The Honey Badgers Take on Buffalo
By: Scrappy Whiteley
Tape. Check. Mouthguard. Check. Fresh cleats, or cleats barely hanging on by a thread. Check. It was an unusual Friday: vans were being loaded, the rucking pads, rugby balls, and personal luggage stacked in an exhausting game of Tetris. Anticipation crackled through the air; the excitement was palpable. The Severn River Honey Badgers had been working hard all season outscoring their opponents 255-14 with head coaches Dolla Harmse and William Delsing at the helm. They pushed through some adversity, facing cancelled matches, a disappointing performance against Philly, and misplaced jerseys. Yet the feeling that this was going to be the year to get it done was always at the forefront. The Honey Badgers’ road to National-level competition began at the Regional round in Buffalo, New York on April 30th and 31st.
In the weeks leading up to Regionals the Badgers received an outpouring of support for their fundraising efforts from Stan and Joe’s Saloon, the SRRFC Alumni Association, Black Eagle Defense, as well as a number of individual donors, totaling over $4,000.
The first team standing in Severn’s way was the New Haven Old Black Rugby Football Club out of Connecticut. New Haven was a team Severn had never faced, and they had just been bumped from Division 3 to Division 2, playing a more competitive schedule that saw them earning victories over strong teams. That Saturday morning, right out of the gate, New Haven proved themselves to be feisty and quick, hitting hard and pushing back. “We saw a really fast New Haven team. Our offensive game play really started to click, and our defense was strong,” said co-captain Tina Schafer. After a start that required a few adjustments against New Haven’s aggressive defense, Severn started playing their game and piled on the points. Katie Marshall took full advantage of her opportunities to kick while Erin Gallagher and Shelly Freeman made it difficult for New Haven to keep up with Severn’s speed. The Honey Badgers closed the day with a 54-7 victory over New Haven.
“Day one we had a mission; there were so many factors that got us to that day and were motivating us to pull through. Once the game started, we played all 80 minutes as one and showed everyone what Severn River was all about,” said co-captain Kate Todorovich.
After earning the win and a chance to play in the regional championship match, the team spent the night soaking in store bought kiddie pool ice baths, stretching their muscles, and preparing for what the next day would bring.
Rain. Wind. Muddy fields. Day two brought less than desirable conditions that limited speed and the ability to use the full width of the field. Providence was a strong team, and they came out hard. Lolita Galdones and Masha Romanchak lead a solid defense that shut down one of Providence’s leading try scorers. The Severn pack was able to utilize their strength in the maul and break through to score one of the two tries of the whole match. Erin Gallagher-Johnson touched it down for the Honey Badgers.
“It was a tough, brutal, muddy contest. We were executing our game plan well on both sides of the ball, but we fell short due to the impressive poaching by Providence… we played incredibly well, but the score went to them in a very close game,” said Schafer.
Unfortunately, the magic faded too soon, and Providence defeated Severn River 8-5 in a grueling, defensive battle relying on kicks for points to finish it out. “We fought every minute of that game,” said Todorovich, “In the end, it just wasn’t our time… now we have all the motivation to work and push for that win next year!”
STATS:
Saturday, April 30th vs New Haven: 54-7 win
Tries: Kate Todorovich-1, Lenni Ferreira-1, Masha Romanchak-1, Katie Marshall-1, Shelly Freeman-1, Erin Gallagher-Johnson-3
Kicks: Masha Romanchak- 7 for 8
Sunday, April 31st vs Providence: 5-8 Loss
Tries: Erin Gallagher-Johnson- 1
Kicks: Masha Romanchak- 0 for 2
Severn River Men at the Cherry Blossom Tournament in DC
By: Erik Dronberger
The morning dew was still dripping off the overgrown grass at the Polo Grounds in Poolesville, MD. A pleasant April morning as Severn River Men rolled up for their 9:00 kick off against a makeshift team of UMBC and Baltimore D1 players; the Thunder Crocs. The pitches weren’t much of a pitch at all, but more of a meadow, with foot tall grass being painted as the hosts rushed to set up the makeshift pitch. With questionable playing conditions, Severn River decided they didn’t drive to the middle of nowhere for nothing, and with that the goal posts went up at the turn of 9:00, the tournament was underway.
Severn River came out jittery, and let up the first try to the Thunder Crocs. The lads fought back, striving down the pitch, with strong runs from rookie Ryan Simpkins and John Ureste. After stints of great phases and five minutes inside the Thunder Crocs 22, the lads couldn’t break into the try zone and ultimately lost the match 12-0. The score didn’t reflect the match, River was unlucky not to get on the scoreboard.
