If you’re not in, you don’t understand. When you’re in, you can’t explain.

It was quite chilly for a Thursday practice in April when alumni, Jenn Fenzel made her way back to the pitch she has called home for over a decade.  The current team gathered around her, and the not so pristinely laid out jersey’s.  They eagerly awaited her words of wisdom before their big match against Whitehorse that coming Saturday.  Jenn began the story with her start at Severn in 2005.  That year, her, Sloth, and Kristi Grande, who resided in Salisbury at the time, were recruited by former Salisbury teammate Megan ‘Midge’ Haslip-Jarrett, for the newly formed Severn River Women’s rugby team.

Jenn fast forwarded to the fall season of 2012.  But the moment she wanted to talk about was not the 2nd place finish at Nationals in Ft. Meyers, FL that year, but instead the Sunday night after regionals.  After the honey badgers spent a grueling weekend fighting their way past Raleigh and Norfolk; two heavy hitters in the league that year, Severn made it to the other side victorious and earning their place at Nationals.  Battered and bruised, the 30 women on the team that year, decided that they were going to celebrate as a family.  They picked up a keg and headed to Meredith McAlister’s house on West Street.  Every single player called out of work for Monday.  Thirty honey badgers...no fans, no coaches, no significant others...drank and did keg stands until the keg was kicked and the neighbors called the cops.  That night they all felt the same way, they all knew what they had sacrificed to make it to that point; their bodies, their free time....some teachers hadn’t graded a paper in weeks.  They were all in and they all knew it.  There was nothing more they could ask of each other, no more trust to give.  If you ask most of the women that were on the 2012 team about that season, most will do the same as Jenn and not talk about the heartbreak in Florida but instead that Sunday where ‘1,2,3,4,5,6, Severn, Severn, Severn, Severn’ was born.

After Fenzel concluded her story, she was given the honor of ceremonially handing out the jersey’s for that Saturday’s match.  As she said each name, she gave nicknames to those she knew or coached and recognized the ‘player of the week’, Tina Schafer she read about on Facebook two days prior.  As she got to the fly half name, she couldn’t help but laugh when she read ‘Meredith McAlister!?!?’ who came out of retirement to help the current badgers that weekend.  As each player picked up their jersey they were also handed a letter from an undisclosed alumni that shared the position they were to play that Saturday.  Some of the current team read their letters then and others saved them for Saturday, but the pile of letters just brought to light how while the alumni may not always being physically present, they are always there to support. 

Jenn then headed inside the legion with the current team to throw back a few beers and talk about her visit with current coach, and former scrum half, Katie Fitzgerald.  She was happy to report the birth of our newest honey badger John Fitzgerald Goetschius or Jack as they are calling him.  The current team listened to the update while they tore through 4 plates of peanut butter oatmeal cookie’s Jenn made.  The night ended the same as many nights, for many years at the legion have...Sloth and Jenn walking to the parking lot and being one of the last remaining cars.  #Feelings

Women Weekend Warriors - Ruggerfest 2018

The two day Ruggerfest tournament proved a good challenge for the Severn River honey badgers. They walked away with the third place trophy in the Club Division after three tough matches in two days. 

Saturday, the warmest day of the season thus far, put the honey badgers to the test as they kicked off against a combined Brandywine/Buffalo team at 1:40pm. A guest appearance from former honey badger Colleen Cribbs, now a starter for the Glendale premier side in Colorado, gave the honey badgers an excellent boost from the first whistle. Contributing all three of the team's tries from her new found wing position, Farrah Douglas (normally a prop) burned the competition. Another excellent game at scrumhalf from Tina Schafer and solid support from the entire pack gave Severn the 17-5 win over Brandywine/Buffalo to start the weekend. The second game against a young, tough side from UVA proved to be a challenge for Severn.  The honey badgers suffered a heartbreaking 19-14 loss to despite the packs domination in the mauls and scrums.  Outside center, Aly Jost managed to break through the UVA line twice during the match, while kicker Rayne Trouwborst followed each try with points through the uprights.  In spite of the loss, Severn earned a spot in a semi-final match on Sunday versus the Old Girls.

After some much needed ice and rest the honey badgers returned to Rosecroft Raceway, Sunday morning for their 9:10 match.  The Old Girls, a mashup crew of old girls from around the region, turned out to be too much for Severn as they were defeated 19-0.  Some exceptional play to note from the match came from rugby vets, Farrah Douglas, with a number of breakdown poaches, Dee Crovo, with several play saving tackles and Tina Schafer, with a fearless defense in midst of women twice her size. 

