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Saving Private O'Brein

Latest News

June 16th 2009- Santa Barbara Rugby Academy

Professional Rugby Coach Kevin Battle (and Hall of Fame member of the Santa Barbara Grunion RFC) is to start a new rugby academy here in Santa Barbara.
You can read more at ErugbyNEWS.com and AmericanRugbyNews.com

More info can be found on Kevin's blog at http://www.sbrugbyacademy.blogspot.com/

Also find more publications about kevin here:

PAki's Corner: http://www.pakiscorner.com/2009/05/battle-inspires-usa-rugby-academy.html

Rugby Magazine: Kevin 's Profile

June 15th 2009 Summer Schedule

Good turnout at end of the year banquet. Awards went to..
Grunion of the Year - Judge
MV Forward - Jon Taco Bell
MV Back - Phil V-Neck Francis
Rookie of the Year - Ollie
Grey Ghost Award - Bacon
Club Supporter - Bonnie
Most Memorable Moment - Matt's try vs. Provo

We'll start playing touch next week at Chase Palm Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work.

Santa Barbara 7's is on July 18th at Elings Park, Tourney Director is KB.

Old Spanish Day's Taco Booth starts first weekend in August with Sunday setup...put it on your calendar, especially guys that need to work off $$ owed to club.

MER

 

New Training ground starting 7 April

Got approval next week to have training from 6:30-8:30 at SBCC Track. This is our last week on SBCC as we will move to Elings.

Athletics gave us permission, but said Security will not know since it is off week. If security asks us on the night, they will have us on the calendar for usual time, just tell them that athletics gave us approval to move training time up.

For the month of April, leading up to home (assuming win this weekend) playoff game on May 2nd…we will be on half of upper field at Elings Park (Sharing with Dog Folk) from 6 until sunset on Tuesdays and Thursday.

MER

12th January 2009, SBCC offers Grunions a new home for training

Really excited about this opportunity...now along with one of the best fields in the league we'll have a first class training pitch come rain or shine...and most importantly a high visibility training pitch with a great opportunity to tap into the potential pool of SBCC ruggers.

We'll be training every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 on 1/2 of the field for now. Mike Warren will meet the team at the field tomorrow. I have given him my word that the relationship with the club is one that will be positive and something the school will benefit from. He has gotten us in the door after years of trying to establish a relationship with the school.

HE asked that we train in running/training shoes (no cleats) to keep the wear and tear down on the field. He also asked that we don't do scrums.

I ask all club players that we create a professional environment for team training. Wear rugby socks, shorts, jerseys or appropriate training gear...change in your car, not on the field. Lets create an environment that will allow us to build our team and recruit new athletes. John and Tim are committing their time to coaching and to building us into a top Division One team. Lets infuse that excitement into our new recruits!

The training pitch is a privilege not a given...like Elings Park, if we show the school we are good stewards there will be further opportunities for the club...game venues, tournaments, and rugby PE classes. Be respectful and courteous at all times.

I hope everyone is excited as I am about this opportunity...looking forward to getting back from Hawaii to train with you...that is after another week!

MER

3rd January 2009, MerFundation Raffle Draw

3rd place goes to Spencer Gould who wins an autgraphed USA 7's Jersey

2nd place goes to Bob Schwartz who wins two tickets for the USA 7's weekend.

1st place went to Keric Brown who wins two tickets and a weekend for two at the Hotel Solamar for the USA 7's

To date we have raised $22,198 (44% of goal) with 50 donors...look to build on that!

MER and congrats to winners.

1st January 2009

Communcation:

Grunion Football Club would like to offer its most sincere condolences to the family of Tim O'Connor - "TO" passed away early Saturday morning. He played Grunion Rugby in the 80's with Mike, Ed Sullivan and Rizzo.

Funeral Church Service on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 11:00 am
Location: Holy Cross Church, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Fisherman's Funeral Boat Procession Immediately after church services at Santa Barbara Harbor, TO's ashes will be spread in the sea.

"TO" lived with Ed Sullivan in Oak View at the time of his passing.
It is a great loss to those of us that were close to him or anyone
that even knew him, he was a great guy. Thanks, Danna Sexsmith

Tim will be missed... always a happy guy, a smile ever-pesent on his face, and a tough competitor. Dave

20th Oct 2008, SB rugby Day

Annual Santa Barbara Rugby Day is next Saturday 10/25th at Elings Park...Old boys start at 11AM with 20 minute games all day long.

