Semi Finals Matches:

Unionville 14, Conestoga 10

Unionville Scoring:

Baker (9 points -- 1 try, 2 conversions)

Lange (5 points -- 1 try)

Exeter 43, Cumberland Valley 14

Consolation Match:

Conestoga 36, Cumberland Valley 12

Championship Match:

Unionville 36, Exeter 12

Unionville Scoring:

deVries (10 points -- 2 tries)

Baker (6 points -- 3 conversions)

Hopkins (5 points -- 1 try)

Barnes (5 points -- 1 try)

Lange (5 points -- 1 try)

Tuvesson (5 points -- 1 try)

Here are final arrangements for tomorrow's EPRU TOURNAMENT:

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH THE UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TEAMS, EACH OF WHICH EARNED A BERTH IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL FOUR!

Scores:

Unionville HS Boys 45, State College HS 0

Unionville HS Girls 45, Doylestown Girls 7

Four items:

======================================
Directions to Bishop Shanahan
======================================

1. Follow PA-926 / W STREET RD to US-202N
2. Turn LEFT onto US-202 NORTH (5.0 miles)
3. Merge onto PA-100 N toward US-30 W / EXTON (3.3 miles)
4. Merge onto EXTON BYP / US-30 W toward DOWNINGTOWN / LANCASTER (2.6 miles)
5. Take the US-30-BR W exit toward DOWNINGTOWN (0.2 miles)
6. Turn LEFT onto E LANCASTER AVE / US-30 BR (0.9 miles)
7. Turn LEFT onto WOODBINE RD. (0.3 miles)
You will see the field on your right.


=======================================
Alternate Directions
=======================================

1. Get onto US-322 toward Downingtown
2. At Lancaster Avenue (US-30 Business) turn RIGHT.
3. Follow Lancaster Ave. to WOODBINE RD.
4. Turn RIGHT onto WOODBINE RD.
You will see the field on your right. 

QUICK CONGRATULATIONS TO HS BOYS

Our high school boys had a terrific weekend.  The 1^st side won handily against previously-unbeaten Salesianum 38-7. 

The 2^nd side won an exciting, see-saw battle with Sallies 17-15.  Unionville came from behind 3 times to eke out the win.

A BIG THANKS TO TON DEVRIES WHO HAS POSTED PHOTOS OF THE SALESIANUM MATCH AT:

https://picasaweb.google.com/ton.devriesusa/20120429Rugby?authuser=0&feat=directlink

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 5:

            10 to noon – Middle School Practice at Pocopson

            Noon to 2 – High School Boys Practice at Pocopson

            2 to 4 – High School Girls Practice at Pocopson

Sunday, May 6:

High School Boys:  (LEAGUE MATCH) at Lake Forest.  Kick-off is currently scheduled for 2 pm.  Lake Forest High School is south of Dover, DE – leave yourself 1 hour, 45 minutes to get there.   Both the 1^st and 2^nd sides should travel.

High School Girls:  (LEAGUE MATCH) at West Chester Rustin.  Kick-off is currently scheduled for noon.  Logistics will be forthcoming.

Under-15 Boys:      (PLAYOFF MATCH) at Downingtown.  Kick-off is at 2:00.  We finished 4^th in the East so we play the 1^st seed in the East.

Under-13 Boys:       (FRIENDLY MATCH) at Downingtown.  Kick-off is immediately after the U-15 boys game, likely about 3:30 pm.

REPEAT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT THE FIRST TIME:  PLAYOFF INFORMATION

Now that we can look ahead to playoffs, here is what I know at this point.  Hopefully, it will help you plan (or at least set aside dates):

High School Boys

Pennsylvania State Championships (All single-school high school teams in Pennsylvania):

Wednesday, May 9:  Round 1

(Note:  I’m not sure how seeding will work.  There appear to be a total of 17 single-school high school teams in the EPRU side of the state.  Not sure how many are in the western side.  Round 1 looks like it will feature 16 teams.)

Sunday, May 13:  Quarter Finals

Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20:  Semi Finals and Finals

(Note:  I believe that the semis and finals will be held in Pittsburgh.)

EPRU Championships (All EPRU single-school high school teams, including those in NJ and DE):

Thursday, May 17:  Quarter Finals

(Note:  Again, I’m not sure how seeding will work.  There are 3 single-school high school divisions and 8 slots.  My guess is that the top 2 from each division will be invited, plus two “at large” bids.  But that is just a guess.) 

Sunday, May 20:  Semi Finals and Finals

High School Girls

The following is as it was distributed to me by the league organizer:

Pennsylvania State Championships

The PA State Championships are May 20, 2012.  More details will be forthcoming.  However, in terms of selections, once we receive the total number of slots available, the same criteria will be used to select the appropriate number of Pennsylvania Teams for the tournament.

EPRU Championships

The top two teams from each division (East, Central, West) will make the playoffs. 

The teams will be seeded based on Win/Loss, Differential, Points For, or a Coin Toss (in descending order). 

Once reseeded, the top two teams will have a BYE the weekend of 5/13 and will proceed directly to the EPRU Championship Tournament on 5/27. 

#6 will play #3, #5 will play #4. 

Both games will occur at the higher seeded team's pitch.  Winners advance to the EPRU Final Four Tournament.

Under-13 and Under-15 Boys

The following is as it was distributed to me by the league organizer:

Sunday, May 6:

U15 - Everyone will play.   The top four in each division will play in the EPRU U15 quarter final round to determine the four teams that will play in the championship bracket at the May 20 Tournament.

East #1 v East #4 – match will be played at the field of East #1 seed

East #2 v East #3 – match will be played at the field of East #2 seed

West #1 v West #4 – match will be played at the field of West #1 seed

West #2 v West #3 – match will be played at the field of West #2 seed

The two fifth place teams will play as well in a non league match – standings points, and then least point differential if necessary will determine home team.