Severn also lent Glendale a hand with their 1st place finish in the premier division with some minutes from honey badgers; Jazz Harrison, Farrah Douglas and Hannah "Scrappy" Whiteley.  This Saturday the honey badgers forge ahead to face Whitehorse Rugby Club, away in Phoenixville, PA at 11:00am.

Match 1: Tries:  F. Douglas (3)  Conversions: R.Trouwborst (2 of 3)

Match 2: Tries: A.Jost (2)  Conversions: R.Trouwborst (2 of 2)

Severn Men defeat Irish at Home

Severn River Men finished up their Mid Atlantic Conference Division III season at home on Saturday vs Washington Irish. The boys in green and blue shot out of the gate from the opening whistle and did not let up, defeating the Irish 30-20. Severn had a small bump in the road as their first try scored by lock Rich Maldonado was disallowed and ruled a knock-on, but they quickly found their way back into the try zone via Erik “Punchy” Dronberger. Dronberger had a tough day at the kicking tee only converting 1 of 5 conversion attempts, but made his presence felt on the score sheet via two trips to the try zone and a converted penalty kick. Former team captain Jim Benson made his return to the starting lineup after a recurring hamstring injury had kept him on the bench for most of spring play. Benson wasted no time asserting his influence on the game, making several hugely important tackles, as well as finding his way to the corner flag on a well-executed piece of wide play towards end of the half. Coming out of the break, up 20-0, Severn kept the pressure on with another try on a deep kick into the corner by Dronberger, recovered and scored by inside center Milton Greenstreet. The weather was quite a factor for the last quarter of the match, as heat reached upwards of 90°F during the afternoon and both teams started to wilt. Irish made a bit of a comeback in the heat, finding their way into the try zone 4 times in the second half. But their attempts for a comeback fell short, the match ending with Severn’s third win of the spring season. Man of the match for River was a hotly contested award on Saturday, with several great performances on the day, but Rich Maldonado and Wing Zach Lammers rose to the top of the heap, splitting the distinction after the game. This week, Severn travel to Philadelphia to take on Media RFC in a friendly this weekend at 1pm.

Tries: E. Dronberger (2), J. Benson (1), N. Stratchko (1 - 2), M. Greenstreet (1 – 2)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (1 of 5)

Penalties: E. Dronberger (1 of 1)

Severn fights hard vs # 1 North Bay

Severn River Men resumed their Mid Atlantic Conference schedule this past Saturday, traveling to play against undefeated division leaders, North Bay. It was a disappointing day for the squad from Annapolis, falling 26-7 to the 1st place team. North Bay’s defense displayed a bent but not broken attitude all day long, as Severn River had the lions share of possession in the first half inside North Bay’s 22 meter line, but did not come away with any points.  For North Bay's side of the score board, they put two converted tries together in the first half and went into the interval up, 14-0. Severn was able to keep North Bay’s backline subdued for most of the game via some tough tackling by centers Phil Denton and Karl Teague, but had trouble containing the hard running of the North Bay pack. Lock Dave Faimanifo and Number 8 James Wadey were responsible for 3 of 4 North Bay tries Saturday. In a game packed with big hits throughout, inevitably there were some injuries, the majority of which were on Severn’s side of the ball. Both captain Mike Blimmel and openside flanker Bear Carter were subbed off in the second half due to injury. There were a few bright spots in the second half for Severn. Veteran Fly-half Erik “Punchy” Dronberger kept North Bay on the back foot with several deep probing kicks, one of which ended in a bit of excellent open play on the recovery from several Severn players, resulting in their lone try on the day. Additionally, 19-year old Cullen Bilger made his first conference start at Scrum-half and looked the part, organizing and marshalling the forwards in attack all day long with the aplomb of a much more seasoned player. Severn hopes to get back to winning ways in their last conference match of the season against Washington Irish at home, this Saturday at 1pm.