This is the kick-off of our pre-season and also a great opportunity to welcome all the new college ruggers to Santa Barbara Rugby...hope to see everyone out.

All new players are welcome to attend, be sure and spread the word to any prospective players too!

MER

8th August 2008, MerFoundation Drive

At the club's 30th anniversary I challenged the current & old players that we need to secure the financial future of the Grunion and the time is now! Over the next 3 months, culminating in Santa Barbara Rugby Day, we will raise $50,000 to go towards the Grunion MerFoundation. It is going to take every club member, supporter, and old boy to make it reality...so please consider what the club means to you and take ownership of our future.

CHECKOUT GRUNIONRUGBY.COM FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN BECOME A MERFOUNDATION MEMBER!!!

MER El President

7th August 2008, AGM date announced

The club's annual general meeting will be on Thursday evening, Sept. 25th. We'll have officer club elections, go over financial performance and budget for the upcoming year, and discuss club planning & events. Hope to see everyone there.

Site to be determined.

MER

 

 

29th june 2008, Taco Booth Article

click here for the pdf version.

27th May 2008, End of the year Bar-b-que and awards

Thanks to everyone that came out to the barbeque on Thursday. A great 30th season which will remembered for the memorable win over LARC in the homecoming game. We also had a successfull jersey auction raising money for a new set of jerseys.

I want to congratulate...

Bonnie - Supporter of the year

Enrico - MVGrunion

Justin & Bacon - MVF's

Simon - MVB

Arrev - Grey Ghost Inpirational.

Hope to see everyone out at touch and active participation at the Taco Booth during Fiesta, Santa Barbara 7's on 8/16th, and 1st Grunion Beer Festival and Santa Barbara Rugby Day in October at Elings Park.

We will also be kicking off of Grunion Foundation Drive to raise $50K over the next 6 months!

MER

23rd Jan 2008, Ganey Cup standing after two matches

All,
Exciting two rounds of Ganey Cup have been played and the final round of the "pool" play is this Saturday. Following this round the top two and bottom of two of each pool play against each other.

At this time the Top two of Pool B are determined: Santa Monica and the newcomers Los Angeles.
In Pool A, alot rides on this weekend, Ombac has cemented a top two finish, but the second team is still up for grabs. If Belmont beats Ombac their in, if Las Vegas beats San Fernando Valley and Belmont does not get a point out of this weekend they're in.....exciting stuff. Ideally I will update the schedule on www.scrfu.org <http://www.scrfu.org> as soon as possible, once all the results are known.
Cheers
Kain

The current Pool Points Tally:
Pool A
Ombac 9
Belmont Shore 7
Las Vegas 3
San Fernando Valley 0

Pool B
Santa Monica 10
Los Angeles 10
Santa Barbara 2
Unicorns 1

 

14th Jan 2008, Weekend opener vs Santa Monica

The guys put in a strong 2nd half performance today against Santa Monica, playing down 14 guys for last 20 minutes minutes. The guys gelled together throughout the game putting together multiple phase play towards the end of the match to come within 4 points of Santa Monica, 27-32. We scored 5 tries, so we secured two bonus points.

The Torpedoes aided by a four visiting Westmont players secured a solid win with two late tries, 33-24.

Exciting start to the season with a number of female supporters along with Judge, Dr. Marc, Grey Ghost making the trip...hope everyone comes out next weekend to support the guys against LARC at the home opener.

MER

10th December 2007, Elings Park Fundation

The Elings Park Foundation is rolling out a new program in 2008, in an attempt to recognize the Parks key user groups and their affiliated supporters/business...and raise $$ to support Kevin's attempts to improve the playing fields at the Park. Starting the January, the Grunion Rugby Club will have a wall on the Fence surrounding the playing fields, along with other groups like the SB Soccer Club, SB Flyers, SB Softball club etc.