U13 – All U13’s will play a match on May 6^th.  It will be a non league match. We will match any U13 teams that also have U15’s and are playing on May 6^th. Final pairings will be announced on April 30^th

Sunday, May 20 at Cumberland Valley:

All teams are invited to participate in the year end EPRU tournament. All teams will get two matches on this day.

U15 – The 2 teams from each division will play in the Championship Bracket

East # 1 v West #2

West #1 v East #2

Losers will play in a consolation game, winners play in the championship final.

The other 6 teams will play in a tournament round robin with 2 games each. We will match teams that haven’t played yet where possible.

U13 – The top 4 U13 teams will play for the U13 Championship. The bottom two teams will play then play the semifinal losers in the consolation rounds. All teams will get 2 matches.

Unionville Girls' Rugby is mourning the loss of one of our own. Alumna Jessica Pfeifer passed away suddenly in the pre-dawn hours on Thursday, April 19th at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY. A 2008 Graduate of Unionville High School, Jess was attending college at Syracuse University and was a senior in the College of Environmental Science & Forestry. She was 21 years of age, and less than a month away from graduating with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management. Unionville players and the coaching staff are still reeling at news of this unexpected and tragic loss.

Jessie Pfeifer was a founding member of the Unionville women's rugby team. She played rugby for the Indians during all four years of her high school career. She was a Senior and a starter on the Varsity squad as a valued and versatile utility player, playing both in the back line and also with the forward pack as a fleet and hard-hitting flanker during the 2008 season, the team's most successful season to date. The players on the 2008 roster secured the Indians a 1st place finish for their league, taking the title with a first-round post-season play-off win over Valley Forge on the team's home pitch at Hillendale. The team also went on to earn a place in the Final Four for the EPRU's Division I Championships that year, ending their post-season play by taking second place in the Eastern Conference, and finishing 4th over-all in the state.

The 2008 season had many memorable highlights, beginning with the pre-season team road trip to Charlottesville, VA for a high-school rugby clinic with the UVA rugby team. While there, Jessie "Danger" Pfeifer, Abigail "The Abbinator" Taylor, Ashley Brown, Steph Forbes, and Mallory Lockhart were invited to play for Princeton University's women's team in a college rugby tournament that was taking place. The Unionville seniors held their own with the college players, and generated quite a buzz at the tournament due to their demonstrated skill on the pitch. Princeton's coach, Emil Signes (who is also the former Head Coach of the USA Women's Rugby 7s team) had this to say about their performance: "The Unionville HS students played great. They were all seniors, and every one had more experience than all but 2 players on our team. The rugby teams of the colleges that get these kids will be so lucky!"

Later that spring, Jessie's speed and tenacious tackling abilities were again show-cased when she was called on to be the weak-side winger in the season highlight match, the team's annual stadium night game. The hard-charging Unionville Indians triumphed in a close match over the Downingtown Dingoes to win the annual Battle of Brandywine Belles, ensuring that the Brandywine Bell would remain in the Unionville High School display case for another year.

After knocking down the Valley Forge team in the first round of play-offs to secure the league title, Jessie Pfeifer and the rest of the Indian squad fought for a very satisfying 18-3 win over a fierce (and previously undefeated!) Conestoga squad in the post-season's second play-off round. The team's triumphant win over the rival Conestoga team earned the U-girls a spot in the Final Four in the 2008 EPRU Championship Tournament. and simultaneously advanced the U-Girls to the EPRU Division I Eastern Conference Championship match. This was the first time in the history of the club for the team to earn a place in the Championship round of the Division I play-offs for the EPRU title. Without a doubt, Jessie's savvy, tough, and tenacious performance was instrumental in helping the team accomplish both play-off wins.

The Unionville players finished the 2008 rugby season with a 2nd place finish in the Eastern Conference after tightly contested game during the EPRU Championship Tournament on Mother's Day, 2008. The Unionville girls went up against a perennial powerhouse Doylestown team. The girls played well, demonstrating good, solid 15-as-1 rugby, but plagued by injuries and missing some key players, the team fell to the Dragons. This secured the Indians a 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, and the squad finished the tournament with a 4th place over-all finish in the state Championships. A fine season, made finer by teamwork and friendship.

The ladies of Unionville rugby capped the 2008 season with their inaugural PromDress Rugby event, joined by the Blackheart girls from Henderson. Much laughter ensued. Jess Pfeifer wore a terrific ballerina-inspired black and white formal gown, and she proceeded to turn in some truly awesome plays, despite being surrounded by all that extra crinoline. The dress, however, did not fare as quite as well as Jessie did; it did not remain intact for long. Jess was forced to make some on-the-fly mid-field alterations, but it didn't seem to phase her a bit, as she kept playing just as fiercely, and ended the match wearing tiny, tattered remnants of her former finery. Abby Taylor, Nicky Fenton, and Katie Walston were all nominated by their peers as contestants to be the Rugby Prom Queen, with Ms. Fenton ultimately winning the crown.

After the 2008 season drew to an end, and the summer drew to a close, Jess headed off to college in Syracuse, NY to study environmental sciences. While there, she became a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. Jess made as big an impression on the folks in Syracuse as she did here at home. The spring of 2012 found her about to graduate with her bachelaureate as a forest and natural resources management Senior at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She was helping to plan the upcoming commencement ceremony, and was actively involved in preparing the big Spring Soiree scheduled for this Saturday. At 21 years of age, the outlook was bright for Ms. Jessica Pfeifer.

