Player of the Month: November

Suan Tan was born in Singapore and grew up in Southern California where he went to high school at Webb School in Claremont. Suan excelled in school as well as athletics where he played basketball, volleyball, water polo, football, and wrestling. Of course Keegan would tell you that volleyball is not a sport, but if Suan played it…well you know VB must kick ass. In the 9th grade, Suan decide that he wanted to play a new sport and thought rugby would be an interesting choice. He researched the game, but unfortunately didn’t find time to play then. However, the “itch” to play remained buried in the recess of his mind until he graduated.

Suan started playing rugby when he attended Union College in Schenectady (upstate) New York. Here, he finally found rugby and played in the forwards. Arriving home after graduation, he wanted to again play rugby and did what every other Pasadena Rugby player has done…Googled: SoCal Rugby. Suan, in his typical quite, yet direct response as to why he chose Pasadena, answered, “we had better jersey colors than Eagle Rock.” Apparently green flushes him out.

Over the past month, Suan has become more than just a defensive power. Despite his small size, he packs a wallop and has always been one of the best tacklers on our team. However, during the Huntington Beach Tourney, Suan demonstrated what an offensive force he could be. I know we have heard this before, but never about a back…. "it takes two to three players to stop him!” Many players can drag a defender two or three yards, but most end up losing the ball. Suan is become more and more adept at dragging two player 5 yards and then allowing the ball to be recycled, allowing for quick ball and so his other center and wingers the ability to get the ball with less defenders perusing him. Sure, maybe he didn’t score the try…but his tenacity and drive played a huge part in setting up that try for his teammate. His work ethic on the pitch and during practice is exemplar. While he may not deliver hate speeches or scream out insults, he leads by example. I for one am hoping more players pay attention to this silent giant.

When Suan is not on the rugby pitch, he enjoys…oh never mind. Just know that Suan Tan is my Player of the Month for November. Good job and keep on hitting.

Oops,
Tanner

Pasadena's 15's Tournament

First, I think it is appropriate that I thank Tim for all his hard work with the tournament. He kept blaming me for "strong arming him" or "convincing him" that running the Tourney was a good idea, but looking at the final product, I guess I made the right choice.

Second, just a brief note as to why we call it Mike Aston's Tournament. You no doubt saw Big Mike runs the tourney like a Czar with a sharpie pen. When a team dropped out and another left early after a disappointing day (who does that...teams that don't respect rugby...) Mike rearranged a scheduled and made lemon aide out of lemons (gawd that was not even close to being funny). Anyway, Mike sells sports memorabilia and December is the busiest time of the year for him, but he makes time to be at the tournament. He will tell you how hard it is...how busy he is...but truth be told, I think he loves the helping!

I know one of the first thing I think the day after a Tournament is, "What just happened?" I am sure all of you guys just feel like a truck ran over you. Tournaments, while a great way to get a lot of rugby against different opponents in one day, are a test in endurance and mental toughness. There were times where we put 6,7,8 good phases together (both sides!) only to lose possession. There were times, specifically when we were in the red zone, where we lost possession or lost tactical advantage. Whether it was the Pasadena or Warlord side, I believe the lesson we learned on Saturday was that every player…from first team to the last sub ...needs to work on maintaining possession, tackling/rucking/driving low and not making silly mistakes.

This means knowing the rules (especially offsides), how to ruck (forwards and backs), how (and when) to maul. As Keegan pointed out, we have very few practices to “work out the kinks” and in the middle of the holiday season, every practice counts. Just to reiterate…make time to get to practice, work out on your own and make it to fitness practice.

On a different note, Doc successfully delivered an 8lb 7oz baby in between games.

There are many players who could be singled out for their play. Several of them were recognized during the after party and all were well deserved. I am sure the match report will detail the excellent play by them and others. I, personally, was very impressed with the play of three individuals. Dave Pett, Matt Encinas and Joaquin Neira.

Dave did not have the “best game ever” Saturday. I am sure he recognized what he needs to do to improve his play. I was more impressed that he was able to play several positions (with a variety of players next to him), never once complained and always gave it 100% (note: it is physically impossible to give more than 100%). Additionally, he eagerly played in both Pasadena and Warlord games. It can be easy, once on the first side team, to feel “slighted” if asked to play on a second side team. Not for Dave...and that not seen by ANY player Saturday. Dave played every minute on the field in his typical "balls to the wall" fashion. Good Job
(note* there were several players that played on both sides and in different positions.)

Joaquin is another player that played for both the Pasadena and Warlord side, sometimes subbing in at a moments notice. He played well and has shown much improvements in his first year as a back (he played forward all last year.) Joaquin was pulled from the sideline, after just playing in a very tuff game, when the Warlords needed someone who could play flanker. His tenacity on defense and excellent support was just what the young Warlords needed against a tuff, veteran laden OMBAC side. His leadership helped a very young Warlord side progress.

Matt, asked to do the same as Joaquin and Dave, only in reverse. Matt played all day with the Warlords as a starter in the centers. When asked to be a sub for the first side or play in the last game as a winger, he did so with confidence and aggression, despite not having a lot of playing time at some of the positions in “game situations.” He listened to his teammates and improved every minute he was on the field.

These players are definitely not the exceptions. It seems our whole team is singled minded in their desire to help the team win. Remember, it is difficult to know what to do…and then do what you know. Practice will make all this easier.

Lastly, I was asked by a, ref as well as an LA and an OMBAC player at the after, "what PRFC thought of going to DII?" I answered very politically, "we were excited, wanting to see what the new season would bring, and other cliches" I think I used three less clechhes than were heard in our post tourney round "table." The general consensus amongst them was

1. If we kept numbers at practice
2. If we maintain our "hard nose, disciplined play" (there words, not mine)

then we will do very well. The LA player said that was one of the key reasons they did so well last year. OH, the OMBAC player initially said he was "happy" that we came up as it would give them "someone to be more competitive with" as they did not "do very well last year." I asked if he "assumed that we would be in the lower half of the standings?" He answered that, "If you play the way you played against us, then we would have trouble competing against Riverside and the Aztecs." I didn't tell him that he played our SECOND SIDE. He can learn that in a few weeks.

Well, that's it for now

Oops,
Tanner

Why it Doesn't Matter

I certainly didn’t start writing a blog about this year to become some sort of point counter point with Angelica(www.the2ndrow.blogspot.com). He always has a very vocal view on what he thinks is right and wrong and no one will ever be able to stop him from making his thoughts heard loud and clear. Part of the beauty of this club is, we have the most awesomely ridiculous, cool, funny, somber, odd, freaky, sincere, etc personalities. I will leave the bitter vitriol to others.

I did, however, decide to write a blog about this year and the experience (good and bad) of playing in DII. Yes, there is some plagiarism here. I’m not that smart..

The idea of tradition is a funny thing. The word tradition comes from the Latin word traditio which means "to hand down" or "to hand over." It is used in a number of ways in the English language:

1. Beliefs or customs taught by one generation to the next, often orally. For example, we can speak of the tradition of sending birth announcements.
2. A set of customs or practices. For example, we can speak of Christmas traditions.
3. A broad religious movement made up of religious denominations or church bodies that have a common history, customs, culture, and, to some extent, body of teachings. For example, one can speak of Islam’s Sufi tradition or Christianity's Lutheran tradition.

However, on a more basic theoretical level, tradition(s) can be seen as information or composed of information. Traditions are often presumed to be ancient, unalterable, and deeply important, though they may sometimes be much less "natural" than is presumed. Some traditions were deliberately invented for one reason or another, often to highlight or enhance the importance of a certain institution.

Traditions may also be changed to suit the needs of the day, and the changes can become accepted as a part of the ancient tradition. A famous book on the subject is The Invention of Tradition, edited by Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger.

The rejection of tradition is part of nature according to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche claims that people (or in our case the Team) that reinterpret the world (Traditions) again and again are strong. That way, sorrow and loss which is linked to trying to keep tradition can be avoided. Nietzsche wants his readers to open up and accept nature as it is in all its manyfold appearances. In order to be able to interpret nature it is mandatory to imagine. It is weak to claim that your imagination is the only truth. That could get you destroyed. A strong person is someone who is ready to change in order to avoid self-destruction.

So, with that rambling said, which of our PRFC traditions are improtant? Obviously the Jersy color seems to have struck a cord.What about the others. Is only drinking with our left hand a tradition that should be strictly observed? If you chose to NOT follow that tradition, what are you then? Should players be forced to Zulu (run naked) after their first try no matter the legal consiquence? It is a tradition!

By now I am sure you can figure out I am in the “get over it camp.” I also know that I will never change the minds of people that feel strongly. That was not my intent. I will ask, both sides, “what is this about?”

Oops,
Tanner

Player of the Month: October

You would never have known it, but prior to last year, Greg Smith had never played rugby. From the first moment he stepped onto the pitch, he had this “look” that was confident and reassuring, as if he had been playing for years. Greg has been an athlete most of his life. His first love is, of course, running. He began running with his mother while in elementary school to keep her company. Greg comes from an active family that enjoys anything outdoorsy. This includes surfing, camping, sailing and apparently their love of snake wrangling. More on that later.

