SPRING 1997 REVIEW

Well - how best to sum up another season of Frederick Rugby!! Let's look back on some of the many high points. If you didn't make the tour to Savannah - it's fair to say that you missed out. It wasn't just taking home the Trophy (though that was pretty great). It was the Call-a-Cabs, the beads - the all you can drink Heineken (Al), Bub's clothes, Hixon's lack of clothes, Jamie's lost day, Woody's on the field heroics, Doc's field hospital, the back of Ed's hand (as always). Friendships made with MDExiles-late at night, Frank from Raleigh and an ex-Mason Dixon player. Unfortunately there were some serious injuries, in particular Tobin's shoulder, Al's leg and Jamie's concussion. On a roll we took care of Baltimore in their new standing as Division I - but lost Kenny to injury. Confident we went up to Pittsburgh Harlequins, and not so confident we came back home! At the United Richmond fixture we finally got to see Jeff's Shiny head 3 feet above the opposition in lineouts, a sight that we came to rely on. The Richmond guys played with heart and they did some serious partying - thanks to Hixon for remembering the words! The United Richmond match also saw our Mentor John Redmond retire again (I won't say for the last time - but I think close to it!!) Div 1.5 Wilmington came to play in the rain at Ft Detrick, Dan 'Moo' got on the score board and Doc squeaked over one of his patent worm burner drop goals! Then into the play-offs, lowly #4 Frederick verses the Virginia #1 Norfolk. 30 seconds into the match that was the story, but Frederick dug deep, scored from a maul then put it wide through the 'quick' hands of Tommy to our secret speed outside Capt. Tory for the score to bring it close, 10-15 by the half. Kenny, cool all day, got us closer soon after the break, then a lapse of concentration put us in the hole 13-22 with 10 mins to go. Fitness and desire took over, New Wave Dave's kick got us in position for a try from the scrum then in injury time Chuck's support and pop pass led to us taking the lead 25-22. The whistle blew 2 mins later. One week later we went up to Blackthorn, #2 in the North for a heart breaker. Tobin returned to have a great game, tries from Tobin and Kretz with another 7 points from the boot of Kenny put us down 17-20. With 2 mins remaining we were camped on the Blackthorn line, couldn't push it over, they cleared, collected the kick to score coming out 27-17 winners. The following week Frederick went to Doylestown for the third/fourth place play-off. With the Ireland brothers in at the second row, Josh , Al and Pat up front and Jamie, Art and myself in the back row, it was a new look pack. The backs had a solid middle with Kretz, Kenny, JB and Doc, with Woody, Wilki and Rusty taking care of the back 3. The game was won convincingly 28-13, after a slow start. Pat suffered a cracked head, but survived, Webb came in to shore up the Front Row, sparing Moo from getting dirty. Worthy of note is that our 'B'-side went unbeaten for the whole season - congratulations and thanks.

Spring ‘97 Results

        Date            Opponent                Score

        3/8             MD Exiles               23 - 32
        3/13            Raleigh                 25 - 30
        3/15            Tampa Bay               21 - 3
        3/15            Rocky Suburbs           26 - 0
        3/16            Blacksburg              39 - 17
        3/22            Baltimore               31 - 22
        3/29            Pitt. Harlequins                5 - 35
        4/5             Utd Richmond            8 - 32
        4/12            Wilmington              29 - 3
        4/19            Norfolk                 25 - 22
        4/26            Blackthorn              17 - 27
        5/3             Doylestown              28 - 13


Fall 1997 Schedule

        Date            Opponent

        Aug     9       First Practice
        16      Frederick Tournament
        23      Atlantic Cup
        30      Labor Day - Practice
        Sept    6       TBA
        13      Lancaster       A
        20      Wilmington      A
        27      Doylestown      A
        Oct     4       Severn River    A
        11      Second City     H
        18      Hiburnians      H
        25      BYE
        Nov     1       Blackthorn      H
        8       Brandywine      H
        15      Promo/Releg

SUMMER SEVENS

Frederick is looking to play competitive '7's this summer. Point man for this summer will be Pete Ireland. If you would like to practice or play this summer, contact Pete by e-mail at: pete_ireland@bigfoot.com or call at (301) 620-9366. We have the MARFU Allstar '7's Coach in John Redmond, let's make use of the experience. John will be at practice every Tuesday (from 27th May). Practices will be at the Airpax field (behind the Fairgrounds, 7:00pm to 8:30pm). The first Tournament will be Bethlehem June 14th, we are also going to Cape Fear July 4/5/6. On July 4th, the US play Wales in a full 15's International. Should be a great experience. Other Tournaments will be entered based on interest. Players interested already are Pete, Tobin, Jason, Kenny, Schleup, Wilki, Eric K, Eric A.

