YOUNGBLOODZ RUGBY: Chasing a 7's National Championship
For those living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, the Youngbloodz 7's rugby club earned the right to represent the Midwest in the National 7's Championships this coming weekend, 8/6 & 8/7, in San Francisco, CA. http://www.youngbloodz7srugby.com/
Right about now you may be asking yourself, "So what? They aren't a Metropolis team, so why should I care?" Fair question. To which I offer the following: They are a Minnesota Rugby Club. We have a unique chance to get behind another Minnesota Rugby organization as they seek a National Championship, and, I'm proud to say, have done exactly that. Over the past few days a group of Metropolis Rugby members, primarily Old Boys, have pooled their resources in order to make a nice donation to the Youngbloodz which will help offset some of their travel costs as they head to California, representing Minnesota Rugby in the National 7's Championships.
I encourage you to follow the Youngbloodz on Facebook and learn more about their history and players on their website: http://www.youngbloodz7srugby.com. In the meantime, know that they have established a level of excellence and success not seen on the 7's pitch in Minnesota since the Metropolis National 7's years of 2003, 2000 and prior. The Youngbloodz are a 7's specialist's club, coached by Sam Robinson and sending a roster of 12 to California. That roster has guys that are still in college at the University of Minnesota, still in high school, a son of a long time East Side Banshee, a standout Banshee player (who I do believe also went to UWEC), a number of guys from the Spearhead Rugby Academy, one who just won a DIII National Championship with Metropolis and others who played on our Division I as well. I am sure other clubs and colleges, as well as local High Schools, are represented as well. Oh, did I mention the Captain of this team is none other than our own Nick Johnson?
When you put all of this into perspective it's easy for any one of us to find a reason to get behind these boys and wish them the best of luck this coming weekend. This is a true Minnesota rugby team, deserving of our support as it carries our pride and rugby tradition with it to San Francisco. Good luck gentlemen!!!!
METROPOLIS RUGGERS: Heading to Super League:
This next piece is a bit more of a surprise and until very recently not very widely known. I don't necessarily have all the details required to do it justice, but since it's all happening so quickly I at least wanted to mention something.
As one team heads West temporarily, two other Metropolis Ruggers head West for a more extended stay. Please join me in wishing Casey Cronk and Aaron Fry the best of luck, safe travels and all the success as they journey to Seattle, WA to join Seattle Rugby Club & Old Puget Sound Rugby for the upcoming seasons. Casey has been a member of the Metropolis Rugby Club for a number of years now, most recently serving as #10 on the Division 1 side during the last playoff push. From the University of Minnesota, to Metropolis, Spearhead and the Youngbloodz, Cronk's passion for rugby never faltered. Casey's Facebook friends will note his thanks and appreciation to Rob Holder and Spearhead Rugby Academy for pushing him through to the next level. Metropolis players and fans will miss Casey on the pitch this fall and behind the bar at Legend's, but wish him the best of luck as he pursues his dreams in the great Pacific Northwest.
After all the years of conjecture and rumor, this week will prove that Bigfoot, aka. Sasquatch, does indeed live in the Pacific Northwest. If you look
HERE you can see the confused gaze of the large, yet lovable Man Child known as Aaron Fry to us, but Sasquatch to those in the know. Aaron Fry journeys from Minnesota once again as he joins Casey in Seattle. Fry has been on a rocket trajectory in the rugby world ever since his days at STOUT. Spending time and contributing immediately on the Metropolis Division 1 side before heading over to Ireland to play professionally it is clear to see that there are great things ahead for this young Man-Child. While his time with Metropolis in terms of years is limited Aaron has told me, on a number of occasions, that Metropolis Rugby will always be his home club and he'll always be connected here. That said, I can promise that both Aaron and Casey will be welcomed back here anytime.
The news of Cronk and Fry's departures came quickly...and their departure date will be as quick too. They are leaving this week!!! Fortunately a few guys took it upon themselves to make sure they were sent off appropriately. That said, there is a Going Away Party Bus...tonight (MONDAY)!!! Please see Kyle "Mizzu" "Javelin" Fredrickson (kyfreddie@aol.com) with questions and details.
Not everyone is leaving the state:
All this good-bye and good-luck stuff reminds me of the fact that this past spring I failed to write up a farewell wish to long time Metropolis and Minnetonka hero, Adam Dilley, as he journeyed to California for a season in the USARugby Super League. Perhaps my failure to properly memorialize his leaving was due to my being in denial that the World's 2nd Largest Leprechaun, who started with Metropolis as the only Colt with a full beard, and contributing greatly, on and off the pitch, year after year, was leaving us and his beloved state. Or, perhaps it was so I could save myself to welcome Dilley as he returns to join our ranks once again! That's right, you can plan on seeing our Clubman Extraordinaire back in Metropolis colors in a few short weeks. Does this week get any better?
With a final good luck to all of our Minnesota Rugby players, no matter what Club you call home, I hope you all enjoy the week, keep all of these guys in your thoughts and take pride to be a rugger in the great rugby state of Minnesota!!!!!
Preview of the new gear: