Article Contributed on: 7/12/2009 12:49:49 PM
July 11, 2009 - For six years,
Tigers Rugby Football Club has coached high school aged boys from Holy Family, Broomfield, Pomona and Ralston Valley High Schools. Now the graduates of the Arvada based rugby club have spawned an adult recreational team, made up of former players and coaches.
The inaugural Alumni Social Side placed fifth in the Denver 7s Rugby Tournament at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Sam Glynn, Quincy Anderson, Eddie Page, Neil Quinlivan, Jimmy Hullett, Max Brady, Lewis Rosenberg, Mike O'Brian, Matt O'Brian and Paul O'Brian came back to beat Queen City RFC's over-30s side 28-21, and a Benedictine college's touring side (The Benedictine Monks) 17-15. In early morning games, the Alumni lost to Glendale's (nationally ranked Division I) A-side 40-0, and Colorado Springs' (Division II) A-side 41-7.
Quincy Anderson (Colorado School of Mines) got the scoring started against Colorado Springs with a long take up the left sideline.
Sammy Glynn (St Thomas University) went 5-7 on drop goal conversions. Sam was named Man of the Tournament, using pop kicks twice and going weak side off of a ruck for a third try on the day. Three alumni scored their first tries in a long time.
Jim Hullett came back to the game with a flair and earned a try.
Mike O'Brian (FRRC & CSU) supported a Sam Glynn, pop kick, scoop and pass at contact to Mike for a great try between the posts. Mike later tapped a penalty and passed to his dad,
Paul O'Brian (Albany State & SUNY at Buffalo '82), who went the distance (5 meters) for his first try of record in at least 11 years.
Those that did not score played critical roles in building the 2-2 record on the day.
Eddie Page the (original) Tigers' scrumhalf gave the backline an extra set of hands.
Lewis Rosenberg played well at three different positions. Neil Quinlivan (CSU) was a maniac, stripping balls in tackles to shut down a couple drives.
Max Brady (BYU Idaho & CCD) was solid in the backline and in his first scrums, giving Glendale a couple bruises and a goal line stand.
Matt O'Brian (CSU) weaved his way for a few 40 meter runs, then set great rucks to change the direction of a number of Queen City and Colorado Springs drives.
On June 27th, the annual Alumni Match was a classic, 79-71 victory for
Nick Samaras, Quincy Anderson (Man of the Match), Mike O'Brian, Matt O'Brian, Patrick O'Connor, Marcus Lucero, Max Brady, Luke Stanley and Justin Sadler over the team of
Paul O'Bran, Sam Glynn, Jimmy Hullett, Andy Maul, Jesse Peters, Neil Quinlivan, Eddie Page, Jake Gossman, and Lewis Rosenberg. The two hour barn burner was played in stifling heat, but no one wanted to quit until the field permit had expired. The victors erased a 43-41 half time lead.
Travis McKee (Pomona HS) was voted the 2009 Tigers Rugby Most Valuable Player. Pomona Sophomore
Nick Allen was honored with the Best Rookie Back, Pomona Senior
Donny Haupt the Best Rookie Forward, Holy Family HS Senior,
Markus Harvey the Best Forward, and
Charles Martinez (Pomona) the Best Back Awards by their teammates and coaches.
In the Tigers Rugby, Inc. Annual General Meeting, convened in Arvada, Paul O'Brian was reelected President,
Jeff Gossman was reelected Treasurer, and
Jim O'Connor was railroaded into serving as the Tigers Rugby Recording Secretary for the next year.
The club voted to purchase new white short sleeve jerseys, and to sell off the original set of purple jerseys. Cost of the old jerseys was set at $30. Contact us if you are an alumnus, or a current player interested in purchasing one.
The club expressed their appreciation to Tigers Rugby's sponsors (
Accelerate Physical Therapy, Gas & Arc Supply and Coffman & Companies), the captains, players and parents for the a great year, capped by our best finish in Tigers Rugby playoff history.
Tigers Rugby Football Club begins coaching speed and agility with Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists from Arvada's Accelerate Physical Therapy. PC in December. This is the traditional start to the Spring high school boys rugby season. For more information, please contact Tigers Rugby at (303) 506-8110 or read about the fastest growing sport in the country, online at http://tigersrugby.com.
Paul D. O'Brian, PT, CSCS
http://acceleratept.com
http://tigersrugby.com
(303) 506-8110
xlr8pt@aol.com