I went to a Rugby match and a hockey game broke out.

I am appalled by the behavior of the SLO rugby team. I have seen many fights during a rugby game. I have seen opponents hit a teammate and I have seen a teammate hit an opponent. I have seen players stomp, rake, elbow, gouge and bite in rucks. I have seen high tackles, I have seen spear tackles and I have seen a tackle that sent a player to the ICU. Helicopters have landed at games to take a player to the hospital.

But in all the time I have played Rugby and all the time I have played sports…I have never witnessed an event like I witnessed on Saturday during the “B”side game. For the uninformed, let’s recap shall we?

Pasadena RFC played SLORFC in SLO. The game was a hard fought battle that was physical on both sides of the ball. The referee handed out 5 warnings for the game. Four to one single player during the game and one before the game. He stated to the PRFC Team that, “Penalties will be called when I see fit. I will try to talk a player out of committing penalties to improve the flow of the game. Additionally, I will not allow any player that plays outside the spirit of the game to continue. ” This comment, plus the fact that the ref was wearing a SLO Rugby jersey leads me to a few conclusions.

One, he knows the SLO players pretty well. He has refereed 2 of their 3 home games and lives in SLO. He changed on their sideline, called several of their players by name and was hugged by no less than 3 of their players after the game on their sideline. Second, he is the only ref I have ever seen this year warn a team to “play nice” prior to a game. In my humble opinion this means he knows that SLO plays dirty and he was hoping to talk us out of retaliating…he knew what was ahead of him. Don’t get me wrong, we have refs that know us by name and several refs have ties to our team. I am sure teams don’t like it when they see us talking friendly like to a ref after they have lost. I am just making a point that it was evident to me that he knew what this team was like due to his close relationship to them and he knew that something was most likely going to happen.

The first half sees Pasadena mount goal line attack after goal line attack only to be held out by a staunch SLO defense. Kudos to them. Each time they held us out, they grew stronger and more resolute to do it again. I had said that there were four warnings. Each of those four remaining warnings was given to one player. Kai Beech of SLO, their outside center. All three warnings were for dangerous play. Again, I am not bitching so much about his play. He is a big strong player that should use his physicality to his advantage. Stiff arms are a valuable tool in rugby. But throwing a balled up fist to the face as part of the stiff arm is not. Big tackles can be demoralizing for the player being tackled and energizing for the opposite players. But spear tackling is one of they most dangerous tackles and should, in my opinion, be an immediate yellow card for the offending player.

Kai Beech was guilty of all of these and was warned and repeatedly told during the game, “this is your last warning.” This did not deter him. In fact, after each “warning” he would turn away from the ref and walk back to his teammates laughing. His teammates would encourage him by either a) not telling him to wipe that smile from his face or b) by giving him a “high five.”

Kai Beech would rather spear tackle a player than play as part of a team. He would rather fight an opponent than beat him with superior play. Even their president, Leif McKay, admitted, “we pretty much know Kai will get a yellow card each game.” I saw Lief after the game and he looked to have a child with him. I can’t recall if it was a boy or a girl. Maybe he has one of each. Anyway, I would ask Lief, “Would you want your son to grow to be a man like Kai?” “Would he want his daughter to marry Kai?” I have a three-year-old girl. I would be happier knowing that she is paying for law school as a stripper rather than finding out she chose to marry Kai.

Kai Beech has no respect for his team, his opponent or the sport of rugby. How do I know he doesn’t respect his team? Easy, he chooses to do his own thing and play the way he wants to no matter the consequences. He doesn’t care if he gets a red card. What does it matter to him if his team has to play a man down? He only cares that he was able to punch someone or spear tackle a player. HIS personal satisfaction is so much more important than the success of the TEAM. Also, and I am not joking about this, you can tell he has no respect for SLO as he chooses to wear different color socks and shorts that the rest of the team. May seem trivial, but when your mindset is, “I am better than everyone else and I can wear whatever I want,” this is how you act. He is a narcissist.

How does someone like this develop? Narcissism takes root very early in life. I would venture to guess that Kai’s parents are divorced. If not, his dad is not around much. Either due to travel or alcoholism…or both. He most likely has a sister and possibly younger siblings. But he is the oldest boy. He doesn’t have and older brother. Older brothers would never allow a turd like this to get away with what he has gotten away with. His mother is probably guilty for the sperm donor she chose to supply the Y chromosome for her little angel. Let’s be honest. Who would name their kid Kai? It means sea in Hawaiian. Mom wanted her kid to be cool and she wants Kai to be her friend cause mommy didn’t have a lot of friends growing up. Mommy needed something to love cause her husband was banging the secretary. Anyway, Kai is the type of child that would get into trouble. His mother, seeing that dad would never be around, would have to discipline him and rarely did. I suppose she was the type of mother that would yell at a teacher for disciplining her child.