Tries: C. Gotimer (1-4) Conversions: E. Dronberger (1 of 1)

Severn River Men victorious over Delmarva

Severn River Men continued their successful spring season with a second consecutive win, this one coming against Delmarva RFC last weekend. Due to a snowstorm that covered the Annapolis area, the game was moved to Delmarva at the last minute. This sudden change of venue location didn’t seem to slow the gentlemen from SR down as they came away victorious, 12-0. It was a slow start for both teams, with most of the flow of the game stalled by numerous penalties called on both sides. Once play settled down after the first 30 minutes, Severn dominated in possession but could not find the try zone. After several near scores, including a marauding 65 meter run by Captain Mike Blimmel and a dive into the corner by Logan Reece, Severn River finally broke the deadlock just as the clock stroked halftime, with a hard charge up the middle by Lock Richard Maldonado. The second half was much of the same for the green and blue, lots of possession but not many points to show for it. Severn owned the set pieces on the day, with several stolen lineouts and scrums. Eventually, Blimmel did find the try zone midway through the second half to secure the victory for Severn. With it being a hard fought, low scoring affair, Severn’s man of the match was awarded to their hard hitting, tireless openside flanker, Lawrence McClain. Severn look to make it three on the trot to open the spring, with their first matrix match of the season against division leaders North Bay this Saturday in Aberdeen at 1pm.

Tries: M. Blimmel (1-2), R. Maldonado (1)

Conversions: M.Greenstreet (0 of 1), K. Teague (1 of 1)

Pax River Re-Cap - Saturday, March 17th

While others may have been enjoying $1 Guinness drafts and $3.17 corned beef and cabbage, the Severn River Men's and Women's teams wished a top o' the mornin' to their home pitch as they took on the men's and women's teams from Pax River. 

The women started the day with a 65-0 win over the Pax River Riveters. The Honeybadgers had a chance to stretch their legs after the long winter break with Mikey Williams leading the way in the pack. With three tries and at least four devastating stiff arms, she emerged from the winter hibernation ready to play. Aly Jost, in one of her few appearances at outside center, picked a pass in the back line and finished with a try in the middle of the uprights. Tina Schafer added two tries from scrumhalf, showing off her quickness and knowledge at this crucial spot. Lauren Scheidegger, new to rugby this spring, held her own at lock and proved her ability to ruck and support the team across the field. Her sister Beth and fellow newcomer Lily Folts worked hard to stabilize the pack and find their rhythm with their new teammates. More tries were added by Sammi Bottorf, Captain Casey Hartzell, and returning vet Kiki Elia.  Rayne Trouwburst added four conversions and gave Mikey Williams the honor of adding one more at the end of the match. 

Tries: M. Williams (3), A. Jost (3), T. Schafer (2), S. Bottorf (1), K. Elia (1), C. Hartzell (1)

Conversions: R. Trouwburst (4/10), M. Williams (1/1)

Severn River Men kicked off their 2018 spring campaign this past Saturday with a friendly match against D-IV side Patuxent River Lions.  It was a St. Patrick’s day to remember for the boys in green and blue as they won in a rout, prevailing 83-12.  Severn River’s experience and depth were key in the victory, and evident on both sides of the ball, with 10 different try scorers on the day, as well as holding PAX river to just 2 scores.  The Gotimer family had a great day on the pitch with a first half brace from Harrison Gotimer, only to be topped by an eventual hat trick from his cousin, Colin Gotimer.  Severn River also had first time Men’s side try scores from a trio of players.  Brad McCarty, Cullen Bilger and Adam “Macca” McIntosh all scored their first try for the A-side in this week’s action.  Severn had some highlights on the defensive side of the ball with several stolen line out set pieces as well as a try saving tackle on a breakaway near the 5 meter line by Mikhail Hershfeld.  While not making it into the try zone, veteran leaders Erik “Punchy” Dronberger and Adam Dondero displayed their polished partnership at the 9 and 10 positions and kept the offense humming smoothly all match long.  It was a great first step in their spring season and Severn River will look to continue their winning ways at home against Delmarva RFC this Saturday at 1pm.

Tries: H.Gotimer (2), M. Blimmel (1), L. McClain (1), C. Bilger (1), B. McCarty (1), A. McIntosh (1), A. Batubara (1), C. Gotimer (3), N. Stratchko (1), M. Greenstreet (1)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (9 of 13)

Severn River Slays Savannah

Maybe we don't win every tournament we enter, but we do attempt to achieve legendary status wherever we roam. The 2018 Savannah Saint Patrick's Day Tournament was approached with no less sense of purpose. With fewer than the needed for the weekend, the men teamed up with Media from Media, PA while the women joined forces with some girls from Frederick, St. Mary's, and some other tournament whores looking for a home.

Both the Men's and the Women's Teams represented the club well on the pitch with impressive play by Taylor "Moses" Gavigan of the men's club with phenomenal rucking and steals at the breakdowns in both matches. On the women's side, Mikey, Lina, and Marshall were wrestled from their deep Cage Dancing induced slumbers to play their Sunday matches with heart, even if they may have lacked their traditional coordination at times. Captains Lenni Ferraria and Casey Hartzell stated that "having 100% attendance and participation in the Sunday game is [our] biggest accomplishment to date."

