SRRFC Hall of Fame of the Past
After a year-long hiatus, the SRRFC Hall of Fame committee is excited to resume its recognition of the best and brightest among us. Before announcing the 2021-2022 Severn River Rugby HOF class, we hope you will take a moment to read and look back at those who have already been inducted. In a forthcoming post, we will announce the newest inductees and speak to their accomplishments, in preparation for the induction ceremony at the annual SRRFC banquet on February 5, 2022.
2018-2019 Class
Henry Posko:
-Along with his brother Mike, founded the club in 1978
-Henry holds nearly all the Severn Rivers' 'firsts':
First Captain, Coach, and Selector
First recipient of the Leather Balls Award and Derby for Most Valuable Back
-Offices held:
President, Vice President, Governor, Match Secretary, and Field and Equipment
-Funded Severn River's Start:
Union dues, field expenses and first set of ugly brown jerseys
-Rugby Resume
Annapolis Rugby Club and Old Red Rugby Club
Coached first Green Hornet Coed Rugby
Mike Posko:
-Along with his brother Henry, founded the club in 1978
-Offices held:
Captain, Selector, President, Vice President and Governor
-Coordinated Tours:
England, Bahamas, Ireland twice and Trinidad
-Awards and Honors:
Most Valuable Forward (2), Most Valuable Back, and the Leather Balls Award (2)
-Rugby Resume:
Multiple PRU select side and Baltimore Area select side appearances
Played for Chesapeake Rugby Area Beer Social, Virginia Cardinals, DC Roosters, Poltoons, CRABSS, Chesapeake Rugby And Beer Select Side
Coached Severn for both 7s and 15s several times over the years
Pete Freeman:
-Offices held:
Captain, Coach, Secretary, and Field and Equipment
-Awards and Honors:
Most Valuable Back and Unsung Hero
-Rugby Resume:
PRU select side, Baltimore Areas select side, ERU, Louisiana Exiles, Virginia Cardinals, Wilmington Old Boys, CRABBS, and Severn Old Salts
Coached and coordinated Green Hornets Youth Rugby
2019-2020 Class
Marty O'Neil:
-Founder of the club's first newsletter
-Offices held:
Captain (3); including SRRFC's first ERU Championship, Coach (2), Selector (5)
-Award and Honors:
Most Valuable Back (2), Unsung Hero, Leather Balls Award
Golden 7's Award for Rugby Sevens play (One of only three Severn players to receive)
-Rugby Resume:
Severn River A-side player for 15 years
Select Side Player
Potomac Rugby Union (Under 23), BASS (Baltimore Areas Select Side)
Major force in Severn River’s national level Seven’s program
Founder of Severn River’s first Sevens Tournament
Responsible for Severn River’s Sevens Tournament becoming an Eastern Rugby Union qualifier
Contributed as Founder, Tournament Director, Captain, and Player
Dan Gotimer:
-Offices Held:
SRRFC Club Coach for ten years
Selector for multiple years
-Awards and Honors:
Unsung Hero and the Leather Balls Awards
-Rugby Resume:
Dan played for Severn River for 25 of his 39-year rugby career
Created one of Severn River’s strongest recruitment pipelines
Green Hornets: Co-founder of (youth) Rugby at the request of USA RFU
Spaulding: Coached first “varsity” high school rugby game in Maryland
Recruited and trained a teacher at Spaulding as coach to foster the sport
Brought hundreds of kids into the rugby family
Coach and mentor
Coached at youth, high school, college and club levels
Led team to the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union playoffs multiple years
Won the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union Championship
Guided six rugby players on their professional career paths
Several high school players have gone on to win national championships at the Club and Collegiate levels
Charlie Dayton:
-Offices Held: Vice President, Governor, Selector, Match Secretary, Field and Equipment
-Awards and Honors:
Most Valuable Forward (2), Unsung Hero, and Leather Balls Award
-Rugby Resume:
Played for Severn River for over 25 years
Played BASS, Baltimore Area Select Side, CRABSS, and the Chesapeake Rugby Area Beer Social Side
Ralph Norton
-Offices Held: President, Vice President, Governor, Selector, Match Secretary, Fields and Equipment
-Awards and Honors: Most Valuable Forward, Unsung Hero and the Leather Balls Award
-Rugby Resume:
Played for Severn River for 20 years Played for BASS, Baltimore Area Select Side
Coached the Men's Club for 5 years, including going to the Nationals and ERU Playoffs twice
Severn River vs Chesapeake: The Return of the Honey Badger
By: Lenni Ferreira
Since the first canceled practice back in 2020, the Honey Badgers, deprived of doing what they loved, have grown hungry. They found crumbs to eat, watching rugby while in quarantine at home and eventually got some slivers to hold them over once they were able to play in a couple friendlies in the Spring and Summer of 2021, but the hunger kept building. The Honey Badgers grew wild, waiting for their first meal, and on an early morning in late September, they finally got to feast.