Greg attended Claremont High School. He graduated and went to Cal Berkley and then to Whittier Law School. He now practices at the Public Counsel Law Center with a focus on representing homeless youth, so Colby has a lawyer once Rooney throws him out. He started playing Rugby when his roommate, or own Dean Damuth, dragged…drug…draggled… took him to a fitness practice. Greg had no intention of playing rugby, but enjoyed the fitness aspect. Eventually, he came to a practice, then another, then another. Next thing you know, he is our starting wing of the 2007 DIII So Cal Championship Team playing in South Carolina. His play earned him a spot on the DIII Blue Griffins where he took his game to a new level and added scrum half to his resume.

Over the past month, Greg has gone from a relatively new player to a leader on and off the pitch. When he decided to approach the coaches about wanting to be a scrum half, I am sure it was not a “off the cuff” decision. Greg is the type that makes thoughtful decisions, no doubt after drawing schematics, listing pros and cons and seeking advice from mentors. He has dedicated himself to learning the ways of the Jedi…and the life of a scrumhalf. He is becoming a real student of the game, no doubt he will soon drop all his clients calls to focus on surfing the web searching for “drop kick techniques, feeding the scrum and hair care products” and with life imitating art, become homeless himself.

Greg counts Frazier, Andy and Dean as his biggest mentors of the game. To his credit, he has been able to tune out all the forwards that have offered their constant advice (mine included) and listened, watched and learned form his mentors; taken their insight into the game and hopefully make himself into a force to be reckoned with. Hell, he was even praised by Angelica. That is like the Pope telling someone they say the Lord's Prayer real well.

Greg has had a rash of injuries that make him look like a real warrior if he were to list them at an after party. He has broken his arm, ankle, nose, 3 fingers, 2 toes and his hand. He dislocated his knee and a finger and separated his shoulder. He also had three concussions and found himself with a 2-½ inch framing nail in his hand…oh and almost had to have his arm amputated. I am pretty sure 98% of those have a funny “Dean story” involved and only his finger may have been a rugby injury?

While praise has been frequent and his play stellar, he still has a lot to learn. Scrumhalf is a position that requires knowledge, guts and leadership. Veterans around the pitch feel that if he continues to work on his passing and “field vision” he will truly become a special player. IF he rests on his Laurels…he is at risk for becoming just another PRFC experiment gone awry. For now, he is May Player of the Month.

Oops,Tanner

did you think I would just let the snake story go? So here is Greg, our ever confident and uber smart prepubescent, not yet a Lawyer, out for a walk hike with his family. Nature was a way of life for the Smith family, so when they ran across a baby rattlesnake, they stopped to observe it. Like all completely normal families, they all walked away, laving young Greg to study the venomous snake. Did he try to grab it? No. Well then...from out of nowhere... a guy on a bike shows up? "hey kid...wanna touch my snake?" Greg argues with this odd ball about the dangers of such behavior, no doubt listing consequences for actions taken and not taken and wondering when the NBC cameras would get there.

Yes, his family is still walking away.

Now, this douche on a bike grabs a stick, picks up the snake and lunges it at our young Greg! Yep. Bit him. Greg was rushed to the hospital where he was given anti-venom. As the venom and anti-venom battle inside his body, his arm swells up to the size of, well a rugby ball. They had to cut incisions in his arm to relieve pressure and he nearly lost his arm. The police canvased the area looking for a snake wielding pedo, but he was never found.

that's an awesome story!

Souther California Griffin Awards

The night started off simply enough, at Coach’s house. Being a forward, I was not smart enough to read the entire invitation (at least it wasn’t an e-vite) and did not bring a sports coat. Shoes…check. Pants…. check. Tie…check. Coat… negative. Doc escorted me to his Sport coat closet (think Imelda Marcos) where I selected his finest dinner jacket.

Knowing that the open bar was from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Pasadena’s troublemakers checked in at 6:01. The excitement was palpable. Jerry Collins, the All Black Flanker would be on hand, we were all excited to hear what he had to Say. Keegan was the most excited and he almost missed it. eating hurriedly so he wouldn't miss anything, he started choking on a piece of Brie and I had to do a Kiwi maneuver on him. Jerry finally arrived just in time for dinner, but he didn’t seem to be that hungry as he by passed most of the buffet line, skipping the French fries, French toast and asked if he could get a Kaiser role to replace the Baguette? Odd. Just before the festivities began, Alexis showed up. He was all decked out and even sported an All Blacks tie. Unfortunately, he had to remove it after about 75 minutes as it started choking him.

As you have undoubtedly read by now, Pasadena RFC pretty much “ran the table” Saturday night, taking home 5 of the 6 awards they were nominated for. We were, I am told, 2 votes away from also receiving the Team of the Year Award as well. That award went to Belmont Shore who had an “OK” year. Keegan and I will be digging shallow graves for those CIPP’ed players that didn’t vote. Below you will find our winners.

Division III Most Valuable Player: Matt Hettermann
Coach of the Year: Michael Bryant
Distinguished Service Award: Jim Ciampa
Player's Player Award: Keegan Hornbeck
Sportsperson of the Year: Michael Bryant

I enjoyed seeing Eagle Rock’s table look utterly defeated each time a Pasadena player was announced. I am sure they are still trying to figure out why they weren’t somehow winning awards. I think there were more than a few people VERY surprised by the Pasadena onslaught of victories. But what did our table think?

Recognition is a weird thing. Not one person from PRFC expected to win. They all had an, “I am sure _____ will win cause he deserves it more” attitude. Can you blame Coach for thinking that the Southern California Men’s Griffin Coach would win? Who can blame Keegan for thinking that Henry Bloomfield (an Eagle that just retuned from playing in the World Cup) might be chosen? Can you blame Matt for thinking Frazier would win? Or Ciampa for thinking the ex-President of the Union would get the nod? Surely they all deserved their award, but I am always impressed with the “I am no better than anyone else” mentality that our team has. There is no place for ego…I do love a good Eggo though.

The Mad Cow!

Alistair Blevins (aka Mad Cow) was born on February 2, 1976 in Crawley, England. He first came to America in 1999 to work for an asset management group as a marketing executive. Here, Alistair did two very important things. First, he took a job that was within walking distance of nearly everything he wanted to do… eat, drink, play, and sleep. Second, he went to Pep Boys, but that is a different story.

Alistair began playing rugby at the tender age of eight and played competitively with the University of Plymouth, the Royal Air Force Cadets, and the Crawley Town RFC. Finally, playing for Pasadena RFC, which he serendipitously found on the Internet. Recently, Alistair has taken up training for Marathons, but he true love has been “to go fast.” Ricky Bob…er Alistair loves watching Formula UUUN, tinkering with his vintage Mustang and talking about his time in a Jet as a Cadet.

Alistair now resides Cape Town, South Africa where, as an Englishmen, he is constantly defending the play of England’s Rugby team. Yet he finds solace in being genetically superior in nearly every way to his new countrymen.

Alistair played inside and outside center as well as a brief, and ill-advised, stint at flanker and one horrific trip to flyhalf. On a more positive note, Alistair is most remembered for a “blinder” of a game he played against the North County Gurkhas where he scored three tries to help the maroon and black overcome a 33-point deficit in the second half. That year, 2000, Alistair was named the teams MVP. The Second most memorable…errr…memory (as well as his third, fourth, fifth ad nauseam) was any time he dropped the ball, which was a lot by most accounts. It was Allen the surmised that there is a very sad clown missing his pie plates, because it was apparent that Alistair had stolen them and taped them to his hands when playing.

All kidding aside, Alistair was a perfect example of what Pasadena Rugby is about. He embodied what rugby is supposed to be both on and off the field. He was one of the most solid players to have graced our field. He was the type of teammate that would help change a tire at 11:00 pm or share his last hotdog and Budweiser (usually in a can) when you arrived unannounced.

The following is a recap penned by an old boy, Martin Jimenez (with some redactions), from Alistair’s 25th birthday party….

