It is hard to believe that summer is almost over which means the start of the next rugby season. Hard to believe that three months have flown by so fast. The spring season ended on a high note with many wins and a great team unity.
The fall sees us starting a new competitive cycle with more teams playing towards Western championships. Hopefully players have been working in the off season and come in ready to get on the same page fast. It will be interesting to see what our numbers our like and what the season will look like.
This next week has me going to Denver, CO for Director of Rugby Conference followed by the USA vs Canada game on Saturday. The learning never stops, it just sometimes changes directions.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Loss
It has been an emotional week. U-23/Collegiate All-Stars from LAU's in the West Territory came together this past weekend for some friendly competition and an opportunity for the West Collegiate All-Star coach to see what talent is out there. After a hard fought day of competition on Saturday, ruggers got together for a social and time to ice and stretch for more competition on Sunday.
Early into the games on Sunday a fellow rugger was tackled and sustained a head injury. Care was given to her quickly, but her injuries seemed severe. A trip in an ambulance, then to ICU. After days of fighting, her battle ended. The impact on the rugger community is one that will last for a very long time. One of my players best summoned up many of our feelings with a few words......
Early into the games on Sunday a fellow rugger was tackled and sustained a head injury. Care was given to her quickly, but her injuries seemed severe. A trip in an ambulance, then to ICU. After days of fighting, her battle ended. The impact on the rugger community is one that will last for a very long time. One of my players best summoned up many of our feelings with a few words......
One Hour
For one hour we faced off on that field.
For one hour you were my opponent, never my enemy.
For one hour I knew your strength.
For one hour I knew your courage.
For one hour we shed sweat and blood together.
For one hour I saw your heart.
For one hour we were the same.
For one hour we played rugby.
I knew you for just one hour but now you'll never leave me.
Rest in peace Stephanie.
In Memory of Stephanie Flores from the University of Texas and West U-23 All-Stars.
For all athletes who have played the game they love but didn't make it.
For one hour we faced off on that field.
For one hour you were my opponent, never my enemy.
For one hour I knew your strength.
For one hour I knew your courage.
For one hour we shed sweat and blood together.
For one hour I saw your heart.
For one hour we were the same.
For one hour we played rugby.
I knew you for just one hour but now you'll never leave me.
Rest in peace Stephanie.
In Memory of Stephanie Flores from the University of Texas and West U-23 All-Stars.
For all athletes who have played the game they love but didn't make it.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The First Few Weeks
After only a handful of practices we have had our first four games. It is hard to believe we have only been back at it for about a month yet have so many games under our belt. The first one was a wet, muddy, cold win, followed by a hard fought B side game that had us coming out on the bottom.
After some intense practices and working on some of our weaknesses we proceeded to play two more games. Our rival Mizzou was a game we wanted to win yet our other competition UNL looked to be a bigger battle. Even though we played UNL as a B side game, we came out on top in a big way and continued the play into the Mizzou game, beating our rival yet again.
With numbers increasing and camaraderie continuing to develop it looks to be a memorable season. When both forwards and backs are starting to get interested in what the other unit does in order to be more well rounded players, it has made my job of pushing the team a little harder. New skills and ideas (for both the players and myself) has become a challenge that we are both willing to take on.
This weekend we play in the Wayne, NE tournament. Hopefully the weather will be nice and the successes as players and a team will continue. If nothing else, a good time will be had with many lessons learned (I hope.)
After some intense practices and working on some of our weaknesses we proceeded to play two more games. Our rival Mizzou was a game we wanted to win yet our other competition UNL looked to be a bigger battle. Even though we played UNL as a B side game, we came out on top in a big way and continued the play into the Mizzou game, beating our rival yet again.
With numbers increasing and camaraderie continuing to develop it looks to be a memorable season. When both forwards and backs are starting to get interested in what the other unit does in order to be more well rounded players, it has made my job of pushing the team a little harder. New skills and ideas (for both the players and myself) has become a challenge that we are both willing to take on.
This weekend we play in the Wayne, NE tournament. Hopefully the weather will be nice and the successes as players and a team will continue. If nothing else, a good time will be had with many lessons learned (I hope.)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Beginning of the Season
The start of a new season has arrived. With is still being February it is always a mystery what the weather will bring. With it being in the single digits one week a rookies asks if we are still going to practice. The veterans of course respond that she is silly, we play rugby in any weather. Must laugh, especially since our first practice found the weather to be in the 70's. If only it would last.
With only a handful of practices before the first game and limited light, refreshing people's hands on mind was the first step, but getting into contact was the next. One vets comment, "
With only a handful of practices before the first game and limited light, refreshing people's hands on mind was the first step, but getting into contact was the next. One vets comment, "
Vegas 7's
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Off Season
It is now the middle of winter, school is out for break for a few more days and it has finally snowed. The off season workout has been sent out along with reminders, it is whether players take the initiative to actually go to the gym and workout. Many who are still local are going to they gym, taking classes, running as much as possible. We will see when practice starts in a month. Hopefully it won't be too frozen and we will be able to do some tackling and additional contact.
Since it is winter, this means that Las Vegas 7's will soon be here and a trip to see some great rugby will commence. Just need to survive the cold runs (6 degrees without the windchill was a bit cold for the toes.)
Since it is winter, this means that Las Vegas 7's will soon be here and a trip to see some great rugby will commence. Just need to survive the cold runs (6 degrees without the windchill was a bit cold for the toes.)
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