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Tigers Rugby reaches deep into Arvada

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Contributed by: Paul O'Brian on 1/11/2008

Tigers Rugby ( www.tigersrugby.com) is actively recruiting 13- to 18-year-old boys.

Tigers Rugby Football Club begins its fifth campaign by defending a Division Championship. The high school-age boys rugby club competes in Colorado Youth Rugby, one of the country's most successful State Based Model Organizations under the auspices of the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union, Western RFU and USA Rugby. Tigers anticipate the forthcoming season with veterans Markus Harvey, Justin Sadler, Marcus Lucero, Quincy Anderson and Travis McKee. In preseason workouts, the Tigers have seen 22 players report already, and mandatory practices won't begin for anotherthree weeks!

Tigers RFC looks forward with enthusiasm. As rugby enjoys increased popularity in the North Suburban area, they anticipate larger turnouts. This one organized club, featuring players fromseven or more schools, promotes a growing local interest and support. The team is well respected and took home league Sportsmanship Awards in 2005 and 2006.

Tigers draw their players from Pomona, Ralston Valley, Faith Christian, Centaurus, Alexander Dawson, Brighton and extensively from Holy Family High School. A yearly match against Regis Jesuit High School (the reigning Colorado State Rugby Champions) is a celebration culminated by the Colorado Catholic HS Boys Rugby Cup, presented to the winner.

Players receive instruction and support from 10 coaches. The coaching staff is led by club founder Paul O'Brian, the Colorado Youth Rugby Coach of the Year in 2005. Additional coaches include Dylan Lewis, Nick Samaras, Mikeand Matt O'Brian, Pat Quinlan and Matt Gabriel. Intenational experience is brought to the team from Xavier Therin, Shane Medhurst and Jim Dawe. Coaches are certified by USA Rugby Football Union (USARFU), the national governing body, to coach high school and youth-aged players, including background checks.

In hope that CHSAA will one day sanction rugby, Tigers Rugby strives to exceed expectations of parents and administrators concerned with the welfare and education of young players. The positive aspects of rugby: camaraderie, fitness, discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and mutual respect, builds self-esteem and character among our athletes. The skills developed, including ball handling, running, vision, tackling, pursuit angles, speed and strength development, punting and place kicking, are applicable to other sports.

Two Arvada businessmen, Paul O'Brian, of Accelerate Physical Therapy and Pat Quinlan of Coffman & Companies Group played as teammates in the 1980s for Queen City RFC of Denver. Paul and Pat, along with attorney Dylan Lewis, of Jorgensen, Motycka & Lewis, and Mark Harvey, of Toxic Sports contribute considerable financial support and time to the success of Tigers Rugby Football Club, leading the nonprofit Colorado corporation with much-needed guidance. The sponsors have also provided the opportunity for players to experience parliamentary rule in the presentation of by-laws to govern the organization, mentoring in the design of a working constitution, electing officers and establishing a mission.

Tigers Rugby introduces a new Web site ( www.tigersrugby.com) with assistance from parent and web master Steve Sadler. There you will find helpful information about practice and matches to be played from Feb. 16 through May 24.

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Submitted By: Jarrod Beckstrom

posted on 1/23/2008 @ 11:34:45 AM

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Nice to see kids introduced to rugby as a competitive sport!

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Submitted By: Seth Davis

posted on 1/14/2008 @ 10:47:55 AM

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It's great to know that Arvada kids have a chance to get involved with rugby. Looking forward to reading more about it and seeing game photos!

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Submitted By: Steve Sadler

posted on 1/12/2008 @ 7:09:20 AM

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Thanks for the info! I can't wait to see Tigers Rugby in action this spring!

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Paul O'Brian

Arvada , CO

Paul O'Brian has posted 60 stories and 2 comments since joining on 11/19/2006. Paul O'Brian 's average story rating is 5.

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