The Unionville rugby alumna and the coaching staff were greatly saddened to learn that Jess passed away suddenly in Syracuse during the early morning hours of April 19th, 2012 of cardiac arrest. Jess was rushed to the hospital by ambulance just after 3am, but the emergency staff were unable to save her life. Just that quickly, that suddenly, our Jessie "Danger" Pfeifer was gone.

Our hearts and our deepest sympathies go out to her family and her loved ones during this difficult time of unexpected loss. We are with you.

Jessie was one who shone so brightly... She will be greatly missed.

Here's an update on this weekend:

SATURDAY PRACTICES

Middle School Boys:  10 to noon at Pocopson

High School Boys:  NO PRACTICE (SEE BELOW)

High School Girls:  2 to 4 at Pocopson

SUNDAY MATCHES

High School Boys (both first and second sides): 

2 p.m. kick-off (LEAGUE MATCH) vs. Salesianum at Hillendale Elementary. 

All High School Boys MUST arrive at NOON at Hillendale.  I am aware that almost all Unionville sports teams have Saturday games and/or meets, so attendance at a Saturday practice would almost certainly be spotty.  At this point in our season, a practice with partial attendance is not helpful.  We need a solid practice with everyone there. 

As a result, we will skip Saturday altogether and practice instead on Sunday at Hillendale from noon until about 1:30, at which time we will warm up for the Salesianum match.  We have much to work on and need everyone on the team to be on the same page.

With two full matches – Salesianum has a huge program so we’ll have a ton of rugby – we will need to run game social.  High school boys are the only team home this weekend, so it is important that every player bring snacks (healthy or unhealthy) or fluids (water or sports drinks).  I’m hopeful that parents will assist with cooking the dogs as well.  We want to be great hosts off the field and worthy victors on it.

High School Girls:  No match scheduled at this time.

Under-15 Boys:  4:00 p.m. kick-off (LEAGUE MATCH) AT CHAMBERSBURG.  This is our longest commute of the season.  Directions provided by Steve Wright, the Chambersburg coach, are attached (See handout link at the end of this posting).  Steve notes the following: 

“The address of the pitch is 5857 Orphanage Road, Waynesboro, PA. Directions are attached from I-81 and also a set from Unionville all the way here. There are several different routes you can take, but I have found the key for the best time is to avoid route 30. We made several trips to Unionville when I coached our girls team and found the route that is attached to be the best for time.  My cell number is 717-372-4551 should you need to get hold of me for any reason on Sunday. I will be at the pitch all day with the other games going on.”

Allow ample time to get there.  Players should arrive by 3:15 p.m.

Under-13 Boys:  3:30 p.m. kick-off (LEAGUE MATCH) AT ST. EDMOND’S ACADEMY.  (Directions are attached -- see handout link at the end of this posting).  Players should arrive by 2:45 p.m.

Folks, this is a huge weekend for us.  Let’s go U!

Curt

There will be NO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS MATCH vs. Valley Forge Military Academy today.

We are working on rescheduling. Tentatively, we have agreed on Saturday, May 5. (Note: I've checked sports schedules and there are no lacrosse or baseball games and no track meets. UHS doesn't appear to have anything that will interfere. It is an SAT test date, but I'll work to assure that the match is in the afternoon.) I will have final confirmation later today.

AT THIS TIME, IT APPEARS THAT ALL OTHER MATCHES (U13, U15 AND GIRLS) ARE PROCEEDING AS PLANNED. HOWEVER, PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE AND ON EMAIL SINCE IT IS STILL EARLY.

Curt

SATURDAY PRACTICES / MATCHES

-  Middle School Boys:  10 to noon – FRIENDLY MATCH VS. NARBERTH AT POCOPSON.  ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS SHOULD PLAN TO PLAY. 

(Note:  9^th grade players should join the High School Practice.)

Players/parents, please bring snacks.  We’ll bring the grill and hot dogs so that we can have a (low key) game social after the match. 

High School Boys:  PRACTICE from noon to 2 at Pocopson *

High School Girls:  PRACTICE from 2 to 4 at Pocopson

*  For those interested, Penn State plays Army in the Collegiate Premier Division league championship match on Saturday at Penn State.  Kick-off is at 5:00 p.m.  Drive is almost exactly 3 hours.  I will be leaving for PSU immediately after practice.  I should be incredible rugby up there.

SUNDAY MATCHES

High School Boys (first side):   4 p.m. kick-off (LEAGUE MATCH) AT VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY.  Players should arrive at VFMA by 3:00 p.m.  Final selections will be announced at end of practice on Saturday.

High School Girls:                    Noon kickoff (LEAGUE MATCH) VS DOWNINGTOWN AT HILLENDALE.

Under-15 Boys:                       12:30 p.m. kick-off (LEAGUE MATCH) AT BLACKTHORN.  Players should arrive at Blackthorn by noon.

Under-13 Boys:                       1:45 p.m. kick-off (LEAGUE MATCH) VS. DOYLESTOWN AT BLACKTHORN.  Players should arrive at Blackthorn by 12:30.

I goofed.  Earlier I wrote that the MS practice was at noon.  IT IS NOT AT NOON!!!

Practice will begin at its usual time ... 10 am.

Two quick items:

- PRACTICES

High School Boys will NOT practice today

Middle School Boys WILL practice today from 10 until noon

High School Girls WILL practice today from 2 until 4

All Practices are at Pocopson

- SUNDAY MATCHES

2:00 - High School Boys (2nd side) vs. Bishop Shanahan -- If you played less than a full match last night, you should be at this match ready to play

3:15 - Under 13 match vs. Downingtown

4:30 - Under 15 match vs. Downingtown

Be sure to bring game social snacks or fluids with you!

I'll debrief last night's events (thank you to everyone who helped!) in a subsequent email, likely late tonight when I return from Penn State where I'll be watching the PSU vs. Kutztown match.