It could read something like...
supporters of the GRUNION RUGBY CLUB...
Rabobank
Umbrella Entertainment
Star Electric
Alki Chiropractic
Village Pool & Spas
Mentor Corp.
Network Hardware ReSale
Tynan Group
Blenders in the Grass
Bob Riggs, extradoinaire & cpa
Alex the money manager
Wormzer the property mgr.
Lynch Family
US Aquatics
Hayahida Physical Therapy
Dr. Bill Gallivan
add your name hear...

The cost is $500 per supporter (Individual, family, business, etc.) to get your name on the banner and will stay up for the 2008 calendar year with all the proceeds to go to support Eling Park. In 2009, the cost for renewal will be $400. The Park is recognizing its primary user groups and giving their members/supporters the opportunity to show their support of their club & the Park...great opportunity, and I'd like to see us lead the pack. I'd like to see us raise $5,000 for the Park and double our annual giving to the Park...If you are interested, write a check for $500 to the "SB Rugby Association" and mail it to me prior to year end...the donation will be tax deductible. In the Memo section of the check put down what you want on the banner...name of your business, family, etc. If you make a donation in excess of $500, the funds will go to support the club's 2008 season...MERRRRR

Mail it to:
Jacobsens
1924 Emerson Ave.
SB 93103

MER

Dec 6th, Beer Festival

At the Elings Park Foundation board meeting last night, the board voted in favor of giving the annual Beer Festival to the Grunion to run and organize.

The Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, July 5th at the Park and will be organized/run by a committe of Grunion...Bonnie, Doug, Wormzer, Pootie and Mark Kelly. I ask that allc club members try and keep that weekend free to volunteer at the event...also if you know of any business that might be interested in sponsoring it, contact myself or one of the committee members. The goal is to make this a huge event at the park that we take ownership of...and add another fundraising for the club/park.

MER

 

Mon Nov 5th, Outcome

Good party in Hollywood on Saturday night at the Griffin Awards, the Southern California Rugby Union awards ceremony. Grunions had several nominations on the night, including Best Team, Best coach (Kevin Battle) and three MVP (out of five): John Van der G, Enrico and Ed Pitts. We got away with one MVP (Enrico...of course) but, most importantly, several honorable mentions for doing so well in our DI debut year.
Congratulation to all the Grunions, players and supporter for such a great year!
Let's keep it up!

Kevin, Erith, John Van der G, Spencer & Cinthia Gould, Marilou and Enrico were present.

Also nominated on the night were Justin, Kara and Phoebe for Collegiate MVP and Jaxs (UCSB Ladies coach) for several other awards including Best Coach.

On a minor note: we have met some very excited LA players who can't wait to play us this year….neither can I!

MER

Tue Oct 26th, Good Friend Passes

If you were out at SB Rugby Day you probably missed "The Duke", one of our biggest supporters. John passed away on Sunday, Oct. 21st in San Diego after a 10 day cruise with his wife Kathleen. On behalf of the club, we will be planning a memorium for John at the 30th anniversary banquet at the SB Yacht Club. John and Kathleen are the member sponsors for our banquet. John had lived in town since 1949 and was a co-founder of the SB Yacht Club. His obituary was in the News-Press this weekend and it listed rugby and yachtings as two of his favoriate passions in life. He will be missed. Mer

 

Friday Oct 26th, AGM outcome..Season Announced!

Look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow...thanks to all club members that came to the AGM last night. Club officers remain the same, with the addition of Tim Ahern becoming business dev. officer. Bonnie will also be heading up the 30th anniversary banquet, she'll have info this weekend (Date is March 29th, coinciding with home match vs. LARC)...see schedule on web-site. Marc and Karen will also be available throughout the season for chiro and sports message prior to matchs at no charge to club members. Also look for Grunion club calendar...be sure and reserve your month and begin working out. After I've had the chance to talk with Alex, we'll have some info about potential for group workouts at TItan Sports on Tues. and Thur evenings.

Besides your cleats tomorrow, if you can bring your 2007-08 club dues,
$250 returners (or $750 if you can afford it...~cost per player for season)
$150 newbies
$50 non-playing club membership
$1,000 lifetime membership (Available to 35+ years young)

MER


Sept 17th, AGM date announced

The annual club AGM to elect officers for the upcoming season, to review the club's profit & loss for FY 2006 and upcoming budget, and the go over any club issues/concerns/suggestions will be held on Thursday, October 25th at RaboBank on Carillo and Anacapa....The agenda will be mailed out later this month.

