Hi all,

 

So ends the 2008-2009 rugby season at Towson University.  As I said, I'm proud to be one of your coaches...and this is the most optimistic I've ever been about what a team can do.  You all are limited by yourselves.  If you want to do the work and learn the rugby it takes to be National Champions...it'll happen.

 

You have the opportunity to make a huge statement.  In this coming season, we can go from relative unknown to the national stage.  It's not going to be easy, but looking at every single one of you, I know this TEAM can do it.

 

As I mentioned last night, Georgia and I had a very difficult time selecting our award winners.  Every single one of you has made statements in matches....those inspiring, breath-taking, or admirable moments are burnt into our heads.  Every single one of you should be proud of where we've gone to in such a short period of time.  And, these selections were not taken lightly.

 

Steelhead Award; Ariel - The Steelhead Award is an award given out weekly by the Severn River Men's team.  It's awarded for hardest-hitting or best game-changing play of the match.  As an annual award for TUWRFC, it not only symbolizes the same hard-hitting and game-changing ability, but showing the same work ethic and attitude in practice.  Quite honestly, I can't think of a more worthy first recipient than Ariel.

 

Rookie of the Year; Monica - I've seen Monica play rugby for a number of years now.  Her toughness and confidence on the pitch is truly admirable.  When I heard she was headed to Towson (after I formally "accepted" the job), I knew we had someone we could build a championship team around.  As you've all seen, Monica has the ability to ruin an opposing scrum-half's day.  This past season, and into the future, we'll count on her to continue doing the same.

 

Forward of the Year; Jackie - Probably the most consistent match-to-match; it's hard to recall a bad game she's had.  I really admire Jackie's defensive skills and ability to get in the face of (and stop) the opposing forwards.  I've seen Jackie grow as a player through sevens (to the point where she now wants to play center....not gonna happen, Jackie).  When I say sevens boosts your 15s game, Jackie is a prime example....she's reading the field well, knows the game better, and reacting appropriately to what she sees going on.  I'm proud to have Jackie as a core of our forward group.

 

Back of the Year; Jess - Simply said, the girl can make stuff happen.  As you all know, I have a love for the inside center position....if anyone knows what works, and what doesn't at inside, it's me.  Their role is to essentially keep the forwards honest so they're not out dumping the rest of the backs on their arses.  Jess does that.  She not only commands respect with her strong runs to the inside, but with a microsecond of defensive stupidity, she can break out a nice long run for a try.  Simply said, her abilities at inside center allow us to make stuff happen elsewhere.

 

Player of the Year; Charlee - Yea...I teared up during her award....but it's not only 'cause she's leaving.  As a coach, one of the few rewards you get is to see the massive brain download show up in the players you coach.  Flat out, Charlee went from rugby rookie to a top notch player in the matter of eight months.  I'd like to think it's all Georgia and I's stellar coaching ability, but it's not.  This game has sooooo many phases you need to win in order to walk off the pitch with a victory.  Not only a solid defensive and offensive player, she's got a heck of a boot on her.  While it may seem insignificant in the course of a match, territory (kicking for space) is a huge part of the game.  So, for her reliable tackling, ability to make plays happen offensively, booming kicks for touch, and points after try, Charlee is our well-deserved Player of the Year.  We are all going to miss having you on team.

 

 

It's been a phenominal season.  I do appreciate your time, attention, and respect for Georgia and I....more than I can put into words (I know...shocking).  We're going to get back together September 1 and work on beating the snot out of the Potomac Rugby Union, winning the #1 seed, roll into MARFUs and beat anyone that dares to get in our way, and then head to Nationals.

 

Nothing is going to be handed to us.  We have a target on our backs now.  But f- the rest, we can be the best.  The road to a national championship is long and hard, filled with joy and some tears, but if you work hard to be the best damn rugger (and person) you can be, the end of the road is all that much more sweeter.

 

I love being a coach of Towson University Women's Rugby,

That is all,

Jeff