Fall Season Preview

Maybe for people in some parts of the country September means cooler weather, apple picking, and leaf peeping. At American Legion Post 175, however, September means viciously humid nights at practice with Megalodon mosquitos on the attack, and hot Saturdays of high scores and cold beers.

With some familiar faces in the Captain and Coaching roles this season, it looks like both the Men’s and Women’s squads are looking to grow from years past, but bring their own sense of style and leadership to the program they are proud to call their own.

This year, the Men’s side of the club is putting up two teams, a Division III and a Division IV. With enough new interest as well as some Old Boys who aren’t afraid to run with the youngins, the Division IV team looks to be an excellent opportunity to develop new talent and provide ample playing time to grow with the game. Coach Dave Egar knows the pressure is on him to help the Men find their next level of commitment and skill on the pitch. By continuing their plan from last year of focusing on the basics, he is confident that the Men will continue to find success in both Divisions as long as they remain committed to the task at hand. Captain Colin Gottimer hopes to see as many people at practice as possible and continues his reputation for understatement adding, “we always play a little better when our rugby family is supporting us.” In other words get out to the pitch and celebrate the season with us!

The Women remain among the top teams in Division II in the MAC Conference and hope to move beyond the MAC Championships this year. By eliminating the North and South designations in the MAC Conference for this year, the women have the opportunity to compete against all of their competition before hopefully making it to the playoffs in the spring. Coach Dolla Harmse is eager to see what the women do with their strong veteran knowledge as well as the rookie energy the women added in the off-season. With only two home games this fall, Captains Leni Ferraria and Casey Hartzell ask the alumni to show-up en masse whenever possible. After a disappointing loss in the MAC Semi-Final last May, the women are looking for redemption this season and to break the “short sock curse” on their way to the MAC Final this year.

Players to Watch -

Men’s Division III - Dan Woodell (Scrumhalf), Quinn Freeman (Back), Nick Stratchko (Forward), Aldo Batubara (Forward)

Men’s Division IV - Derek Swayze (Forward) and Sam (Leone)

Women’s Division II - Kate Todorovich (Forward), Masha Romanchak (Back), and Erin Gallagher (Rookie to us…vet to the Game)

New Sponsor: Fence & Deck Connection

Severn River is pleased to announce it’s newest sponsor; Fence & Deck Connection. They have been proudly serving local communities in Maryland for over 28 years. We would like to personally thank company President, Jim Rubush, who as a wrestling coach has helped to shape some great Severn River rugby players.

Locations:

Millersville: 410-969-4444
Annapolis: 410-757-5511

New Sponsor: Black Eagle Defense

Severn River is pleased to welcome our newest sponsor, Black Eagle Defense. CEO, Andrew Gehman is a member of the Severn River Rugby community as both a player and leader. We are proud to have his company as a sponsor and look forward to seeing his business grow with the same competitive vigor that he has always demonstrated on the pitch. Congratulations, Gehman and thank you for your continued dedication to the club!

Rugby Weddings: the Ole' Ball & Chain

By: Pete Freeman and Katie Fitzgerald

Hey Rugger, how about coming out for a beer? Sure, but let me check with the ole’ ball and chain.

Severn River Rugby used to have a wedding tradition of locking a ball and chain on the ankle of the groom at rugby weddings during the reception. This tradition continued through the many…many rugby weddings of the 1980’s and 90’s. As the team got younger and the Poskos…(cough)…busier, the Medieval ankle jewelry didn’t find its way to as many weddings. BUT…we still have it!

The first B&C was made by Henry Posko and friend, John Ware for former SRRFC Loch, Dave Kiefer. Dave was marrying Henry’s future sister in law and they thought it would be a fitting reception joke. The ball and chain appeared on the lawn of the reception and when locked around Dave’s ankle Henry refused to give the family the key for the bride and groom dance, so Dave slung it over his shoulder leaving a permanent metal stain on his white tuxedo. That is also the day Dave had to buy said white rental tuxedo.

The next appearance of the B&C was at Henry’s wedding in 1980. Due to a rugby leg injury it would not fit around ankle so, Dave Kiefer carried it around behind Henry.

In 1982 at Jeff Smith’s wedding, Jeff’s father-in-law had purchased a plastic ball and chain as a joke only to be upstaged when Charlie Dayton appeared with the ‘real’ ball and chain in hand and managed to clamp it on Jeff’s ankle through his continuous laughter.

At Pete Freeman’s first wedding, the B&C made an expected appearance, but did take the in-laws by surprise. After a few dances and other hijinks Pete’s father in-law approached his daughter and declared, “This reception is going to hell in a hand basket”. The bride and groom just chuckled and kept dancing.