I have digressed. Sorry. Anyway, Kai gets several warning during the A side game. He told one player that he would “get him after the game” and another player that he “was gonna break his face.” How prophetic he turned out to be.

Kai was needed to play in the second side game as well as the first side game. I would assume that SLO players do not like playing two games every week. I never did! Maybe the leaders of the club should be asking themselves, “Why can’t we get/keep players?” “Why am I forced to play 160 minutes of rugby each weekend?” Maybe, and I don’t know if this is true, but maybe the atmosphere of the club is negative. So here is Kai, playing in the B-side game. He is warned yet again for dangerous play. Mind you…he is not being warned for being offsides or fringing. He is warned now 5 times for dangerous play. After a lineout to Pasadena the ball ends up in Suan’s hands and he knocks on. Kai, in typical fashion, hits Suan late and high. Both players go to ground and then return to their feet. With Suan’s hands at his side, Kai hits Suan three times with his elbow causing a large gash over Suan’s eye that required stitches. Because the ref didn’t actually see the play and only saw one of the punches, it was determined by him that he would get a yellow card. SLO seeing what was transpiring sent Kai to the sideline. We were told that he wouldn’t play any more that day. Oh goody, that will teach him. Obviously tempers flared on our sideline. Was SLO apologetic? Did they hang their heads in shame? Hardly. Their coach, Sean Leamy, who was playing flanker (he had played center in the A-side), actually had the audacity to yell to our sideline to “quit crying.” Awesome.

After the game, some Pasadena players chose to not “break bread” with SLO. Instead a congregation of players gathered near the bus. Only one SLO player came over to speak to this group. At the time, I was not sure why their president or coach wouldn’t have come over, but so be it. This player that came over, interestingly enough, was the player that “high fived” Kai Beech when he left the field. He also was the player that left the field with Kai once the game was over. Oh yea, I forgot to mention this. Not only is Kai too cool for school, he didn’t help the team clean up the pitch. Instead he, his buddy and two girls left the field. Maybe he was on his way to make sure the after party was set up in time and that we all got cold beers and good food in a timely manner. Shucks, that Kai…always thinking of others.

So here is Kai’s friend trying to convince us to come over to the party and have a good time. From Kai’s friend, we learned a few things as well. First we learn that is the way Kai is. They, SLO, have pretty much accepted his behavior. Two, when asked why they didn’t reprimand him or ask him not to play, he responded it was because Kai was a good player. Really!! He said that. He told us that Kai has played DI before and he is a valuable to the team. Wow, speaks volumes about SLO. Lastly, while Kai’s friend was badgering us with his “life’s tale,” he tells the group that when one of his buddies is in trouble, he tries to use his “silver tongue” to get him out of trouble. Great, the only reason this mental midget has come to talk to us is to try and calm us down. Presumably so we will not file a report with the Union.

I know there are players that wanted Suan to file assault charges with the police. Personally, there would be nothing better than to have seen Kai leave the pitch in handcuff rather than with his friend, it is Suan’s decision and I stand behind him no mater what he wants. It would be a pretty big commitment for anyone to press charges. Just the hassle of having to drive up to SLO again would make me think twice.

In the end, the determination of whether Kai Beech plays again this year will be up to the Union. Precedent has been set for a minimum 2 game suspension, so I imagine any where from 2-5 games would not be unthinkable. The push for a season long ban has been made and I would place the odds at about 2-1.

Last thought. I have just learned that SLO gave Kai Beech their War Hammer award. By the name, I don’t think the War Hammer is a “you are a dumb shit” award, so I can only assume that the SLO leaders whole heartedly and unabashedly approve of such behavior.

Oops,Tanner

Palyer of the Month: December

Gilbert De La Garza grew up in Southern California and went to Montebello High School. He left after two years due to, what he describes as, “creative differences.” Something about a math teacher and what he considered an “odd number.” Much like other players on our team that veer from the one true way, Gil found his way back to the path of the righteous man and completed his GED two years later. He has continued to better himself by completing his undergrad studies at University of Phoenix, where he attended the Pasadena onsite campus. Asked if it was easy to complete his degree later in life, Gil answered that, “it’s much harder than most people think.” Gil graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with aspirations of attending Law School or continuing his studies and becoming a Psychologist. He is currently a production manager at a postproduction facility where he runs the digital imaging department at IO Film. So, I can only assume we will be getting bootleg copies of next years Academy Nominated films???