On September 18th at 10:30 AM, on their home pitch, Sever River Women’s Rugby kicked off their first league game since Fall 2019. Chesapeake traveled down a short ways to Annapolis to face off against Severn River. The Badgers started off strong and did not let up.
Eager to get playing time in for all, Forwards Captain Kate Todorovich was excited that they “were able to use all our subs and move many people around to play different positions.” Although there were many player and lineup changes, Todorovich added that the team was still able to “focus on working on our new style of play which really shows how adaptable this squad is.”
Newer Honey Badger, Izzy Smith, remarked that her first league game with the team was really fun. As most veteran players know, games early in your rugby career can be chaotic, and Smith noted she was “super excited to have gotten the ball and been able to run with it a bit.” A true triumph for any rookie rugger.
The relentless and hungry Honey Badgers were not only able to rack up 95 points that included 15 tries and 10 conversions, but prevented any tries being scored against them the entire 80 min. The 15 tries were scored by a total of 10 different players, speaking to the squads overall talent, unity, and teamwork. Walking away with a 95-0 win, the Honey Badger stay hungry for more. Their next league match will be an away game against James River on Saturday October 2nd.
Men of the Match: Holly Schafer (F) and Sara Mercado (B)
Tries: Abuela (1), Tina (1), Hope (1), Zori (1), Rayne (1), Bomb (2), Masha (2), Todo (2), Marshall (2), Bri (2)
Conversions: Masha (10 of 15)
Roster:
1- Jasmine Harrison
2- Hope Wasserman
3- Shanna Davidson (Blade)
4- Kate Todorovich (Todo) (C)
5- Maria Beteta (Abuela)
6- Brianne Niewinski
7- Hannah Whiteley (Scrappy)
8- Holly Schafer
9- Tina Schafer (C)
10- Charlee Bryan
11- Rayne Trouwborst
12- Sara Mercado
13- Maria Romanchak (Masha)
14- Shelly Freeman (Bomb)
15- Katie Marshall
16- Katie Turner
18- Victoria Zito
20- Zori Drew
21- Sophie Clendenin
22- Casey Hartzell
23- Samantha Bottrof
24- Izzy Smith
25- Maria Russo-Greer
Men's Summer 7's Recap
By: Milton Greenstreet
The Severn River Men’s 2021 7s season was a strange one. It was the first competitive action for the boys in blue and green for 15 months, due to Covid-19. Along with keeping them off the field, the pandemic also shook up the squad in the personnel department.
Longtime Head Coach Dave Egar returned permanently to his native Ireland with his family during the shutdown, leaving the men looking for leadership. Club founders and SR Hall of Fame members Mike Posko & Pete Freeman stepped into fill the void. On the field, there has been quite a bit of change over as well. Veterans have departed and new players have arrived; it’s been quite a turbulent time for Annapolis’ top rugby club.
The 7s campaign looked to be snake-bitten from the jump, as Captain Erik “Punchy” Dronberger fell to an ankle injury in the first game of the first tournament in Harrisburg, PA. He soldiered on through the day’s games but had to call it quits for the short season due to the ankle issue. Severn was led through the day in Harrisburg by the Navy Rugby contingent of Ted Chapman and Rickey Neel-Feller. The gentlemen from the academy joined Severn for the summer and added some much-needed poise to the lineup. The team went 2-1 in pool play, including a 29-0 thrashing of perennial MAC 7s contender, Schuykill River’s 2nd side. The boys ended up falling 0-23 to Oasis in the quarterfinals, Oasis would go on to win the tournament.
