The WGR league-wide meeting takes place Monday Nov 17th @7pm.
Coaches, the Board of Directors, and volunteer members are all expected to attend the twice-annual meeting.
Anyone interested in starting up a program or volunteering with WGR should contact league administrators: wisconsingirlsrugby@gmail.com
Agenda items are certain to include Spring scheduling, the 7's State Championship, and conference development.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
WGR State Championships 2014
DSHA 15 Catholic Memorial 10
Brookfield defeated DSHA jv
Vernon defeated Fond Du Lac
Kettle Moraine 58 Oak Creek 28
Muskego 15 Appleton 5
Final WGR Standings
1. Divine Savior
2. Catholic Memorial
3. Brookfield
4. DSHA jv
5. Vernon
6. Fond Du Lac
7. Kettle Moraine
8. Oak Creek
9. Muskego
10. Appleton
Brookfield defeated DSHA jv
Vernon defeated Fond Du Lac
Kettle Moraine 58 Oak Creek 28
Muskego 15 Appleton 5
Final WGR Standings
1. Divine Savior
2. Catholic Memorial
3. Brookfield
4. DSHA jv
5. Vernon
6. Fond Du Lac
7. Kettle Moraine
8. Oak Creek
9. Muskego
10. Appleton
Thursday, October 23, 2014
State Final Preview
The 2014 WGR State Championship Tournament takes place Sunday at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex at 60th and Ryan Rd. in Franklin.
There will be a $2 admission at the gate, in addition to T-Shirt sales. Along with the annual WGR Bake Sale, all proceeds help off set the cost of running the event and support the development of girls youth rugby.
Championship 7pm Catholic Memorial v DSHA
3rd Place 530pm Brookfield v DSHA jv
5th Place 4pm Fond Du Lac v Vernon
7th Place 230pm Kettle Moraine v Oak Creek
9th Place 130pm Muskego v Appleton
The Championship Match: 7pm
Catholic Memorial High School v Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Another chapter will be added to the Dashers-Crusader's rivalry.
For the Dashers: This is one of the most experienced sides they've ever fielded. Couple that with a wonderful team spirit, leadership, strong playing numbers, and a great coaching staff, and it's clear why they continue to find success. They appear deep as well, as the commitment to coaching a second competitive side in the league continues to help them develop players. Recruiting 57 players from a school of 600 is remarkable.
For the Crusaders: This is a team of warriors. About 19 strong, everyone appears to contribute and they have the advantage of having a core of players who have played virtually every minute of every match. Likewise, their success at a school with a little over 300 girls in it is also remarkable.
The 3rd Place Match: 5:30pm
Brookfield Bruisers v Divine Savior Holy Angels jv
For the Bruisers: Their defensive organization continues to improve and they have strength and speed throughout the middle of the field. With good playing numbers, the Bruiser's have a chance to win medals for the first time in years. Their coaching staff has done well to provide playing opportunities to girls at schools new to WGR, places like Whitnal High School and beyond.
For the young Dashers: A team filled with athleticism and skill, they can play with anybody. They were susceptible in the breakdown early in the year, but have improved dramatically there over the last month. The only question of them in this match is whether any key starters will be held out for the varsity match, and consequently how will even younger players respond to the challenge/opportunity of stepping up.
The 5th Place Match / Challenger Bracket Finals 4pm
Fond Du Lac v Vernon
For the Sirens: Bursting with athleticism, Fond Du Lac has shown they can score some points and have played exciting rugby all fall. How will they do against a very organized and physical defense?
For the Harlequins: They've had a nice season and are finishing strong, adding several wins in a row after a challenging early schedule. Certainly watch their hard running 10 and 12 combination and a physical forward pack.
The 7th Place Match / Challenger Bracket Consolation Final 230pm
Kettle Moraine v Oak Creek
For the Knightmares: They are a very athletic bunch. While their seniors form the core of the team, it should be worth seeing the mix of new talents as well, like center Morgan Saenz and loosey Sommer Arndt.
For the Knights: We could say the same of the young Oak Creek Knights, an athletic bunch with some new talents emerging to go along with "young veteran" Megan Bird. They might be the youngest team in the conference.
The 9th Place Match 1:30pm
Muskego v Appleton
for the Warriors: After a bye week to mend, prepare, and finish strong, watch for the strong tackling of Jolyssa Kotarak and company.
for the Dragons: The Appleton ladies will be looking to end their season with a victory. Jacquelyn Helmied continues to impress opponents with her defense.
There will be a $2 admission at the gate, in addition to T-Shirt sales. Along with the annual WGR Bake Sale, all proceeds help off set the cost of running the event and support the development of girls youth rugby.
Championship 7pm Catholic Memorial v DSHA
3rd Place 530pm Brookfield v DSHA jv
5th Place 4pm Fond Du Lac v Vernon
7th Place 230pm Kettle Moraine v Oak Creek
9th Place 130pm Muskego v Appleton
The Championship Match: 7pm
Catholic Memorial High School v Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Another chapter will be added to the Dashers-Crusader's rivalry.
For the Dashers: This is one of the most experienced sides they've ever fielded. Couple that with a wonderful team spirit, leadership, strong playing numbers, and a great coaching staff, and it's clear why they continue to find success. They appear deep as well, as the commitment to coaching a second competitive side in the league continues to help them develop players. Recruiting 57 players from a school of 600 is remarkable.
For the Crusaders: This is a team of warriors. About 19 strong, everyone appears to contribute and they have the advantage of having a core of players who have played virtually every minute of every match. Likewise, their success at a school with a little over 300 girls in it is also remarkable.
The 3rd Place Match: 5:30pm
Brookfield Bruisers v Divine Savior Holy Angels jv
For the Bruisers: Their defensive organization continues to improve and they have strength and speed throughout the middle of the field. With good playing numbers, the Bruiser's have a chance to win medals for the first time in years. Their coaching staff has done well to provide playing opportunities to girls at schools new to WGR, places like Whitnal High School and beyond.