As the sun rose, the lads had a few hours to kill, so John “Gio” Giovanni had the opportunity to show everyone his Marlon Brando impersonation. But after 5 minutes of telling everyone he had an offer we couldn’t refuse, Gio was made to sleep with the fishes.
The second match was against Norfolk, who Severn River last played roughly 9 years ago, losing 70ish -7. Norfolk came with a strong mix of their D1 & D3 side, but Severn River’s blend of D3 & D4 sides proved to be too sexy for the Virginia based side. Severn River’s high octane offense ignited from the kick off, as Erik “Punchy” Dronberger created space for the likes of Rich Maldonado, Gio, and Milton Greenstreet to do work. With two quick tries from Sam “Hot Pants” Leone, the lads were on their way to a comfortable win. As the match continued, we saw powerful runs from the likes of Taylor Gavigan, Jake Davis, Steve Long and Mike Blimmel. Severn finished the match with a 42-15 victory.
The win rejuvenated the spirits of Severn River and gave them a chance to take 3rd place in the tournament. All that stood in their way was a Baltimore Chesapeake side that had another strong mix of D1 & D3 players. As Severn River made their way over to the pitch, BC stopped them, and suggested a boat race to determine the winner. Unfortunately for BC, Severn River came to play and declined their offer. At least it seemed unfortunate for BC, until they came out hot and scored two quick tries, but with a cheeky pass from Milton, Pat Fenn scored at the brink of halftime, to give the boys hope.
Severn River came out of the half, grinding out crash balls, with Mike “Nips” Nichols, Tommy Sitar, Jackson Holtzman getting BC on the back foot. However, a quick turnover and the BC wing slipped through the Severn defense. With only 5 minutes remaining, the match looked all but over with BC in the lead at 14-5. The BC winger sprinting towards a certain try, if not for the determination of Pat Fenn he would have made it. Pat “Never Give Up” Fenn chased the winger from one touch line to the the other, and forced a knock on at the try line. Severn River wasn’t dead yet.
The next set of plays saw Jackson Holtzman pierce through a hole created by some side stepping by Punchy, and quick ball movement from Cullen Bilger. And bing, bang, boom, Pat with another try. Severn River 10, BC 14. Two minutes remaining, Severn River believing, but BC wasn’t about to let up, as they won the ball after kicking off and drove down the pitch. A great tackle from Steve Long, and an infringement from BC gave Severn River a penalty in their own 22. Without a beat, Milton new who to get the ball to, and with a quick tap and quicker pass, got the ball into the hands of Pat. With 80 meters to go, Pat hit the line running and bursts through a big hole. Only the over growth of the grass was sure to take him down, but no, the BC full back was on the chase, and tripped up Pat two meters short, but without a wrap, Pat kept up the momentum and trotted in for a try. SEVERN RIVER WIN 17 - 14. A dramatic come back, and a tournament that put Severn River’s heart full on display.
Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction: February 5th, 2022
Another SRRFC banquet is in the books. Amazingly enough, Hellas in Millersville allowed us back again this year for some much-needed fun after COVID shut down last year's banquet (and all other fun things). We came, we ate, we drank too much, and danced just enough.
As always, the current teams started the awards ceremony by slinging out some well-deserved derbies, pins and rings to the most valuable players and heroes of the club. There were a lot of new faces represented in this year's round of awards, including 2nd generation SR rugger Jackson Holtzman, who took ‘Rookie of the Year’ home, and Brianna Niewinski who was named ‘Most Valuable Forward’.
The YAD award went back to the women’s team this year. For liability purposes, you have to be in attendance to get the full story, but the winning story involves too much liquor, a tarp, and a house fire. Great job, Maria…You’re a Dick.
We also had a new class of Hall of Famers inducted this year. We are very appreciative of all the inductees' families that made it out, and for Steve Compo and Ralph Norton for coming from out of state to make it. The women inducted their first Hall of Famer, team co-founder Meredith McAlister Kraus. It was truly a memorable and deserving class, as evidenced by the crowds of alumni, some of whom traveled from across the country, to honor the inductees. Check out the website ‘Alumni Assoc’ page for a few words from some of the recipients.