The ball & chain has stolen the show during many receptions, including Ralph Norton’s, Dr. Doom’s, Scott Brusnighan’s, Kurt Triatak’s, Roco Ed Stump’s, Phil Dumenil’s and many others.

Consider yourself lucky, Mike Bertoni.

Dave White has kept the tradition alive by constructing the last two B&C’s. We thank him for his craftsmanship.

The addition of a women’s team added a new category to rugby weddings: the intermarriage. Dee and Phil, Kristen and Curtis, Turner and Hooch, Jeanna and Kevin…and perhaps one or two more on the horizon..have only added to the atmosphere of the wedding season. The other guests at these weddings hardly stand a chance of finding the dance floor or a drink in a crowd like that. Whether in Vegas, the Shore, or the Elk’s Club with a party bus to DTA, the club always comes together in the best way to celebrate their own. Even if a teammate might have to save the best man from his own speech on occasion.

The women might not have anything quite so permanent as a Ball & Chain at their rugby wedding celebrations, but no one will forget the scrum downs and line-outs with Kristi, Steph, Selwa, Dee, Fitz, Kiki, and Megan. In true rugby togetherness, the groom’s friends see the lift and inevitably get their mate up their as well.

Whether it’s a true Ball & Chain, another tie made within the club, or sharing rugby moves with a newbie, we can’t wait for another summer of “I dos” and shenanigans at the altar.

Triebel Cup 2019: The Cup made it's way back home

The Triebel Cup continues to be a highlight for the entire Severn River and Frederick rugby families. It’s not often that people are able to come together to remember a brave rugger doing exactly what he would want us to do in his memory. Severn River may have come away with the Cup this year, but maintaining the friendly competition and tradition of this important event is what keeps players coming back year after year.

The U-19s had a tough day against a mixed Frederick, Poly, and North Bay team. Having five starters out of commission, they put the best side on the pitch and everyone played well. In the end, the young men came up short, 29-19, but were honored to be part of the day. 

Man of the Match: Jake Mearman

The Severn Women don’t seem to lose a step regardless of who is able to make it on to the pitch. With a terrifying pack full of Xena Warrior Princesses, the forwards enjoyed playing with alumni and current members alike. With Jackie Melsopp back to her rucking ridiculousness and Mikey adding three tries of her own, the pack was a force to watch in awe and get the hell out of their way at the cup. The backs had a remarkable boost of energy from Old (don’t kill me) Girl, Devin “The Killer” Compo. With eight tries…that’s right EIGHT tries…saying she was unstoppable is redundant already but I’ll say it again anyway: UNSTOPPABLE. Aly McCarty got into the nitty gritty play of rugby, winning rucks, supporting the ball, and being all over the field as she supported both forwards and backs throughout the match. Seeing Jackie, Devin, Rebekah, Tina, Ruth, and Sloth all on the pitch, going step for step with the new college kids, Colleen and Emmy, made the current team both proud and eager to keep the Cup in the hands of Severn River. The 58-5 victory was a fun one for the Honey Badgers.

Forward of the Match: Jackie Melsopp

Back of the Match: Aly McCarty

The Severn men took part in the annual Treibel Cup competition against Frederick RFC this past Saturday, looking to erase some bad memories in the competition during recent years and recapture the cup for SRRFC. Severn got off to a quick 7-0 lead, due to some hard running from new open-side flanker Eddie Boyer. Frederick answered quickly, dotting down twice within the opening 20 minutes to take the game to 12-7. The teams traded blows for the next few minutes, Severn keeping it close but never regaining control in the first half. Severn's hopes were deflated as the clock wound down in the first period, being shown two yellow cards for separate high tackle offenses and having a try called back on a dubious forward pass call made by a Frederick touch judge all within a span of 7 minutes to end the first half. Undeterred, Severn came out of the gate swinging in the second, Boyer leading the way with two additional scores. Returning lock Lawrence McClain and Number 8 Nick Stratchko both found their way to the score sheet as well, with hard charging runs all day long finally paying dividends. Severn fielded a backline that was a mix of inexperienced and veteran presences, with inside center Harry Gotimer marshaling the two together for the exhibition for most of the day. Severn never led after that initial portion of play until their final breakthrough in the 77th minute, after stringing several phases together inside Frederick's 22, Prop Rich Maldonado found the line to finally put Severn back ahead by 2. Quinn Freeman converted the try and Severn held off for the remainder of the game ending in a 47-43 victory for the men. Given the numerous strong performances by many Severn forwards, Forward/Back of the match awards were eschewed on the day and the entire starting pack for Severn was given the honors. 