Saturday night became the main event for the club. Dressed in Hawaiian shirts, the Men and Women pre-gamed at the women's home for the weekend, a historic mansion on Perry Street. After a round of Flong, a flip cup/beer pong hipster mash-up game, won decidedly by the women, a boat race where the men were victorious, and some prom style stair photos, the club headed into the once peaceful, quaint city of Savannah. After stops at Wild Willy's to taste and ogle the wall of frozen beverages, cage dancing at Liquid, piano bars, and mistakenly discovering a costume party, it was back to the house with what was left of the tattered ruggers. After some rounds of SEGA, cold pizza, and a front porch Dr. Phil session where far too many feelings were flying, the night came to a close just before the sun tried to ruin the fun. The teams lost an hour of sleep that night to both the terror that is daylight savings time, as well as their own excellent decisions.

The women rallied for their 8:30am match and the men slept soundly through their quiet Sunday in true rugby whore fashion.

2017 - 2018 Banquet Re-Cap

            After some poopy circumstances (literally), we had to move the banquet from the basement of the American Legion to the Berrywood Community Clubhouse just down the road. Shuffling kegs, food, liquor, and decor from one side of Severna Park to the other, Rachel Priddy, Meredith McAlister, and Lauryn (McAlister) Bary did the early leg work to secure the new location. Dee Crovo, Phil Denton, and the first family (Brad and Aly McCarty) arrived early to set-up the bar and tables while the rest of us enjoyed what appeared to be a seamless transition. 

          As each team member arrived, they were greeted by Cinnamon, dutifully checking names off of the list and handing out poker chips to use at the tables. The deck space was a welcome change from banquets in the past, but some of the players grew nostalgic for the frat basement quality of the Legion. There was the normal standing in a circle, belting out a little David Allen Coe and Journey, and some inspired dance moves from nearly everyone, but arguably Casey's "sick cat" is one to look for next time. With a photo booth and game tables provided by B&B Casino Party Pros, food from Mission BBQ, a number of guest bartenders, deserving award winners, and an epic YAD award list of nominees, the night was one to remember. Or not remember.

YAD Award

        Severn River Rugby had a busy year on and off the field.  So to say they had an overflowing list of nominees for the YAD award, is an understatement.  Nominees included the Hesters, Harrison, Bram, Blimmel, Mick, Rich, Cinnamon, Jazz, Joe, and as always Jimmy Benson.  Their accomplishments included everything from getting married on a match day to being too intoxicated to function as a human being.  Other notable nominees included one who stiff armed founding member Henry Posko at the Alumni match and another who kicked down doors at a college party despite being 30+ years old.  Club members started to lose their voices from the number of times we yelled "You're a Dick!" into the peaceful January night of the family focused Berrywood neighborhood.

Despite the best efforts of others to steal the coveted trophy, there was a repeat recipient...

Sloth - for bringing the YAD award to the Anderson's family Thanksgiving Dinner.  When Jenn (Anderson) Fenzel's mom heard that Rachel "Sloth" Priddy was thoughtful enough to bring a centerpiece to share at Thanksgiving, she was speechless. Mama Anderson is no stranger to the team's antics, but even she was taken aback when Sloth arrived with the YAD trophy, decorated with fake daisies and christmas lights from a previous year.  Sloth ceremoniously placed the YAD in the center of the table while cousins, siblings, and grandchildren looked on from their formal china place settings. As the family continued to share what they were thankful for this year, Sloth added how much she appreciated being accepted by such a caring family and always being welcome in this home. Jenn's mom nodded approvingly seeming to forget the gigantic...well use your imagination...in the room, while the rest of the table tried to stifle their laughter.  

TEAM AWARDS:

Forward of the Year- Aldo Batubara

Unsung Hero - Brad McCarty

  Back of the Year - Karl Teague

Rookie of the Year - Mike Gibson

Back of the Year- Charlee “Charles” Bryan

   Forward of the Year-Michal “Mikey” Williams

Steel Tits-Dee Crovo

Rookie of the Year-Taylor “Ferd” Tracy

Unsung Hero- Lina Hargadon

Ruggers for Ryan Need Your Help!