International Rugby

British Lions v South Africa. Three Tests, June 21st and 28th and July 5th. All can be seen live (Sat am) at Flannigan's, Bethesda (on left of Old Georgetown, opposite Chevy Chase Bank building).

JOIN GOLD'S GYM

Owner Dan 'Moo' Makosy is a committed new addition to Frederick, having a great first season at Tight Head. We all realize the need to do off-season training. If you are a member of another gym in Frederick, consider giving your business to a Club-mate. The rate ($30/month with no initiation fee) is very competitive. Gold's is also a sponsor of the Club, $500 this season alone. If more players join up, Gold's will increase this sponsorship.

SHOP AT EVERGREEN LIQUORS

Another major sponsor of the Club is Mike Blickenstaff at Evergreen Liquors on Rt85 (between Gold's Gym and Wallmart). Please take the time to pick up your beer from Evergreen and say thanks. This season Mike has sponsored the Club $350.

OLDE TOWNE TAVERN

Thanks once again to the sponsorship of the only Frederick bar prepared to put up with 60 dirty, loud, thirsty rugby players on a Saturday afternoon!! We appreciate your support $350 this season, and sorry for continually getting you into trouble PJ!!

Printing Plus

The guys at Printing Plus do all the Club printing for free (about $300 per year). Printing Plus is located on Tilco Drive in Frederick, if you have printing needs take it to our sponsor.

GIBRALTAR REAL ESTATE

One of Ed Shafer's companies. Gibraltar offers full Brokerage service. If you need assistance contact Ed at (301) 473-4471. Gibraltar sponsors the Club $250 per season.

WILLOWTREE WASH HOUSE

Another of Ed's companies. The Wash House, on Rt 40, offers both self serve and drop- off service. The Wash House also sponsors the Club $250 a season.

WFRE

WFRE do not sponsor the Club financially, however we have the use of their Star, Tommy Grunwell. In addition to covering the televised matches, Tommy is an ardent supporter and friend of the Club. Tune in to the Tommy Grunwell show every Monday morning for the latest Frederick Rugby results on WFRE Frederick's #1 radio station.

DAVE CROME

Our other commentator deserves a mention, Dave Crome (not just because he's English). Many thanks for your continued involvement Dave and thanks for your time covering the matches with Tommy.

PARTY!!

FREDERICK SUMMER BASH

Sunday June 8th at Ed Shafer's house (6914 Summerswood Drive- off Alt 40) 2pm till late. BEER, chicken and Chili provided. Please bring covered dishes and $10 per person. This will be our first summer fund-raiser - please attend!! We will have Spring '97 awards and team photos from Savannah available. Please RSVP by phone to Julian (301) 662-2599 as soon as possible - so I can get enough BEER!!

JAMES 'DOC' OLIVERIO

Doc, Antoinette and family are leaving us for Texas in June. Doc is pursuing his Surgery training. Without being too obvious, he was a big man on the field and a somewhat crazy one off the field ( I now know how fast a Neon can go in reverse!!) We all wish you the very best Doc, it has been a privilege to be your team-mate and please stay in touch. You have many friends here in Frederick!

FREDERICK RUGBY ACCOUNTING 101

Here are the projected expenses for the Club's Fall '97 season:-

Union Dues (6 months)   $500
Ref Fees (6@$30)        $180
Parties (5@$150)        $750
Coaching Expenses       $3,000

Total Expenses          $5,300

Anticipated Income:-

Player Dues 45@$85      $3,825

Projected Shortfall:-

$5,300 - $3,825 $1,475

1) Fundraising: If we have 50 people at our Summer Party 50@$10 = $500. If you have other ideas, please let me know.

2) Recruitment: We need to recruit to build a better and younger Club. It also brings in money through extra dues. If we recruit 10 new players, @$40 = $400.

3) Sponsorship: If we can encourage local companies to support the Club in return for advertising and our business, we can cover these day-to-day running expenses and build up money for bigger projects. Like the Scrum Machine $1,200 or lighting the Airpax field $3,000.

BAD NEWS

We are still in the red from the Spring season. We owe union dues of $500. This is because 14 people have not paid their dues. The total money owed to us, the Club, by these people is $870. Please pay up. We need your commitment on the field and at practice, but also need you to do your part to help pay for the running of the Club. Please pay your dues.