Issue 1

XURFC News March 15, 2009

Volume 1, Issue 1

Xavier University Men's Rugby

Greetings, and welcome to the first issue of XURFC News. This newsletter is for alumni of Xavier University Men’s Rugby Club along with the family and friends of current members. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you updated on the outcomes of our season, along with giving you in-depth information about current and old players alike. In addition to this, you will also receive offers on

1st Issue of XURFC News

Gaffney’s Gab With the 08’ season now in the record books, XURFC is looking forward to the 09’ spring season as a way to prepare the team for what promises to be a much more competitive fall season. We begin every year with winter conditioning on the XU soccer field where we declare our goals for the upcoming year. For the last three years our goal was to win the Division III championship. At last year’s first winter session, with snow falling around us in 25 degree temperature, we decided to not only win the championship but to do whatever it would take to move up to Division II. With an undefeated record and having only giving up 31 points all season while scoring in double figures in every match, we will indeed move up to Division II in the Fall of 2009. I could not be any prouder of the young men of Xavier Rugby. But there is a reason for all this success. The players have dedicated themselves to make fitness a priority and place a high priority to make each and every training session.

In This Issue:

State of the Club 2

New Club Officers 2

Meet The Captains 3

Rising Ruggers 4

Alumni Profile 5

Xavier 2008 Season 6

Fall Season 2008 6

Spring Season 2009 6

Apparel Order Form 7

Xavier Rugby apparel, an updated schedule of our games, along with updates on Old Boy events. Hopefully, XURFC News will flourish in due time, and will eventually contain more segments that will keep you even more informed with the events and accomplishments that are happening on and off the pitch.

With the IRB laws changes implemented last fall and the probable new changes yet to come already adopted in the southern hemisphere, I increased the conditioning regimen last season and it paid off handsomely. We doubled the time spent on conditioning last season and without a doubt our fitness superiority was evident in winning so many matches last season. We’ll need to maintain at least that level of training to compete with Division II teams such as UC, UD and Miami. If you haven’t been over to campus on a Saturday afternoon to watch the squad play lately, I encourage you to mark a date on the calendar, and call a buddy and come out and watch the most exciting sport in Cincinnati. Many thanks to the guys who regularly come out and support us such as Bill Strietmann and John Spencer.

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As XU Rugby enters its 35th year as a club, we find ourselves on the verge of jumping up from Division III to Division II play. As we have obliterated teams in our league this past season along with winning the DIII Championship for the 3rd consecutive year in a row, the Ohio Rugby Union has decided it would be in the best interest of our league and our team to move us up to play more challenging teams. As we prepare to move up to DII, we are going to need to devote more time and energy to practice. This means buying new equipment such as hitting pads, new balls, new jerseys, and even possibly a new scrum sled. The club is currently hard at work trying to raise money for these expenses. We have acquired sponsorship from the National Guard, we are working concessions at basketball games, and we are hosting our annual high school tournament. However despite our hard work, the money we have raised is not enough to cover the rising expenses that are necessary to play. With referee fees rising, the University’s new policy of

hiring a trained medic for every home game, the costs for the team to travel from school to school to play, tournament fees, CIPP Certification fees, and several other expenses, it seems what used to be an entertaining and inexpensive game has evolved into an expensive weekend activity. This is why we need your help. We are starting a XURFC apparel line, and we are offering you, our alumni and friends, the opportunity to purchase it. By purchasing our apparel, not only will you receive the satisfaction of supporting Xavier Rugby, but you can also rest assured that your money is going towards the development of our club. Our apparel is a perfect way to show your support for XU Rugby, and it also makes a perfect gift. Nothing makes us happier than to see our fans at our games decked out in Xavier Rugby apparel. To order our apparel, please see page 7, fill out the order form, and follow the directions. XU Rugby always lives by the code, “You will never walk alone,” so we thank you for your generosity and support.