For the young Dashers: A team filled with athleticism and skill, they can play with anybody. They were susceptible in the breakdown early in the year, but have improved dramatically there over the last month. The only question of them in this match is whether any key starters will be held out for the varsity match, and consequently how will even younger players respond to the challenge/opportunity of stepping up.
The 5th Place Match / Challenger Bracket Finals 4pm
Fond Du Lac v Vernon
For the Sirens: Bursting with athleticism, Fond Du Lac has shown they can score some points and have played exciting rugby all fall. How will they do against a very organized and physical defense?
For the Harlequins: They've had a nice season and are finishing strong, adding several wins in a row after a challenging early schedule. Certainly watch their hard running 10 and 12 combination and a physical forward pack.
The 7th Place Match / Challenger Bracket Consolation Final 230pm
Kettle Moraine v Oak Creek
For the Knightmares: They are a very athletic bunch. While their seniors form the core of the team, it should be worth seeing the mix of new talents as well, like center Morgan Saenz and loosey Sommer Arndt.
For the Knights: We could say the same of the young Oak Creek Knights, an athletic bunch with some new talents emerging to go along with "young veteran" Megan Bird. They might be the youngest team in the conference.
The 9th Place Match 1:30pm
Muskego v Appleton
for the Warriors: After a bye week to mend, prepare, and finish strong, watch for the strong tackling of Jolyssa Kotarak and company.
for the Dragons: The Appleton ladies will be looking to end their season with a victory. Jacquelyn Helmied continues to impress opponents with her defense.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Higgins Scholarship Winner Returns to Coach Girls Rugby
2009 Kevin Higgins Scholarship award winner Amanda Pohle is a leader. She helped start a high school team as a player. She was a captain and president of her college rugby team at Marquette University. Now she's returned to WGR to be a head coach, in her first full year of teaching nonetheless, for the Fond Du Lac Sirens. She started with about seven players last spring. In her first season the Sirens played in the finals of the Division 2 State 7's Championship. Now she has about twenty players as they face off against one of the older teams in the State, Vernon, for the challenger's bracket finals.
Here's her bio, published by the US Rugby Foundation, when she was awarded the Higgins Award and Scholarship five years ago:
http://www.usrugbyfoundation.org/site/pp.asp?c=9fLHJVOxHmE&b=5542915
WGR continues to provide opportunities for young women to play the game because of the efforts of leaders like Pohle. Whether its WGR and DSHA alumni like Shannon King, who serve on our board, or coaches like Pohle, and Lyndsey Fickau, a Vernon alumn, none of our players would have these opportunities without your efforts.
As the WGR season comes to a close, stop by and thank them at the state tournament.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
State Tournament Schedule WGR 2014
Milw. Cnty Sports Complex, Sunday Oct 26th
1st Place: 7:00 pm Catholic Memorial v DSHA
3rd Place: 5:30pm Brookfield v DSHA jv
5th Place: 4:00pm Fond Du Lac v Vernon
7th Place: 2:30pm Kettle Moraine v Oak Creek
9th Place: 1:30pm Muskego v Appleton
9th Place: 1:30pm Muskego v Appleton
Saturday, October 18, 2014
WGR Playoff Results 2014
Championship Semifinals
Catholic Memorial 42. Brookfield 7
In a solid team effort, the Crusader's controlled the majority of possession in the second half en route to the victory over a physical and improved Bruisers side. Brookfield played well and kept the ball alive when they had it. Impressive Memorial freshman Allison Koenig outpaced the Bruiser's backline to score five tries. Memorial tighthead prop Kelsey Gustafson might have been the Crusader's other player of the match, as she tacked on a bunch of hard charging runs and strong defense. Memorial senior Lizzy Jacobson added a try, but her defense was the more impressive part of her game as the Bruiser's finisher, senior Reina Anderson, was limited to one linebreak and score in the second half. Juniors Meaghan Schmitt and Lizzy Walicki also scored tries for Memorial.
Bruiser's senior flyhalf Morgan Pinzer made several key first quarter tackles. Strong Brookfield forward play was also seen from flanker Miranda Bradford and junior Raquel Galarza, who had several courageous runs close to the Memorial line, only to be held up by the defense.
Coach Grintjes said after the match, "we didn't play to our potential today. We did a lot of things well on the field and I was happy to add another Founders Cup match to my belt. This team is still very young and will remember the important history behind it, which will make next year's rematch even more exciting."
DSHA over DS jv
According to DSHA facebook page, :"the game was anticlimactic, and turned into a controlled scimmage / practice to avoid injuries." DSHA will look ahead to another state championship match next Sunday.
Fond Du Lac 36. V. Kettle Moraine 24
Knightmare senior fullback Courtney Crouse scored two tries, as did Emily Becker. Rookie center Morgan Saenz chipped in two conversion kicks for KM
For the Sirens, tries by Erica Powell (3), Emma Conrad, Alaina Passarella and Adrianna Ramirez helped them advance. Three conversions by Maggie Kelly and great support play by Erin Driscoll made for a well-rounded team effort.
Vernon 40 v Oak Creek 10
Vernon booked match against Fond Du Lac next week with a convincing victory.
Catholic Memorial 42. Brookfield 7
In a solid team effort, the Crusader's controlled the majority of possession in the second half en route to the victory over a physical and improved Bruisers side. Brookfield played well and kept the ball alive when they had it. Impressive Memorial freshman Allison Koenig outpaced the Bruiser's backline to score five tries. Memorial tighthead prop Kelsey Gustafson might have been the Crusader's other player of the match, as she tacked on a bunch of hard charging runs and strong defense. Memorial senior Lizzy Jacobson added a try, but her defense was the more impressive part of her game as the Bruiser's finisher, senior Reina Anderson, was limited to one linebreak and score in the second half. Juniors Meaghan Schmitt and Lizzy Walicki also scored tries for Memorial.