Severn River Men's Rugby Player, Ryan Kivitz aka Samoa was in a serious accident on Tuesday night. As he was leaving the firehouse, he saw a car accident on 795 near Owings Mills Blvd. A single car slammed into the jersey wall, creating extensive damage to its front end with a pt stuck inside. 911 was dispatched and then he parked his vehicle at a safe distance along with a box truck who stopped to put flares up. Ryan then attempted to save this gentleman in the vehicle and asses his injuries. While getting him out the car and to safety, he heard a noise roaring toward him. And the next thing he remembers is he was in a ditch 20+ feet from where he was last standing. He was struck head on by a drunk driver at 100+ miles an hour, as a pedestrian.  He was flown to shock trauma where he had multiple surgeries. He is safe and alive and has been released from the hospital, to the care of his family. But he is nowhere near out of the dark yet. He has multiple broken bones, steel plates and rods were put in his body. He will have to learn how to walk again and we expect a long road to recovery. His career as a Firemen/First Responder will be over for a while and he won't be with us on the pitch this spring and possibly for quite some time to come. 
We want to send a HUGE thanks to the State Police, Baltimore County Fire. Engine 2, medic 2, and many others that responded because you guys never missed a step, and are the reason he is here today. As well as the bystanders who saw him laying in the ditch and helped hold C spine. The guy who held his leg in place til help arrives. 

Those of us who know Ryan, know that he is an incredible guy, he is so generous and supportive of all of us, of our rugby club and it is no surprise that he put his life on the line to try and save a stranger on the side of the highway, even while off duty. Though Ryan is lucky to be alive, he will be struggling through a long road to recovery and his life will forever be changed. We hope that we can all be there to support Ryan in his time of need as he has always been there for so many of us. 

How Can You Help? 

This weekend we will be putting together a basket of goodies for Ryan to help him through recovery. Anything you can think of he might need or just want to help keep his spirits up can be brought to the 7s workout on Saturday or the Crossfit workout on Sunday. We will be making a special delivery to his parents house on Sunday after the Crossfit workout. 

If you cannot make it out this weekend or don't know what to give, that is fine. We will also be taking donations. He will need a lot of various things immediately to get him back on his feet and these things take money. All proceeds will be donated direct to Ryan and anything he doesn't need, he can donate to a First Responders or Drunk Driving Charity of his choice, in his name. 

You can donate thru the following links. Leave "Ruggers for Ryan" in the description. 

paypal.me/SRRFC

www.venmo.com/Severn-River

If you want to send him some love from afar to go in his care package, you can do here: 

https://goo.gl/forms/1lR7GM82xq4MiXKx2

Thanks in advance for your love and support! The more Ruggers for Ryan that support him, the quicker Kivitz can get back on his feet! 

NOT SO FUZZY ANNUAL UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER PARTY

10 Days to our Holiday Jam.
Saturday, December 16th!

Stand & Joe's West - 37 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

TIMELINE:
5-8 pm Drinks, mingling, grab dinner & enjoy gift exchange. Stan & Joes will have bands. 
8 pm Bar crawl
Hopefully Survive. Wake up and Wonder Why?!

SPECIALS:
We wanted to arrange some cheaper drink specials for our players, alumni, friends, fans, etc if we'll be there for several hours. But since its a Saturday night and we wont be in gear, we need to differentiate who is rugby and who is not. So for a $10 wristband... 
Bottomless Coors Light
$3 rail
$5 bombs
When Coors Light is kicked $2 domestics.
You, of course, are welcome to buy drinks on your own as well. 
Food being worked out.  Special Holidays Treats in store. No bah humbug here. 
YOU CAN VENMO OR PAYPAL IN ADVANCE ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU DONT WANT TO BRING CASH. I WILL HAVE WRISTBANDS INSIDE FOR YOU. 
Paypal.me/SRRFC
http://www.venmo.com/Severn-River

WHITE ELEPHANT:
Bring a gift only if you want to do the white elephant. Keep it around $15. You know the drill, the gifts go in, everyone gets a #, you can choose a gift from the pile or steal one that you like. It's a knock down drag out battle and good Holiday fun! 

BAR CRAWL (ROOKIE FUN):
Sweet Dee, Phil, Sloth, Cinnamon and Charlee put together a great Bar Crawl that will rival our last Rookie Crawl to find Carmen (San Diego). This years celebrity will be the Cinnamon Elf on a Shelf. More details that night. Just need yourself and some Holiday attire. Can the Rookies get on the Naughty list? Will the men or the women prevail? Who knows, only time will tell. Good luck catching her...