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