For the vast majority of you receiving this email introductions to Nate are not needed. You know that Nate has been an important member of this club for a number of years now. From his days at #10 for the Division I side where he helped lead us deep into the National Playoffs, to more recent times, serving as the Division III Coach, leading that team to a National Championship and personally earning Division III USARugby MVP honors.
While Nate was the first person to throw his hat into the ring for this position he certainly wasn't the only one. There were a number of highly qualified candidates, eager to take the reigns of this club, who expressed interested and applied for the job. Nate's openness throughout the interview process, willingness to stay the course as Jamey, Rob and I performed the necessary due diligence, served him well and point to a patience and maturity that will server the Club well in the future. Those days and weeks in limbo, answering question after question, were no doubt trying times but his perseverance through it all speak to his undying commitment to the Club and his mates. A quick note on that process and a special thank-you to Rob Holder who accepted my request for help and guidance throughout the selection process. Rob's considerable experience, level-headedness and"outsider" perspective were immeasurably important throughout this effort.
As the Head Coach of Metropolis Rugby, Nate has final say and responsibility for the success and management of both the Division 1 & Division 2 sides. With that in mind, we look to Nate, in the coming days and week, to build out his coaching staff and share that information as appropriate. At the end of the day, it's very important that we always remember that Metropolis is just one Rugby Club. We field multiple competitive sides, but are still one Club. We expect great things from Nate as he makes that ever difficult transition from Player, to Player/Coach, to now, ultimately Coach. We have no doubt that his leadership, through words and example, experience and knowledge will serve him and the Club well.
These are exciting times....new times. Often times, however, we find "NEW" to be different, perhaps uncomfortable...maybe even surprising. What I find comforting here is that none of this is really a surprise, is it? Who would be surprised that a Clubman, with years and years of rugby experience, professional and club, having success at all levels, showing clear dedication to his club, bringing home a National Championship would ultimately be interested in and selected as the New Head Coach? Right, nobody would be surprised, unless they were about to get weird.....
Well, things aren't getting weird, but here is a brief note from your Head Coach, Nate Osborne on this important day:
''It's a huge honor to be named Head Coach for such a great club. One with great young rugby talent, one with the best old boy network of any club I've been involved with, One with such a big future and one that I love and would do anything for. It's going to be a fun fall but we have many things to work on to reach our goal of a Midwest Championship and one day a National Championship. So let's hit the ground running on the 26th because it's only 5 weeks till League kick off. - Nathan Osborne"
With that, I ask that you join me in congratulating and supporting Coach Osborne as he assumes his much deserved role. Metropolis Rugby, as ever, moves forward...with lofty goals and a plan to get there under the guidance of Nate, hardwork of the players and support of the Club.
It all begins next Tuesday, 7/26 @ 6:30pm....SAOS Field with the first Fall 2011 15's Training session.
See you there!!!
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