The Old Boys match consisted of a solid effort from ruggers of all experience levels. From guys who were playing their first match (Spicoli, age 34, first match) to guys who can’t remember how many matches they’ve played, the game was fun and full of learning experiences for both sides. SR Old Boy, Dave White, masterfully chased a ball into touch while accepting a cheap blow to his lower back pushing him out of bounds. Keeping his poise, and his feet, he was able to bring both clubs together on the field in a wonderful display of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The match ended in a 5-15 loss for the Old Boys.

Severn Women’s guest player, Devin Compo accepted the Cup for Severn that day, since her 8 trys assured Severn the point differential to take the cup.

A big shout out to our referees, William Delsing and Jake Klaus, for wrangling the day. Thank you to Frederick Rugby for continuing this tradition with us and to the fans who continue to support both clubs!

SON OF A BEACH!!

Severn River traveled to Dewey Beach for Delmarva's, Son of A Beach tournament.  Severn River started the day with a win against a tough corn fed Amish Assassins side.   Then would immediately play a fresh New York Tallywackers team who put up a quick 28 points on Severn.  Severn River wasn't deterred and fought back to bring the game within 10 points, but ultimately the back to back matches proved too much as fatigue set in and lost the game by 15.  Severn River barely lost out on the top 4 finish, and would end up 6th place on the day.  Great displays from Eddie, Big Wing Karl, and young buck, Quinn.    Severn River will now start Sevens Season with the Rites of Spring tournament on 6/22/19, in Elkridge, MD

AACo U19 Boys Take the Title

AACo U-19 played in the Gonzaga tournament this past Saturday. ‘This ones for Charlie’ was the cheer for the day, following the passing of Severn River Old Boy, Charlie Dayton. The first match of the day was up against Georgetown Prep. AACo controlled the match well, only making a couple line break mistakes. Brandon Jackson, the blind side flanker, scored four trys that match and flyhalf, Callum Ackerman converted every kick. The final score was 28-15. Next, AACo headed to the winners bracket vs Gonzaga, who advanced by beating Good Counsel, 30-15. AACo started off slow against Gonzaga, trailing 14-0 ten minutes into the first half. But Gonzaga didn’t see the try zone again, until one minute left in the match. Deon Huntel, scored four trys in the match and Jalen Lamen was awarded a penalty try. Ackerman and Nolan made all try conversions. Final score was 35-21, in favor of AACo. Coach Chris Alton Guagliardo said, “They simply outclassed their competition this weekend. They worked together as a team and were calculated with everything they did on the field. It was awesome to see that from a group of U-19’s”

After practice, Tuesday, May 7th, the AACo U19’s invited, Charlie Daytons’ wife, Sherry to stop by and accept the 1st place trophy they had received that weekend. Captain, Brandon Jackson had presentation honors for the evening.  His words couldn’t have rang more true, “If it wasn’t for guys like Charlie we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to win this trophy”.  Charlie was a former President of Severn River, a recipient of the Leather Balls Award and a member of the East Coast Championship team back in the day.  The presentation ended the only way it could…a giant rugby family group hug with Sherry in the middle.

Honey Badger's Undefeated Record Maintained

This past Saturday, the Severn River Honey Badgers travelled to Baltimore for their second Division match of the spring. After fighting a bit of traffic from the relentless construction on 895, the Honey Badgers composed themselves and took to the pitch against rival team Baltimore Chesapeake. In 2006, Meredith McAlister and Chelsea Renoe split from Baltimore Chesapeake to form the women’s team for Severn River and neither side has been comfortable with the other since.

The Honey Badgers took the opportunity to try different configurations in both the backs and the forwards. This kind of flexibility will serve them well heading into Regionals and hopefully Nationals once again. After a hectic start that found the Honey Badgers on their heels, the team reorganized and put together an excellent series of phases that led to the first of two tries for veteran Farrah Douglas. She followed her first try with a second just two minutes later and then let the younger Badgers get some glory of their own. Mikey Williams also added two tries in the first half with returning veteran, Denisse Villaran, adding one of her own. The floating offsides line seemed to frustrate both teams and made Chesapeake’s blitz style of defense particularly difficult to read in the first half. Luckily, the strong forwards play helped the Honey Badgers to a 33-0 lead as they maintained ball control in the first half and set the backs for success after the break.

The second half featured six tries from the back line led by wings, Tiffany Paul and Aly Jost McCarty, who each had two scores on the day. Mikey Williams, in an impressive breakaway run, added another score to complete her trifecta. Chesapeake responded well to the frustration of the first half and added two tries and one conversion in the second half. Their relentless defense and strong presence in the scrums were a challenge for Severn River at many points throughout the match.