Bruiser's senior flyhalf Morgan Pinzer made several key first quarter tackles. Strong Brookfield forward play was also seen from flanker Miranda Bradford and junior Raquel Galarza, who had several courageous runs close to the Memorial line, only to be held up by the defense.
Coach Grintjes said after the match, "we didn't play to our potential today. We did a lot of things well on the field and I was happy to add another Founders Cup match to my belt. This team is still very young and will remember the important history behind it, which will make next year's rematch even more exciting."
DSHA over DS jv
According to DSHA facebook page, :"the game was anticlimactic, and turned into a controlled scimmage / practice to avoid injuries." DSHA will look ahead to another state championship match next Sunday.
Fond Du Lac 36. V. Kettle Moraine 24
Knightmare senior fullback Courtney Crouse scored two tries, as did Emily Becker. Rookie center Morgan Saenz chipped in two conversion kicks for KM
For the Sirens, tries by Erica Powell (3), Emma Conrad, Alaina Passarella and Adrianna Ramirez helped them advance. Three conversions by Maggie Kelly and great support play by Erin Driscoll made for a well-rounded team effort.
Vernon 40 v Oak Creek 10
Vernon booked match against Fond Du Lac next week with a convincing victory.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
The Return of the Founder's Cup
On the same weekend as New Zealand contests the Bledisloe Cup down in the southern hemisphere, Brookfield and Memorial renew their equally epic and fiercely contested FOUNDER'S CUP competition.
A brief history of the cup is reprinted below. Suffice it to say, a glooming peace has loomed over the Founder's Cup for a few seasons now.
On the eve of Saturday's FC match, Crusader's supporters have unearthed the ancient chalice from its well-guarded vault deep inside Gringott's new Waukesha branch. It has been some time since both houses contested the ornate, and slightly dented talisman of honor. Followers will not soon forget that Gringott's managers refused to sign off on its release last spring. The International Rugby Board even intervened on the eve of the 2014 State 7's Championships to declare that the original treatise agreement of 2009 only applied to 15's matches. Ever since a noteable violation of the Irishfest Accords in 2010, when Memorial caretakers allegedly damaged the Cup in a "fall", officials have guarded its integrity closely. Conspiracy theorists continue to accuse Memorial of intentionally damaging the Cup in anticipation of having to turn it over on the eve of their first FC Loss back in 2010, although no proof has ever been proffered in the case.
For the historical record:
A more recent record of events:
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4795567289883301946#editor/target=post;postID=4594132962458484496;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=1;src=postname
An ancient scroll:
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4795567289883301946#editor/target=post;postID=8735809663838252978;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=517;src=postname
A brief history of the cup is reprinted below. Suffice it to say, a glooming peace has loomed over the Founder's Cup for a few seasons now.
On the eve of Saturday's FC match, Crusader's supporters have unearthed the ancient chalice from its well-guarded vault deep inside Gringott's new Waukesha branch. It has been some time since both houses contested the ornate, and slightly dented talisman of honor. Followers will not soon forget that Gringott's managers refused to sign off on its release last spring. The International Rugby Board even intervened on the eve of the 2014 State 7's Championships to declare that the original treatise agreement of 2009 only applied to 15's matches. Ever since a noteable violation of the Irishfest Accords in 2010, when Memorial caretakers allegedly damaged the Cup in a "fall", officials have guarded its integrity closely. Conspiracy theorists continue to accuse Memorial of intentionally damaging the Cup in anticipation of having to turn it over on the eve of their first FC Loss back in 2010, although no proof has ever been proffered in the case.
For the historical record:
A more recent record of events:
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4795567289883301946#editor/target=post;postID=4594132962458484496;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=1;src=postname
An ancient scroll:
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4795567289883301946#editor/target=post;postID=8735809663838252978;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=517;src=postname
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Friday Night Rugby Lights
Friday night the Catholic Memorial girls rugby team plays an exhibition 7's match at halftime of the Crusaders v Waukesha West varsity football match. The rugby match is being held at Waukesha NORTH high school against Kettle Moraine.
North's new turf field was just completed this summer and promises to be a wonderful multiuse facility.
Memorial Parents, coaches, and players will be there to answer questions about rugby, the Wisc. girls rugby league, the Crusader team, and their summer gradeschool touch rugby camp. Just visit the table for a free ball drawing.
North's new turf field was just completed this summer and promises to be a wonderful multiuse facility.
Memorial Parents, coaches, and players will be there to answer questions about rugby, the Wisc. girls rugby league, the Crusader team, and their summer gradeschool touch rugby camp. Just visit the table for a free ball drawing.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
WGR State Championship Tournament Oct 26th, 2014
The 2014 WGR State Tournament takes place Sunday Oct 26th at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex located in Franklin at 60th and Ryan Rd.
All matches will be played in the stadium. The venue has hosted several top tier events in its history, including notable events such as the high school girls National Championship Tournament, Midwest Collegiate Men's Playoffs, USA Rugby 7's Championships, and Milwaukee Barbarians, Division One Collegiate matches, along with many other matches.
Matchups will be determined by the results of Saturday's semifinal matches.