-Mark Mangione

XURFC Treasurer

State of the Club

New Club Officers

President Andrew Brennan Chicago, IL Junior Liberal Arts Major Peace Studies, Gender & Diversity Studies, & Business Minor

Vice President Matt Ackels Dallas, TX Sophomore University Scholar Natural Science (Pre-Med) & English Major

Treasurer Mark J Mangione Cleveland, OH Sophomore Honors Bachelor of the Arts & Criminal Justice Major Philosophy and Classical Humanities Minor

Secretary Zachary Barnes Chicago, IL Junior Liberal Arts Major Biology & Business Minor

Meet The Captains

out for a position with the forwards. Since attending here, I have made many friends but none like the long lasting relationships I have made with fellow Xavier Rugby players. My older brother played rugby for Xavier who introduced me to the other players on the team when I first came here. I still remain good friends with many of them, who are older than myself, and they have been out of college for a year or two. Xavier Rugby encourages players to be hardworking and competitive but, most of all, it encourages camaraderie among its players both on and off the field. In a fast paced game like rugby I think the team chemistry that along with solidarity makes for a successful team, and this has been reflective of our last season. Moving up to the Division II level, I expect a higher level of competition, however, I believe our team will continue to work hard to become a top contender in the league, just as we were in Division III.

Name: Shane Coleman

Year: Junior

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Position: Flanker / Lock

I began playing rugby my freshman year of high school at St. Ignatius College Prep, and I played all four years at many positions such as wing, fly half, and outside center. In high school, I competed in several Midwest Rugby tournaments and we made it to the state semifinals in my senior year. Of the many players on our team to go on and play rugby at the next level, five of us came to Xavier to play rugby where we went undefeated to win the Ohio State Division III Championship. Our high school coach, Tank O’Brien, had played rugby for Xavier and told us of its rich tradition. Despite playing with the backs in high school, when I came to Xavier, I chose to try

Meet The Pack Captain

Meet The Back Captain

Name: John Burke

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: New York, New York

Position: Flyhalf / Inside Center

Traveling from New York City to attend Xavier University, I was unsure of what to expect from college life, let alone Xavier’s rugby program. I established a profound liking for rugby at Xavier High School, where I competed at an extremely high level. Appearing in several High School National Tournaments, playing in France, Canada, and across the United States, I knew that I would want to continue playing rugby in College. Here at Xavier, playing rugby has not only provided me with a significant social element, but also has given me an opportunity to further progress the level at which I play rugby.

The XU rugby team recently acquired their third consecutive Division III title. With the addition of eager new athletes, and our newly acquired sponsor we are transitioning to Division II next fall. Playing rugby has opened the door for me to play across the world, meet outstanding individuals, and hopefully down the line provide me with a stable job. If your looking to enjoy competitive social rugby, to challenge yourself both on and off the pitch, and to enjoy the finer things in life, then Xavier University Rugby is for you.

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Name: John Herrick

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Position: Wing

Tidbit:

I started playing rugby after a friend dragged me out to a Northbend practice junior year. I kept on playing because the first scrimmage was the most fun I had playing any sport in my life. I began as an inside center, but my second year I moved to outside center and occasionally wing. I enjoy chasing kicks and trying not to miss my tackles. Xavier Rugby has been a very good time so far and I look forward to the spring season and the years to come. I am also known as “Proper John.”

Name: Michael Gordon

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Position: Flanker / Prop

Tidbit:

This is my second year playing rugby in my lifetime. Freshman year I played lock and flanker. This past fall, in route to our third championship in a row, I had to make the transition to prop, due to the fact we were short-handed. Last season I got the nickname “LeBron” because I’m such a beast on the rugby field! My favorite thing about Xavier Rugby would definitely have to be the friendships I have made with fellow teammates. Everyone on the team seems to be one of my best friends, whether it is hanging out together on the weekends, going to study, etc. Xavier Rugby is also rich in tradition, which is very special to me. The old boys coming in for a weekend to play us as well as hang out with us is such a great event. Xavier Rugby is a blast on and off the pitch.

