Old Laurentian 2011 Minneapolis Tour....Thank You!!!

First of all, thanks to everyone who made the Old Laurentian's Tour to Minneapolis a great success. You've heard my speeches, read or ignored my emails and blogs regarding the importance of the relationship, so don't worry, I'm not going down that road. I just wanted to thank everyone who worked so diligently to make sure the tradition continues and thrives for years to come. With that, a thank-you from all of Metropolis Rugby to the following....(apologies if I left anyone out, I'm still recovering from the tour myself)

Chris Babiash & Tom Lavin: These guys basically made the whole thing come together. From organizing the hosting lists, apparel, airport pick-ups, general schedule and leading the Twins & Bowling events respectively to St. George's Day trophy and send off and a million other things, they ran a great tour and did a great job making sure our guests were well cared for.

Jeremy Ancel - Legend's & Mayslack's: We run a rugby club, Jeremy runs two bar & grills. We were able to give him a wish list of what we needed for socials, concessions and Jeremy ran with it making sure things were taken care in a way that would ensure everyone would have fun and certainly not be left wanting for more.

Joe Heron & Crispin: His involvement and support of the Kieran's event as well as St. George's Day trophy were crucial. Turns out the English love Crispin! We cleaned Legend's out of it Saturday night.

Rob Wagner & Dropkick Photos: Another stellar display of Rob's talents as he captured both Thursday night's action with the Ols v the U of M and an entire day of rugby at SAOS Saturday. Make sure you check out his work and buy some photos at www.dropkickphotos.com

SAOS - Adrienne Smith & Zach Lee: Adrienne & Zach were on site all day Saturday strapping ruggers up and fixing them up on the pitch. This is a huge part of a successful day of rugby.

Justin Swartz & Red Card Furniture & Design: Justin came through in a massive way, on a time crunch and with incredible results as he designed and made those excellent individual awards and outstanding team plaque that was gifted to the OLs Saturday night.

Edina High School Rugby Players & Parents: After a successful morning of rugby, the players and parents stayed around to help out on the scoreboard, concessions, while supporting the OLs and Metropolis teams on the pitch. This really added to the day's festival mood in a positive way.

Super Joe Kiley: Joe led a successful effort in the week's leading up to the event as he organized a massive group of Old Boys to join in the fun on the weekend. His efforts led to a great turnout on the pitch as well as the social on Saturday that couldn't be missed by anyone.

Metro, Minneapolis & Metropolis Old Boys: The incredible turnout and general support by all groups of Old Boys was apparent throughout the tour and great to see. Special thanks to Anton & Horse for a unique, soggy but eventful Bike Tour on Wednesday and J.D. Koloc for a perfect golf outing Thursday.

Tom "Oaf" Hromadka: From making sure the tent and field were set up to working with his brother John as well as Mike Kreblin and other volunteers on the concession stand Saturday he led a successful effort that made Saturday a great one at the pitch. Mike also secured the Waste Management garbage/recycling bins, including special pick-up for us. Well done.

Metropolis Rugby Players and Fans: From the new/young Metropolis guys stepping up to host, entertain, show up to events and carry on the tradition with enthusiasm and dedication to ladies from the various local teams stepping up to do the same, it was incredible to see such great follow-through and support of the Tour. I know the OLs were very appreciative.

At the end of the day, a lot of people did a lot of work and a ton of fun was had by all. The tradition and relationship between our two clubs will continue to grow strong as a result of this work, lasting memories made and plans for more are already in the works!