9th Place: 1:30 pm Muskego vs Appleton
7th Place: 2:30 pm Fond Du Lac or KM vs Vernon or OC
5th Place: 4:00 pm Fond Du Lac or KM vs Vernon or OC
3rd Place: 5:30 pm (under the lights) DS or DS jv vs Catholic Memorial or Brookfield
1st Place: 7:00 pm (under the lights) DS or DS jv vs Catholic Memorial or Brookfield
7th Place: 2:30 pm Fond Du Lac or KM vs Vernon or OC
5th Place: 4:00 pm Fond Du Lac or KM vs Vernon or OC
3rd Place: 5:30 pm (under the lights) DS or DS jv vs Catholic Memorial or Brookfield
1st Place: 7:00 pm (under the lights) DS or DS jv vs Catholic Memorial or Brookfield
Sunday, October 12, 2014
WGR Playoff Weekend Oct 18th
All matches will be played at Minooka Park
The Championship Semifinals (#1-#4)
10am. Catholic Memorial v. Brookfield
1130. DSHA v DSHA
The Challengers Semifinals (#5-#8)
1pm. Fond du Lac v Kettle Moraine
230. Vernon v Oak Creek
The Championship Semifinals (#1-#4)
10am. Catholic Memorial v. Brookfield
1130. DSHA v DSHA
The Challengers Semifinals (#5-#8)
1pm. Fond du Lac v Kettle Moraine
230. Vernon v Oak Creek
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Final Conference Scores
Saturday Oct 11th
Pictured: Dasher scrumhalf Genevieve Rusch playing against Appleton.
Pictured: Brookfield senior Reina Anderson getting around the corner on the defense.
Pictured: Oak Creek sophomore Megan Bird battling.
Pictured: Brookfield team photo, Fall 2014
North-South Conference @ Fond Du Lac
DSHA 50 Fond Du Lac 0
"They are a good team," said Coach Klein after the first meaningful conference matchup between the sides in some time. DSHA emerges as conference champions.
DSHA jv defeated Appleton
Sophomore scrumhalf Genevieve Rusch may have been the player of the match as the young Dashers moved the ball skillfully throughout.
Brookfield 32 Oak Creek 20
Oak Creek gave Brookfield all they could handle for 60 minutes, but fielded only 13 players. Liz Grall, Megan Bird, and Kayla Kurszewski scored tries for Oak Creek in a brave effort. Coach Kurth noted that Brookfield's scrumhalf handled the ball well all afternoon and that "Both teams played hard and were exhausted when the final whistle was blown."
Right from the kick off the Bruisers scored early taking the opening drive 70 meters down to the 22, off loading the final play to Reina Anderson for the go ahead try. Anderson scored again from 22 meters at the 15 minute mark in the first half. Raquel Galarza scored the conversion kick to put the Bruisers up 12 to 0. Oak Creek put together some nice forward drives, scoring twice, and the Bruisers had one more 20 meter score from Anderson making the halftime score 17 to 10.
In the second half, Brookfield seniors, flanker Miranda Bradford, 8 man Meredith Paloucek,and flanker Destiny Dallas, stepped up their defense. The return of Senior and Wauwatosa East homecoming Queen Destiny Dallas, sparked the Bruisers. While Oak Creek eventually scored again, Brookfield answered through Sophomore newcomer Abby Andler on a long weak-side scamper. Reina Anderson scored her fourth try of the game running for 80 meters for her final score to seal the victory. Reina Anderson has scored 15 trys in four matches this season (she was unavailable for the DSHA match)
Bruiser's Coach Grintjes said, "the team is just starting to gel. The team is really getting what the new coaching staff is putting out there. Coach Rob Young put together some great backs training sessions and new forward Coach Carly Amy has helped improve the forward play. The chemistry is really flowing. I am excited for my first final four with the team."
Classic Five Conference @Bluhm Farm Field
CMHS 50 Muskego 0
CMHS 29 Muskego 5 (jv game)
In an A and B pair of 7's matches, Memorial Junior Ellie Metz scored three tries, to stay two ahead of her twin, who caught a 17 yard touchdown pass in the varsity football game the night before. Junior Katie Mcginn and Lizzy Jacobson both added two tries of their own in addition to winning several turnovers. Sophomore Niina Sjogren also added two tries of her own.
Vernon 32 Kettle Moraine 7
NS Conference
DSHA 4-0
Brookfield 2-2
Fond Du Lac 2-2
Oak Creek 1-3
Appleton 0-4
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 4-0
DSHA JV 3-1
Vernon 2-2
Kettle Moraine 2-2
Muskego 0-4
Thursday, October 9, 2014
USA Rugby Coach of the Year Nominations
Coach of the Year Award nominations open in four categories
BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby has opened the nomination process for the 2014 Coach of the Year Awards, which recognize rugby coaches who have demonstrated the values of excellence and dedication. Coach of the Year recipients will be announced at the 2015 USA Rugby National Development Summit in Chicago, Ill., during the weekend of Jan. 23-25, 2015.
Nominations will be accepted for the Participation Coach of the Year, Competitive Coach of the Year, Female Coach of the Year, and the Senior Club Coach of the Year.
Life University Head Coach Dan Payne was awarded the first Crispin Cider Senior Club Coach of the Year Award for 2013. He led the Running Eagles to a Men’s Division I Club National Championship and runner-up finish in the inaugural Elite Cup competition before he took up an increased role with varsity athletics at the Marietta, Ga., institution.
The Participation Coach of the Year will have demonstrated dedication to expanding the game of rugby, including bringing the game to new athletes to enrich the local community. Billy Nicholas received the 2013 award for his work in building rugby in an urban and culturally-diverse area at the Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists High School in New York. Since then, Nicholas has been hired as head coach of the Lindenwood University Women’s Rugby program.
Participation Coach of the Year submissions are limited to coaches who do not receive monetary or any other compensation for their coaching services.
The Competitive Coach of the Year is a youth-, high school-, or college-level coach who has put together a successful side by raising the level of development and refinement of the program’s athletes. Back-to-back National Small College Champion St. John’s University was led by Tammy Cowan, the recipient of the 2013 Competitive Coach of the Year Award.
The Female Coach of the Year is awarded to a female coach who has contributed to the progression of female involvement in rugby. With the aid of Title IX and Try on Rugby, as well as a growing list of varsity women’s rugby programs, USA Rugby is dedicated to help raise stronger, more confident, empowered young women. In 2013, Fallbrook High School Head Coach Marin Pinnell led three teams to a combined 35-1 record and sent multiple players to the Stars and Stripes Camp in Greeley, Colo.