Til we meet again next year Severn River Rugby Family…
Award Summary:
Women’s Awards:
Most Valuable Back- Rayne Trouwborst
Most Valuable Forward- Brianna Niewinski
Steel Tits- Casey Hartzell
Most Improved- Victoria Ann Zito
Rookie of the Year- Maria Russo-Greer
Unsung Hero- Shanna Davidson
Men’s Awards:
Most Valuable Back- Jake Davis
Most Valuable Forward- Rich Maldonado
Unsung Hero- Mark Farmer
Rookie of the Year- Jackson Holtzman
Most Valuable Back (D4) – Larry Grassi
Most Valuable Forward (D4) – Bear Carter
YAD: Maria Russo-Greer
Hall of Fame Class of 2021-2022:
Bill Beans
Steve Compo
Tom “Dr. Doom” Guidotti
Meredith McAlister Kraus
(Left to Right) Shanna Davidson- Unsung Hero, Casey Hartzell -Steel Tits, Maria Russo-Greer- Rookie of the Year/ YAD, Victoria Ann Zito- Most Improved, Brianna Niewinski- Most Valuable Forward
Rayne Trouwborst- Most Valuable Back
(Left to Right) Jake Davis- Most Valuable Back, Rich Maldonado- Most Valuable Forward, Mark Farmer- Unsung Hero, Jackson Holtzman- Rookie of the Year
Larry Grassi- Most Valuable Back D4
Bear Carter- Most Valuable Forward D4
Meredith McAlister Kraus- Hall of Fame Class of 2021-2022
Bill Beans- Hall of Fame Class of 2021-2022
Steve Compo- Hall of Fame Class of 2021-2022
Tom “Dr. Doom” Guidotti- Hall of Fame Class of 2021-2022
SRRFC Hall of Fame 2021-2022 Class
Bill Beans
Steve Compo
Tom "Dr. Doom" Guidotti
Meredith McAlister Kraus
Bill Beans
Leadership is a contact sport. Legacy is the mark you leave behind. James Kerr’s book, Legacy chronicles the All Blacks philosophy, addressing the importance of leadership and legacy in achieving success. Legacy leaders are essential to the life and sustainability of a club. They influence individual players and guide the team’s ultimate direction. Bill Beans is that legacy leader.
Bill was one of the original “first 15” in 1978. Arriving during Severn River’s founding season, he brought a wealth of experience and talent to the pitch and a passion and determination for growth and development for our fledgling club. His contributions to the club continued for over a decade.
Bill was a second row who not only knew every nuance of his position in depth but was keenly aware of the importance and fit of every position on the team. Bill ended his career just a few years before lifting jumpers in the line-out was permitted. Getting the ball cleanly to the scrumhalf required a skill at both jumping and being sure handed for a second row.
Timing and ball awareness came naturally to Bill. Those who played with him were continually amazed at his uncanny ability to get the ball to the scrumhalf without catching it first. He perfected a skill of having the incoming ball barely ricocheting off just a few fingers yet guiding it effortlessly in a perfect pass to the scrumhalf. He was a master at this technique.
In addition to being a skilled player, Bill was the team’s Coach, Selector and was critical in securing and preparing the fields for games and practices. He was a teacher to new players and a mentor to more seasoned teammates.
Bill introduced two traditions that Severn River still enjoys today. The inaugural banquet involved thanking every member of the team with a personalized certificate of appreciation. Some were serious, such has MVP’s, Hardest Hitter, Rookie of Year, and Unsung Hero. Most were funny. Following the second season, Bill volunteered to take over this portion of the banquet. Always looking for ways to acknowledge good play on the field and instill competition, Bill separated the Most Valuable Back, Most Valuable Forward, and Unsung Hero from the rest of the awards. This is where the Black Derby made its first appearance and started a special tradition that is now in its fifth decade.
Bill also was the originator of the coveted Leather Balls Award. This honor is given to a Severn River teammate who has gone beyond being a skilled player and has contributed to the sustainability, direction, and future of the club in ways that set them apart from their teammates. Bill was clear that this is not necessarily an annual award but should be given only when earned and warranted. Literally, hundreds of players have worn the Severn River Rugby Club Jersey over that last over 44 years. Less than 25 have been a recipient of the Leather Balls Award.
It will come as know surprise that a few seasons after the introduction of these two traditions, the team honored Bill with a Derby for Most Valuable Forward and presented him with a Leather Balls Award for his many contributions both on and off the pitch.
The New Zealand All Blacks have 15 Principles that they embrace. The last two deal with sustainability and legacy. Through Bill’s legacy Severn River Rugby continues to carry on and prosper. We will always be grateful to Bill for his legacy leadership. On behalf of all past and current players, please welcome Bill Beans into the Severn River Rugby Club’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2022!
