Updated Spring Schedule

The spring schedule is now complete, barring unforeseen changes. The two big changes: First, we will traveling up to Mauston, along with Kettle Moraine and Oak Creek, on May 3 to play teams visiting from Minnesota. Second, we will be playing a round robin game against both Fond du Lac and Muskego on June 6 to end the season.

This schedule should provide us with great opportunities to play new teams and also provide everyone with a lot of good opportunities to play.

Finally, I would note that April 25, 2009 is the Founders' Cup match against Catholic Memorial. The gauntlet has certainly been thrown down by CMH and it is time for us to strike back and stake a claim to having our club's name engraved in the win column.

Spring is coming...

Behind the scenes, we are starting to make progress towards the spring season. The schedule is just about set and it looks like it should be an exciting spring season as we return to Iowa and gear up for our Founders' Cup rematch with Catholic Memorial. We have a large group of departing seniors so hopefully we will go out with a bang... bringing home the Cup and building a great new core of players for the Fall!

I have to say that I was impressed and inspired during the Catholic Memorial game when our team pulled together, chanted our motto, and pressed ahead until they finally scored. That is just the kind of spirit that can move a team forward. I was reminded of that moment when I went to see some rugby in Wales over the Christmas break. Every time the Scarlets scored the stadium burst out in song, singing the refrain to Yma O Hyd (this is a link to the YouTube Song). The refrain means:

Chorus:

Ry'n ni yma o hyd (We're still here )

Ry'n ni yma o hyd (We're still here)

Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth (Despite everything)

Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth (Despite everything)

Ry'n ni yma o hyd. (We're still here)

It was a completely inspirational. Perhaps we need a fight song?

Spring 2009 Tentative Schedule

1. Wed., March 11, 2009: First Day of Practice. Practices Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Subject to field availability)
2. Sun., April 5 Pius v. Brookfield (away) 1:00 p.m. (location TBD)
3. April 17-19: Iowa Tournament (Tentative). Departing for Des Moines April 17 and returning April 19. If we don't have enough players, we may field a combined side with Kettle Moraine RFC
4. Sat., April 25: Catholic Memorial v. Brookfield (The Founders' Cup Match) 10:00 a.m.
5. Wed., April 29: Kettle Moraine v. Brookfield. 4:00 p.m. at Nagawaukee (yes--this is a mid-week match)
6. Sun., May 3: Minnesota/Wisconsin Challenge Mauston, WI
   
7. Sat., May 9: DSHA v. Brookfield. at Dretzka at 9:30 a.m.
8. Sun., May 17: Vernon v. Brookfield, home match at 2:00 p.m.
9. Sat., May 30: Northshore v. Brookfield, Away at 10:00 a.m.
10. Sat., June 6: Brookfield v. Muskego; Broofield v. Fond du Lac, away (Fond du Lac) at 10:00 a.m.

I will let you know when the full schedule, including field confirmations for practices and matches, are available. But I hope this gives everyone a rough idea of our Spring schedule.

Congratulations to Val and Rachel

Congratulations to Val and Rachel, who were both named to the 2008 All-Tournament Team!

For those of you who aren't familiar with this honor, four independent selectors watch all the final matches and select a 22-person roster for the All Tournament honor. Val and Rachel were selected for their performances during our final match against Vernon. A full list of the all tournament team can be found here.

Who knew that Rachel was so tall?

Final Match Details

Here are the details for the state finals. Our Match is in bold and all games are being played at Nagawaukee Park:

WHERE: Nagawaukee Park
DATE: Sunday, October 26, 2008

WHO:

7th Place Match 10:30 AM OC v. DS-B
5th Place Match 12:00 PM NS v. KM
3rd Place Match 1:30 PM Vernon v. THE BRUISERS
State Championship 3:00 PM CMH v. DS

Players should be at the field no later than 12:30 so we can warm up. Don't forget, this is a county park, so bring the fee for parking.

Also, just a reminder, there is no practice on Thursday due to a scheduling conflict so everyone needs to be at practice tomorrow so we can all be on the same page come Sunday!

Match Details for the Semi-Finals/Founders' Cup

WHERE: Nashota Park
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Kick off (be there by 8:30 a.m.)!
DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2008
OPPONENT: Catholic Memorial

This weekend, we take on Catholic Memorial in the semi-final match for the state tournament. In addition to playing for advancement in the state play-offs, the Founders' Cup is also at stake. This is a big match for the club.

The directions to Nashota Park are as follows: Head west on Capitol Dr/WI-190;
Take the ramp onto WI-16 for about 8.1 mi; Take exit 179 for County Hwy C toward Delafield/Nashotah; Turn right at County Hwy C/Lakeland Dr. The park should be about a mile down the road. The address is:

Waukesha County Nashotah Park
W330n5113 County Road C
Nashotah, WI 53058

Match Details for SATURDAY

WHO: DSHA v. The Bruisers
WHERE: Dretzka Park
WHEN: Saturday, October 4
TIME: 10:00 a.m. kick-off (Be there by 9:00 a.m.)

DIRECTIONS: Take US 45 North to WI-145 (Exit 48). At top of ramp, take a right, the entrance to Dretzka park is about 1/4 mile up the road on the right. The field is right by the entrance.

See you there!