…[Alistair began and ended the night] consuming liquor like a Biafra child devouring rice. His ensuing alcohol-induced antics are legendary. After annoying the North Woods Inn dinner guests with his incessant offerings of friendship and birthday cake that he continuously dropped en route to their tables, he and Mark Frazier stormed the stage and forced the hired piano player into submission. The two then proceeded with their renditions of classic rock favorites, the most memorable being Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Their cacophony was complimented by the sound of shattering glass from the bottle of tequila that Club president “Hands” Angelica had smuggled in, and in an uncanny moment of life imitating rugby, juggled and dropped. If that wasn’t enough, after relocating to the Crown City for a night cap(s), Alistair initiated a break-dancing war and later felt compelled to chase the female patrons around the pub with his twig and berries exposed as he exclaimed, “I’ve got a small willy! I’ve got a small willy!” When the dust cleared and he finally tired, he walked up the stairs to the second level of the Brewery with a full pint, looked down upon the crowd and proceeded to empty its contents in one swift chug. In a sudden flash of Greek-ness, he heaved the empty glass down to the floor as the already stunned crowd watched in horror! In typical limy fashion, he could not finish the job and the glass lay unbroken. He spent the rest of the morning on his knees regurgitating about $150.00 worth of steak, potato and liquor…

Alistair has a brother, who lives in the States and a Mum and Dad that live in England. Alistair shares his love of Port Wine with his father, but not his mother’s extreme love of washing clothes. He constantly promises to return to the States some day, but until that happens we all wish him well in whatever adventure he has taken to…this year.

Oops, Tanner

Week Four

So week four and practice was not, shall we say…the “best?” Ehhh, bound to happen right? Despite most of California being on fire, 40 plus players were present on Tuesday. We “walked” through some of the set pieces of rugby (the scrum, lineouts, etc) and I hope it was helpful to the rookies. Rugby is a complicated game with weird sounding names (God damn it…who the hell is the standoff and is he near the flyhalf?) Thursday saw even worse air quality and practice was cancelled. Several players made their way to Dominico’s for some pizza, beer and listening to Angelicas Tales of Lore.

Chris’ theme was “Bus Trip.” Those newer to the team will quickly learn that Chris’ thoughts are often as erratic as a Colorado Rockies pitcher, but “Bus Trip” remained a topic for at least an hour (interspersed with random jabs at new and old players alike). Pasadena has a love hate relationship with bus trips. Everyone loves the actual trip, the camaraderie, the Road House viewing…unfulfilled promises of Asian porn! Everyone hates the clean up and apologies to the driver.

I think it was Mark Frazier who originally brought the Patrick Swazy tour de force Road House on our trip to San Louis Obispo. Generally, the team would only take a bus once a year. We did not usually take a buss (that is for you Alistair) to Kern, San Diego or even to Vegas. The last few years, we have had the good fortune to be able to take a bus to SLO once during the preseason and two trips to San Diego during the season. Bus trips make for memorable stories.

My first bus trip I was “S” faced on the way home, thanks to a heavy handed bar tender and sang my own version of every rugby song known to man. They all ended with “SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS” screamed at the top of my lungs. Everyone hated me. Especially Jim Ciampa. He had broken his nose that game and, unfortunately, was sober.

Vomit seems to always play a role on bus trips. There has been stealth chucking (sneaking to the back of the bus when no one is looking.) There has been the coordinated parking lot boot, several players waiting to get off the bus then simultaneously Ralphing once on terra firma. There was even synchronized (left seat, right seat) tossing lunch into the isle last year. But my favorite bus story ahs to be the guy that brought his girlfriend. Wow. To be the only girl on a bus trip is a mistake that is only made once. The look of abject horror and utter disgust was priceless.

There have been other very memorable trips. The team once went to Europe (way back in the day), we have taken vans to Kern County and that trip taught us what a Bowl of Fruit was (I see two peaches and a banana!) Of all my time at Pasadena RFC, I will remember any time I spent time with my teammates laughing about old times, yesterday’s antics and giving the rookies a hard time…because that is what “old boys” did to me when I was a rookie. Next week, a story about a toilet.

Oops, Tanner

Week Three

I am stealing the following thoughts on last week’s practices directly from Allen Rooney. Considering it was just announced by Brian Brecheisen that Rooney is indeed “all knowing of all things rugby and otherwise” I guess I am stealing for a pretty good source.

We need more fitness at practice.

Before I become that kid that reminds the teacher that homework was not assigned on a Friday, I am sure there will be plenty of fitness in the weeks to come. So strap on the running shoes (I am not English and refuse to call them trainers. Also…they are mouth guards, not gum shields) and train on your own.

I just wanted to get that off my chest. I am still pretty impressed with the level of intensity I have seen at practices. With 40+ (nearly 50) guys showing up for practice, it is hard to keep guys motivated and intense for 2 hours. I think the Coaches and the “on the field” leaders are doing a nice job in keeping guys involved with their intensity meters pegged. I would like to see some of the “quieter guys” be a little more vocal. We can’t always assume that Keegan is going to get us pumped up with his 12 Days of Christmas leaping lords routine. Thank God he doesn’t have us milking each other.

Lastly, the other night coach stated, “competition for positions was wide open.” At first I thought that was kinda funny. We weren’t even three weeks into practice; we don’t even know each other’s names yet…why wouldn’t there be competition? Then it hit me…I think I was on the toilet...this was coaches way of sending a message to our veterans that he sees some promise in our rookies. Coach is definitely not afraid to start “piss and vinegar” over experience if he thinks that person will play his heart out. Who will be this years Dave Pett…possibly Dave Pett?

Oops, Tanner

Week Two

I am really hoping that my blog doesn’t turn into some sort of an advice column, but with two consecutive posts containing advice…and only two weeks of practice concluded…call me Ann Landers. Last week I talked about Listening. This week, my advice is…watch. You have two golden opportunities to watch rugby this weekend. The World Cup is on and the DIII All Stars are playing.

If you are planning on watching the World Cup and you are relatively new[1] to the game, watch it for what it is, rugby played at the highest level. These players have played rugby at the highest level for years. They have practiced and practiced and practiced together…and that is why it LOOKS so effortless when they play. There are only a few players that have played for PRFC, or on other teams in So Cal for that matter, that even come close to playing rugby anywhere near that caliber. PLEASE do not watch and assume, “oh, that guy just threw the ball backwards and his team mate caught it” or “every time you run into a tackle, the ball magically appears on the ground for the scrum half.” Anyway, enjoy the games, drink a few beers if you want and use that experience to motivate you to play at a higher level.

If you really want to learn to play better…WATCH the DIII All Stars[2]/Back Bay game this Sunday. This will give you a better understanding of what the competition and skill level[3] in DII will be like this year. Pick a player that you think might be where you are going to play (ask coach or a veteran who to watch) and follow that player and see how he plays. Watch how he runs with the ball. Watch how he strips the ball or supports a teammate. Watch how he makes space, tackles, talks[4], etc. Then, when you are at practice next week, think about how you saw others do that skill in a game and try and mimic that in the drills.

So, there you go…again. Pretty basic advice following week two of practice. I will leave the famous “you can’t win unless you score more points” advice till later in the season. We had a good week of practice. The rookies seem to have real hunger in them and the veterans appear focused and intent.

Oops,
Tanner

P.S. Here are the directions to Back Bay's field.

http://www.backbayrfc.com/bbr-directions.asp?Zoom=60Balboa

The 55 South eventually turns into Newport Blvd when you reach Newport Beach. The directions are a bit unclear about that.



[1] You are new to the game for a long time. Don’t assume that because you played last year or played 3 years in college…I am not talking about you.
[2] Who cares what this team is called...really!
[3] Don’t be intimidated by the physicality of the game, but know that it is a physically demanding sport.
[4] There is a lot of talking in rugby. Learn to tell the guy in front of you where you are. Keegan will often yell “ON YOUR LEFT” while passing an elderly woman in the frozen foods isle at Vons.

Week One

While I am always a little uneasy when I agree with anything found on Angelica’s blog, I can’t agree more with his take on the first practice week. He, maybe more than anyone on this team, knows the struggles this club has had over the years. He hits the nail on the head when he talks of “sinking the hook.” Coach calls it “drinking the Cool-Aide.” No mater it’s name, we need many many players to make this year successful..

I spent the better part of Thursdays practice with the newer to the game players and I can say that I was thoroughly impressed. While THEY may feel like they didn’t know what the F was going on, I was impressed with their heart and determination to, “get it right.” Several of them took to the drills quite easily while others took a little longer. My advice to both groups of players at this point is simple. Listen.

Listen to the coaches. Listen to “how” we want you to do the drill, “how” your body position should be, “what” the purpose of the drill is and “why” we do the drill. Listen; don’t talk while others are coaching, they know what they are doing. Learn the rules. The faster you learn the rules, the easier the game is. Listen to the coaches when they tell you that you “broke a rule.” There is a reason they are telling you. We want you to learn because we want you to be better..we need you!

Listen to the explanation of the drills. Do them as best as you can with as much purpose as you can. Watch other players (preferably better players) and listen to them when they give you advice

Listen to the veteran players. They may be yelling words that you don’t understand and it may make your head spin…but listen. Try to not make the same mistake twice. There are plenty of mistakes to make…just don’t make the same one over and over. You don’t have to apologize for making a mistake; we all make them…many of them.

Well, there you go. Pretty lame advice if I do say so myself. I remember a bit of advice one of the great PRFC Old Boys gave me when I started… bring your cleats everywhere, you only learn by playing. If you are going to watch a preseason game or a college team play…bring your cleats. If someone says “anyone want to play?” Say yes. Learn as much as you can. If you’re a forward, learn about the backs and visa versa. Last, have a sense of humor. It is just a game.