Gilbert is twice married. The first time in 1995 to the mother of his 12-year-old son, Gustavo who will be 13 on Feb 23, 2008. He remarried on June 4, 2005 to Kathy. On July 13th 2006 they welcomed Alexander, he is now 17 months old and well on his way to becoming a rugby player himself and his dad seems to think he enjoys watching Rugby on Setanta Sport. But we all know Alex really wants the Wiggles or that god awful Pinky Dinky Doo. Gil found the team via the Internet, making our site the third most popular site on the net (#1. Porn, #2 Wikipedia)

Despite never playing organized rugby, ok that is not true, Gill will admit that he used to play in the winter as off-season football training while in high school…but sounded like a game of grab-ass more than rugby...Gilbert has taken to the game quite quickly. As with any “new to the sport” player, it has taken him a while to learn the basics. During the Huntington Beach Tourney, Gil still looked a tad tentative and reluctant to enter the fray. However, to this player’s eye, the month of December was a turning point in his development. Starting with attending the weekend fitness practices, Gil’s endurance, strength and quickness began to improve. This translated well to practices where he was able to provide a higher work rate in rucks and mauls, thus…far more effective as a forward. His tenacity at practice paid off with a stellar performance at the Mike Aston 15’s Tournament. Playing lock, Gil’s field awareness improved with each game. He ran well with the ball, rarely losing possession and made several defensive stops against far more experienced player that saved sure tries. During practices, Gil always listens intently and then applies, to the best of his ability, what the coaches tell him. He doesnt yet have a rugby mentor per se, but singled out his brother Al as his life mentor. Al played varsity football and baseball and has always supported Gil. He was instrumental in Gil’s return to school as well as getting a college degree. He is “the person I often look to when I need advice.”

Gilbert’s best memory so far has to be the scrimmage in the rain before our tournament. “It was everything you could want, playing a sport you love in the rain with the guys you have bled and sweat with all these months.” Who could disagree?

There you have it…we know a little more about one of our players…congratulate Gil on being the Player of the Month for December.

Oops,

Tanner

Who in the Hell is that tall guy, and who made a him coach?

Coach Bryant asked, several weeks ago, for permission to write up a bio of myself to be included in the “Legends” section of my blog. While I initially hesitated to do so (who wouldn’t?) I acquiesced, thinking, “What the hell, maybe people would like to know more about me?” The following “Legends Contribution” has been written by Coach.

Aaron Tanner is 36 years old, the youngest of 4 children and, by all accounts, the funniest person in the world. He has been with Pasadena RFC for a decade, and is married to Lisa (gorgeous by the way) and has a beautiful daughter, Aubrey, who is 3 years old. He grew up in Valencia, California, and admits that he was a pretty good kid, although he talked a lot (no surprise) and got into trouble for doing so. He went to William S. Hart High School, where he played basketball and volleyball. He admits to being awkward and says it took a while for him to “grow into his body.” He attended Pierce Junior College where he played volleyball for one of the premiere volleyball coaches in the country, Ken Stanley. Ken had a profound influence in Aaron’s life. He demanded excellence and helped make Aaron a formidable volleyball player, but more importantly, taught him the virtues of being good person. Aaron went on to attend Cal State University, Northridge where he received a B.A in Communication Disorders. He completed his Masters in the same field at the University of Redlands and is currently the Lead Speech Pathologist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

When I asked him about his most embarrassing moment Aaron had two examples to offer. On the show “Puttin on the Hits” he lip-synced “Macho Man” with his best friend, Terry McLean, playing the role of the soldier. This example, however paled in comparison to his admission that while at Cal State Northridge he ran across a word that he did not understand. In a class of 200 he innocently raised his hand and asked: “What does ‘fellatio’ mean?

Aaron Tanner began his career playing rugby with Pasadena RFC in 1998. His childhood friend Terry McLean had always wanted to play and had encouraged Aaron to do so. Originally Terry went out to play for Cal Tech (as he worked at JPL) but left after one practice Credit for bringing Aaron and ultimately Terry belongs to Kristen Angelica, Chris Angelica’s wife. Kristen was hired as a speech pathologist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and when she found out about Aaron’s interest in rugby, encouraged him to join the club. Aaron must have thought that Kristen was pulling his leg as he went to the first two games and discovered that no one was there. Coming from a life long sports background, Aaron was shocked to learn that some aspects of Rugby are very fluid (like, will the cops kick us off our field, will lights be on or will the referee show up?) He finally caught up with the club when they played Kern County. He started the next game.