Curt

This message contains six items:

1. Practices this Weekend

2. All-Star High School Boys Tryouts (which has a very tight timeline)

3.  Standings Update

4. Schedule Update

5. Stadium Game Planning

6. End-of-Season Banquet Planning

FOR THOSE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOR THE ALL-STAR TEAM, BE SURE TO SEE ITEM #2.

1. PRACTICES THIS WEEKEND

All boys WILL have practices this Saturday, April 7, at the regular times at Pocopson:

10 to noon: Middle School Boys

Noon to 2: High School Boys

REGARDING HIGH SCHOOL BOYS – If you are in town, it is really important that you be at this practice. As our match with Malvern Prep showed, we have a number of issues to resolve. This may well be our only opportunity to practice before our Stadium Game match against Bishop Shanahan.

REGARDING MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS – Coach Fozard indicates the following for middle school families: “I would like to invite parents to come to the session and join in! The session will cover the basic skills as a recap for the players and this will also provide an opportunity for parents to learn some of the basics about game play and that will hopefully make it more fun to watch the matches.”

REGARDING HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS – Please check with Coach Oehler. I’ve not had an opportunity to catch up with him, so I’m not sure at this moment his plan.

2. HIGH SCHOOL BOYS ALL STARS

I have conversed with Dan Currie, the High School Boys All-Star Coordinator. Dan indicates that, since we have  practice on Saturday, you do not need to attend this weekend’s tryout if you are interested in playing for the EPRU All-Star team.

Here’s what you must do:

- You must register online before this weekend. 

(Here’s a link to the form: http://www.epru-archive.com/forms/form_allstar_bhs.php)  

Providing your date of birth, CIPP number, and high school grade are critical since it will determine whether you are being considered for the U17 or U19 all stars. (The Unionville Boys USA Rugby roster is attached.  CIPP numbers appear on that roster.)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Dan Currie at 215-901-0248.

3. STANDINGS UPDATE

Attached are updated standings for our High School Boys, High School Girls, U-15 Boys, and U-13 Boys.

Congratulations, by the way, to the U-13 Boys who soundly defeated Cumberland Valley on Saturday. By all accounts, the U-13 boys played with both skill and spirit. The improvement from our match against Media was evident. A job well done.

Also, the Unionville Times article (http://www.unionvilletimes.com/?p=8064) about the Boys High School match vs. Malvern Prep contains a link to photos taken by the reporter at the match. I thought you might find them of interest. The link is as follows:

http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?tmpl=127&user_id=63742&action=viewalbum&event=1067213

4. SCHEDULE UPDATE

Attached please find an up-to-date schedule for all of our teams.

Recent updates:

- The U-15 match vs. State College (originally scheduled for April 1) will be played at Hillendale on Sunday, May 13. Kickoff is tentatively set for 3:45 p.m.

- Narberth U-14 will play Unionville U-14 (middle school -- 6th, 7th, and 8th graders) in the Stadium Game event at Unionville High School on Friday, April 13. Kickoff will be at 5:30 p.m. 

Note that, for all teams, playoff times and locations are only determined once league play is complete.

The Stadium Game is on Friday, April 13 in the Unionville High School Stadium. Kick-off times are as follows:

Middle School Boys: 5:30 p.m.

High School Girls: 6:30 p.m.

High School Boys: 8:00 p.m.

(Players should arrive no later than 1 hour before their match.  However, we STRONGLY encourage all players from all teams to be present for all 3 matches.)

GAME SOCIAL AT THIS EVENT IS HUGELY IMPORTANT. The Stadium Game event is our celebration of rugby – an opportunity to share our great game with students, Administrators, the School Board, and the broader community.

REQUEST: Please indicate by return email if you will be able to assist with game social at the Stadium Game event. With back-to-back-to-back matches, I am asking that parents work when their child is not playing.

6. END-OF-SEASON BANQUET PLANNING

REQUEST:  Please indicate whether you are willing to join a select group of parents who will pull together this year’s end-of-season gathering. (“Banquet” may be too strong a word.) I would really like to do something as a total program this year … informal, fun, appropriate.  Please let me know if you can help to make it happen.

I hope you all can feel my pain trying to schedule into spring break. There has been a lot of scheduling weeble-wobble over the past 24 hours ... but I think we are finally almost set. Here's where things now stand:

First, congratulations to all our teams on their performances this weekend. Our high school boys and girls continue to exhibit dominant play. It's exciting to watch.

I just returned from Hillendale Elementary. The field is in very good shape. No standing water anywhere, a little wet (which is to be expected), but the ground is firm. Is is, without question, playable.

Weather forecast also looks good (see below).  

AS A RESULT, WE WILL PROCEED AT HILLENDALE ELEMENTARY, AS PLANNED. My only request is that if, during the afternoon, we get rain and/or the field begins to come undone, we leave open the option of relocation to the high school. Based on what I'm seeing, this is only a remote possibility ... but we really value our pitch.

As a reminder, we will have game social today.  Please be sure to bring either snacks (healthy or unhealthy) or fluids (bottled water or sports drinks). 

Match schedule:

Noon kick-off:  Unionville Girls vs. Conestoga Girls  (arrive by 11)

2 pm kick-off:  Unionville Boys 1^st side vs. Conestoga Boys (arrive by 1, but I would prefer you be there at noon to cheer on the girls)

3:30 pm kick-off:  Unionville Boys B vs. Conestoga Boys B (arrive with 1^st side)

5:00 pm kick-off:  Unionville Under-15 vs. Conestoga Under-15 (arrive by 4, but I would prefer that you be there to cheer on the boys)

UNDER 13 AWAY MATCH

Just got off the phone with the Media coach.

The weather forecasts for today and tomorrow have improved significantly. While there is still the possibility of rain, for now, a look out the window suggests perfect practice weather.