Santa Barbara Rugby Day will be the following Saturday, Oct. 27th at Elings Park with the Fossils, UCSB and Westmont.

MER

August 23rd, Tri-Tip 7's in SLO

those interested in playing in the tri-tip sevens for santa barbara rugby on sept 8 respond asap.

last year we had a lot of fun and made it to the semi's. this year i am thinking about adding some team camping after the tournament but it's an idea in progress. i'll let you guys know what happens with that.

those who respond by the end of this week pay thirty dollars by friday which includes tournament fees, tri-tip, beer in the beer garden, water and gatorade. all others will pay forty-five because later registration means higher entrance fees. anyone who would like to go but can't come up with the money, contact me and we can make arrangements.

the team will not be a selection side, everyone is welcome to help represent santa barbara rugby. i will try to setup two practices prior to the tournament so let me know your schedule. i would like to have a practice this saturday or sunday and one possibly next wednesday. times and locations will be decided depending on your responses. if there is a lot of interest in this tournament there is a possibility of entering two teams. we can work out the details later.

lifetime members won't be sent home early.

scuba
805-252-8711
stevenbernsen@gmail.com

August 15th, Taco Booth Success

Thanks to everyone that helped out this year. Special thanks to Jeff who ran it for the 2nd year and Enrico and Judge who went above and beyond for running the sifts.

Gross revenues were up 20% and net profit was up 33%. We'll have the final numbers at the September Club AGM...we raised a lot of money for the Special Olympics and the SB Rugby Association.

Next up Santa Barbara 7's on August 18th.

MERrrrrr

May 29th 2007

The Spring Banquet will be held once again at the Beachside Bar & Cafe on Thursday evening June 7th!...Peter did an excellent job of hosting the club last year on the patio and has offered to have us back again this year. I'll have more details to come but reserve the date. I'm sure Troy & Alex will make everyone dress up and wear mustaches.

Alex is talking about starting touch at Chase Palm Park in June.

July 14th - Elings Park Beer Festival and Car Show, hosted by the Grunion this year.

August 1st-5th - Old Spanish Days Taco Booth

August 18th - Santa Barbara 7's at Elings Park

MER

April 30th 2007

Guys, We secured the 5th seed so we are going to Columbia in two weeks. Judge and I are working on figuring out travel arrangements and will try and get you some info. later this afternoon/evening.

We put ourselves in the position to win both playoff matches leading the 60th minute vs. Hayward, leading at half vs. OClub...We go into Nationals as the underdog, but we know what we are capable of.

We'll face Denver on Sat @ 9am in Columbia, SC . Check the USA Rugby website for more informations

April 9th 2007

Guys, We probably won't know the schedule for playoffs for another week...but it looks like we'll be on the road in two weeks, playing either Hayward or the Olympic Club (Both Clubs are tied on the points table and have split their league matches this year, each scoring 69 points against each other, OClub has one more game next weekend against San Mateo to seal first place...if they loose, not sure how the they will determine the NCRFU #1 seed, probably will got to total points scored less total points allowed on the season).

We will not be playing the make-up game against SFV this weekend...we'll spend Tuesday and Thursday's trainings working on fitness and prepping for first round of playoffs.

For the first weekend of CR-1 playoffs, we'll probably take the bus up on Saturday morning and return Saturday evening. I've also attached the schedule to remind you guys to keep the playoff weekends free including the Round of 16 weekend in Columbia (Last year we took Thursday red eye flight through Sunday evening off).

>ROUND 1:
>
>Date: 4/21/2007 (Tentative)
>Venue: Home Teams Listed First
>
>SCRFU 1 v. Haggis (URFU 1)
>SCRFU 2 v. NCRFU 3
>NCRFU 1 v. SCRFU 4
>NCRFU 2 (HAYWARD OR O.CLUB) v. SCRFU 3 (GRUNION)
>
>ROUND 2:
>
>Date: 4/28/2007 (Tentative)
>Venue: Home Teams Listed First
>
>Haggis (URFU 1) v. SCRFU 2
>NCRFU 3 v. SCRFU 1
>SCRFU 4 v. NCRFU 2
>SCRFU 3 (GRUNION ) v. NCRFU 1 (HAYWARD OR O.CLUB)

 

March 26th 2007

Andrew King, UCSB grad of 96', has finished up his season with Trinity College in Dublin and will be joing the club next week for the remainder of the season and the post-season. It's really exciting for the club to keep local talent like Dropkick and Andrew after graduating, so be sure and welcome Huey to the club next week. In addition to be a good club guy and leader on the field, he's a solid front rower and gets around the pitch for a big man.