Nominations for the four Coach of the Year Awards must be fully completed and submitted prior to Nov. 26, 2014, after which they will be reviewed by an independent panel of USA Rugby Members. Award recipients will also be nominated for consideration in the United States Olympic Committee’s Coach of the Year Recognition Program.
Nominations will be accepted for the Participation Coach of the Year, Competitive Coach of the Year, Female Coach of the Year, and the Senior Club Coach of the Year.
Life University Head Coach Dan Payne was awarded the first Crispin Cider Senior Club Coach of the Year Award for 2013. He led the Running Eagles to a Men’s Division I Club National Championship and runner-up finish in the inaugural Elite Cup competition before he took up an increased role with varsity athletics at the Marietta, Ga., institution.
The Participation Coach of the Year will have demonstrated dedication to expanding the game of rugby, including bringing the game to new athletes to enrich the local community. Billy Nicholas received the 2013 award for his work in building rugby in an urban and culturally-diverse area at the Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists High School in New York. Since then, Nicholas has been hired as head coach of the Lindenwood University Women’s Rugby program.
Participation Coach of the Year submissions are limited to coaches who do not receive monetary or any other compensation for their coaching services.
The Competitive Coach of the Year is a youth-, high school-, or college-level coach who has put together a successful side by raising the level of development and refinement of the program’s athletes. Back-to-back National Small College Champion St. John’s University was led by Tammy Cowan, the recipient of the 2013 Competitive Coach of the Year Award.
The Female Coach of the Year is awarded to a female coach who has contributed to the progression of female involvement in rugby. With the aid of Title IX and Try on Rugby, as well as a growing list of varsity women’s rugby programs, USA Rugby is dedicated to help raise stronger, more confident, empowered young women. In 2013, Fallbrook High School Head Coach Marin Pinnell led three teams to a combined 35-1 record and sent multiple players to the Stars and Stripes Camp in Greeley, Colo.
Nominations for the four Coach of the Year Awards must be fully completed and submitted prior to Nov. 26, 2014, after which they will be reviewed by an independent panel of USA Rugby Members. Award recipients will also be nominated for consideration in the United States Olympic Committee’s Coach of the Year Recognition Program.
Senior Club Coach of the Year nomination form >>
Female Coach of the Year nomination form >>
Participation Coach of the Year nomination form >>
Competitive Coach of the Year nomination form >>
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Final Conference Weekend
Oct 11th is the final weekend for regular season conference matches in WGR.
The North South Conference has the most at-stake in the final seedings, as three teams still appear to have a chance at the second seed. Brookfield, Fond Du Lac, and Oak Creek could all end up tied at 2-2. Fond Du Lac will be hosting all the NS matches.
North South Conference
Fond Du Lac v DSHA @ Fond Du Lac 10am
Fond Du Lac hosts one of the top teams in the country. Fond Du Lac was missing their starting 9 and 10 last weekend and will be excited to get back in sync this week with a full lineup and playing before a home crowd. The Dashers are really finding their momentum after defeating Memorial last weekend and are looking tough to beat.
Appleton v DSHA jv @Fond Du Lac 1115am (non-conference crossover)
The young Dashers have played well against every varsity opponent they've faced this season. Another conference win would be a significant milestone for them. The Appleton Dragon's first full conference season continues to see them build depth and experience. They get a bye week after this match and will look to finish strong before ending in two weeks at the state tournament.
Brookfield v Oak Creek @Fond Du Lac 12:15pm--MATCH OF THE WEEK--
Brookfield controls their own destiny. Should they win, they lock up a championship playoff semifinal against Memorial, for the third time since 2008. They didn't travel well last time they headed north. Can they keep their momentum going and build off the big win against Fond Du Lac? Can Reina Anderson keep up her remarkable scoring?
Oak Creek had a tough early schedule and a slow start. They've been scoring more and more in recent weeks and are clearly improving. They could pull off a character building return to 2nd place with a big victory. Playing on neutral ground up north is a significant investment of time for both teams, in an effort to showcase more girls rugby up north. Will not playing on home turf hurt Brookfield?
It's also the match of the week because two of the top gunslingers in the league face off, with top scoring threats Anderson and Megan Bird likely to meet in the open field at some point.
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial v Muskego 10am Bluhm Park
Shorthanded Muskego will play some 7's against Memorial. Muskego found some success in 7's last spring and the game suits their athleticism. Should be a better matchup for them than playing 15's.
Kettle Moraine v Vernon 1130am Bluhm Farm Field--OUR OTHER MATCH OF THE WEEK!
The other really good matchup of the week. Vernon even rested key people last week in anticipation. Vernon has also had a good season which has seen their numbers and team athleticism improve. The Knightmares also continue to pick up recruits and athletes. These two teams always play hard against each other and have had many memorable matches over the years. This should be another classic..
The North South Conference has the most at-stake in the final seedings, as three teams still appear to have a chance at the second seed. Brookfield, Fond Du Lac, and Oak Creek could all end up tied at 2-2. Fond Du Lac will be hosting all the NS matches.
North South Conference
Fond Du Lac v DSHA @ Fond Du Lac 10am
Fond Du Lac hosts one of the top teams in the country. Fond Du Lac was missing their starting 9 and 10 last weekend and will be excited to get back in sync this week with a full lineup and playing before a home crowd. The Dashers are really finding their momentum after defeating Memorial last weekend and are looking tough to beat.
Appleton v DSHA jv @Fond Du Lac 1115am (non-conference crossover)
The young Dashers have played well against every varsity opponent they've faced this season. Another conference win would be a significant milestone for them. The Appleton Dragon's first full conference season continues to see them build depth and experience. They get a bye week after this match and will look to finish strong before ending in two weeks at the state tournament.