XURFC News Page 4 of 7

Rising Ruggers

Alumni Profile In the Fall of 1974, Jim “JD” Donlin, Tom “Tank” O’Brien, and Brian Manion started the Xavier Rugby Club. I played with the Burkets, John McGoff, Greg “The Greek” Serementis, Frank Schmidt, Steve and Rick Rhode, Brian Brimelow, Greg “The Blob” Mullen, Bo Robish, Jim Zenni, Jim “Brunno” Bruenaman, Jim Russo, Joe Donlin, Tom Powers, and Dave “Crockett” Allen. We won many games and we lost many games. We celebrated every win. Most importantly, we formed life-long friendships.

We played in the dilapidated Stadium on campus that is now the site of the Varsity Soccer Field. The west side had been torn down, and the east side was in shambles. The electricity from past Xavier Football teams was eerily present. It was hallowed ground, and in 1974, it was ours. We played against teams such as UC, Dayton, Akron, Wittenberg, Ohio Wesleyan, and Wheeling WVA, to name a few. We first traveled to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras Tournament and then later to Savannah for their St Patrick’s Tournament.

I coached the Men’s team from 1985-90. Some of the men I coached during this time were my brother John, Gene Reilly, Trey Savage, Arnsy, Rollo, the Rychlicks, Gillhuly, and Brian White. One day I came home all muddy, and Gail, my wife, asked suspiciously if I had played in the B game. “Well, yes,” I replied. “Who was looking after Abby, our two year old?” she asked. “Not to worry, ‘Slamhead’ was watching her,” I answered. Oops.

I coached the first Women’s team from 2002-2005. Megan Mitchell from Cleveland is whom I consider the one most instrumental in getting the Women’s club going. Gail, my wife, had some concerns about me coaching. After the first practice, I knew why. As I was talking to the girls, I noticed several wearing earrings. I suggested that they might want to take them off, lest their ears get ripped. I then asked about a nose piercing, which I learned are screwed in, as opposed to a post like an earring. I didn’t quite know what dangers that might cause. With any contact sport, safety was my first concern.

I loved coaching the women. They play as aggressively as the men. They are as competitive and tough. I’ve seen Reggie take some hits that many guys would not get up from. I’ve seen Mayer and Cole drag four or five opponents over the goal line. One day we got beat by Dennison 74-0. The next practice, the girls were down, so I asked them what was the worst score the previous weekend. Everyone thought that it was ours….but NO, Akron had lost 88-0. Screw the score. Go out, do your best, and be proud. Winning and losing has little to do with anything.

I am the oldest alumnus (54) still playing in the “Old Boys Game”. I made up a rule about fifteen years ago that the oldest get to call his position, then the next oldest, and so on. Might have been the smartest thing I ever did on campus. When I play, I hide behind Gottesman, Klinker, Pete, and the other big guys. I jump on after they make the initial hit.

I love to play rugby. My cardiologist has told me that if my pacemaker gets dinged up, it will void any warranty. So I’m not supposed to play? I have the pacemaker techs refer to me as “that guy who is still playing rugby”. I believe in getting as much out of life as I can. Count me in for next year’s game!

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The Rugby Club is an opportunity to work with little recognition. Scheduling, practicing, fundraising, organizing, etc. Know that we, who love XU Rugby, are grateful, and always willing to help. Now or in your future!

Eat donuts!

Bill “Streets” Strietmann ‘77

Xavier University’s Fall 2008 Rugby season was a resounding success, boasting seven games, seven victories, and one state championship for the third year in a row. This year has built on the accomplishments of years past, as the club now stands on the shoulders of alumni and its own success and prepares to make the leap to Division II Ohio Rugby.

Motivated by the relentless encouragement of Coach Shaun Gaffney, the young team grew fast and grew together. The group relied on the leadership of the passionate captains, Senior Vince Hyland and Sophomore John Burke, as well as the example set by the four seniors, Nick Masters, Pat Riepenhoff, and Tony Mangione. Built on speed and conditioning, the team boasted a strong yet agile pack breaking open the field for a set of precise and speedy backs. The combination proved a handful for opponents on Saturday afternoons.