"Well I have been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days and I
just
wrote to the coach at belmont telling him I don't think it would work
out.
Right now i just feel i got to look at what would make me the happiest
and
that would be living in SB and playing for the Grunions. So, that is
what I
would like to do."

MER

12th March 07

Having had the opportunity to watch the last two games from sidelines I can sense the frustration and I feel it, as a strong side we are not playing to our potential guys...we need to be playing team rugby, right now we have a lot of strong individual performances but we need to get on the same page when it comes to attack & decision making.

Playing the first 4 out of 5 games against Super League sides, we've been playing a reactionary style of rugby with our offense reacting to pressure instead of dictating our style of play...when we played SFV and Santa Monica we've been playing to their level...we should have put 20-30 points on the Santa Monica side we played on the weekend, minus their super league players who we beat 3 weeks ago on our home field. To put salt in the wounds we gave up two tries in the last 5 minutes not only taking away our win but taking away even a bonus point with an 8-point loss.

We travel to Huntington Beach this weekend and we need to get it right if we want any hope of securing a playoff spot. I know you guys want it and have too much pride in the club.

MER


20th Feb 07

  1. Wren Wise and Ed Worthington are the latest Lifetime Members of the Grunion
  2. Erik Torjesen just finished a 3 month makeover of the green machine scrum sled which resides up at Westmont College
  3. The Grunion took the field in their new Slimfit jerseys on Saturday leaving the lady supports either hooting or laughing on Saturday
  4. Gary Coulthard...aka Gaz was spotted holding hands during the Torpedoes match
  5. We need more guys to help with field setup at 8am on Saturday mornings, if you don't have a club job consider helping out.
  6. We need a bit more commitment from all of our registered players...we have 40+ registered players, but every weekend we're missing 8-10 guys for various reasons...individiauls in the team need to do a better job of being accountable...We have guys playing 80 minutes in the 1st XV match and then having to play in the Torpedoes match to fill in numbers which isn't good, and We need the Torpedoes side to be a true development side, especially with the increased comp in Div. I, with guys getting competitive games week in week out so they can push for spots on the 1st XV. I know stuff comes up but the commitment of club guys in the Grunion has always been one of strong points which I don't want to slip.
  7. Tate and his wife recently took in two Foster kids (2 months old and 2years old) while they await a permanent home...congrats Tate...so we may not see much of Tate, but he'll make it out when he can.
  8. Excellent support at the home match this past weekend...hope to see the same at our first League match at home against Belmont Shore this weekend...for you old boys that weren't out this past weekend, your missing some of the best Grunion Rugby I've ever seen.
  9. This weekend we'll have new Grunion T-shirts for sale, as well as some new women's t's...we'll also have some more Union Dry-tech t's for sale which we had last year...and in two weeks some new Club polos.

    MER

30th Jan 07

Guys, I've updated the schedule...bummer about the rain this weekend, but we've made it into the final round of the Ganey Cup and will be traveling to OMBAC this weekend and will be hosting Santa Monica the following weekend, both teams finished #1 & #2 in their respective pools...we placed #2 behind Belmont based on our Net Points compared with SFV...we will be making up that match on the rain make-up weekend.

This weekend we will be traveling to OMBAC and we NEED TO HAVE A STRONG turnout. The Torpedoes will be playing OMBAC's 1st Division Side at 1PM and our 1st XV will be playing their Super League side at 2:30...lets give it our best and have a good training week!

On Sat., We'll meet the bus at 7AM at the SBCC parking lot.

MER

11th Jan 07

Bus will be at the SBCC at 8AM on Saturday, leave by 8:15AM ( Players and Supporters welcome).
We'll be at the Las Posas Park & Ride Lot in Camarillo around 9:15.

1:00 League Match, Grunion vs. Belmont Shore I
2:30 Torpedoes vs. Belmont Shore II

Game Field

Cal State Long Beach

Parking available on campus near
Palo Verde Ave. & Rendina St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Field adjacent to track.