Oops,
Tanner

Where do they all come from?

It shouldn't surprise anyone that the single biggest “recruitment” tool for our team has been the Internet. Since the advent of the web (by Angelica’s account, sometime around 1998), we have used it to provide information to players and potential players to great success. Our first web design was completed on May 20th, 1999 by Boris Kogan. The reigns were then given to Mike Aston who served as webmaster until Tim Reisen, a former player and past MVP, took over. After an unfortunate “server” problem a few years ago, it became necessary for us to rebuild. At that time Graeme Fordyce took charge and built the page that we use today. However, many do not know of our second most effective recruitment tool…Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. So how did CHLA become the Mecca of PRFC recruiting? I think it is safe to say…it is all Angelicas fault.

In 1996 I got a job working at CHLA. This was about the time Doc was finishing his MbA at UCLA and Smookler was cursing rehab looking for the future ex-Mrs. Smookler. I had a friend (Terry McLean, a past player) and he wanted to play in college…but that is a different story. In 1998 CHLA hired Kristen Russell. I don’t know what possessed her one-day, sitting in our office, to tell me “you should play rugby on my boyfriends team.” With Terry in tow, we watched our first game…against Kern. The game was awesome, complete with a fight, and we knew this was the team for us. At the end of the game, Kristen introduced us to her boyfriend…Mr. Christopher Angelica.

In 2001, I was accosted by a nurse while working on the rehab unit. She claimed that her boyfriend played rugby and wanted to know what he had to do to make the team. I listed an incredible litany of tasks that would need to be completed (later to made into the movie Da Vinci Code) and we now had Doc Smookler on board.

Doc Smookler spent the next year bragging to his boss and co-workers how great our team was and generally annoying any male between the age of 20 and 55 within in earshot in an attempt to get them to come out and play. He was successful in finally wearing down Coach (and Ara Balkian) and they joined our team.

Once Doc Bryant joined the team, he in turn began the onslaught of “Pasadena blah blah blah rugby rugby blah greatest team ever blah blah” to anyone that would listen. Apparently one nurse listened (or was forced to listen) and she decided to send a friends son, John John, to practice.

So what is the point of this… well, for one, I am trying to keep up with Angelica’s postings, but really…just a reminder. Get your friends to come out and play…one of them may end up being the next John John…or coach. Next week maybe I’ll tell the story of my first bus trip.

Oops,
Tanner

What is life??? September's Player of the Month will tell you!

I remember meeting Casey Stoneberger at his first practice. Here was a hulk of a man who reportedly played for OMBAC’s DI and Super League side and now he was running Queenslander drills with a DIII side that didn’t make the playoffs the previous year. To top it off, he had a bad shoulder that made it difficult for him to play at the level he wanted. Truth be told, I figured he would be gone after a few practices…possibly to rehab his shoulder, or do fitness on his own…or to another club. But I think Casey saw something in our club that made his stick around. Maybe Keegan threatened to burn down a gym for every practice he missed? Thank God he kept coming around or you wouldn’t be reading about the September Player of the Month.

Casey grew up in Littleton, Colorado eventually going to college at my father’s alma mater, University of Northern Colorado in a small town called Greeley. Casey began playing rugby as a senior at Chatfield Senior High School. In college he played Lacrosse until halfway through his senior year where the magnetism of rugby and a scholarship issue forced him to the rugby pitch. Casey excelled at rugby where he was named an honorable mention All Americanr. Casey’s freakish ability to lift large amounts of weight is but one of his many hobbies. He enjoys fishing, hunting, boating, camping and eating. Casey married his college sweetheart, Laura Jean in 2006. Currently, Casey is studying to get his DPT at Azusa Pacific University. True, Casey prays to Krom for success, be his mentor is someone who thought him that “superior all around fitness ifs the key to performing better on the pitch.” Casey met Kent Weyand (OMBAC’s strength and speed coach…and fellow UNC graduate) while playing for OMBAC and really took to heart how this man could impalement his “concepts” at practice and this made Casey a better player. Casey in turn has brought this drive to US.

Casey was a huge reason PRFC was able to accomplish what we did last year, and not just by his play on the pitch. Casey is our resident fitness guru. But he is not just an iron junkie that throws weights around. Casey is a virtual Encyclopedia of nutrition, kinesiology and Crom. In short, he helps players achieve their goals with a systematic, player friendly, yet global approach. Why is he the September player of the month…we didn’t even have practice then?! Casey’s influence and training approach put our team in a better position to excel. Because of him and his effort, we are better prepared to hit the ground running. Casey planned a summer long regiment that challenged every player, no matter their level of fitness. All those that participated in the workouts enjoyed huge gains in strength and speed. I hadn’t realized how successful Casey had been until I saw Brian Brecheisen at practice the other day. He was bigger, stronger and, more importantly, faster than he had been all last year. Sure, Brian had to have the motivation to complete the workouts, but something tells me, without Casey’s planning and tutelage at the 24 Hour Fitness Gym twice a week all summer, we would not have seen the Brian (or Keegan, Seamus, James, et al.) that we saw at the BEGENNING of the season. I am sure Casey is working hard as we speak to develop the next round of leapfrog from hell to challenge us this year. It is a good thing Casey eventually found rugby, had he just stuck to the tap dancing lessons he started when he was 5 years old, Casey would be terrorizing little Baryshnikov’s about proper kettle ball form. While I might not want to see Casey show us the “ball and shuffle,” I am very interested in hearing his story about leaving a game at half to destroy a McDonalds toilet from a case of food poisoning.

So for all of you that think practice has been brutal…just hold your breath until Coach utters these fatal words, “Casey will be leading our fitness session tonight.”

Oops,Tanner

We will miss you Junior!

Raymond “Junior” Espinoza was a founding member of Crown City Rugby Football Club (aka Pasadena Rugby). On August 31, 2007 he passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Pasadena. He raised his children in Pasadena. He played rugby here. He met Mary here. He drank Tequila here. He played many, many games of darts here. He will be missed here.

By all accounts, Junior was a loving and gracious individual. To those that knew him (whether for a life time or just casually through rugby), he enjoyed life and wanted others to enjoy it with equal enthusiasm. My first encounter was at an after party. I had just joined the team when he sat down next to me to introduce himself. He asked me where I was from and how I got to PRFC. I told him “I was new…”. those were the last words I said in that conversation. Junior made me look like short story specialist. At one point, another old boy leaned over to me and said, “Hope you have the time.”

Juniors’ passing gives us all a moment to think about our friends and family, on the pitch and away from rugby. As his son so eloquently, “tell the people around you how much they mean to you.”

Raymond “Junior” Espinoza…R.I.P.
July 29, 1949 – August 31, 2007.

An Alaskan Legend... and I don't mean Christopher McCandless

Allen Rooney has not always been a typical, easy going, laid back So Cal lad that we have all grown to love. Of course I am kidding, as we all know Allen to be an intense competitor who demands that players play with passion, commitment and a ruthless devotion to “executing perfect rugby.” He also expects the same during the after party. Allen grew up in Wrangell Alaska. It is a small town of just over 2000 people. Like so many other males in this area, Allen spent much of childhood around fish, guns and boats. However, by the time he arrived in high school, his passion became wrestling. Allen honed his skill while at Wrangell High School and then went on to wrestle in college at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

Allen began his rugby career with a slow build into the raging inferno we know today. While at CWU, Allen devoted much of his training to wrestling, but from 1987-88 found time each spring to play a little rugby. It wasn’t until the CWU Rugby Team reformed (and apparently this new and improved club got the stamp of approval) that Allen began to think seriously about rugby. In 1989, his wrestling eligibility over, Allen took to the pitch full time and hasn’t really looked back. Little is known about what kind of player Allen was during this time…or how he learned how to play hooker with such skill and excellence. Whoever taught him how to do what “he does” probably takes a solid gold dump every morning with angels singing to him while he wipes. We do know that his College coah, Bryan Eglet was his first mentor and that he respects anyone that maintains posession. Much like Jesus’ adolescence, Allen’s rugby life has little documentation until the late 90’s. In 1997, Allen left the great northwest, and settled into a little town just east of Pasadena called Azusa (everything form A to Z in the USA.) His only plan was to find a rugby club and see what happened. I suppose Allen could have gone to a lot of other rugby clubs…I am sure that with the Internet not being invented yet (as reported by Chris Angelica)…there were several clubs he could have picked. But Allen found his way to Victory Park and made an immediate impact…with a power step I am sure. Allen came to Pasadena Rugby with an impressive physical aptitude. However, he credits Shawn Kingston (Pasadena RFC Coach) with being, "the coach that tought him the most about play on he field."