Brookfield v Oak Creek @Fond Du Lac 12:15pm--MATCH OF THE WEEK--
Brookfield controls their own destiny. Should they win, they lock up a championship playoff semifinal against Memorial, for the third time since 2008. They didn't travel well last time they headed north. Can they keep their momentum going and build off the big win against Fond Du Lac? Can Reina Anderson keep up her remarkable scoring?
Oak Creek had a tough early schedule and a slow start. They've been scoring more and more in recent weeks and are clearly improving. They could pull off a character building return to 2nd place with a big victory. Playing on neutral ground up north is a significant investment of time for both teams, in an effort to showcase more girls rugby up north. Will not playing on home turf hurt Brookfield?
It's also the match of the week because two of the top gunslingers in the league face off, with top scoring threats Anderson and Megan Bird likely to meet in the open field at some point.
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial v Muskego 10am Bluhm Park
Shorthanded Muskego will play some 7's against Memorial. Muskego found some success in 7's last spring and the game suits their athleticism. Should be a better matchup for them than playing 15's.
Kettle Moraine v Vernon 1130am Bluhm Farm Field--OUR OTHER MATCH OF THE WEEK!
The other really good matchup of the week. Vernon even rested key people last week in anticipation. Vernon has also had a good season which has seen their numbers and team athleticism improve. The Knightmares also continue to pick up recruits and athletes. These two teams always play hard against each other and have had many memorable matches over the years. This should be another classic..
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Fall Filled with Girls Rugby
Wisconsin isn't the only place with fall high school girls rugby going on.
Tennessee plays a very competitive fall 7's season, for instance, and Iowa has a completely different approach, as they only play fall 7's. Kansas and St Louis and Colorado all play fall 15's rugby seasons now.
Then there are our neighbors to the south, who play 15's. Some Illinois teams like Plainfield and Sycamore play fall 15's as does Indiana youth rugby.
This fall Penn HS continues to be one of the top programs in Indiana, as they are undefeated heading into October. One highlight of their fall was a recent 17-15 victory over fellow Midwest Championship competitor Warsaw, Indiana.
Exciting to see more girls teams playing in the fall. It's better weather for us all and makes a lot of sense. Less stress on fields, coaches, and refs being opposite boys rugby, which is played in the spring. Plus, fall girls rugby 15's mirrors the direction women's college rugby has headed, with ACRA and others playing their fall as their conference seasons.
Best of luck down there!
Tennessee plays a very competitive fall 7's season, for instance, and Iowa has a completely different approach, as they only play fall 7's. Kansas and St Louis and Colorado all play fall 15's rugby seasons now.
Then there are our neighbors to the south, who play 15's. Some Illinois teams like Plainfield and Sycamore play fall 15's as does Indiana youth rugby.
This fall Penn HS continues to be one of the top programs in Indiana, as they are undefeated heading into October. One highlight of their fall was a recent 17-15 victory over fellow Midwest Championship competitor Warsaw, Indiana.
Exciting to see more girls teams playing in the fall. It's better weather for us all and makes a lot of sense. Less stress on fields, coaches, and refs being opposite boys rugby, which is played in the spring. Plus, fall girls rugby 15's mirrors the direction women's college rugby has headed, with ACRA and others playing their fall as their conference seasons.
Best of luck down there!
Monday, October 6, 2014
College Rugby Fair Nov 1st
Prior to the USA v New Zealand international match at Soldier Field, there will be a free college recruitment fair. Not certain how many women's programs will be represented, but it is an opportunity that families my wish to look into as the date gets closer. Stay tuned for more info.
The Playoff Picture
With the playoff picture clearing up and one week remaining in the conference schedule, there are a few things we know:
-The DSHA v Fond Du Lac game this weekend determines the North-South conference championship.
-Three teams have a shot at 2nd place in the North-South Conference and the final seed to the Championship (top 4) playoff bracket. Brookfield, Fond Du Lac, and Oak Creek could still all end up at 2-2, creating a three way tie. The tie breaker in that case would be a standard bonus point system. (4 for a win, 1 bonus point for 4 or ore tries, 1 bonus point for a loss of 7 or less).
-Catholic Memorial is the Classic Five conference champions.
-DSHA jv has locked up the #2 spot in the C5 conference.
-All of the semifinal matches will take place at Minooka Park in New Berlin.
10am CMHS v tbd (BB,FDL,or OC) C5#1 v NS#2
11:30am DSHA or FDL v DSHA jv NS#1 v C5#2
-The DSHA v Fond Du Lac game this weekend determines the North-South conference championship.
-Three teams have a shot at 2nd place in the North-South Conference and the final seed to the Championship (top 4) playoff bracket. Brookfield, Fond Du Lac, and Oak Creek could still all end up at 2-2, creating a three way tie. The tie breaker in that case would be a standard bonus point system. (4 for a win, 1 bonus point for 4 or ore tries, 1 bonus point for a loss of 7 or less).
-Catholic Memorial is the Classic Five conference champions.
-DSHA jv has locked up the #2 spot in the C5 conference.
-All of the semifinal matches will take place at Minooka Park in New Berlin.
Oct 18th Girls Rugby Semifinals @Minooka Park
Championship Bracket (top 4) in the morning:
10am CMHS v tbd (BB,FDL,or OC) C5#1 v NS#2
11:30am DSHA or FDL v DSHA jv NS#1 v C5#2
Challengers Bracket (#5-8) Play in the Afternooon
1pm NS#3 v C5#4
2:30pm C5#3 v NS#4
#5 in each conference has a bye and play for 9th place at the state tournament.
1pm NS#3 v C5#4
2:30pm C5#3 v NS#4
#5 in each conference has a bye and play for 9th place at the state tournament.
