Monday, October 30, 2023

WGR State Final Results 2023

Championship

Divine Savior Holy Angels HS 38      

Catholic Memorial HS  7

3rd Place 

Divine Savior Holy Angels HS jv  19

Stevens Points Area HS  10

5th Place

Green Bay Banshees  21

Hamilton HS  7

7th Place

Madison-Muskego HS 38

Bruisers 31

Historical Notes:

This is DSHA's 19th State Title.  Combined, DSHA and DSHA jv were undefeated in Fall WGR competition.

This was the first state final held at Didier Field in Saukville.

     By mutual league agreement, DSHA jv does not play DSHA in playoff matches.  Even though they won their semifinal, it was deemed healthier for everyone in the league that they not play their own teammates in a final.  For context, in some past seasons DSHA jv would've been matched up against DSHA varsity in the championship semifinal; instead they were moved down to the 5th place bracket in order to be consistent with this agreement.  Whatever the matchups end up being each year, having another quality 15s team in the DS jv side benefits everyone in the league.  They've introduced hundreds of kids to rugby over the years.  It's also noted that CMH took on the challenge and the pressure of a final after a tough defeat.  We list all teams based on their finish in their final matches.  All these teams did not disappoint, with competitive matches in each final.  

     While we'll never know how every fall team stacked up at the end of their season, it's always interesting to consider how some teams that didn't have a chance to play would've matched up against each other.  These are some of the good challenges faced in a growing, grassroots sport.  We want to thank league leadership and the coaches for their foresight and understanding in trying to guide league growth as best they can.  It's also understood that standings may at times be muddy and need context; it may not be quite so clear cut some years.  It rarely ever is.  

     Maybe more importantly, we're reminded that last year's fifth place finisher at state finished 4th at the national tournament last spring.  It's only halftime for every program in Wisconsin.   Best of luck to all these programs: we wish them success bringing more kids to rugby all winter and spring season long.  We have faith that leadership will continue to keep these factors and many others in mind when making tough decisions.  Parents keep supporting them; they need your support and help so that many more girls will continue to have opportunities to play.

Final Results Standings

1 DSHA HS

2 Catholic Memorial HS

3 DSHA jv

4 Stevens Point Area HS

5 Green Bay Banshees

6 Hamilton HS

7 Madison-Muskego HS

8 Bruisers

9.Pulaski: (Only fielded a 7's team this fall)

WGR State Championships (15's, Fall)

Year                1st                                2nd                   3rd
2023                DSHA                         CMHS             DSHA jv
2022                DSHA                         Hamilton HS   Brookfield/Kettle M.
2021                Catholic Memorial      DSHA             Hamilton HS
2020                -------------------------COVID WON-------------------------
2019                DSHA                         CMHS             Kettle Moraine
2018                DSHA                         CMHS             Hamilton HS
2017                Catholic Memorial      DSHA              Brookfield
2016                DSHA                         CMHS             Oak Creek HS
2015                Catholic Memorial      DSHA              Brookfield
2014                DSHA                         CMHS             Brookfield
2013                DSHA                         CMHS             Kettle M.
2012                DSHA                         CMHS             Kettle M.
2011                DSHA                         CMHS             Kettle M.
2010                DSHA                         Kettle M.         Brookfield
2009                DSHA                         Brookfield        Vernon
2008                DSHA                         CMHS             Vernon
2007                DSHA                         Vernon             CMHS      1st State Tourney
2006                DSHA                         Vernon
2005                DSHA                         Vernon
2004                DSHA                         Kettle Moraine
2003                DSHA                         Kettle Moraine Northshore
2002                Kettle Moraine            DSHA              Northshore
2001                DSHA                         Northshore       Kettle Moraine
2000                DSHA                         Kettle Moraine


Monday, October 23, 2023

WGR Finals at Didier Field Oct 29th, 2023

 The 2023 WGR State Championship Tournament takes place Sunday Oct 29th at Didier Field in Saukville.

The former home field of the now-defunct Saukville Rebels Youth Football Program, the lighted, grass facility has been taken over by Ty Wade, a local chiropractor and rugby veteran in the community.

The Lineup of Matches Includes:

1:30pm  Muskego/Madison 38 vs Bruisers  31                           7th Place Match  

3:00pm  Green Bay  21    vs Hamilton HS  7                              5th Place Match

4:30pm  DSHA HSjv 19   vs  Stevens Point Area HS 10            3rd Place Match

6:00pm  DSHA HS 38     vs   Catholic Memorial HS 7              Championship

As the first rugby event held at the facility, WGR is looking forward to making the partnership beneficial for everyone.

