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.

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!