Conference Standings 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 3-0 (4-1 overall)
DSHA jv 3-1 (4-1 overall)
Kettle Moraine 1-2 (2-3 overall)
Vernon 1-2 (2-2 overall)
Muskego 0-3 (0-4 overall)
North South
DSHA 3-0 (5-0 overall
Brookfield 2-1 (2-2) hold tie breaker on FDL
Fond Du Lac 2-1 (3-1 overall)
Oak Creek 1-2 (1-4 overall)
Appleton 0-4
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 3-0 (4-1 overall)
DSHA jv 3-1 (4-1 overall)
Kettle Moraine 1-2 (2-3 overall)
Vernon 1-2 (2-2 overall)
Muskego 0-3 (0-4 overall)
North South
DSHA 3-0 (5-0 overall
Brookfield 2-1 (2-2) hold tie breaker on FDL
Fond Du Lac 2-1 (3-1 overall)
Oak Creek 1-2 (1-4 overall)
Appleton 0-4
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Conference Scores
Brookfield 20 Fond Du Lac 5
This match was even closer than the score indicates, according to Coach Grintjes. Senior Reina Anderson broke open with a huge match for the Bruisers. She scored three impressive tries of 60,70, and 80 meters.
Fond Du Lac had three scoring opportunities held up on the tryline by the bruising defense of junior Alyssa Bales and freshman Kenzie Houdek, or else the result might've been different. Fond Du Lac #8 Emma Conrad was special. She made a tremendous number of tackles and drove the team to a five meter try at the end of the first half, to keep the match within reach as it ended 10-5 Bruisers heading into the break.
A back and forth battle between Conrad and Bruiser's #5 Julie Lutzen ensued. Both had some big runs and big hits as they traded their best shots. Anderson's third try came late in the second half to give Brookfield a little bit of breathing room before the match ended on a pushover try from junior Brookfield captain Madison Aprahamian, #9.
Said Coach Grintjes afterwards; "we learned from our mistakes against Vernon. The girls made adjustments and performed great."
The tight competition also is a great compliment to how wonderful a season Fond du Lac is having. their future also appears bright.
DSHA jv 17 Kettle Moraine 5
Danielle Macpherson scored a try for the Dashers in addition to Colleen Ploff and Tara Sweeney in a competitive match. Coach Klein was impressed by the "tremendous talent throughout their team" and noted that they are "in the beginning stages of being great."
DSHA 40 CMHS 7
Senior flyhalf Kat Macpherson got DSHA going in the first half with a nice finish to score the first try from some broken, loose play. Senior Claire Scmidt, Maggie Brennan, Hadley Baker, and Tara Sweeney touched down for the Dashers. Memorial senior Haley Richardson scored a try for the Crusaders. Dasher locks Emma Malucha and Amanda Ezell played very well as well. Memorial captains Ellie Metz and Lizzy Jacobson had great games for the Crusaders who clearly were missing the strong play of the injured Lizzy Walicki.
Vernon 20 Muskego 10
Vernon jumped out to a two try lead, before Muskego stormed back and scored a few of their own in the second half. Vernon responded, refocused and added a few more tries to ensure the win. A good game for both sides.
Oak Creek 58 Appleton 17
The Oak Creek Knights notched a conference win and were able to play some expansive rugby in the process, keeping a lot of possession and finding support runners for some nice offloads.
Conference Standings 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 3-0 (4-1 overall)
DSHA jv 3-1 (4-1 overall)
Kettle Moraine 1-2 (2-3 overall)
Vernon 1-2 (2-2 overall)
Muskego 0-3 (0-4 overall)
North South
DSHA 3-0 (5-0 overall
Brookfield 2-1 (2-2 overall) They hold the head-to-head tie breaker over FDL
Fond Du Lac 2-1 (3-1 overall)
Oak Creek 1-2 (1-4 overall)
Appleton 0-4
This match was even closer than the score indicates, according to Coach Grintjes. Senior Reina Anderson broke open with a huge match for the Bruisers. She scored three impressive tries of 60,70, and 80 meters.
Fond Du Lac had three scoring opportunities held up on the tryline by the bruising defense of junior Alyssa Bales and freshman Kenzie Houdek, or else the result might've been different. Fond Du Lac #8 Emma Conrad was special. She made a tremendous number of tackles and drove the team to a five meter try at the end of the first half, to keep the match within reach as it ended 10-5 Bruisers heading into the break.
A back and forth battle between Conrad and Bruiser's #5 Julie Lutzen ensued. Both had some big runs and big hits as they traded their best shots. Anderson's third try came late in the second half to give Brookfield a little bit of breathing room before the match ended on a pushover try from junior Brookfield captain Madison Aprahamian, #9.
Said Coach Grintjes afterwards; "we learned from our mistakes against Vernon. The girls made adjustments and performed great."
The tight competition also is a great compliment to how wonderful a season Fond du Lac is having. their future also appears bright.
DSHA jv 17 Kettle Moraine 5
Danielle Macpherson scored a try for the Dashers in addition to Colleen Ploff and Tara Sweeney in a competitive match. Coach Klein was impressed by the "tremendous talent throughout their team" and noted that they are "in the beginning stages of being great."
DSHA 40 CMHS 7
Senior flyhalf Kat Macpherson got DSHA going in the first half with a nice finish to score the first try from some broken, loose play. Senior Claire Scmidt, Maggie Brennan, Hadley Baker, and Tara Sweeney touched down for the Dashers. Memorial senior Haley Richardson scored a try for the Crusaders. Dasher locks Emma Malucha and Amanda Ezell played very well as well. Memorial captains Ellie Metz and Lizzy Jacobson had great games for the Crusaders who clearly were missing the strong play of the injured Lizzy Walicki.
Vernon 20 Muskego 10
Vernon jumped out to a two try lead, before Muskego stormed back and scored a few of their own in the second half. Vernon responded, refocused and added a few more tries to ensure the win. A good game for both sides.