Steve Compo
When Steve Compo first stepped on to a rugby pitch, you knew he was going to be an impact player on the field. The athletic skills he brought from his wrestling background played right into Steve quickly becoming an A-side flanker. He was a tough defender and mastered the art of stealing the ball in rucks and mauls. Steve was adamant about staying fit, attending all practices, and touring whenever possible. He made sure to hold his teammates to those expectations as well. Steve was a regular participant in the Saranac Lake tournament (insert one of many inappropriate stories here) and was a member of the 7s team that played in Trinidad. Over the years, Steve was awarded Most Valuable Forward, Unsung Hero, and the Leather Balls Award.
It was only later in his career that we realized his passion for rugby extended to making Severn River Rugby a premier club to come play for. Steve held several club positions: Communications Chair, Club VP, and most impactful; Club President for several years. Steve spent countless hours working to make Severn River a better club. One of his early missions during his leadership was to find Severn a more permanent home. He built a relationship with the American Legion, took their rundown baseball field, and helped develop it into what most of us consider to be “the best field in the union.” Steve convinced the union and the referee society to invest in Severn River, just as he had. He secured a $100k loan with the union (first of its kind), to put in a sprinkler system, sod the field, and add professional uprights. Steve also insured Severn’s future and their investment, by negotiating a 10-year lease with the American Legion. Steve viewed running the club like running a business, so he worked hard to make Severn financially secure. He worked with ACME Bar & Grill and its beer and liquor distributors to lock in financial support. That included sponsorships from PBR & Southern Comfort. He also coordinated the relationship with the Baltimore Ravens, which brought $30k per year in its infancy with the food stand. The Ravens fundraiser continues to bring in thousands of dollars a year to the club.
Steve also believed that the development of local youth programs was literally the future of our club. He worked with Pat Walsh promoting and demonstrating rugby during gym classes at local high schools and coached with Mike O’Brien at Arden Youth Rugby. He also worked with Northwestern Mutual to acquire 350 jerseys for Anne Arundel County youth programs.
Recruitment was another big item on Steve’s agenda. The recruitment of long-term men’s captain, Mike Bertoni, was one of his proudest accomplishments. Mike Bertoni had this to say, “He had some email blast he’d sent to the contact for every college rugby team, probably on the east coast. I wish I had saved it. I was the contact at Potsdam, so I got it and responded to him... he put me in touch with some jobs. About a year later, I am in Maryland and ready to get back into playing rugby and I give Steve a call. He gets me to the legion for practice that night. I have a blast and when it’s time for drinks afterwards, I tell him I can’t make it in because I have to get home because my dog needs to go out. Compo’s response: “What’s your dog have to do with me?” – logic I couldn’t defeat, so I went into the Legion for the first time that Thursday night and was completely hooked on the whole club by the time I walked out. A few weeks later, I found myself unemployed. Steve had an air duct cleaning company, so he gave me a job. To say I worked for Steve is a mis-statement; he employed me when I was at a really low point so I could stay around and play for Severn River while I figured my shit out. He did it for me and countless others. He was and is the most generous person I’ve ever met. He did anything and everything for the club and everyone in it.”
Steve has long represented and advocated for solidarity between the men's and women's teams. He didn’t want to hear sentences that started with “the men’s team” or “the women’s team;” he wanted to hear people’s ideas for the future of “The Club.” “One club,” he would repeat. “We are one club.”
Steve truly bleeds blue and green.
Tom "Dr. Doom" Guidotti
“It’s better to burn out, than to fade away”. When Neil Young wrote those lyrics in 1979, he must have been channeling Dr. Doom. Those of us who had the privilege of being around Doc, knew that he lived life “all in”. To some, he is a ghost or a legend of someone that did outlandish things at outrageous times. Others will know Tom as a father and husband. Some will know Doom as a fellow police officer. Opposing front row players knew him as one of the best Hookers in the old Potomac Rugby Union. Most of us knew him as a friend, a coach, and a very fine rugby player.
Tom “Dr. Doom” Guidotti was born in 1949. He graduated from Bladensburg High and headed to Kansas State to play linebacker. He returned to his Cheverly home area and served as a police officer for the District of Columbia Police Department, where he remained for most of his Severn River playing days. Doc came to Severn River after a successful stint with Washington Irish where he turned his football skills into violent artistry in mauls and rucks and master classes in front row play.