Allen was an immediate leader on and off the field. His fierce competitive nature and vocal pursuit of “perfect” rugby, while at times intimidating to newcomers, lights an inner fire to achieve a single-minded goal…make Pasadena’s forwards the best pack each and every year. He has often succeeded. His second year, 1999, Allen was awarded MVP, Best Forward and Coaches Award. It was around this time that we became familiar with the, “oh Jesus ruck.” In 2000, 2001 and 2002, Allen was again voted Best Forward by his peers. In 2005, his play over the years was recognized when he was given the Jeff Evans Golden Spike award as the player who upholds the traditions and values of an “Old School” rugby player, thus solidifying his status as a Pasadena Rugby Legend.

Allen leadership can be seen off the filed as well. He has been elected by his peers captain several times (both at CWU and with PRFC) and was overwhelmingly elected President of PRFC in 2003. Allen is fond of saying that he was “the most loved, but least active President in Club history.” While the jury is still out on how “active” of a president president he was, he did bring back a certain sense of legitimacy and accountability to the position that had strayed in years past. Possibly his greatest accomplishment, and in true Allen fashion…a simple but profound gesture…was awarding engraved pint glasses to Men of the Match for both teams. This recognition of MOTM is a long-standing tradition, not only with PRFC, but also with nearly every type of organized team sport known to man. It is also very rewarding to hear other teams praise the recognition of receiving this award from our team.

Allen’s unique sense of “rugby: rights and wrongs” is observed in the retelling of his most memorable game with the PRFC. In 2000, we were still in Division II and struggled at times to play well. We had a great bunch of guys that were good rugby players. We could never quite put a complete game together for a win. On a hot Saturday afternoon, the North County Gurkhas were visiting our field near the Rose Bowl. The Gurkhas always had a strong pack that played well with tactical precision and control. At the end of the first half, Pasadena found itself in a 33-0 hole. Pasadena slowly clawed its way back behind the rucking and running of Allen Rooney. Allen defines personnel success on a rugby pitch, not by the tries he scores or the long runs he had, but by the amount of times he maintained possession of the ball in a tackle and how many times he was able to steal the ball from his opponent. Against the Gurkhas, Allen was perfect in his goal to retain possession every time. He put on a clinic on stealing balls in free play and (as we are accustomed to seeing) stole many scrums. At the end of the day, Pasadena prevailed 35-33. Allen was named Man of the Match… despite another player scoring three tries. I believe that this was the first time Pasadena heard the now infamous phrase, “any monkey can fall over the try line.”

Allen takes great pride and is known for his “claw of death” (applied to many opponents chest and an occasional neck) and for maintaining possession. It should be no surprise then that he shows great disdain and, well… seems pretty pissed off... with his “knock-on” in the game against Mission in South Carolina. In his own words, “It [the knock] was so recent and important. Scoring that try could have changed the tempo of the game, so I have to live with that every day.”

When not on the rugby pitch, Allen is probably doing one of 5 things: teaching, shooting, making bullets, watching the history channel or cackling. I am pretty sure there is a 6th thing, but I don't feel too comfortable speaking about it. Allen is an elementary school science teacher and by all accounts (from non-rugby informants) his is a very good teacher…brilliant even. Many don’t know, but he is also credentialed to teach Special Education. Must be why he is so good at explaining things to the forwards. In addition to his obvious passion for rugby, Allen can often be seen loading up his ’45 and heading into the foothills…to a shooting range practicing for his competitions. Allen is an excellent marksmen and anyone brave enough to journey with him up the mountain, to a very secluded shooting range, will find that he is just as facetious about shooting and shooting etiquette as he is about rugby.

I have played with Allen for close to 10 years. I have had the distinct pleasure of going to Missoula Montana for Maggotfest with him several times. The most enjoyable of those trips was the time Allen, Aston and I drove from Seattle to Montana. It was as if Allen became stronger and more powerful the farther north we went. Anyone who has witnessed Allen in Missoula knows what I am talking about. He was charming to the ladies and they responded with…affection??? Yes. Allen is, without a doubt, the best hooker I have ever played with. I have seen him play flanker a few times…even scrum half…. Did I mention he is a great hooker?

Oops, Tanner

Congratulations Griffin Award Nominees!

During the season no one ever thinks, “how will this team measure up in years to come?” Will it (our team) be considered a good team that is eventually forgotten as memories fade? Will it be a great team that only PRFC players talks about? Or, possibly, could it be a legendary team…a team that other teams recall with respect and recognition as well? Questions like theses are often debated (usually in the bar with Angelica going anabolic at anyone who dare disagree with his position) for years and years. After reading who was nominated for 2007 Griffin awards, it looks like we have an answer.

First and foremost, Congratulations to the entire Pasadena Rugby Football Club Family for being nominated for TEAM OF THE YEAR!!!! Whether you played in ’71 or one game back in 2001, you have made Pasadena what it is today and we should all be proud of this recognition. This award is as much about the Kelly’s, Davis’, Caraher’s, Kuntz’, Small’s, Ciampa's, Loves, Roche’s and many others…as it is about the entire 2007 team and our many supporters.

Some rookies may think, “Hell, we went 11-0, why wouldn’t we be considered?” From my perspective it seems that all of DIII has never really been given a fair shake when it comes to accolades like this. Even looking towards some of our alumni who now play for other teams (not you Garrett). They look at us (DIII) as this little child who need their hands held. Sure, we were fun to party with, but “real rugby” is only played at (fill in team name here)! Over the past 5 years (some may argue more, others less) PRFC has worked hard to change this perception. Initially, success was seen only off the field, but slowly on field success followed, cumulating in our superb 2007 season. Knowing that someone at the Union level thought highly enough to nominate our team speaks volumes about what WE have accomplished. Do I think we have a chance? The way I see it, DI and Super League teams are supposed to be good. The fact that Belmont, Santa Barbra and OMBAC had good years is awesome, but when you are the top dog…it is expected and not surprising. Certainly LA Rugby had a fantastic year and are well deserving of any recognition they get. Same with the Belmont Women who had a perfect 6-0 season, but have always been perennial favorites. Would I be disappointed if Belmont Men, Santa Barbra or OMBAC were selected…yes (actually, YES damit!) However, the sting of “not” being selected would be a little less if LA or Belmont Women get selected. My small brain would just assume we were second!

Individual awards are always nice. To know that others respected you is a feeling like no other. The fact that Pasadena had two players selected only exemplifies the level of respect our team had this year within the DIII community. The real evidence in our respect is, other teams felt strongly that Pasadena had the best players on the field each day and have said so publicly. Obviously I have great admiration and respect for Frazier. We have played together (on and off the field...grrrr, wink wink) for many years. I can’t think of one person that wouldn’t say he absolutely deserved this recognition. I also have great respect for the year that Matt had. His leadership as Pack Captain (Pack Captain???…Ok, seriously… that is the stupidest name, ever…) and his play on the field makes his nomination well deserved. Well-done boys.

For a rookie coach who started the season with a bit of trepidation…wondering, “can I coach these hooligans?” Well, what a better way to answer that question and “top off” a perfect season by being nominated Coach of the Year. There isn’t anyone more respected or admired than Doc and his ability to motivate a group of 40+ players for an entire season was remarkable. While most Saturdays were pretty easy for Doc (in the sense that by half time the results were not in doubt) his real work was seen on Tuesdays and Thursdays…and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and some Sundays. Doc’s ability to motivate rookies and grizzled cranky veterans alike to run, run, run and hit and scrum and ruck is what made us the team we were. Let’s face it… who wasn’t petrified that Doc would yell, “I aint into punitive shit, but that looked like crap…take a lap” because you messed a drill up? I can’t think of a more fitting tribute for a man who has done so much for our team and asked so little in return. Oh wait… I guess I can think of something more fitting…his nomination as Sport Person of the Year. I have no way of knowing why or how this nomination was made, but if the selectors were given the information on Doc’s passion and organization of our teams efforts with the CHLA Elf Program and, with the death of the child that we sponsored, his selfless desire to HELP this family in their time of need, the choice seems easy. I am sure that choice was even easier after they read about his “team challenge” for Bunk and his never ending pursuit of putting PRFC in a positive light in the community…ummm, I guess I can understand why he was selected.

Not many of you have played with Jim Ciampa (Past Club President and PRFC MVP 1998). Most only know him as Team Legal Counsel or as an old boy who likes to bring his son to home games. In my match reports of years past, I have made references to a broken nose, bad kicks and possibly that he had a propensity for running down streets in his boxers during pub crawls. I can only say to those of you who have never played with him, “You missed out big time.” More importantly, Jim has spent the last 500 years as the SCRFU Legal Council as well. In this position, Jim was able to help all of us play the sport we love in countless ways. He has helped resolve disciplinary issues, helped us get approval for tournaments and have been an advocate for Pasadena Rugby at the Union Level. I honestly wish I knew more about what he has done in his EC capacity, my experience is limited to PRFC dealings. To me, when I was President, his council was priceless. He was honest and was never impatient, even with my very stupid questions. Angelica will tell you how Ciampa has always, “done what is best for rugby and for Pasadena.” I agree and I almost never agree with Angelica. I have heard stories of how difficult the Union EC can (or could) be, so the fact that he spent numerous years working in that environment is testament enough for me that this nomination for Distinguished Service Award is more than appropriate.