Battlefield 7s in Manassas was the next stop for Severn River 7s. The day started brightly with a convincing 24-12 win over former D2 rivals, Richmond RFC, but that was the high point of the day. Three losses followed, including a loss in the 5th place match to the recently beaten Richmond. The bright spots on this Saturday were the dynamic offensive performances by center Mike “Butters” Gibson and pack stalwart, Steve Long. The men found the score sheet often but couldn’t convert it to figures in the win column.
Downingtown 7s, outside of Philadelphia, was the nadir of the 7s season. The boys came up winless and finished last in the tournament. The lone bright spot was interim 7s skipper, Milton Greenstreet, bringing his kicking boots and going 5/5 from the drop. Severn brought an inexperienced bunch and lost key squad members John Sage and Butters Gibson to injury early. Regular starters, Rich Maldonado and Omar Ledezma, kept spirits high in between the tough matches with all kinds of shenanigans under the team tent.
Last on the docket was the Rites of Summer 7s tournament hosted just outside of Baltimore. Severn had a strong showing from both the men’s and women’s sides. Former club captain Colin Gotimer’s return to action provided a shot in the arm for the fellas, scoring 3 tries on the day from the wing. The men went 2-2 for the day and with an impressive point differential, and were able to nab 2nd place in the social division. They were held from silverware by a nail-biting 12-0 loss (with some questionable forward pass calls) to Towson Alumni, who won the division undefeated on the day.
Given the oddity of the pandemic season an impromptu 7s awards banquet was held, deep in the caverns beneath American Legion post 175. Omar Ledezma and rookie sensation Parker Hackett received a few team spirit awards. Women’s team fixture, Hope Wasserman, was honored for her efforts in helping the boys at each tournament from the coaches’ bench. Butters Gibson and Mike “Nips” Nichols, took home Top Scorer and Rookie of the Year, respectively. MVP of the 7s season went to prop Steve Long; Steve started nearly every match of the season and led from the front on both sides of the ball with some bone crushing hits, as well as 6 visits to the try zone.
The Severn River boys desperately await their return to 15s, which will happen at home on 9/11/21 vs former D3 rivals Western Suburbs. The boys will look to build on their experiences from the summer to erect a successful fall campaign that leads to playoff action in the spring. We hope to see you out for all of our matches! Thanks for your support!
Severn River Rugby: Community Outreach
Our ruggers can’t be out on the pitch right now but they can be out in the community! Severn River has come together to support the Baltimore Community fridge. The Fridge’s goal is to help fight food insecurity in the community and provide people with access to fresh foods. Often, it is difficult for food pantries to provide fresh foods like milk, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. This fridge is there for anyone to take food as needed. There is currently one location at, 209 McAllister Street in Baltimore and they are in the process of opening a second!
Severn River has committed to filling the fridge once a month for all of 2021. To contribute money, you can Venmo: LenaFer. Funds will be used to purchase items such as- fruits, vegetables, snacks for children, cooking oils, and spices, as well as some personal care and toiletry items for the nearby shelves. You can also help by dropping off items to the fridge yourself at any time! The next fill up is February 21 st. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Lenni at LenGrace.F@gmail.com. You can also keep an eye out for updates on our teams social media, or follow @BmoreCommunityFridge on Instagram for more information on the project.
Severn Old Salts visit New Orleans and Les Vieux Garcons
By: Pete Freeman
On the weekend of March 7, 2020, the Severn Old Salts invaded New Orleans, LA. This was to be a single match against NOLA RFC old boys’ team Les Vieux Garcons. The one-off match was set up by Chris Posko with assistance from Severn and NOLA alums Gerry Gallion and Craig Kohler.