We will proceed with practices today at Pocopson as planned:

10 to noon: Middle School Boys

Noon to 2: High School Boys

2 to 4: High School Girls

Please keep an eye on the website and/or your email today and tomorrow since spring weather can change in a heartbeat.

REGARDING TOMORROW, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE NEED YOU TO BRING FOOD AND/OR FLUIDS FOR GAME SOCIAL. THIS INCLUDES: WATER / GATORADE OR FINGER FOOD (HEALTHY OR UNHEALTHY).

Let's use today productively! See you in a little bit.

Curt

Hey all,

Here are links to a mountain of pictures from the Charlotte trip. Many, many thanks to Ton deVries and Scott Margolin for sharing their photos.

Also attached is a link to pictures taken by a professional photographer who took photos at the Tournament.

I believe that all of the links are associated with services that will let you purchase prints.

When it comes to photos, I believe strongly that more is more -- so ... if you have pictures and you are willing to share, please pass them along to me.

Enjoy ...

Curt

From Ton deVries:

Pictures are accessible via Picasa. If anyone wants the originals, I can send them individually; just let them drop me an email at ton.devries@bentley.com with the picture name (click on ‘Photo information’ on the right side of the screen). For displaying, the Picasa ones are fine, but the originals are much higher resolution and will provide a better quality printed picture.

High School Boys (A side): https://picasaweb.google.com/ton.devriesusa/CharlotteRugbyHSABoys?authuser=0&feat=directlink

High School Girls: https://picasaweb.google.com/ton.devriesusa/CharlotteRugbyHSGirls?authuser=0&feat=directlink

High School Boys (B side): https://picasaweb.google.com/ton.devriesusa/CharlotteRugbyHSBBoys?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Middle School Boys: http://gallery.me.com/rockymargolin#100227

Sorry for the flurry of emails. Lots of scheduling items are falling into place today.

We’re off to a great start!  Congratulations to the High School Girls, Under-15, and Under-13 teams on their performance this weekend.  For those who weren’t there, here are the final scores:

                Unionville Girls 76, Media United Girls 0

                Unionville U-15 Boys 31, Doylestown U-15 Boys 14

                Unionville U-13 Boys 17, Doylestown U-13 Boys 5

Our high school boys teams had byes this weekend.

Each week, I will try to provide updated standings.  The first such update appears at the end of this message.

UPCOMING WEEKEND

Our schedule this weekend will be as follows:

Saturday, March 24:

                10:00 to noon … U-15 and U-13 practice at Pocopson

                Noon to 2:00 … High School Boys Practice at Pocopson

                2:00 to 4:00 … High School Girls Practice at Pocopson

Note:    9^th grade boys may play U-15 and/or High School B-side this Sunday.  Please plan to practice with the team(s) with which you intend to play.  It is okay for 9^th graders (indeed, encouraged) to join both Saturday practices

NOTE TO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS:  SATURDAY IS A VERY IMPORTANT PRACTICE.  WE NEED TO PREPARE FOR BOTH CONESTOGA AND MALVERN PREP.  REMEMBER, OUR MATCH AGAINST MP IS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 30!!!

Sunday, March 25:

                Match schedules are as follows:

I will send out a final confirmation of the U-13 kick-off time as soon as the “final final” is received from Media.

GAME SOCIAL

With a full day of home matches on Sunday, it is vital that we assemble a large number of volunteers to assist with game social.

1.       If your child has a home match, please bring finger-food (e.g., cupcakes, cookies, chips, or healthful snacks). 

2.       If you are willing to help organize game social for one or more of the matches, please let me know ASAP.

3.       Please indicate by email if you can work behind the counter.  We’ll try to put together a work schedule of sorts to even the load across all volunteers.

Thanks for your help.  For those of you who attended Sunday’s matches, you have a sense of how big a part of the proceedings this truly is.  Let’s make it great for everyone.

Okay! Our successes in Carolina are now history. Now it's time to move on the regular season.

Here's how things are shaking out for this weekend:

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

REMINDER THAT THE SCHEDULE IS DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL.

High School Boys:

10 TO 11:30: Practice at Pocopson

11:30: DEPART POCOPSON FOR PENN STATE VS. UNIV OF DELAWARE MATCH, WHICH KICK'S OFF AT 1:00 (I'll get directions to you in a subsequent message.)

Middle School Boys:

Noon to 2: Practice at Pocopson

High School Girls:

2 to 4: Practice at Pocopson

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

NOON KICKOFF (11 AM ARRIVAL): HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS LEAGUE MATCH -- UNIONVILLE VS. MEDIA UNITED AT HILLENDALE ELEMENTARY

2:00 KICKOFF (1 PM ARRIVAL): UNDER-15 MATCH -- UNIONVILLE VS. DOYLESTOWN AT HILLENDALE ELEMENTARY

3:00 KICKOFF (2 PM ARRIVAL): UNDER-13 MATCH -- UNIONVILLE VS. DOYLESTOWN AT HILLENDALE ELEMENTARY

THERE ARE NO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS MATCHES CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 18. (Unfortunately, Coatesville will not be fielding a team this year.) I AM LEANING TOWARD A 9:30 TO 11:00 AM INTRA-SQUAD HS BOYS MATCH ON SUNDAY AT HILLENDALE TO KEEP US SHARP ... I'LL CONFIRM LATER IN THE WEEK. PLEASE PENCIL IT IN FOR NOW.

FIELD SET UP

With the start of matches comes the need to set up Hillendale. Those who are willing to help, please convene at Hillendale at 5:45 pm on Saturday. First setup is always an adventure. (The operative question is: how many otherwise competent adults does it take to create a big rectangle -- or something vaguely resembling a rectangle)? Come join the fun and find out for yourself.