Just a few comments on the team schedule...

>With 40+ players and stepping up to Division I...the 2nd side Torpedoe matches are going to take on an increased importance both from a development standpoint of players and results, which will affect our overall league standings when tied with other clubs. We'll be hiring buses for away games to make travel easier as a team, but it's up to the players to take ownership of Torpedoes. For social players planning on playing Torpedoes side, I want to encourage you to attend at least one training during the week at UCSB...in the hope of working with/helping developing players that are putting in a lot of time in training and on game weekends.

>If you are planing vacations during the season, do so on the weekends of 2/10th and 5/5th...the other off weekend is the rain make-up weekend on 4/14th, but with 12 league games there is a good chance we'll have a game that weekend.

>With the depth and skill level in our squad we are going to be pushing for a playoff berth (Competive Region playoffs with NorCal on the weekends of 4/21 & 28th) and hopefully a Nationals Invitation so we can return to Columbia, South Carolina for a 2nd Championship shot...lets enjoy our rugby and go for it.

MER

11th Dec 06

See Bob's message...with all the work we did on Saturday at Elings Park...we kind of forgot about the blanket drive. If you have anything to donate, contact Bob directly & arrange to dropoff with him.

We are seeding today at the field from 11am till we finish...we can use some extra hands so if you aren't working put on your gum boots and come on up to help...Saturday was awesome, thanks for all the help guys.

MER

 

27th Nov 06

Next week we start pre-season training...hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Look forward to hitting those stairs with you guys.

In order to get the field ready for the season, we've scheduled a workday on SATURDAY DEC. 9TH at the Park to level/fill in holes, setup another storage shed for all the excess gear/equipment we have, and fix the scrum machine. Most importantly we will be prepping the field for Tim Metcalf to hydraseed the fields on the following Monday, 12/11th (If you are available to volunteer on Monday afternoon let me know). The fields will then be closed down for 6 weeks to be ready for the season.

All club members...please leave your morning free on that Saturday 8-12 so you can helpout, then we'll have a barbeque lunch at the field afterwards.

MER

 

Sometime in Nov 06

Guys, we approaching a little less than 3 weeks until the start of our pre-season.

First Tuesday in December,5th, more info. to come...but I would start doing some work on your own to get ready, I know most of you guys are itchin to get going.

We have 3 weeks of training before Christmas break to focus on FITNESS & STRENGTH, and skills and then two more weeks in January to tune our strategies before our first outing against Belmont Shore. I expect all returners and new players to be there from the first week in December putting in the hard yards. We're going to be laying the groundwork and expectations for the season from the get go!

If you are a new player to the club and plan on playing, let me know...if you are a former player who plans on playing again, let me know...if you are a returning player and plan on playing, let me know...if you don't want to play, don't come a knockin!

MER

 

Monday 30th October 2006

10/27-28th/2006
Grunion AGM
Santa Barbara Rugby Day, Chase Palm Park

Great turnout on Friday night at the AGM...we raised $961 from the jersey drive to go towards the new jerseys...if you haven't paid yet you can do so through the paypal link and Enrico will send/give you your jersey. We held elections and all the club positions will remain the same for another rugby year...Jeff-Bus. Mgr, Judge-Sec., Bob-Treas., Jerry-VP, Ken-Prez...dues were set at $250 for returners (+$750 if you got it), $150 for newbies, and $50 for social/non-playing members, and $1,000 for L/T members 35 & older...if you didn't pay your dues this weekend, please pay with credit card via the paypal link or mail a check over the next couple of weeks...Grunion Rugby Football Club, P.O. Box 40277, Santa Barbara, California 93140. As part of membership this year, each club member will be responsible for a club job (21 jobs available to make Judge more pleasant), which we'll fill between now and December...once you decide where you can contribute let me know and we'll discuss it at the monthly officer's meeting and you will be annointed come December. As for the pre-season, we'll be starting Fitness training the first week in December through the week before Christmas and then have rugby camp (Tues/Thur evenings and Sat. am) with the Wellington NPC coaches the first week in JANUARY with the season opener on Jan. 13th...keep checking the hotline for pre-season schedule.