Most of the gang arrived Friday and dispersed throughout New Orleans to sample her goodness. Stacey and I wandered through the French Quarter, the French Market, the Marginy and many other places sampling Oyster Houses, crayfish, and mannnnnnyyyy drinks. We ended the night meeting up with Jeannie and Gerry Gallion, Anne and Wayne Patterson and Marty O’Neill at one of Gerry’s fav restaurants.
During Chris Posko’s negotiations with our opponents, the match changed from being a game at their pitch in conjunction with their club team to our match becoming the curtain raiser for the NOLA Gold MLR team in their stadium, The Shrine on Airline.
Game day arrived and our players started wandering into the stadium. The shrine was an old baseball stadium that was converted to a rugby stadium for the NOLA Gold. The seating wraps the field down one sideline and one end with normal stadium seating and suites above. The other sideline area is open for various pre and post game activities. The pitch itself is beautiful and big. Perfect for a bunch of old guys huffing and puffing its entire length.
We arrived into the stadium through the “Party Shack” which was opened for us to pre-game and allowed us to mingle with the NOLA old boys. Meeting us there was NOLA Gold owner and old boy player Tim Falcon. Tim pretty much opened the whole stadium up to us and his hospitality was unmatched.
Game time..Severn Old Salts had a pretty good lineup with a mix of crafty veterans, studs of yesteryear and a few “younger” old boys’ players. We started the game matched up well against their squad but as the match went on it was obvious that our hosts weren’t going to let us best them in their stadium, in front of their fans before their MLR team took the field. As hard as we played they kicked up their intensity and we were held scoreless, but a good game was had by all with only a few injuries. Mark Slifer’s torn bicep may have been the worst. It was fun seeing our team on the field with the likes of Dunbar, Frampton and Scotty B creating mayhem, the three Poskos on the field together, and centers Tom Smith and Scuba Steve Palmer stout defense and bruising running. Bart Begley and Brian Frampton came from parts unknown to help bolster our squad. Ed Deming once again was sporting Anne Marie’s underwear. Gerry Gallion split time with both teams since he played with both in the past. Marty O’Neill’s bone crunching defense stopping many a break away, which earned him ‘Man of the Match’ for Severn.
Following the match, we all reconvened at the “Party Shack” for the post-match drink-up. Awards were handed out, friendships were rekindled or made anew, and stories were told. Tim Falcon and his mates once again made sure we were well taken care of with food, drinks, souvenirs, and a brass band.
Soon the MLR pre-game activities started which included youth rugby games with some of the pro players and a second line that ushered us and others to the stadium seating. A second line is a New Orleans custom whereby the Brass band marches onto the field with the fans following waving NOLA Gold towels. Quite a spectacle.
Tim had arranged for us to watch the match up in the owner’s suite complete with food and beverages. NOLA Gold and their superstar #8, Cam Dolan seemed to have control over their opponent, the New England Free Jacks on their way to a 31-22 win. Following the game, we were invited to the pro players post game drink-up where we were able to mix and mingle with the pros. Pretty sweet.
Following the game and for the rest of the weekend the Old Salts spread throughout New Orleans enjoying the French Quarter, Bourbon Street and the Maginy section of town where we watched many bands, ate, and had many drinks. Craig Kohler got some of us into a local second line. New Orleans was our oyster and we slurped gladly.
My personal thanks to all who ventured down to play or watch. We love you all!!
You can check out game photos at www.craigboudreaux.com Look under “Portfolio” then “Sports” then ”Rugby” the “Club/College Rugby” then “ NOLA Vieux Garcons V Severn River 07 MAR 2020.
Postscript: Several of our peeps came home with an unknown illness. Might have been pre-quarantine COVID but everyone is doing fine.
BEST TEAM IN SRRFC HISTORY??
By: Kathryn Fitzgerald
Consider this a challenge. The 2012 Severn River Honey Badgers--Can-Am Champions and 2nd Place finishers at the USA Rugby Division II National Championships--was the greatest team in the history of our club. I dare you to name a team in the history of Severn River rugby that did more to promote the game, the players, and more importantly the spirit of this game that asks so much of each individual player as they learn to become one solid force. The work of those women that season has reverberated for nearly a decade with more than a few continuing to hold leadership positions within the club, some who just recently hung up their boots, and at least a couple who won’t give up the glory.