Doom joined Severn River for the fall season of 1981 and played and coached with Severn River until his untimely death in 1994. During his playing days, he was named Most Valuable Forward (1983), won the Leather Balls award (1991) and served as a selector from 1988 through 1994. Doc was a key player on Severn Rivers’ ERU Championship and the club’s ascension to the “A” Division. Doom turned to coaching in 1989 when he became an assistant to Brian O’Meara and was elected head coach in 1991 and 1992, coaching alongside Ralph Norton.
As a player, Doc was known for “always being in pursuit” and would remind the backs that he’d always be there … and he was. He had an uncanny ability to win loose balls with his physical play. His mentoring of younger players would influence an entire generation of Severn River pack players. He constantly pushed his pack peers to run, lift and get fit and he happily passed along his nuanced front row skills. Doc introduced many of us to “Doom Jangles” as a component of his fitness routine.
Dr. Doom was Severn River, through and through. Always to be seen with his Severn blue jacket or Hawaiian shirts, he toured England in 1989 and Barbados in 1992 with the club. He had a way of mentoring and coaching those that needed love and affection and kicking your ass if you just needed an ass kicking! Those of us that played with and knew Doc have never really recovered from his passing.
Talking about Doc and not reflecting on his colorful approach to life would sort of be missing the point of who he was. He was full of life. He played hard and lived hard. In a “never forget this moment”, he introduced a few Severn ruggers to the life of a DC cop! He was the life of every party, everywhere. His singing was animated and legendary. His performances at weddings, parties or any club social gathering are mythical. His home-brew may not have been award winning, but it was memorable! He could be found waiting for a match under the bleachers after one of his night shifts, ready to shed his police uniform and put on the Severn River number 2. He could be found trying to talk a ref into letting him play with a cast on his broken arm. He was the guy that “everyone” called a friend. He was the person you could never not have a good time with. He was larger than life and although his life was short, he lived it to the fullest.
Dr. Doom was a dad, a husband, a cop, a bow-legged fabulous rugby player, a coach, and most of all...a friend. He had a huge impact on Severn River Rugby on and off the field.
Three cheers for Dr. Doom!
Thanks to the Severn River HOF Committee and alumni Dave Metrinko, Ralph Norton, Pete Freeman and Wendell Harsanyi for their memories and insights.
Meredith McAlister Kraus
In the summer of 2006, Meredith McAlister, along with Chelsea Renoe, Sherri Korpella and Kirk Wiggins, founded the Severn River women’s rugby team. In its infancy, the ladies practiced with the men’s team and scraped together a few additional ladies to enter 7s tournaments on the weekends. In the fall of 2006, they managed to recruit enough ladies to compete in their first fall 15s season, under the tutelage of Coach Kirk Wiggins.
In those early years, there was no women’s executive board. The only governing body was the men’s club administration. Therefore, all the women’s team planning and organizing fell to the Captain, Coach, and Selector. As the women’s team’s first Selector, Meredith helped develop match schedules, event agendas, and travel itineraries. She quickly saw the need to have a women’s team representative on the club’s E-board, and was the first woman elected to the position.
Women’s Team Founder, Selector, Governor, Club Treasurer, Women's Captain, Women’s Coach, and Women’s Match Secretary are all positions that Meredith has held. In addition to maintaining offices within the club, she also represented Severn River externally. She was the Capital Rugby Geographic Union Women’s D1 Coordinator and Select Side Administrator, as well as the Capital Rugby Union Representative for the USA Rugby Congress. She was awarded the Leather Balls accolade in 2016 for all the hard work she did for the club.
Meredith was also a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. She spent 12+ years in the Severn River jersey kicking ass. Any team that knew her avoided contact with her, and any team that didn’t know her soon regretted their “I’ve got the back with the stupid bow in her hair” comment. Meredith's teammates would laugh and say, "Yeah, you go get that girl with the bow. Let me know how that works out for you." It usually ended with that girl hobbling off the field with the concussion she'd just received, compliments of Meredith McAlister and her bow. During her time on the pitch, Meredith won the Most Valuable Back and the Steel Tits awards. She also made multiple MARFU and Capital Selects teams.
Meredith was always pushing team unity, on and off the pitch: always picking her teammates up and making them want to work harder, always making sure everyone was included in team gatherings and social events. She was, and still is, inviting everyone to hang out, meet up, keep in touch, and go places together.
Meredith's respect for and commitment to Severn River's unity, success, and longevity isn't exclusive to the women's side. She has long represented and advocated for connection and camaraderie between the men's and women's teams, past and present. Meredith's humility and respect for Severn River's roots have moved her to turn down two previous Hall of Fame nominations, in order to honor the club's founders and the first waves of selections.
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.