Oak Creek 58 Appleton 17
The Oak Creek Knights notched a conference win and were able to play some expansive rugby in the process, keeping a lot of possession and finding support runners for some nice offloads.
Conference Standings 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 3-0 (4-1 overall)
DSHA jv 3-1 (4-1 overall)
Kettle Moraine 1-2 (2-3 overall)
Vernon 1-2 (2-2 overall)
Muskego 0-3 (0-4 overall)
North South
DSHA 3-0 (5-0 overall
Brookfield 2-1 (2-2 overall) They hold the head-to-head tie breaker over FDL
Fond Du Lac 2-1 (3-1 overall)
Oak Creek 1-2 (1-4 overall)
Appleton 0-4
Thursday, October 2, 2014
WGR Week 4 Conference Preview
This week, all matches take place on Saturday October 4th. There are playoff implications in all the matches this weekend. With this year's conference structure, teams know that the top two finishers in each conference gain a championship bracket playoff seed in the semifinals and a chance at 1st or 3rd place. Teams finishing 3rd and 4th in their conference will have a four-team bracket vying for 5th or 7th place. Teams finishing 5th in their conference have a bye for the first week of playoffs and then play for 9th place at the state tournament.
The North-South Conference plays at Oak Creek High School.
1100am Oak Creek v Appleton
Both teams will be looking to notch their first conference win of the season.
12:30pm Brookfield v Fond Du Lac --GAME OF THE WEEK--
With significant conference and playoff implications, the day's first match has to be our match of the week. Each team has an opportunity to get the inside track on a second place finish in the conference, and the semifinal playoff spot that goes along with it. Brookfield could move into 2nd place in the conference with a win, by holding the ever important head-to-head tie breaker over Fond Du Lac. Same goes for the Sirens out of Fond Du lac. With DSHA up next week for Fond Du Lac, locking up the tie breaker advantage if the Bruisers and Sirens both finish 3-1 would be nice insurance for either team.
Both teams have been gaining momentum in recent weeks and this could be one of the better conference matches of the year. Excitement has been building to see the undefeated Fond Du lac team match up with the more experienced Milwaukee area programs.
The Classic Five Conference @ Minooka Park
10:00am Catholic Memorial v DSHA (nonconference crossover match)
If this was a conference matchup it'd be our match of the week, but with both sides looking to improve and prepare for the playoffs, look for both sides to build their experience and experiment with their tactics. Of course, it's always a hard-fought match when these two programs meet.
11:30am DS jv v Kettle Moraine
Should Kettle Moraine win, they would vault into second place and a chance at the top tier playoff, since they'd hold the tie breaker over DSjv if they both sit at 2-1. A young Dasher win would lock up second place in the conference, an impressive feat for the young junior varsity side.
1:00pm Vernon v Muskego
Vernon has played every opponent hard this fall and should be able to notch a conference win over the shorthanded Muskego team. With a nice win over Brookfield last week, Vernon showed their record may be deceiving.
Conference Standings 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 3-0
DSHA jv 2-1
Kettle Moraine 1-1
Vernon 0-2
Muskego 0-2
North South
DSHA 3-0
Fond Du Lac 2-0
Brookfield 1-1
Oak Creek 0-2
Appleton 0-3
Next Week's Matches Oct 11th, 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial v Muskego 10am Bluhm Park
Kettle Moraine v Vernon 1130am Bluhm Park
North South Conference
Fond Du Lac v DSHA @ Fond Du Lac
Appleton v DSHA jv (non-conference crossover)
Brookfield v Oak Creek
The North-South Conference plays at Oak Creek High School.
1100am Oak Creek v Appleton
Both teams will be looking to notch their first conference win of the season.
12:30pm Brookfield v Fond Du Lac --GAME OF THE WEEK--
With significant conference and playoff implications, the day's first match has to be our match of the week. Each team has an opportunity to get the inside track on a second place finish in the conference, and the semifinal playoff spot that goes along with it. Brookfield could move into 2nd place in the conference with a win, by holding the ever important head-to-head tie breaker over Fond Du Lac. Same goes for the Sirens out of Fond Du lac. With DSHA up next week for Fond Du Lac, locking up the tie breaker advantage if the Bruisers and Sirens both finish 3-1 would be nice insurance for either team.
Both teams have been gaining momentum in recent weeks and this could be one of the better conference matches of the year. Excitement has been building to see the undefeated Fond Du lac team match up with the more experienced Milwaukee area programs.
The Classic Five Conference @ Minooka Park
10:00am Catholic Memorial v DSHA (nonconference crossover match)
If this was a conference matchup it'd be our match of the week, but with both sides looking to improve and prepare for the playoffs, look for both sides to build their experience and experiment with their tactics. Of course, it's always a hard-fought match when these two programs meet.
11:30am DS jv v Kettle Moraine
Should Kettle Moraine win, they would vault into second place and a chance at the top tier playoff, since they'd hold the tie breaker over DSjv if they both sit at 2-1. A young Dasher win would lock up second place in the conference, an impressive feat for the young junior varsity side.
1:00pm Vernon v Muskego
Vernon has played every opponent hard this fall and should be able to notch a conference win over the shorthanded Muskego team. With a nice win over Brookfield last week, Vernon showed their record may be deceiving.
Conference Standings 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial 3-0
DSHA jv 2-1
Kettle Moraine 1-1
Vernon 0-2
Muskego 0-2
North South
DSHA 3-0
Fond Du Lac 2-0
Brookfield 1-1
Oak Creek 0-2
Appleton 0-3
Next Week's Matches Oct 11th, 2014
Classic Five
Catholic Memorial v Muskego 10am Bluhm Park
Kettle Moraine v Vernon 1130am Bluhm Park
North South Conference
Fond Du Lac v DSHA @ Fond Du Lac
Appleton v DSHA jv (non-conference crossover)
Brookfield v Oak Creek
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
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