The season began almost immediately at the beginning of the Fall semester. After two weeks of Coach Gaffney’s intense conditioning regiment, the team headed to West Virginia for the always tough and often vicious rivalry game against Marshall University. As usual, the game was hard fought and dragged out. Marshall’s size and slow, grinding style pushed the pack to the limits and stifled the back line. However, in the end summer conditioning paid off as the Musketeers pounded out a 15-10 victory to start the season.

Gaining momentum after their road success, the team put together a series of three impressive victories at home. Xavier’s offense exploded in front of the Cincinnati crowd, outscoring Wittenburg, Eastern Kentucky, and Ohio State by a total margin of 141 points, 146-5. Stirring up campus excitement and team morale, these victorious quickly set the team atop their division as the club to beat.

Flying high, the Musketeers arrived at Wright State with an impressive 4-0 record. Unfortunately, the Dayton based team was undefeated as well, which made for the season’s first real test against a similar team away from the comforts of home. Attacked by harsh winds and opposing fans, the team remained disciplined as taught and rose to the equation with an impressive 31-10 victory. The win sent the Muskies into the playoffs as the top seed and the favorite to win the title yet again.

In the semi-finals, Xavier proved itself as a team on a mission. Fired up and confident, the club faced Ashland on their home pitch. An athletic team with an impressive record, Ashland was poised to hand the Musketeer’s their first home loss in three seasons. Gaffney’s squad, however, had different plans, burying Ashland quickly with a 41-0 playoff win.

A dominant season set the stage for a dramatic finish as the championship game fell on Alumni weekend. In front of a packed crowd full of family, friends, and Old Boys, the club ran into a strong and fired up roadblock in Ohio Northern. Falling behind early, the team found itself in its first whole all season. A close game lead up to an exciting finally, as the Muskies pushed into the try zone to score the only try of the match during the last ten minutes. After holding on for a few minutes of solid defense, the Xavier Musketeers were crowned Ohio Rugby Union’s Division III Champions.

After an amazing season, the team is spending the Spring working out and preparing for the jump to Division II. Next season, the club is slated to face school rivals Dayton and Cincinnati, as well as several other skilled programs. Hopefully, with the support of fans and alumni, the team can continue to hold their heads high in the name of Xavier University and the XURFC.

Matt Ackels

XURFC Vice President

Fall 2008 Season Results Xavier Men’s Rugby had yet another extremely successful Fall Season. We went 7-0 and finished 1st place in our division for the third year in a row. ‘

Xavier @ Marshall University W 15-10

Xavier Vs. Wittenberg University W 65-0

Xavier Vs. Eastern Kentucky University W 54-5

Xavier Vs. Ohio State University W 27-0

Xavier @ Wright State University W 31-10

Xavier Vs. Ashland University W 41-0

Xavier Vs. Ohio Northern University W 11-6

Spring 2009 Season

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Come support Xavier Rugby this semester. The following is a list of our schedule for the Spring 2009 season. All games start at 1:00 PM. Questions about directions or times please contact Zach Barnes. March 20th- 22nd - High School Tournament featuring St. Ignatius Warriors, Parma Blackhearts Rugby, Northbend Rugby, & Moeller Rugby @ Xavier. March 28th - Xavier vs. Loyola Chicago @ Wolfhounds Stadium April 4th - Xavier @ UC

Xavier Rugby 2008 Season

Please send cash or check to the address above. Please make checks out to “Xavier University Men’s Rugby.”

Name ______________________ Phone # ( ) - Address ______________________ Email Address:

______________________ ______________________

Small Medium Large X-Large 2X-Large Blue Polo X White Polo X Blue Shorts White Shorts

XURFC Contact Info

Xavier University ML 8390 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45207 Phone: Mark J Mangione XURFC Treasurer (440) 241-1089 E-Mail: [email protected]

We’re on the Web! See us at:

http://xurugby.com/

Help Find Lost Alumni Contact John Spencer

(513) 659-5898 or Mark Mangione (440) 241-1089

Pricing Blue Polo $35

White Polo $35

Blue Shorts $20

White Shorts $20

Please add $5 for shipping and handling for the first item, and $2 for every additional item.