Final Score:

Severn River - 70

Chesapeake - 12

Tries:

Williams, Mikey - 3

Douglas, Farrah - 2

McCarty Jost, Aly - 2

Paul, Tiffany - 2

Hartzell, Casey - 1

Schafer, Tina - 1

Villaran, Denisse - 1

Conversions:

Bryant, Charlee - 2/2

Romanchek, Masha - 3/9

Roster:

1 - Douglas, Farrah

2 - Hiken, Gabby

3 - Williams, Mikey

4 - Villaran, Denisse

5 - Ferreira, Lena

25 - Chafin, Ashley

7 - Crovo, Dee

8 - Todorovich, Kate

9 - Schafer, Tina

10 - Romanchak, Masha

11 - Paul, Tiffany

12 - Hartzell, Casey

13 - Bryan, Charlee

14 - McCarty Jost, Aly

15 - Marshall, Katie

17 - Priddy, Rachel

18 - Whiteley, Hannah

20 - Berta, Lisa

21 - Hickock, Steph

22 - Scheidegger, Lauren

23 - Fitzgerald, Kate

24 - Rose, Amber

Honey Badgers Defeat James River to Extend to 6-0 in the Division

Continuing from the success of the fall, the Severn River Honey Badgers maintained their perfect record in the MAC South. On a beautifully maintained pitch, the Honey Badgers started off strong with a self-recovered pop kick from fly half, Charlee Bryan, that she touched down under the uprights. On the board in under a minute, the team’s confidence soared. With some excellent, dynamic play from Hooker, Gabby Hiken, and the return of Second Row, Denisse Villaran, the team was formidable at the break down and maintained possession of the ball throughout the majority of the second half. To round out the scoring for the half, Mikey Williams, Tina Schaffer, and Scrappy Whiteley added multiple tries to bring Severn River’s half time points to 31. James River fullback, Victoria Byrd, scored the only points for her team in the latter portion of the half. After missing the conversion, the teams entered the break at 31-5.

After a couple of substitutions at the half, Severn River found themselves fighting to maintain their continuity from the first half. Despite some early frustrations, they remained strong on defense and prevented James River from capitalizing on a couple of opportunities. Coach Dolla Harmse challenged the Honey Badgers at the half to hold the other River to zero points and the team certainly delivered. With no scoring for the first twenty-two minutes of the second half, Center, Aly Jost McCarty, broke the line to end the drought. This initial effort was followed very quickly by a breakaway run from 8-Man, Kate Todorovich, who made a beautiful offload to Scrum-half, Tina Schaffer, for her third try of the day. Another try three minutes later from Wing, Tiffany Paul, completed the scoring for the day at 46-5.

The Honey Badgers are shifting their focus to Baltimore Chesapeake for April 6th and are working to maintain their place at the top of the Division. Pittsburgh is coming…

Tries:

Schafer - 3

Bryan - 1

Jost - 1

Williams - 1

Whiteley - 1

Paul - 1

Conversions:

Bryan - 3/5 and Romanchek - 0/3

Roster:

1 - Mikey Wiliams

2 - Gabby Hiken

3 - Kerry Lammers

4 - Denisse Villaran

5 - Lenni Ferreira

18 - Scrappy Whiteley

7 - Samantha Bottorf

8 - Kate Todorovich

9 - Tina Schafer

10 - Charlee Bryan

11 - Tiffany Paul

12 - Casey Hartzell

13 - Aly Jost

14 - Kathleen Clement

15 - Katie Marshall

16 - Jazz Harrison

19 - Masha Romanchek

20 - Lisa Berta

21 - Dee Crovo

22 - Lauren Schiedegger

23 - Kate Fitzgerald

24 - Amber Rose

25 - Ashley Chaffin

Men Clinch #1 Spot in the Central Mid-Atlantic Conference

A beautiful day to end the regular season at the American Legion Post 175 saw Severn River Men take an early lead against the visitors from D.C.  After lovely hands from the host, as Quinn Freeman stiff armed his way into the try zone after being sprung by Erik Dronberger, inside the 22.  On the ensuing kick off, Severn displayed their pace and vision, with Quinn rumbled and tumbled his way pass the try line for his second.  The scoring wouldn’t stop as Zachary Lammers, Richard Maldanado, Erik Dronberger, and John Sage all touched down for a try before the half, with the Renegades sneaking one in before half time.  With a half time score 38-7 and some subsitutes coming in, Severn River kept the foot on the gas with tries as John Sage and Erik Dronberger added their second, while Mike Blimmel and Aldo Batubara got involved, with an additional penalty try which will give credit to Quinn.  Final score Severn River 69 vs. Renegades 7.  With the win Severn River Men win the Mid-Atlantic Conference Central division and first seed in a playoff between the top four to see who advances to the next round.   Severn River hosts Rocky Gorge DIII this Saturday (4/6/19/) at 1:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post 175. 

The Killer B’s fell short of victory 38-30 despite a drop kick goal from Milton Greenstreet and several hard hitting tackles from Steve ‘Scuba’ Palmer.