In 2012, the Severn River Honey Badgers knew that this was their moment. After a disappointing 2011 season that ended far too quickly for the talented group of women, they made a promise to each other. Scrawled on a napkin in Shooters, the Honey Badgers signed their pledge to make it back to Nationals and do whatever it takes to win the championship. With this sacred pact in hand, the Honey Badgers went to work.
Winning every match in the spring of 2012, their confidence grew and the impossible was beginning to seem within their reach. The addition of Carmen Farmer, a rookie to rugby but an athlete itching to return to the competitive field, seemed to be a missing link in the back line. While she would go on to become an Eagle for Team USA, earning multiple international caps and playing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, in that season she, like the other backs, was taught how to love the game by women’s team founder and co-captain, Meredith McAlister at Fly-half.
With Candace Coston at the 8 leading the forwards, the pair of outspoken captains were formidable at practice, which led to them being unstoppable come game time. Their fearless pursuit of excellence from not only their teammates, but also themselves, raised the level of everyone’s game and required that we all hold ourselves to a standard of excellence on and off the pitch. The moments of tension at practice between these two competitors could be difficult to understand on nights when some of us were just out to blow off steam from our mundane day jobs, but looking back, the picture is clearer. They were driven. The most driven of any of us and their commitment to the success of the team is one of the top reasons for our success. They led by example. Never letting up, never giving anyone a break. This was essential to us becoming not just a team, but a family.
As the fall steamed ahead with a perfect record remaining intact, Severn was given the chance to host the Regional play-offs and see their rival, the Raleigh Venom, in the first round. The Honey Badgers had considered the Venom their “Unicorn.” A unicorn became the symbol for this unattainable thing that it would take real magic to catch by everyone on that field. When the day arrived, the team was prepared, but antsy. It was a cold, muddy day at the American Legion and the sidelines were packed with fans. From the first whistle, the team played better than they had all season. Facing the formidable Raleigh attack, led by USA Eagle Jamie Burke in the Venom pack, the Honey Badgers turned to the dynamism on their second row for support. Jackie Melsopp and Jenn Fenzel had long been the work horses of the Severn pack. Their energy and upbeat attitude coupled with their ability to find humor at even the most tense situations kept the team level. During one scrum earlier that season, Jenn was frustrated by the ref’s whistle that was malfunctioning to the point where no one could hear when he was trying to blow it. After a failed scrum and the failed whistle to blow it up, Jenn could be heard from the bottom of the pile shouting, “Come on sir, my Flo Rida lips whistle louder than this!” With both sides now chuckling, Jenn caught the opposition off guard. This was her specialty. Similarly, Jackie would find one person on the opposition to focus on and make their life a living hell. She liked to choose the flankers who thought they were hot shit. The Raleigh team had a couple of strong runners, but Jackie made it her job to target one of them for the ENTIRE match. No one can take a hit from Jackie all day whether she is steaming into you with the ball or slamming your body down on the muddy, cold pitch. You will get tired, you will get frustrated, and you will make mistakes. This quieter leadership helped lead the Honey Badgers to one of their greatest victories that day and through to the Championship match in Fort Myers, Florida.
At some point, you, the person reading this, will get tired of me going on and on about how this team that I was lucky enough to be part of and play with was the greatest team in the history of this remarkable club. So here is where I will open it up. I need the members of this team to join me and add their comments to this article. What do you remember about this season? Why should we be considered the greatest team? It’s time to re-capture our #honeybadgerroadtonationals and bring the pride back. Stir the pot. Light the fire for the next group of ruggers. Sure, living in the past is dangerous and pathetic to an extent, but only when you don’t allow room for the next group to use our mistakes and grow for the betterment of their own futures.
DISAGREE? Tell us why? What team in SRRFC club history do you think was the best team and why? Comment below.
June Election Results Are In!
