Old nemesis, new day. East put a hurt on us today, 55-0. We played every healthy player. It was a better battle than the score would indicate, but it was hard to prove that to the 150 strong Tigers Nation that showed up to line the Tigers’ sideline. Among the dignitaries, we were honored have Brad Baeir with us, co-founder of this storied club. Parents, alumni (Eddie Page, Steve Blevins, Brian Kelly, Justin & Steve Sadler), family and friends waited for a chance to roar. The little battles we won some were, unfortunately not so evident to the crowd. Yet, there were a number of highlights, including play by Jimmy Higdon, Rob Nees, Patrick O’Connor, Andrew Hutchinson, Nick Allen, AJ Shannon and Warren Woood. Andrew Hutchinson and Jeff Madigan each received yellow cards that hamstrug any comeback hopes, but difficulties staying behind the last foot on rucks lost the Tigers’ hard earned field position throughout the first 45 minutes of the match. A late charge was convincing, and the match started out with a demonstration of incredible Tigers Rugby feats of strength.
Momentum gathered in the Semifinal match will undoubtedly carry over for the 3rd in State match against Regis Jesuit HS on Wednesday.
Kickoff was changed to 5:00 pm. Warmups are at 4:00 at Infinity Park.
Thanks to the players, coaches and parents that made this all possible.
Practice Tuesday.
Please join us at Infinity Park in Glendale on Wednesday Tigers Rugby kick off at 5:30 pm. Award presentations (Team Sportsmanship, Player & Coach of the Year) are at 7:45 pm (just before the Rugby Colorado Grand Final).
There are many analogies to life in rugby. This game is a raging metaphor. Intensity, fatigue, exhilaration, adrenaline, success, euphoria and revelry have always been what brings young men to this game. Though war is recurrent backdrop, intelligent play becomes the only option as you reach the level of the Rugby Colorado Final Four.
Forever Strong. We are many things, but we are never weak, and we have never been stronger than now. We grew up, and learned through so much adversity – together. I thank you for challenging me to get you to this moment.
Defense win championships. As we play out the season against Regis, counter ruck everything (you pushed East around all day at the breakdown), or get out and set up a balanced line on both the left and right. Set your backline quickly, sit behind the last foot of the ruck in pillars, and prepare to explode onto the poach. You will be naturally in position with support. Loving your brother won’t get any better than the moment you when you jump behind their back line and race with two other Tigers to the try line.
We are the few. There is something significant in the fact that we survived with only 24 players. Losing Mikey and Jake Boselli was tragic, Nick Martin was unfortunate and Jake Gossman, just unlucky. The young guys like Jamison, Rob Kaniecki, and now Danny Fiorino, we really regret losing. Some of you, however, are performing better than in football season in the fall. We are more than survivors, we are champions.
What I would give to have played at this level of this state’s Rugby competition…. There are no more do-overs, no more second chances. You can never really take Mulligans in life. Quickly (if you will) judge whether what you got from us in 6 months of opportunity was worth the pain. If so, then let’s play – one more big one together. I wasn’t the best, I was just me. But you – YOU – ARE – the best in this coming match, so don’t dumb it down. We were led today by Rugby Colorado’s Division I Player of the Year, and 14 other Tigers players could have easily been selected for that same honor. You are so good, they want our entire team to try out for Select Side to compete against other regional teams from around the country here in June. They hope to start 4-6 of you. Whenever you do play rugby again, you will improve the team you join. It’s just what Tigers Rugby players do.