This is DSHA's 21st championship appearance, with 18 title's won.  This is Catholic Memorial's 12th championship appearance, with 3 title's won.

Neither Stevens Point nor DSHA jv has ever won a bronze medal at state.  Whoever wins, it will be a historic moment for their programs.

A few reminders:

--Location:  Didier Field, Rebels Road, Saukville, WI 53080

--Admission: Volunteers at the admission gate will be asking for an entry fee.  Thank you!  This helps cover the cost of the facility, athletic trainers, and referee staffing.

--Parking:  Due to limited space, carpooling is recommended.  Please be conscious of the neighborhood around the stadium.  WGR depends on volunteers to run this event.

--Fan Behavior:

     For fans new to rugby, yelling at the referee is not acceptable.

     For fans new to rugby, silence during field goal kicks and conversion kicks after tries is the classy way rugby supporters display the spirit of the game.  This is not what is seen at typical high school sporting events where yelling during free-throws or field goals is the norm.  Remind your neighbors in the stands that rugby is different; we try to respect both the game and our opponents.  

     Didier field has less bleacher space than the Milwaukee County Sports Complex.  Come early or bring a folding chair if you come late.  All fans will be on one side of the field near the facilities. 

--Event Volunteers Are Essential:  Anyone willing to volunteer to help the day of (with admissions, parking, concessions, or anything else) should contact their coach.  A volunteer sign-up should've been received by all team members on behalf of the league leadership.









Saturday, October 21, 2023

Playoff Results

Championship Semifinals

DSHA jv. 15*  Catholic Memorial 10

DSHA  86  Stevens Point 0


Consolation Semifinals (5th Place Bracket)

Hamilton 61. Bruisers 0

Green Bay 38 Muskego/Madison 0


State Finals Oct 29th 

Championship:  DSHA v Catholic Memorial

3rd Place:  DSHA jv   v   Stevens Point

5th Place:   Green Bay v Hamilton

7th Place:    Madison/Muskego  v  Bruisers


*by league agreement, DSHA jv will not match up against DSHA in the final round.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

WGR Playoff Weekend 2023

 The 2023 Wisconsin Girls Rugby playoff weekend takes place this coming Saturday October 21st, 2023.  Based on the final conference standings below, the anticipated matchups are listed below.  

Congrats to the DSHA JV team for their first conference title.  Their program has brought a ton of new girls to the game of rugby over the years.

Check back as times, matchups, and fields at the Madison United Rugby Complex in Cottage Grove are confirmed:

(G4) - EAST PITCH - 9am - Hamilton (Oliver 3) vs Bruisers (Noe 4)

(G2) - WEST PITCH - 10am - DSHA B (Oliver 1) vs CMH (Noe 2)

(G3) - EAST PITCH - 11am - Green Bay (Noe 3) vs Muskegon/Madison (Oliver 4)
(G1) - WEST PITCH - 12pm - DSHA A (Noe 1) vs SPASH (Oliver 2)

This will determine the state games for the following weekend as well:

7th place - loser of G3 vs loser of G4
5th place - winner of G3 vs winner of G4
3rd place - loser of G1 vs loser of G2
1st place - winner of G1 vs winner of G2 

Semifinal Playoff Pairings @Madison United Rugby (Cottage Grove)

The winners of these matchups play for the championship while the losers play for 3rd place.

DSHA HS      vs   Stevens Point Area HS
DSHA HS jv   vs  Catholic Memorial HS

Consolation 5th Place Semifinal Pairings @Madison United Rugby (Cottage Grove)
The winners of these matchups play for 5th place while the loser play for 3rd place.
*Interesting Note:  last year's 5th place winner finished 4th at the National Tournament in 2023.  There are many good teams and well-coached programs involved in fall conference play.  

Green Bay      vs  Madison-Muskego
Hamilton HS   vs  Bruisers

Jeff Noe Conference
Divine Savior Holy Angels HS 3-0
Catholic Memorial HS 2-1
Green Bay 1-2
Bruisers 0-3

Tony Oliver Conference
Divine Savior Holy Angels JV 2-0-1
Stevens Point Area HS  2-1
Hamilton HS 1-1-1
Madison/Muskeg HS Co-op  0-3

JV Developmental Programs
Pulaski 

In Development
Fox Cities Iron Maidens  (contact: jawalt16@yahoo.com)
    To debut Spring 2024

Monday, October 9, 2023

WGR Conference Schedule Final Week 2023 (10/14/23)

 WGR Conference play ends this weekend.  It's a short season with only three conference matches.  Playoff pairings will be determined at the conclusion of league play this weekend. 