Lastly, I cannot even begin to tell you how proud I am that Keegan was selected for the Players’ Player Award. Yes, the joke that he is a Playa is very easy to make and I am sure we will all get a laugh out of pretending we are as cool as P-Diddy when we see the “playa” at practice. However, there is no greater compliment than being someone who other players of the game, not a coach or an EC member who has to make PC choices as to who is nominated, but a “skin in the game” player who thought that Keegan is the type of player that “HE” wants to be like… that “HE” wants to have on his team… that Keegan is that player that everyone hates to play against, but would be embraced by any other team if he played for them in a heart beat. To me, that is Keegan. Keegan shows up to our opponents’ preseason games, and the two teams argue to see who gets Keegan on their side. During the recent All-Star tryouts, it was awesome to see 30 of the best players in our league collectively turn to Keegan when he spoke and listened intently. Not one person looked away or even tried to show him up… he was the alpha dog. They all respected him. Not because he used to play Super League or because “I have played on this club for 70 years… I know best.” They listened because he puts his heart and soul (and the hearts and souls of babies he steals to sacrifice to the rugby gods) into playing rugby better than any other individual. I can think of no better player to receive this recognition.

So there you have it. You can agree or disagree. We can debate all we want about the merits of awards, All Star selection procedures, and Asian porn. However, we cannot argue that Pasadena Rugby, as a whole, is one of they most respected teams in the Union. Period.

Oops,
Tanner
p.s., I nearly forgot to send a shout out and congratulations to a former player, and past President, Garrett Futrell who was also nominated as DI MVP. Any of you who remember him as a player just a few years ago and have watched him progress into the player that he is now, we can only say…. It must have been his time at Pasadena that made him what he is today!! Keep up the hard work G!

Player of the Month: August

Seamus Fahey attended Cathedral High School in Massachusetts where he befriended Will Hunting and, in a bizarre drinking game, made him memorize the Parseval's Theorem from Fourier analysis. Will became a janitor, (of all things??) but Seamus sacked up, went to college (ending his academic career with a BS in chemical engenering and a MBA) and found rugby. Seamus started playing rugby in 1996 while at Clarkson University in New York. He learned his trade as a hooker and then prop bouncing from men’s team to men’s team before landing with the maroon and black of Pasadena RFC at the start of the 2007 season.

Seamus counts his most successful season as his first with Pasadena. Obviously an 11-0 season and traveling to South Carolina was something that every player that year will recall with pride, but remember… Seamus almost didn’t make it. For some reason, he bought a ticket for 2008. OHHHH EIGHT! Nonetheless, Seamus was a mainstay at prop, his veteran leadership was invaluable and his consistency throwing in the line allowed us to dominate.

After the decision was made to move to up to the 2nd division for the 2008 season, most players knew that if they were to compete (not only on Saturday against formidable opponents…but with teammates for starting positions as well) they would have to take their skills, passion and fitness to another level. Over the past month, Seamus has shown what determination and Krom can accomplish. Under the tutelage of our very own Casey Stonemover, Seamus completed this…this…“work out from hell” and posted the most gains. Seamus, along with Brian, has a very long way to drive to get to the gym in Arcadia. I think he knew that having his buddies waiting for him each night held him accountable and pushed him to be better, faster, stronger. Currently, he is set to start the second phase of the demon work out, Seamus has pushed himself over the last few months as hard as any other play we have seen. His desire to be a starter and his dedication to “preparing to win” should shame almost every other player on the team. While I will be reeling from Doc’s preseason practices. (insert maniacal laughter here) Seamus, and his clan of Iron Pushers, will be that much farther ahead…thus allowing us to compete at a higher level. So each of us that are thinking… “I should be running”…we should really be thinking…“thank you.”

Congratulations Seamus. Keep up the hard work. Now, if we could just get you to wear a mouth guard. Those bloody gums are getting kinda freaky to look at during the after parties and we are afraid your look like this.

Oops, Tanner

If legends were outlawed...then only Chris Angelica would be a legend. What?

Chris Angelica grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of La Canada. He attended High School at Loyola Academy excelling at swimming and water polo. How he ever got that horse to swim is still a mystery. After graduation, his parents felt that Chris had done enough damage to Southern California and shipped him off to the University of the Pacific in Stockton. More importantly, Chris stepped out of the pool and found Rugby. From 1990 through 1996, Chris (AKA the Senator of Montrose) played forward for UOP. Friends tried to get him to play Lacrosse, but they soon learned that giving Chris a stick was a bad idea. However, his short tenure on a lacrosse field was not a complete waste of time. This experience planted the seed for his Thursday night “Battle Royale” practices.

Demonstrating the positive aspects of ADD, Chris also found time between studying and UOP Rugby to play with the California Harlots, a predominantly “tournament only” team from Northern California. Here, Chris found his first mentor in Scott MacDonald. Under Scott’s tutelage, Chris learned everything that is important about the culture of rugby and how it is a perfect metaphor of how to live. So, now we know who to thank. When Chris made it back home for breaks, he found staying away from rugby too difficult, so he played 7’s and an occasional 15’s game with the Oxy Old Boys (yes, our old division rivals.) His mot dubious affiliation seems to be the short time he played for the OC Bucks. Let’s all silently repeat Keegan’s mantra….never mind. Not surprisingly, Chris has a long list of players that he admires. More surprisingly, maybe, is that very few of his “people I respect” are actually because of their on field skills. Of those that he mentioned for their playing ability were Patrick Caraher, Allen Rooney and Tina Nesberg. Chris quotes that she is “One of the best flankers I’ve played with and she can drink beer with better form than most guys on this team.”

After graduating from UOP, Chris returned to his home town. One would think that he was instantly drawn to the boys of Maroon and…white. Yet this is not the case. From 1996 to 1998, Chris drove past the Pasadena pitch on his way to play with the Huntington Beach Unicorns. In his defense (and his own words), “Back then Pasadena didn’t have reliable fields so I could never find them. It was well before the internet so there was no reliable source of information and I hadn’t discovered the John Bull yet…”

In 1998, All Gore must have just finished his “interweb” and Chris finally made his way to the Black Rose. Chris explains that he could have gone on to play for much better clubs (rugby skill wise) but the people on the club (then- Jim Ciampa, Boris Kogan, Chip Kelly, Patrick Caraher, Allen Rooney, Martin Jimenez, Mike Aston, Tony Mendoza, etc.) were just fucking awesome and all of the players who have come in after that (Aaron Tanner, Terry McLean, Mark Frazier… Tom Boyle, Rob Ingles… Keegan Hornbeck… some kid who just paid his dues and whose name I’ll never remember) are the reason he will be around this club longer than Joe Wilson.”

If you spend any time with Chris away from rugby (yes, guys…it is allowed and often more enjoyable than you would think). You realize two things. One, he is madly in love with his wife Kristen, who he married in 2001. Second, he is just as spastic at home as he is on the field. Asked why he has stayed with PRFC as long as he has, his response is as if I asked him to shoot his dog. “You spend a lot of time with your teammates, in some cases more than your own family. This club has a vibe that you just can’t find in Southern California and seems to be dieing in Rugby as a whole.” He also explained that “I also promised Florence Kelly (Chip’s wife and long time supporter) that I’d help build the club and I learned pretty quickly that pissing off Florence, although easily done, is ill advisable.”

After his first year of playing with PRFC, Chris was elected President. He held this position until 2003. From 2000 to 2006, Chris was our coach leading us as, coach and president as well as a player to the DIII So Cal Championship in 2002. Chris was, at some points in a season, a one man show. In addition to President, coach, and flanker…he would at times captain the 1st XV. His duties as “the Man” didn’t stop there as Chris would lead the after party with awards he selected to give and leading the teams in his favorite rendition of the “7 days of rugby.” Chris has enjoyed every year he has been with PRFC including the two So Cal Championships we have won. Although it probably is no surprise that his favorite rugby memory is anytime he travels to Missoula Montana for Maggotfest. Looking back on the many difficult “early years” Chris has spent with the club, his most difficult memory was anytime there was a loss that coincided with an ERAC win. Although he recalls the most difficult rugby related incident was helping to “clear” Will Orsburn’s head trauma up in San Luis Obispo.

When not on the rugby pitch, Chris enjoys “rearing his child” (William Michael Del Angelica), keeping his wife happy, cooking, mixology, gardening, running trauma (his other life is as a Mt. High Ski Patrol), surfing, mountaineering, fly fishing. Chris will spin tales of his early accomplishment in “discovery with an emphasis towards nautical achievement, survival theory & application.” But of course, when pressed, Chris at his core seems to truly enjoy rum, women, tequila, travel,… tequila. Incase you thought you knew everything there is to know about Chris, you’re wrong. Digging into his psyche, while terrifying at times, can lead to a better understanding of why he is “the way he is.” Chris thoroughly enjoys being married and having more tasks than President Bush on his schedule while simultaneously complaining that he has no free time. Need more Angelica Fun Facts? Chris has a master’s degree in mathematics, is a very good speller and is completely unapologetic for any of his commentary.

