We have jerseys!!

Some years ago -- in anticipation of starting a new club at either riverside or eastside -- some blue jerseys were purchased. Well, those jerseys are still around and have not been worn. So, at least, we won't have to incur the cost of buying a complete kit for the team. So the club will be donning blue jerseys and probably white shorts. not sure of socks yet. We could go with a matching blue -- or perhaps -- red, giving us a patriotic look.

Furman will be hosting a clinic late this November -- probably on a Sunday afternoon -- that will be designed to introduce new players to the game, the basics of rugby. More will be posted on this once we nail down the time.

A few things about me...

I am big on discipline and doing things the right way. I firmly believe that you master the basics and then slowly build. Our practices will be organized and lively. I raise my voice a lot, but rarely in anger...in enthusiasm! I love working with and leading young men. I am competitive. I like to win but keep things in perspective. Our squad will be well-drilled. And we will look like a team -- even if it takes us a while to play like one.

Modesty aside, I am posting two recent articles that have appeared about me. I do this not to self-aggrandize, but to let parents know they will be entrusting their son to someone who is reputable.

Greenville News Article

Rugby Magazine Article

Rugby 101

Here is a good rugby primer. Good explantions of the rules and how the game is played. After viewing-- and absorbing -- you should be able to enjoy watching a game.

Meeting with the principal

Zach and I met with the Principal Crowley last week and the meeting -- for the most part -- was very postive. While Mr. Crowley was extremely supportive of our efforts, he said he could not grant the rugby team official club status. So, we cannot not have any direct affilation with the school.

No matter. We can still forge ahead with a rugby club. All we need are players and a coach. I have called the Greenville Recreation District and am working to secure some practices fields -- possibly at Pittman or East Riverside parks. In the coming week, I will arrange a meeting for prospective students and parents and announce this meeting time on this blog and the Riverside Rugby facebook page.

We will probably have a few practices next month. I have the week between Christmas and New Years off. During this time, we'll likey have practices each day during the a week. It will be an intense but fun learning experience. There is a rugby jamboree in Columbia in late January. After that, we forge ahead with the season. We can play our home games in Furman's Rugby Stadium, but need to have practice close to home.

If anyone knows of a good meeting space, please advise...maybe a subivision club house, perhaps, or church?