The top two teams in each conference square off in semifinals on Oct 21st.

The next four will play in the consolation 5th place brackets also on Oct 21st.

The finals will be contested on Sunday Oct 29th at the Saukville Rebels Stadium:  

Didier Field - Rebel Rd, Saukville, WI 53080

 More details coming.  Each team will play to determine their final standing, 1st place through 8th place.  There may also be JV matches to begin the day.   Note the change in location from the last few years.

Final WGR Conference Matches:  Saturday Oct 14th, 2023

Green Bay @ DSHA 945am @ Catholic Memorial HS

  GB 0  DSHA 40

Musk/Madison @ DSHA JV  @Catholic Memorial HS

 Musk/Mad 7  DSHA jv 27

Hamilton HS @ Stevens Point Area HS  11am @307 Michigan Ave, Stevens Point

   Hamilton 0  SPASH 19

Bruisers @ Catholic Memorial HS   10:30am @ Minooka Park (may move to CMH due to rain)

   Bruisers 0   CMHS 68


League Standings (standings reported here are UNOFFICIAL.  Final records & tie-breakers are determined by WGR board members.  We calculate what they appear to be based on scores unofficially reported.  Refs report the official scores and we don't have access to those.  The Official league website and standings may be found here:     https://wigirlsrugby.org/ )

Jeff Noe Conference
Divine Savior Holy Angels HS 3-0
Catholic Memorial HS 2-1
Green Bay 1-2
Bruisers 0-3

Tony Oliver Conference
Divine Savior Holy Angels JV 2-0-1
Stevens Point Area HS  2-1
Hamilton HS 1--1-1
Madison/Muskeg HS Co-op  0-3

JV Developmental Programs
Pulaski 

In Development
Fox Cities Iron Maidens  (contact: jawalt16@yahoo.com)
    To debut Spring 2024

***Upcoming Playoff Matchups October 21st, 2023
Semifinal Playoff Pairings @Madison United Rugby (Cottage Grove)
DSHA HS    vs   Stevens Point Area HS
DSHA JV vs   Catholic Memorial HS  

Consolation 5th Place Semifinal Pairings @Madison United Rugby (Cottage Grove)
Green Bay      vs    Muskego-Madison
Hamilton HS   vs  Bruisers

Annual State Tournament Program 2023

 

State tournament sponsorship/booklet

Monday, October 2, 2023

WGR Conference Week Two 2023 (10/7/23)

Week 3:  Oct 7th WGR Conference Round-Two:

A full slate of 15's matches coming up this weekend.  With only three conference matches for each team, conference leaders should be clear after this week.

DSHA JV @ Hamilton HS    10am  Nashotah Park

  Tied:  DSHA JV 31  Hamilton HS 31 (score unconfirmed.  DSHA was up 31-10)

DSHA       @Bruisers             12pm Nashotah Park
   DSHA 29  Bruisers 0 (fft)

CMHS       @Green Bay         10am Barney Williams Field (Howard, WI)
   CMH 22 Green Bay 19 (CMH reportedly scored twice in the last 5 minutes to pull off a dramatic win.  GB reportedly played down a player)

Pulaski JV  @Green Bay & CMH JV    12pm Barney Williams Field

Madison/Muskego  @Stevens Points Area HS   11am  (at 600 Maria Drive)
  SPASH 58  Mad/Muskego 0
 WGR Conference Standings Fall 15's 2023 (only includes conference records)

Jeff Noe Conference
Divine Savior Holy Angels HS 2-0
Catholic Memorial HS 1-1 (CMH holds the very important head-to-head tie breaker over GB)
Green Bay 1-1
Bruisers 0-2

Tony Oliver Conference
Divine Savior Holy Angels JV 1-0-1
Hamilton HS  1-0-1
Stevens Point Area HS  1-1
Madison/Muskeg HS Co-op  0-2

JV Developmental Programs
Pulaski 

In Development
Fox Cities Iron Maidens  (contact: jawalt16@yahoo.com)
    To debut Spring 2024

October 14th, 2023 Week Four: 
A look ahead.  Check back to confirm times as they are partly based on ref availability.

Green Bay @ DSHA                      1030am  Greenfield HS

DSHA jv    @Muskego-Madison   1145am  Greenfield HS

DSHA jv2   vs Pulaski 7s               1pm        Greenfield HS

Bruisers      @ Catholic Memorial  10am     Minooka Park