Oops,
Tanner

What are you doing to prepare?

My favoriate quote is, "the will to win is meaningless without the will to prepare." I know that Doc, Tim and John are preparing for the season. I know Matt and the rest of the EC are preparing for the season. I even know that Casey and Keegan are preparing for the season...I keep getting thier emails saying so.

I wanted to see what all the hype was about. Casey’s emails about worshiping at the iron alter and praying to Crom had me curious about how the fitter half lives at a gym. Despite it being the last day of their work out program, Casey, Brian, Keegan and the others allowed me to “work-out” with them. Needless to say, I have been sore and unable to lift even a paperclip since joining them…

Nonetheless, it was quite amazing to watch them lift. Not because of the massive amount of weight these beasts moved over the course of the work out, but because of the camaraderie. Even as they took plate after plate off a bar so I could lift, they were all supportive, gave advice on technique and made me feel like I was a part of the team.

About 3-4 years ago, the team used to meet-up at the Rose Bowl to run the 3 mile loop. That was the first type for preseason organized conditioning we had done in a long time. It paid off, in the sense that people came into practice more fit and we could spend less time “getting in shape” in practice.

Those of you that are running-- keep sending the weekly emails asking your teammates to join you. Those of you that can, even if it is only once or twice join the Crom Crew to lift (24 hour fitness will give you day passes and if you act interested, they will give you a pass for longer…just ask.) Honestly, just working out with them once motivated me (yes…me!) and was VERY beneficial.

I guess what I am trying to say is, get fit boys. This year will be intense. If you are intimidated to work out with Casey, Pett, Keegan, et al… don’t be. I have heard a lot of people talk about wanting to start this year. Being fit and strong can’t hurt your chances. Don’t be sorry come January when you are trying to get fit then!!! See you all in a few weeks for more running than Lord Andrew Lindsay in Chariots of Fire

Let's get one thing straight

First off, let’s clear up one misconception. I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be a grammar expert. I have one pet peeve and that is the use of “where are you at?” and am attempting to eradicate its use from the earth. Truth be told, I am a horrible speller and rely on spell check more than my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Ferris, would like. I do have a basic concept of grammar and will NEVER be confused with Chris Caufield, but I admit that I will spell things wrong, use the wrong word and use incorrect punctuation. I will also use ellipses…a lot. While I profusely apologies to any one if I misspell your name over the next season…get used to it. I suck and some of you have some real kooky names.

1. Feel free to leave a comment if I have misspelled a name or given incorrect information that would be considered vital. I will correct it as soon as I can.
2. If you leave a comment, expect a comment back. If that comment can be taken two ways and one of those ways is sarcastic humor. It probably is.
3. Remember, my posts are based on my observations and the facts are as I see them. I ain’t no CNN.
4. There is no point four.
5. My second grammar related pet peeve is, “I could care less.”
6. Jim Ciampa hates the use of irregardless.
7. Graeme is a real grammar exert.


Thanks and see you all in a few weeks.

Oops,
Tanner

Meet the Coaches

John Pithey and Tim Cutress, despite their better judgment I suppose, have applied and been accepted to be assistant coaches in the forwards and the backs respectively. Having assistants will allow our team to grow in new and exciting ways. It will take coaching out of the hands of players and let players play and coaches coach. By expanding our coaching staff, Pasadena will have people that are committed to learning and teaching, not only to the team as a whole, but also in unit specifics skills, on a more consistent basis. Lastly, it will allow lineups to be selected by people intimately aware of players strengths, weaknesses and overall play as it relates to team chemistry. As Chair of the Coaching Search Committee, it was relayed that those were the areas the Team wanted to see addressed for the upcoming year. We all know and respect Doc Bryant. He performed better than expected last year…his ROOKIE freaking year...and led us to a DIII Championship! But in part of his self-assessment, he recognized that in moving to DII he could not do it all and would require more help. Well, help is on the way…

John Pithey grew up in Durban, South Africa. As a youth, John played rugby of course, but also enjoyed fishing from the beach near his home. John has played many of the forward positions, but he specialized in the front row. At the age of 19, John suffered a neck injury in a car accident and was forced to quit rugby. As South Africa doesn’t force its damaged and decrepit athletes to degrade themselves playing softball (hey Tim), John studied, became a lawyer, married, learned how to make nuclear weapons, became a real-estate agent, had kids and learned to play the glockenspiel (the instrument not the clock). OK, some of those things may not be true. He did, in fact, grow up idolizing the play of the Natal flyhalf Keith Oxlee. John pointed out that if Pasadena is to succeed this year we would need to emulate Oxlee’s unselfish play. As many of you have seen (or will see) John is not a big man, so it is no surprise that he counts the play of Ian (Mighty Mouse) McLaughlan as a favorite. Ian never was the biggest man on the field, but routinely destroyed his opponent (reminding me of Rooney and Frazier!) John has been charged with developing a dominant pack that will tear through the DII ranks. He has his work cut out for him. He says he "looks forward to ripping the heart out of the opposition." However, he reportedly is "not looking forward to coaching in the rain." Someone drop him a note explaining the Southern California winters to him…ok? In the meantime, we hope his wife and kids don't mind him hanging around us, we can't wait to officialy meet them.

Tim Cutress grew up in the suburb of Karori in Wellington New Zealand. Known for their Haka, innovative rugby and piss poor beer, the Kiwi’s are a social people that enjoy stories, parties and beating the snot out of the opposition! I am told Tim liked to camp and hike as a youth. I am also told that it was called tramping, so I guess that is why he doesn’t really talk about it. Tim has played almost every position in the back line, including hairdryer holder, gel applier and fullback. OK, so fullback and wing were his preferred positions, but he is more than adept at the finer points of the other positions. During our search for coaches, Tim’s name was one of the first to be whispered as “do you think he would help coach?” Tim’s easy demeanor and quick wit made him a natural leader in his first year playing with Pasadena in the 2007 season. However, he had taken a long and winding road to get him here. After leaving Wellington he stopped playing rugby for several years and bounced around, but then get involved with the sport again (at age 24) when he played for Blackheath Rugby Club. I am told this is the oldest club in the world, possibly founded by Joe Wilson. Six years later, Tim left for the US where he went from one coast to another never stoping long enough top find a team. He stopped playing rugby all together until he arrived in Pasadena last year and his wife made him play. Tim is recently married (July of 2006…so Happy Anniversary!!) They apparently had a good time on the honeymoon as thier son Tristan was born some 9 months later…hmmmm. Tim’s goals for the team were very nearly the same as last year’s…fitness, possession and smartness. However, he is “keen” on improving ball handling, defensive strategy and kicking skills. His rugby heroes include Christian Cullen and, of course…Dan Carter. Isn’t that like a yank saying they thought Michael Jordon was their favorite basketball player? No originality!

Anyway, send your hello’s, congratulations and “why aren’t I starting” to Tim (timcutress@hotmail.com) and John (johnpithey@yahoo.com). By the way, I asked them who their favorite USA Rugby player was; neither of them gave the correct answer. John asked if there was a USA rugby team? Tim thought it might have been Dan Lyle, but then added he “no...because he was Canadian.” Correct answer is, obviously, Aaron Tanner’s Hair!


Oops,
Tanner

World Cup Predictions

When the dust settles and a world cup champion is crowned, it will be interesting to see if the top team prevailed or if an upstart was able to take the crown. Sure, the All Blacks may run away with it all, but since when do they give trophies to the team that looks best on paper? Just because Back Bay was in DI last year and the Aztecs went to nationals doesn't mean WE can't be THAT upstart team. No one expected France to win it all in 1998 (French WWII Rifle for sale, never fired... only dropped once!)

So here are the predictions... let's see if we can work hard enough to be the team that is written about, not before the game is played...but after.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2949136&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos2

Oops,
Tanner

Jump on into the Marrige pond...the water is great

Congratulations go out to our own Matt “Cheeseburger” Arnold. He proposed to the future Mrs. Cheese on June 27th. Amazingly, Mindy said yes. I am sure all of us, well with the exception of Judd and Angelica, wish the couple the best of luck…especially getting through registering for gifts, determining which relatives sit with which relatives and figuring out how to pay for a honeymoon.

What is that? How’d he do it you ask? In a true prop fashion! Mindy was busy looking at the LA Arboretum as a possibility for a wedding site. UHHHHHH, aren’t you supposed to propose first, I am so confused? Anyway, Matt told her he was gonna go golfing. He got dressed in his finest “proposal” duds and high tailed it over to the waterfall area. He was supposed to run over there and be waiting for her when she arrived. Unfortunately, Matt is not fast and Mindy had a golf cart. As he was running over to the spot…she turns the corner in a golf cart. Like all good forwards, he rucked the cart, booted the driver (he was NOT releasing the ball) and took Mindy back to the waterfall. He probably went with the standard, “I can’t imagine you not in my life and I want to…yada yada yada.” She said, “Yes” but was wearing an unfortunate shirt that could have sent a mixed message.