Aaron has played lock for most of his rugby career. He did play number 8 briefly in 2002, including in the 2002 championship game against Camp Pendleton, which Pasadena ultimately won. When asked about one of the most memorable moments in rugby Aaron cites the win against Kern County in 2005. At the time Kern County had dominated Division III rugby for several years and had not lost a game in over two years in the SCRFU. Pasadena was relentless that day and with just 5 minutes left in the game, defeated Kern with a try and subsequent conversion beating them by 4 points. Aaron counts that win as a significant milestone in his personal rugby career, but more importantly a vital stepping-stone for the team.

Aaron has served as a leader on and off the pitch for Pasadena RFC. Known for his tenacious play on the field and equanimity, he was frequently sought after for advice and provided a voice of reason on the field. As a leader within the club, he was initially Vice President under the leadership of Allen Rooney and then served as President of the club from 2003 –2005. When asked about the challenges he faced as President, Aaron recounts that Pasadena had become a very social club early in his tenure. As President he had a vision that he “wanted the team to be better,” but wanted that desire to be a “grass roots effort” fueled by the desires of the players. He believes that timing was kind to him as the team began to recruit some additional players who really wanted to play competitive rugby again and these new recruits were augmented by a core group of veterans who were similarly committed. When asked about what have been the greatest rewards of being a part of the club, Aaron quickly admits that it is the camaraderie of hanging out with the guys. Other notable benefits include the overall progress of the team in terms of recruitment and retention, win/loss record, and the fund raising efforts which Aaron catalyzed in 2004 by securing the first $1000 sponsor, Hooters and by starting a “fundraising round table” effectively organizing the efforts under one roof.

When asked to comment on the challenges facing the club going forward Aaron likens the current Club to a team that just finished its last year of junior high school, enjoying all the popularity of being the big man on campus. With the decision to go up to Division II, he believes that Pasadena RFC is now the new freshman on campus where presumption is no longer the case. He believes that there is a lot of work to do to achieve the accolades once enjoyed in the last season (or as the big man on the junior high school campus), and while some players seemed prepared to pay their dues to enjoy similar success, others appear to want to be seniors immediately. He cautions that there is a lot of hard work ahead, and that the second division will be very competitive. More players will need to step forward in order for Pasadena RFC to continue to be successful on and off the pitch.

Aaron’s favorite rugby player to date is Chris Jack of the All Blacks. As you can imagine he plays lock. Aaron admires him because he is a workhorse, always doing what he is supposed to while simultaneously maintaining his head (with an occasional boot rake to an opponents back, as needed!). He believes that all teams need players like Jack. When Aaron first came to Pasadena RFC, he was mentored by Chris Angelica and Mike Aston, two players he continues to respect for their knowledge, skill and love of the game. His favorite Pasadena rugby player is Allen Rooney because he likes Allen’s perspective on rugby as it makes the most sense to him. Other players who inspire him include Keegan Hornbeck, (flanker), Alister Blevins (Center), Mark Frazier (scrumhalf/fly half) and Tim Riesen (All around back). He points out that all of these men work incredibly hard on the field, that it makes you want to work just as hard to be there in support of them and not disappoint.

Finally when asked what advice he would offer to those new to the game, Aaron says simply: “Shut up and listen! Most of the people providing advice are just simply trying to help.”

As a parting thought, Aaron relayed that he and many other members of the Pasadena veterans all do things in their own unique ways to support the club, and would enjoy an occasional unsolicited “thank you.” Aaron remembers when things weren’t as easy for Pasadena RFC. Fields were difficult to come by. Finances were a day-to-day challenge. At times there were only 7 – 10 players at practice. Our now familiar after practice pizza and beer were not waiting for us on Thursday nights. Nevertheless, there were a faithful few (led by Chip Kelly, Jim Ciampa, Angelica, Aston, Rooney and several others) who saw the team through those lean times. He is hopeful that those new to the team appreciate the journey to date and are equally willing to weather adversity, should it come, to build upon the team’s history.

There you have it. One more person you know a little more about…tune to http://www.the2ndrow.blogspot.com/ for more commentary on my life…should be entertaining, devoid of facts, but entertaining!

Oops,

Tanner
p.s., several players have asked why I end my emails with oops. Quite a simple story really. I completely understand that we play a sport that is more prevalent in other countries compared to the US, but that doesn’t mean because we play a “foreign sport” we have to use their lingo as well. I didn’t want to use “cheers” as a sign off or “ciao.” I even find myself cringe when I call my cleats "boots," but I regularly do… Sitting at my computer, about to write my first emails as President, I thought, “What is the complete opposite of cheers?" I came up with, "Oops!” Oh, and when I would send out emails to the team, I always had one or two (maybe 5) factual errors that required me to send a second (or third) email with corrections…. so “Oops” made perfect sense given my “I am soooo not as organized as Coach Bryant” nature.