In addition, u can join the current training program on Mon and Wed at 6.15 in the morning ...yes u read right!! at the SBCC track...we are using Titan work-out program for FREE, ZERO, NADA DINERO!! So please do come and join us if u need to get back into shape. For those who cannot make it , there is also a bunch of people on Tue and Thu at 6 pm again at the SBCC that runs fitness together!!!

The Saturday move to Chase Palm Park was a bit more work for the field crew but we couldn't have had a more perfect day to be on the waterfront...Fossils started off the day, reclaiming the bone trophy from the LA Fossils, followed by the UCSB women club taking on mixed women's sides from SLO, Belmont Shore and Surfers while UCSB, Grunion and Westmont played 20 minute games throughout the day...great to see all the new young faces to Santa Barbara Rugby...Doug Lynch got his debut at referee, way to step up! Troy was back at Flyhalf after toiling with Old Blue in NYC...Bob and Judge manned the beer garden and sausages with Lori's help...Tate and Jeff arrived in the nick of time with the goal posts...BJ even made a surprise appearance on the wing...n' the the evening finished at Sharkeez with Simon & Sparky taking the show as chippendales...Another day of sun and rugby in Santa Barbara! Forward any photos to Enrico.

Got a good feeling about the upcoming season after this weekend...enjoy your time off in November we'll meet up after Thanksgiving!

MER


Oct 27th, 2006

The games on Saturday have been moved to Chase Palm Park, due to a scheduling conflict at Elings Park...not a bad trade for a pitch on some of the most expensive real estate in Santa Barbara...same game times...

Directions...

Exit Garden St. off of 101 freeway
Head towards the beach on Garden St.
Take a left on Cabrillo Blvd. (Can park straight ahead in City Lot)
Field will be on right-hand side.

social to follow at Sharkeez on lower State St.

Oct 18th, 2006

The on-line jersey auction continues for two more weeks concluding at the AGM on Friday night. There has been some high bidding on the double digit numbers!


Couple of things as we approach the AGM...

>We're looking for a new alternative (not what you think Butters) jersey design to complement the traditional stripe, so if you have some ideas go ahead and put together a design(s) for the meeting.

>Try and pay your dues at the meeting (Read the agenda for due's/donations), we need funds now to pay upcoming season bills...taco money has been spent. Old Boys...if you haven't upped the ante...consider buying a lifetime membership to support the club...membership has its priveliges!

>Also think about ways you can contribute to the club in the upcoming year...(e.g. designing-ordering t-shirts/sweatshirts/club gear, new club logos, brininging new sponsors-Cash or In Kind, recruiting or putting up players or traveling referees for the weekend, training/medical help, old cars you can donate to visiting players, legal services...the list goes on...we can put together an informal business directly for members associated with the club)

GOT TWO WEEKS TO DO SOME FITNESS TO KEEP UP WITH THE COLLEGE BOYS! Look forward to seeing everyone either in the beer garden or on the pitch.

MER


Sept 5th, 2006

Congrats to Enrico on winning the Div. II MVP.
Spence, Kevin, Erith, Enrico, and I were on hand to collect the team's championship cup (Actually it was a plaque).

Santa Barbara takes home 4 awards out of 7 :
Div II Champions: Grunions
Div II MVP: Enrico Ferri
Women Collegiate Champions: UCSB
Women Collegiate MVP: Blair Groefsema

Nominations:
Players' player: Ken Jacobsen
Best coach of the year: Kevin Battle
Men Collegiate MVP: Andrew King

Click here for PHOTOS
MER

September 2006

Article Rico on RUGBY MAGAZINE!! (click to make it bigger)

August 26th, 2006, Elings Park
Santa Barbara 7's

For the 2nd consecutive year the Torpedoes took the Social Cup against a strong Kern Old Boys side, led by strong play by Tim Ahern and some new Grunion hopefuls in Rev and Dropkick...and the Fossils finished 2nd in the Old Boys Division, as the Old Goats got revenge for their loss in last years inaugural Old Bone match-up...and a bumbling Grunion side failed to win a single game in the Open Division, as San Jose and Fresno battled it out in the Championship Match...San Jose took the honors, congrats guys and good to see the NorCal representation. Thanks to Judge, Jerry, Sauce, Bob, Spence for running the food and beer all day. There was a great turnout at the Park.