GAME SOCIAL

We now need to get the game social wheels turning. For starters, if your team is playing on Sunday, please bring finger food -- chips, brownies, cupcakes, fruit, tofu (kidding), or other food item that is appropriate to accompany / supplement the hot dogs and burgers that the club provides.

We will need cookers and servers throughout the afternoon. As always, we try to have parents work when their child is not playing.

Our goal -- our obligation, really -- is to create a fantastic social place where parents, players and friends from both teams convene, grab a bite, and get to know one another.

We'll try to get some order around this by Saturday. Please, please, please plan to help out.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW. I'LL HAVE MORE INFO BEFORE THE END OF THE WEEK.

AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE ON A MAGNIFICENT TOURNAMENT IN CHARLOTTE. IT WAS AN EXCELLENT START TO THE SEASON.

Curt

… than to win in Carolina.

And win Unionville Rugby did.   Our Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls each brought back championship trophies!

Congratulations to all of our teams for an outstanding weekend of rugby!

1.         Varsity Boys:  2 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie – TOURNAMENT CHAMPION

-          Match 1:  Unionville 5, Myers Park (NC) 5

-          Match 2:  Unionville 36, Concord (NC) 0

-          Match 3:  Unionville 30, Hudson (OH) 0

The Unionville boys win the championship tie-breaker over Myers Park thanks to an impressive 22 point average margin of victory over the three weekend matches.   The stifling Indians defense allowed only 5 points in the tournament.

2.         Varsity Girls:  3 wins, 0 losses – TOURNAMENT CHAMPION

-          Match 1:  Unionville 15, Charlotte (NC) 0

-          Match 2:  Unionville 25, Hudson (OH) 12

-          Match 3:  Unionville 30, West Mecklenburg (NC) 5

The Unionville girls win the championship with three solid wins over quality opponents.

3.         High School Second Side Boys:  1 win, 2 losses

-          Match 1:  Chapin (SC) 52, Unionville 0

-          Match 2:  Charlotte Catholic 45, Unionville 0

-          Match 3:  Unionville 22, Pope Greyhounds (GA) 0

Note:  Chapin is the defending South Carolina state champion.  Charlotte Catholic is ranked #3 in the nation at this time.

4.            Under-14 Boys:  1 win, 2 losses

-          Match 1:  Alpharetta (GA) 24, Unionville 0

-          Match 2:  Unionville 41, Chapin (SC) 5

-       Match 3:  South Charlotte 32, Unionville 14

Hey folks.  Happy Leap Year!  I have a ton of information to report …

1.  THIS WEEKEND

We have scheduled scrimmages for the high school girls and high school boys teams.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful in getting a scrimmage for the middle school.  So, our weekend schedule is as follows:

a.       SATURDAY, MARCH 3

Saturday’s weather forecast is lousy, but we’re still a long way off.  Assuming weather is acceptable, the following is our plan:

10 to noon:  Middle school boys practice at Pocopson Elementary

Noon to 2:  High school boys practice at Pocopson Elementary

2 to 4:  High school girls practice at Pocopson Elementary

b.      SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Sunday’s weather forecast is outstanding (52 degrees and sunny).  Note, however, that unless we have lightning, all matches will go forward as planned, rain or shine.

Noon to 2:                   Middle school boys practice at Pocopson Elementary

11 am to 2 pm:          High School Girls scrimmage at Unionville High School

(Players should arrive at 11 am.  Kick off will be at noon.)

1 pm to 4 pm:            High School Boys scrimmage vs. Warwick at Unionville High School

2.                   SPIRIT WEAR ORDERS

Most (but not all) of our spirit wear has arrived.  We could use parental assistance in getting the stuff sorted and bagged for distribution.

If weather is good on Saturday, we will meet at 10 am at Pocopson so that everything is ready to be distributed by noon.

If the weather is poor on Saturday, we will meet at 11 am on Sunday at Unionville High School so that everything is ready to be distributed before the girls match kicks off.

Please come help!

3.                   NORTH CAROLINA – MATCH SCHEDULE

The preliminary schedule has been released!  I’ve attached a timetable for your information.  There may be an adjustment or two before we get there, but this is pretty close to final.

Our opponents are:

-          High School Boys Team 1:  Myers Park (NC), Concord (NC), and Hudson (OH)

-          High School Boys Team 2:  Chapin (SC), Charlotte Catholic (NC), Pope HS (GA)

-          U-14 Boys:  Alpharetta (GA), Chapin (SC), South Charlotte (NC)

-          High School Girls:  Charlotte (NC), Hudson (OH), West Mecklenberg (NC)

Please remember that daylight savings time will be in effect starting Sunday, March 11 – it’s spring-forward, so we lose an hour.  (You are now forewarned.  Do NOT show up an hour late for your match with a “What do you mean the time changed” excuse!)

4.                   NORTH CAROLINA – RIDE LIST

Attached please find the draft ride list.  For HS Boys and HS Girls, we’re tight.  Please advise if there are any issues. 

Since there isn’t spare room, an assertion that “I want to ride with Person X” will NOT be accommodated unless you also tell me that “and Person Y will ride in my space.”

For safety reasons, I MUST know who is in each vehicle making the trip.

DRIVERS:  Please provide your cell phone number so that we have a way to communicate with you during the trip.

5.                   NORTH CAROLINA – OTHER STUFF

A complete trip packet, which includes itinerary, directions, hotel information, match schedule, final ride list, final rooming list, and other relevant stuff will be sent to each of you before we depart.

We still have a few folks who need to complete administrative items.  I will be reaching to each of you individually if there are item(s) still outstanding.

For reference, I have attached an updated rooming list.