I have read in Cosmo…er…I mean Maxim, that proposals often immediately lead to sex…lets hope they waited till they go home.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS Matt and Mindy.

Sunsplash 7's Tournament

I had the pleasure of watching Pasadena play in the last 7’s tournament this past Saturday in Long Beach. Let me start by briefly re-telling a story that was in a previous post. I went to one of the first 7’s practices and it was pretty much as I had suspected. PRFC looked like 5 forwards playing 15’s and 2 backs playing 7’s. Then I saw a practice about a month and a half ago. Despite having a lot more guys, it did look like more of the same. I told Keegan it looked “horrific.” Then I watched them play on Saturday. Obviously I owe Roche, Keegan and every player out there a huge apology. Not only were you not “horrific,” but you looked really damn good. Very impressive, to say the least. That may have been the best Pasadena 7’s squad I have ever seen.

Pasadena has had such impressive numbers, we entered two sides. The Pasadena Scum and the Pasadena Bags. The Scum was entered in the more competitive division and the Bags were in the more social division. Each team started the day off with an unfortunate loss. The Scum played a very fit and athletic CSULB side that used their speed to sneak a win by one unconverted try that would end up haunting Pasadena later. The Bags also lost to our new conference rivals Kern. Their inexperience, not only with rugby, but also with each other, cost them against a more disciplined team.

Pasadena regrouped and made some substitutions. Both sides were eager to avenge their loss. The Scum took the field first, this time against another new conference rivals, Riverside. About 5 years ago, our 15’s team was scheduled to play Riverside’s 2nd-3rd team. Instead we had the privilege of playing their 1st side (that eventually went on to win the national Championships that year.) We lost about 135 – 0. Obviously it was nice to see us play well and beat them pretty handily. Riverside had two or three good players that seemed more interested in seeing if they could run over the Pasadena players than actually playing as a unit. I am sure they will be tuff come January. The Bags took the field shortly after and played the Old Boys of San Diego State. There were about 7 San Diego teams there, so I am not to sure how old they were, or what their majors had been. I do know that despite playing very well and improving upon their first game, the Bags lost.

This was about the time that one of the Celtic (not the basketball team) loving man-witch (not the sandwich) from the Finlanders forced my to have a conversation with him. He explained he didn’t really like my match reports (gee why.) He also doesn’t know if he does or does not have a coach (and I mean ever.) He still believes that biting Garrett was an “OK thing to do.” He informed me that he did, in fact, know that the Fins, as a people, were not Vikings. He tried to explain that the currrent team was formed when a team from Fontana and a team from the Inland Empire merged. He said that Fontana and Inland sounded like Finland. I suggested a more appropriate name could have been the Fondlers! No?

The third game for both teams would be very interesting and had playoff implications for The Pasadena Scum. They played San Diego State’s “A” side. Considering their difficulties with the CSULB side earlier in the AM, it would be interesting to see the outcome. It never was in jeopardy as Pasadena put them away and they finished 2-1. The Bags would face a much tough and a more hated opponent in the form of Eagle Rock….dah dah dah duuuuuummm. Despite it being ERAC, Keegan did not sharpen his elbows at the chance of playing them one last time (did I mention they were in a lower social bracket?) It doesn’t matter if you are watching an ERAC vs. Pasadena Semifinal match or two guys playing Ping Pong. As a Pasadena fan, you want to beat Eagle Rock. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the job done and the Bags ended the day 0-3 . Nonetheless, each game was a better game than the previous one. Each player improved defensively and offensively. As a team, they improved 10 fold. Whether you play for Pasadena or AP or APU next year, you all played very well and made us proud.

Despite playing very good, traditional 7’s rugby, Pasadena did not make the playoffs. Apparently 3 teams had the same record and we missed leaving pool play by one unconverted try! The roster for each team is below. I wish I could remember the name of a few of the AP kids that played. You all did very well. There was one who played prop against the San Diego side who, despite playing against men 4-5 years older than him, held his own. Matt (from Arroyo) and Tim were awarded Men of the Match and were given jerseys from Roche. PJ and Greg were named Scum Men of the Match and also given jerseys. Well done to all of you.

Pasadena Scum:

Brian
David
Keegan
Greg Smith
PJ
James
Hans

Subs: Sloan at Wing and Ian at Prop.

Pasadena Bags:

Peter
Dru (Arroyo)
Dan
Matt (Arroyo)
Stephen B.
Tim
Skippy

Subs: Mattt Hettermann, Garrett and a bunch of Arroyo kids. There were a lot of Arroyo guys that subbed in and played great.

Special Note: Martin is young Arroyo kid who has been to every practice and his game has come WAY up. Unfortunately, his nose was broken during practice and he was unable to play this past weekend. Martin has been playing very well and improving in all areas. It was a shame that he couldn't play. He still showed up to support his team and even did a little touch-judging.

Oops,
Tanner

Player of the Month: July

Keegan Hornbeck is a complicated person. His tattoos, prison slippers and bulging dip filled lower lip makes Chuck Norris want to cross the street when they meet at night. However, to know him better is to understand why he is my July Player of the Month for July.

Keegan began playing rugby at his alma matter, Arizona State University. He played flanker for the first side team and then, for reasons taht can only be understoond by the craziez, played lock for the second game. Keegan jsut wnated to play rugby, some things never change, eh? Before playing rugby and before some life decisions took him down a “different” path, Keegan had a very good shot at becoming a professional skate boarder. At ASU, his fellow flanker, Aaron Halfpenny, mentored Keegan in the ways of the lose forward. His previous hatred of all living things was slowly refined to hatred of any player in an opponent’s jersey.

In late 2004, Keegan ended up living in the Pasadena area looking to get back into rugby. He started practicing with the team during our “pre-season” runs around the Rose Bowl. His first season as a player (2005), Keegan was voted Best Forward. He was again voted Best Forward in 2006, along with the team MVP. And, ho hum, voted Best Forward again in 2007. Best Forward three years running...A feat that only Allen Rooney has accomplished in recent memory. Keegan, in some respects, orchestrated the successful 2007 season from his bathroom, well actually my bathroom (but that is another post). How does he do it? Lets jsut say, he has “a way” to get things he wants. He will either threaten to burn you alive in your car or he will tell you, “you are a great influence on the team and people respect you” to get you to practice and games. He could mean both, but you never know…so you show up not wanting to find out. Keegan’s ultimate goal is to win the National Championships in DII…and DI.

At the end of the 2007 season, Keegan dedicated his intense-white-sun-like-hatred towards organizing our summer 7’s team knowing it will only help us for our upcoming 15’s season. My first observations of these practices were exactly what I would have expected. Five forwards playing like it was 15’s and two backs playing like it is 7’s. A month or so later, things didn’t look that much better. I told keegan, “That looked horrific.” He was devastated. He is a competitor at everything he does. He, along with Roche Sanchez, has done an amazing job over the past few months, but mostly since July started. Players actually look like they know what they are doing. What made them turn around? No offense Roche, but the positive change in play seems to revolve around when Keegan began wearing his ultra tight rugby jersey. Honestly, Keegan puts 100% effort into any endeavor he decides to do and I think his desire to make our team a competitor really made the difference. He is a natural leader...he makes people want to be better and to put in the extra effort to be better. The best part is, they often think it was their idea.

Initially, Keegan didn’t really like 7’s. In fact, he wasn’t even sure if 7’s was “actual” rugby. He tolerated 7’s as a way to stay in shape, be competitive in the off season and not be forced to spend Saturday’s at Ikea looking for a JOKK table. So it is amazing that he puts as much effort into 7’s as he does. Not only has he been given a promotion at his job, he is in the middle of Casey’s workouts that in Keegan words are, “the most brutal thing I have ever encountered.” Why does he do it? Keegan is THAT guys that will drive 20 miles to help you change a flat tire…. or beat the hell out of a mob of Emo Kids. He knows that by being a better 7's team, we will be a better 15's team.

Saturday the 21st will be Pasadena’s last 7’s tournament before hibernating till 15’s starts. It will be in Long Beach. I am hoping that by writing this, four things will happen.

1. Keegan will be motivated to be the best damn rugby player on the pitch each and every day.
2. It buys me some time till I hear, “yo, Tanner…you ever gonna get your boots on or what.”
3. Keegan will get his hands on one more promising rookie and use some sort of Jedi mind trick to get him to buy into the "Rugby Life".
4. There is no point four.

I look forward to watching Keegan intimidate others into giving up their lives, girlfriends and jobs to fulfill his dream of playing for a kick ass team. Until then, keep up the good work Keegan.

Oops,Tanner