If you have any photos, forward them onto Enrico for the web-site.

Next Up: The SCRFU Griffin Awards Banquet in Hollywood, on Sat. 9/2nd. The Club and Spencer Gould our jointly sponsoring a table for up to 10 club members and their partners. If you are interested in going let me know by Tuesday night and we'll book everything on Wednesday. Then a few of you guys can get a room at the Hotel for Saturday evening. Former All Black, Josh Kronfeld, is the guest speaker and the club will be up for an award for the Div. II Championship, and Enrico has been nominated for Player of the Year...hope a bunch of you guys can make it.

MER

August 21st 2006

Got some new Canterbury Shorts & Socks ($15 & 10), which I'll have at touch tomorrow night if you need gear for the 7's tourney this weekend. The Socks are their new performance sock...lot more comfortable than the traditional wool ones we've had from them...the sheep are going out of business. The shorts are pocketless and bit lighter.

Also got some new Grunion stickers...2 for $5.

We'll post the 7's schedule for this Saturday by Wednesday. We'll have 3 sides in the tourney, Grunion in Open Div., Torpedoes in the Social Div. and Fossils in their very own special division. Game fees for the day are $20 or you can help us with setup on Friday night at 5:30 or takedown on Saturday night in lieu.

MER


August 15th 2006

Good News! Met with the Foster's Rep. this morning in Ventura and they are on board for the 3rd consecutive year. They said they are excited to be part of the club's success and wish us the best as we take on Division I next year. I know all club members will do their best to support Foster's.

If any of you guys are involved with businesses that might be interested in associate sponsorships of the club for the 2006-'07 season in some shape ($$) or form (barter)...let me know in the next couple of weeks as we put together our budget.

MER

August 7th 2006

If you have any friends from other teams that might be interested pass the entry form (on web-site)...We'll have sides in the Men's Open and Social...Mermaids will have a side in Women's Open...and Fossils will be in the Old Boys division (+40)...the best social tournament of the year, hope everyone can make it.

We'll be playing touch on Tues. & Thur. nights at Chase Palm Park through August.

MER

 

August 6th 2006

After a long week of work and fun, we put the Taco Booth to rest on Sunday under the bleachers at the SB Muni Tennis Stadium...the rats were getting excited at the amount of grease on those floorboards. I want to thank all of the Grunion Club Guys & Friends of the Club, Mermaids & UCSB gals, and S/Olympic folks that worked shifts or filled in with technical expertise (Grunion Old Boys...Aggie-Water Heater, Kittle - Taco Machine, Maloney - Electrical) to keep the booth running, in all there were over 60 volunteers that made this one of the most successful ($$) taco runs in recent years. With Gross Revenue of $9,400 (We'll have the net $ at the Fall AGM) we raised much needed funds for the Special Olympics and the Club for the upcoming Div. I season.
Revenues
Wed. $1993
Thur 2290
Fri. 2335
Sat 2760
Gross $9,378
First and foremost, we need to thank Jeff for taking the lead on the Taco Booth this year from Bob Riggs who has been running the taco booth for years...and especially the guys that did the hard yards in setup and takedown, Jeff, EnRico, Tate (Saved the day with his truck on Sunday), Al Hoyt, Judge, Jerry, Mahoney, Wren, Gerry, Arturo, and Stan the Man (Senior Jacobsen).

MVP volunteers for running the booth go to...Wren (Opened up every day), Judge (Daily Double Shifts), Jeff (Ordering of Food), The Maloney Gang (John, you and your family were awesome), Enrico (Shifts Galore), Lorri Lynch (Stayed on Sat. night until 1Am cleaning the booth with the boys) , Al Hoyt (Best Taco Frier).

Thanks to everyone else for filling in shifts and keeping the spirit of Fiesta alive, fueld by the special lemonade.
Doug, Bonnie, Judge's friends, Riggs & JR, Gerry, Keric, Taiwo, Tim, Alex & Melanie and the Walterspiels, Arturo, Tia, Erica, Wendy, Ana Marie, Kara, DL, Arin, Clint, Ian, Hamish, Schwartz, Spence, Dr. G, Double Dutch, Dom from Special Olympics...I'm sure I missed a few too that worked day shifts.

MER

 


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