We’re in the home stretch now for the trip.  Things look to be coming together nicely.  Thanks to all of you for your cooperation and assistance in making this happen.  It should be a wonderful experience.

As always, if you have any questions or require additional information, please let me know.  Let’s hope for good weather this weekend!

Curt

1. VERY IMPORTANT PRACTICES TODAY AT POCOPSON:

February 15, 2012

NORTH CAROLINA RUGBY FESTIVAL

THIS MESSAGE REQUIRES ACTION ON YOUR PART REGARDING

-          HOTEL RESERVATIONS

-          GROUP DINNER ON SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Please read below and complete the required steps.

As should be apparent, this is shaping up to be a magnificent trip.  In the days ahead, I will be sending out suggested ride arrangements and other information about the festival.  I’m excited and hope you are too.

Curt

1.      HOTELS

Attached please find the rooming list as of this morning.

(If you do not see your name there and you want to join the trip, you need to contact me ASAP.)

Since our group is so large this year, we will likely be residing in two sister hotels, as follows:

High School Girls:

Spring Hill Suites Charlotte Ballantyne Area

12325 Johnston Road

Charlotte, NC 28277

High School and U-14 Boys:

Residence Inn Charlotte Piper Glen

5115 Piper Station Drive

Charlotte, NC 28277

Room rate at both hotels is $94 per night which will result, after tax, in a total cost per night of $108.34.  A hot breakfast is included in the room rate.

Note:  The hotels are attempting to move reservations between the two facilities so that our entire group can be at the Residence Inn.  There is a 50/50 chance this will happen.  I have assigned the Girls to Spring Hill at the suggestion of the festival organizer, who indicates that some of the other girls teams will be staying there.

OUR RESERVATION PROTOCOL IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM PAST YEARS. 

YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING RIGHT AWAY:

Call or email the travel agent who is handling our account.  Lydia is with Covington Travel.  Direct phone line is 804-747-4193.  Email is lydiam@covtrav.com.  You will be asked to provide the following information:

-          Room number from the attached room list

-          Player and/or family name

-          Name as it appears on the credit card

-          Billing address

-          Phone number

-          Credit Card #

-          Expiration Date

For those who want Marriott points for the stay, you may also provide your Marriott card number.

VERY IMPORTANT:

We are prepaying rooms this year, so your credit card will be charged as follows:

-          For those reserving a full room:  2 nights at $108.34 for a total of $216.68

-          For those reserving a half room (i.e., players sharing a room):  2 nights at $54.17 for a total of $108.34

Any incidentals that are incurred will be paid at checkout.

I WILL BE RECEIVING REGULAR UPDATES ON WHO HASN’T YET PAID.  FOR MY SANITY AND CONTINUED GOOD HUMOR, PLEASE GET THIS DONE RIGHT AWAY.

Please do NOT provide your credit card information to me.  Our hotel arrangements are being handled entirely by the travel agent. 

2.      SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER

On Saturday night, March 10, Unionville Rugby is returning to McKoy’s Smokehouse – which many critics say serves the best BBQ in North Carolina.  That’s saying a lot since BBQ is arguably more important than NASCAR in Charlotte.  (Note:  The NASCAR Hall of Fame – “Where Racing Lives On” – is one of the city’s top attractions.)

We’re a really big party (about 150), so we’re working with the restaurant to make sure that this is, once again, a great experience for everyone.

Last year, the festival schedule resulted in our teams arriving in shifts – and we anticipate the same will happen again this year.  (This is particularly challenging for the restaurant, since they must contend with a flood of people, then a pause, then another flood of people.)

With this in mind, I volunteered to submit our orders in advance.  This will have three benefits:  (a) It will help the kitchen to organize their work so that our food is prepared and served in a timely manner, (b) it will assure that no menu items sell out so that everyone gets exactly what they want, and (c) the process of preparing checks will be much easier, especially when players sit away from parents. 

So, please find attached a McKoy’s menu.  Please also find attached an order form.

YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING RIGHT AWAY:

PLEASE COMPLETE THE MCKOY’S ORDER FORM AND RETURN IT TO ME BY FEBRUARY 25.  (I know that choosing between so many great options is a challenge, but I believe that 10 days is sufficient time for contemplation.)  Please get this done promptly.

Hey all,

Though it pains me, ALL PRACTICES -- U-13, U-15, AND HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS -- ARE CANCELLED TODAY (SATURDAY).

WATCH THE WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION ON PRACTICES TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

I will be working today on the Carolina trip room list and transportation plan. If you haven't turned in your Carolina form (or have provided partial information via email), I may be calling you over the course of the day.

Let's hope for a good day tomorrow.

Curt

1. PRACTICES THIS WEEKEND WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

Saturday:

10 am to noon: All middle school players

Noon to 2 pm: All high school boys players

2 pm to 4 pm: All high school girls players

Noon to 2 pm: All boys, all ages

2 pm to 4 pm: All girls

Practice location is Pocopson Elementary School.

BRING YOUR MOUTHGUARDS!!!

Dress appropriately. Weather is supposed to be in the mid to high 40s.

2. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN UNIONVILLE RUGBY. BRING A FRIEND.

3. BRING YOUR CAROLINA FORMS TO PRACTICE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY TURNED THEM IN. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

See you all tomorrow.

Curt

It's finally time to begin!

I just returned from Pocopson. The field is soft, but playable. Expect to come home muddy.

Wear appropriate warmth. BE SURE TO BRING YOUR MOUTHGUARDS.

If you haven't already submitted your paperwork -- registration, spirit wear order, Carolina trip, volunteer -- bring it to practice today.

I'll see you all in a bit!

Curt

As you know, we had some technical difficulties at the annual meeting that prevented us from effectively sharing a slide show about Unionville Rugby. The show is now posted below as a .pdf document.

