealand's Haka. We also dedicated the match to
has come far and needs to continue reflecting
the founder of the club, the president of the club
on this new found confidence for it will carry us
and our outside center Nicholas Miller.
into our league season and tournaments to
follow leading up to the Bingham Cup in
With several of our own players out we
Manchester.
continued on into this match with our Gotham
whores and picked up one other whore from the
Minneapolis Mayhem (Kent Karls, Flanker). We
Special thanks to the Seattle Quake for
putting on the Magnitude 15.11 tournament.
knew again that we would be tested in this
match as we took on a very seasoned side but
Also special thanks to all of our whores:
we wanted to go out on a high. This match like
the previous match with their A-side counter
Gotham Knights: Raul Huezo, Orlando
parts proved to be very physical. Neither team
Figueroa, Andrew McCarthy, Luis Quintana,
was capable of scoring on the other for the first
Carlos Preciado, Miles Styer and Colin Walker
18 minutes of the match. The RUSH spent the
Minneapolis Mayhem: Kent Karls
last 10 minutes of the first half viciously
Seattle Quake: Shaugnessy McCann and
defending their try line. There was multiple great
[5]
Michael Patrick Tinker
2011 “REPSECTS” BY NICHOLAS MILLER
A REPSECT (REP-SECT) is an accolade bestowed by the Colorado
Rush RFC (CRRFC) to recognize the achievements of its athletes,
social members, and executive board.
The first annual REPSECT Awards
The following individuals were
ceremony was held on July 09, 2011 at the
nominees/winners for 2011
Riverton on the Platte Clubhouse in Sheridan,
REPSECT Awards.
CO to honor outstanding accomplishments
during the spring of 2011; the inaugural rugby
season of the CRRFC.
The REPSECT Award name came about
after an informal conversation between the
CRRFC President Nicholas Miller and former
Fundraising Chair Justin Griffin as a tie-in and
humorous reference to a misprint of the word
"respect" on the team's first club t-shirt. The
Back of the Year
Jeremy Ballard (winner)
Aaron Smethers (winner)
Nicholas Miller
Scott Allen
Tyler Conn
Forward of the Year
misprinted t-shirt is now a collector’s item from
Dan Connors (winner)
which the name for the highly-coveted
Scott Hancock (winner)
“REPSECT AWARD” was conceived.
Blaine Gallup
The REPSECT Awards were presented
during a semi-formal ceremony after an awe
inspiring dinner prepared by CRRFC Secretary
Joe Davis and former Fundraising Chair Justin
Griffin. The cost of guest tickets for the night's
ceremony was $20 and approximately 50
members, friends, family, and supporters were in
attendance. During the ceremony 12 crystal-like
acrylic REPSECTS; standing approximately 6”
tall and etched with the RUSH team shield, the
Virt Marcello (winner)
Aaron Smethers
and time consuming as the board sought to
instill that being nominated for a REPSECT was
in itself a tremendous honor.
During the month leading up to the
ceremony, team members were given the
Hilary Spear
Korrie Sedgewick
Lee Hauser
Joe Davis
Derick Valdez
Brent Milne
Richard Farmer
Jim Nethercott
Rookie of the Year (Back)
Joe Barraza
ceremony. The nomination process was tedious
Joe Davis
Justin Griffin (winner)
Most Improved
to deserving winners after a member vote.
team approximately one month prior to the
Nicholas Miller (winner)
Outstanding Social Member
Virt Marcelo
Aaron Smethers (winner)
by the CRRFC Board and announced to the
Outstanding Board Member
Justin Griffin
Joe Davis
winner’s name, and the category were presented
Nominees for each award were determined
Inaugural
Repsect Awards
Player of the Year
Scott Allen (winner)
Tyler Conn
Aaron Smethers
Tyler Conn
Rookie of the Year (Forward)
Scott Hancock
Virt Marcelo
Virt Marcelo (winner)
Dan Connors
Jim Nethercott
Nicholas Miller
Joe Davis
Jeremy Ballard
Magnitude 15.11 Awards
David Klotz
Scott Hancock
Back of the Tournament: Jeremy Ballard
R.U.S.H. Award
Forward of the Tournament: Virt Marcelo
opportunity to vote for those they considered to
Jacob McClelland (winner)
Player of the Tournament: Jeremy Ballard
have excelled above all other nominees in each
Jeremy Ballard (winner)
Most Improved: Joe Barraza
category. An independent party was charged
Tyler Conn
with the voting process which included
Dan Connors
assigning each voting member a confidential
Aaron Smethers
given to players who played through injuries
voter code, tallying the votes, and ordering the
Joe Davis
sustained during the season.
REPSECT Awards. Envelopes sealed with a
Nicholas Miller
waxed “R” for RUSH were opened at the awards
In addition, Golden Heart Awards were
Also, a special Season Completion
Certificate and team necktie was given to all
Scott Allen
ceremony to reveal for the first time the name of
players in good standing that completed the
the winners.
inaugural season.
[6]
THANKS TO
OUR SPONSORS
WE ARE LOOKING FOR MORE SPONSORS!
In addition to all of our fundraising efforts, we are looking for additional sponsors for team gear and supplies. We have
sponsorship opportunities at every level. For more information, please contact [email protected].
[7]