Your 2020-2021 season officers are listed below. Congratulations to everyone! An additional non-voting position was added to the E-board this year; Club Secretary.
Eboard:
Club President: Mike Blimmel
Club VP: Mike “Moose” Anderson
Club Treasurer: Rachel “Sloth” Priddy
Club Secretary: Colin Gotimer
Mens Team P-Board:
President: Nick Stratchko
Governor: Derek Swayze
Treasurer: Will Paul
Match Secretary: Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo
Field and Equipment: Mark “Farmer Mark” Farmer
Social Chair: Omar Ledezma
Social Media Managers: Sam “Hot Pants” Leone and Rich Maldonado
Captain: Erik “Punchy” Dronberger
Womens Team V-Board:
President: Shanna Davidson
VP: Katie Marshall
Treasurer: Kate Todorovich
Field and Equipment: Rayne Trouwborst
Match Secretary: Sammi Bottorf
Social Chair: Lindsay Morris
Social Media Manager: Lenni Ferreira
Alumni Relations: Casey Hartzell
Captains: Kate Todorovich and Tina Schafer
Club President: Mike Blimmel
Club VP: Mike “Moose” Anderson
Club Treasurer: Rachel “Sloth” Priddy
Club Secretary: Colin Gotimer
Mens Team President: Nick Stratchko
Womens Team President: Shanna Davidson
Mens Team Governor: Derek Swayze
Womens Team VP: Katie Marshall
Mens Team Treasurer: Will Paul
Womens Team Treasurer:
Kate Todorovich
Mens Team Match Secretary: Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo
Womens Team Match Secretary: Sammi Bottorf
Mens Team Field and Equipment: Mark “Farmer Mark” Farmer
Womens Team Field and Equipment: Rayne Trouwborst
Mens Team Social Chair: Omar Ledezma
Womens Team Social Chair: Lindsay Morris
Mens Team Social Media Manager: Sam “Hot Pants” Leone
Mens Team Social Media Manager: Rich Maldonado
Womens Team Social Media Manager:
Lenni Ferreira
Womens Team Alumni Relations: Casey Hartzell
Mens Team Captain: Erik “Punchy” Dronberger
Womens Team Captain: Tina Schafer
Womens Team Captain:
Kate Todorovich
Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction 2019-20
Another year, another banquet, another night of ruffians remembering rugby riffraff while singing and sliding and slurring through speeches. With 120 people in attendance, it was the largest group at the Hella’s location for banquet and the staff certainly won’t forget it. Every time this group of people grabs each other and starts belting out “Let Me Let Me Let Me Let Me!” it’s hard not to get nostalgic and allow the feelings of pride (and shame) well-up for at least one night of the year. Where else can you go where your friends are called out for flicking off a ref (Tina), exposing their significant other for missing their first try (Aly and Brad), and for beginning a potential YAD dynasty (Sloth and Mouth)? But, ultimately, the worst offender of the year attended a social while his wife was in labor with their third child (Spaceman Joe)?!?!? It was just another Severn River Rugby banquet. That’s the only place I know where people are accepted for who they are, ridiculed appropriately for it, and then brought right back into the mix.
It was a big night. Pregnancies were announced, awards were awarded, and dignity was replaced by dancing, a photo booth, and far too observant teammates who, no matter how intoxicated they appear, never forget a thing. Oh and good news, the women’s rugby history plaque almost made it through the whole night…but that is a story for the 2021 YAD award. Hope to see you there next year. It’s a show that’s well worth the price of admission, even if the liquor costs a little extra and Natty Boh gives you the…well…you know.
