How 'bout them Tigers?

This was the largest and most experienced Tigers Rugby senior class in our 6 year history.  We are grateful for our opportunity to teach the game to these fine young men.  They are phenomenal athletes and will be sorely missed.

Travis McKee – Travis is a 4-year starter who played 8-man at

Travis McKee receives an off load pass with a burst of acceleration.

the conclusion of his final season. He frequently played #7, or strong side flanker with an aggressive style which created loose ball for other flankers and back line transitional attacks. Travis was Team Captain and played defensive end for Pomona Panthers Football. He was an All-Conference player and received a scholarship to Adams State University, where he will play football in 2009.

Markus Harvey – Markus is a 4-year starter and Captain for Tigers RFC. Markus predominantly played 8-man and moved to 7-man at the conclusion of the season. His dominant physical presence made him the second all-time leading scorer without ever kicking for a point. Markus scored from the 8-man position with regularity, and off penalty taps.  His defensive tackles were crushing , even in the loose play.  Markus will play football at Western State University in the fall on a full scholarship.

Justin Sadler in pursuit.

Justin Sadler – Justin Sadler was a Captain and 3-year player who began his career at second row. In his senior year, Justin was our leading jumper and consistently available in the hugely successful Tigers Rugby lineouts of 2009. Justin was nominated as the Colorado Youth Rugby Player of the Year.

Charles Martinez – For two years, Charles ran the Tigers Rugby attack from the flyhalf position.  Charles had an entertaining nature to his game.  Power, speed, strength and fine foot for drop kicking offered Tigers fans exciting leadership.

Justin Thunell – Justin is a 3-year starter for Tigers Rugby who comes to us from Ralston Valley High School. Justin played full back for the Tigers and had a roll as a rugby player in filming of the movie, “Forever Strong.”  Justin had uncanny vision on the pitch and his fluid running and skillful tackling put the Tigers in a number of scoring situations.

Ryan Torrez – Ryan came to Tigers Rugby as a defensive back on the Pomona Panthers Football team. Ryan provides significant power and speed to the attack from the inside center and the wing positions. Ryan will attend Adams State University on a football scholarship this fall.

Lucas Stanley- “Lukey” came out his junior year from Pomona HS, showing vast determination to become a starter by improving his strength and conditioning elements. After his significant hard work, he led the front row to prove the varsity Tigers RFC’s scrum was not a team to look past, setting the standard for many Tiger’s props to come.

Joshua Carvalho – Josh Carvalho serves as the Tigers Rugby Match Secretary and was the first active player elected to the Board. Josh played hooker and threw in the lineouts. His loose play also provided substantial punch to the Tigers Rugby quarterfinal finish in the State Championship Tournament.  Josh came to Tigers Rugby from Pomona Panthers Football team, where he started at center.

Luke Stanley, Mark Harvey and Joe Mack size up the Fort Collins scrum.

Joe Mack – Joe overcame a devastating automobile accident that ended his high school football season.   Joe committed to the rugby training and played forward, scrum half and center over his two year Tigers Rugby career.  His inspirational play culminated in varsity wins in the late season. Joe Mack’s  leadership in the post season promoted Tigers Rugby’s growth with two teams in the State Championship Tournament.

Patrick Sullivan – Patrick played full back and wing, and was willing to play at any time for any team in his career. At tournaments, Patrick played one day for three different clubs and has his own unique passion for the game. Patrick played two years for Tigers Rugby and will be sorely missed for his on and off the field contributions. Patrick attended Brighton High School and drove significant distance to be a part of the Tigers Rugby experience.

Anthony Gaglia – Anthony was a two year starter at wing and backed up the scrum half.   Anthony brought an infectious energy that stoked the Pomona HS movement, was cool under the constant pressure and never backed down.

Donny Haupt – Donny was a first year player came conditioned as a finalist for the 189 lb. 5A wrestling title.  His dominant play at the tight head prop leading in the front row.  His strength and technique turned a number of situations our way, especially against the head (oppomnent put-ins in the scrum).

Cole Tesone – Cole played his senior year at the outside center and wing.  With blazing speed and exuberant effort, Cole brought all of his quickness from his previous baseball career to Tigers Rugby.

Joe Giron – Joe joined Tigers RFC as a senior after losing a quarterfinal match in the state wrestling championship tournament.   Joe became a pillar of strength at second row, and offeed speed, endurance and power in defensive and attack phases of play.

Nathan Dorney – Nathan started this year with us playing rugby with friends from Ralston Valley High School.  Nathan has played flanker and prop, providing Tigers with stability in the scrum and offered significant contribution to the loose play in all Tigers Rugby attack and defensive phases.

Matt Able  – Matt enjoyed his first year with Tigers Rugby, coming to us as a senior from Brighton High School, where he played outside linebacker for the football team. Matt played wing and occasionally dabbled in the role of scrum half. His speed and power offered a significant threat from the edge of the Tigers Rugby attack.

RJ Gelinski – RJ had a great time playing with us when he was available.  A friend of a number of the Pomona HS players, RJ got a few runs at wing and center.  We remember his speed and hands.  Otherwise , we hope to see him more in the alumni matches of the future.   “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger”, as Coach Medhurst used to say.