Women's Awards:
MV Forward - Fallon Monroe-Migliorini
MV Back - Masha Romanchak
Unsung Hero - Aly McCarty
Rookie of the Year - Lindsay Morris
#1 Fan - Mike 'Butters' Gibson
Men's Awards:
MV Forward - Brad McCarty
MV Back - Logan Reece
Unsung Hero - Steve Long
Rookie of the Year - Daniel Wooddell
Club Awards:
YAD- Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo
Leather Balls- Milton Greenstreet and Rachel Priddy
Hall of Fame Inductees :
Charlie Dayton Dan Gotimer
Ralph Norton Marty O'Neill
Fallon Monroe-Migliorini - MV Forward
Masha Romanchak- MV Back
Aly McCarty- Unsung Hero
Lindsay Morris- Rookie of the Year
Mike Gibson- #1 Fan
Brad McCarty- MV Forward
Logan Reece- MV Back
Steve Long- Unsung Hero
Daniel Wooddell- Rookie of the Year
Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo- YAD
Milton Greenstreet- Leather Balls
Rachel Priddy - Leather Balls
Reflection on the Fall and Full Steam Ahead to the Spring
Some significant changes hit the Severn River teams this past fall. The Mid-Atlantic D2 North and South combined into one division, so the Severn River Women have faced some stiff competition earlier than in previous years. With the Northern teams added to their regular season schedule, they haven’t had to wait til playoffs to meet teams like Harrisburg on the pitch. Leadership within the women’s team has welcomed the more rigorous competition to the regular season. They believe it is making them more prepared for playoff matches, that in recent seasons past, seemed to catch the Honey Badgers a bit off-guard.
On the men’s side, they made the risky, but right, leadership decision to enter their Killer B’s side into D4 competition to accompany their D3 side. ‘To lose six of our previous starters; including a semi-pro player, maintain two full competitive teams and continually have 30+ guys at each training session was a remarkable achievement this fall’, said men’s team head coach, Dave Egar. The men are looking forward to an action-packed spring that will continue to help them grow not only as rugby players, but as excellent teammates, too.
Struggles and Victories:
The transition to club rugby from college rugby can be a tough one for players. Women’s Captain, Lenni Ferreira, however, is confident that the women are “used to the perpetual changes that come with playing club rugby” even with the “constant flow of people retiring, injuries, and new players.” Women’s Coach, Dolla Harmse, is eager for the Honey Badgers to “believe in themselves” and to remember that their greatest strength is their ability to “show up with 15 players and win with scores that reflect a 25 woman roster.”
The men’s teams had some major successes this fall with a huge win against perennial rival Rocky Gorge. Despite two unexpected losses to the Washington Irish and West Potomac, Club President, Brad McCarty is excited about the spring prospects with “ a lot of new guys coming into the fold and step up, including Daniel Wooddell, Max Bennett, and Murph Lill.”
Outlook for the Spring
With the spring season fast approaching and winter workouts well underway, the teams are ready to use their new strengths in the coming season. Early preparation that includes both trips to the weight room and the chalkboard are in the mix for the Severn Club. Women’s Coach, Kate Fitzgerald, knows that the Honey Badgers will face some challenges with new people in key positions, but expects them to adjust well as long as the team commits to increasing consistent numbers at practice (every coach’s biggest lament). The men are excited how the addition of Will Strydom to the coaching staff has impacted the already strong side. His vast knowledge and ability to complement Coach Dave’s style should bring even more players to the pitch and result in even better performances from the squad. All three teams have huge expectations for themselves and are eager to show the fans and alumni all of the effort they have put into continuing to build on the Severn River Rugby legacy.
STANDINGS:
Severn Women are in 3rd place in the D2 division after the fall season. They sit behind Doylestown who has played an additional match and Harrisburg; their only loss in the fall season.
D3 Severn Men are ranked 2nd behind Washington Irish.
D4 Severn Men are ranked 8th. Super proud to get some wins on the board for their first competitive season in D4.
2nd Annual Severn River Rugby Golf Tournament
Alumni Weekend start with a BANG….or a shotgun start as some golfers call it. Thirty-six golfers teed off Thursday @ Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, MD. It was 2 man scramble and the other two men or women in your group kept score. So NO CHEATING….(cough)…Ralph…(cough)…Holtzman. It was an absolute beautiful day on the course. There were plenty of winners on the day. Jeremiah Albright and Matt Griswold took the tournament. Beth Leidy; Women’s Longest Drive, Eric Jones; Men’s Longest Drive and Stephanie Browning; closest to the pin. The day ended with some drinks and prizes in the club house bar. Big thanks to all the participates.