While the file does not have musical accompanyment from U2, I still think it important that each of you take a few minutes to step through the photos. (By the way, the file is large. You probably will want to download the .pdf onto your machine and watch it from the downloaded file. I found that the images are slow to load -- and occasionally don't load -- if you try to watch directly from the website.)

This message contains a ton of new information.  Please take the time to read it through.

Curt

1.                    MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIFIC ITEM

Before covering the items of universal interest, I want you to know that there has been an important development for our MIDDLE SCHOOL families.  At the request of several programs, the Carolina Youth Rugby Festival will run its youth bracket as Under-14.   (Under 14 is age appropriate for Grades 6, 7 and 8).  This means that every player in our program is able to make the trip south.  This is a change from the information conveyed at our annual meeting.  AGAIN, EVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL-AGED UNIONVILLE RUGBY PLAYER IS AGE-APPROPRIATE TO MAKE THIS TRIP.  PLEASE JOIN US!!!

2.                   NORTH CAROLINA TRIP

The attachment to this email contains a sign up form for Carolina.  We will be using the information submitted on this form to secure room reservations and to assure that we have adequate transportation.  Please return the form to me by no later than Saturday, February 4.  YOU SHOULD RETURN YOUR FORM EVEN IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE TRIP – OTHERWISE, I WILL CONTINUE TO HOUND YOU WITH THE FEROCITY OF A TELEMARKETER AT DINNERTIME.

For those making travel plans, we will leave early Friday morning (March 9) for the drive south.  Door-to-door is about 10 hours.  Both Principals are aware of the trip and have already notified the faculty and staff that a large group will be out that day.  THE AGREED RULE IS THAT THE LIST I PROVIDE THE SCHOOLS WILL BE THE APPROVED ABSENCE LIST.  (One more reason why your form is important.)

At this point, we have 4 teams entered in the festival:  2 high school boys teams, 1 high school girls team, and 1 Under-14 team.  (We have a narrow window to add additional teams if our numbers warrant such.)  Though the match schedules won’t be issued for a while, programs from across the south (NC, SC, TN, GA, FL) – and from as far north as Canada – have already committed to attend.  This is going to be a fantastic event.

Last year, we stopped along the way to play an exhibition match in Roanoke, VA and have a quick team dinner at a buffet restaurant.  We are in discussions for a similar arrangement this year.

For those of you who went south last year, you will understand the significance of this statement:  “Saturday night will be BBQ night.”  For those who didn’t go south last year, just know that a team dinner featuring Carolina BBQ would be worth the trip even if there were no rugby.

3.            VOLUNTEERISM

I’ve also attached a volunteer sign up form.  As we mentioned at the annual meeting, the Unionville Rugby program lives on the strength of parental volunteerism. 

In my view, game social is the most significant because (a) it is at the heart of the culture of rugby, (b) we’re feeding a LOT of folks, which requires many helping hands and some organization, and (c) it is probably the best forum for building parent-level relationships which is a big part of the fun at a family level.  Especially important with the departure to New England of Donna Woislaw (who magnificently led the game social effort last year), is the need for one or more volunteers to take the organizing lead.

Please complete the form and return it at the first practice so we can get things “organized.”  (“Organized,” of course, being a relative term – this is rugby after all.)

4.            SIGN UP FORMS AND CLOTHING ORDERS

A steady stream of forms are arriving – and for those who have submitted their paperwork, thank you.  For those who have not yet submitted their paperwork, please do so promptly.  We can’t have a player practice who hasn’t submitted paperwork, so it is vital that you get it in.

Regarding clothing orders, we have some long lead time items, so we need to adhere to the deadline.  Please get your orders in promptly.

5.            PRACTICE SCHEDULE

FIRST PRACTICES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012 AT POCOPSON ELEMENTARY.

Our regular practice schedules will be as follows:

Saturdays: 

10 to noon (U-13 and U-15)

Noon to 2 pm (High School Boys Varsity and JV)

2 pm to 4 pm (High School Girls)

Sundays: 

Noon to 2 pm (All Boys)

2 pm to 4 pm (All Girls)

SINCE SPRING SPORTS ALWAYS ENCOUNTER WEATHER-RELATED OR OTHER LAST MINUTE CHANGES, YOU ARE REMINDED TO ALWAYS CHECK THE UNIONVILLE RUGBY WEBSITE (www.unionvillerugby.com) BEFORE DEPARTING FOR PRACTICE. 

6.            MATCH SCHEDULES

Draft match schedules have been issued for most, but not all, teams.  They are being loaded onto the website today.  BE FOREWARNED, HOWEVER, THAT THESE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED “PRETTY CLOSE TO FINAL” AND MAY WEEBLE-WOBBLE AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE START OF THE SEASON.   I’ll do my best to notify you of changes when they occur.

7.            COACHING CERTIFICATION COURSES

For those who are interested in coaching and wish to secure or renew a certification, I am aware of two courses:

January 21-22 in Kutztown (http://www.epru.org/news/usa-rugby-coaching-certification-courses-january-21-22-2012-kutztown-u)

February 4-5 in Phoenixville (http://www.epru.org/news/usa-rugby-coaching-certification-courses-feb-4-5-2012-phoenixville)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  For those who attend (and graduate) Unionville Rugby will reimburse the cost of the training.  We want a deep bench of certified coaches.

8.            PLAYER CLINICS

For those who are interested, I am aware of two winter clinics for players.   Links are shown below.

January 29 & February 5 (Lafayette College – High School Boys):

http://www.epru.org/news/indoor-high-school-rugby-clinics-lafayette-college

January 20-22 (Penn State – Girls)

http://www.gopsusports.com/camps/rugby-day-camp-about.html

Here's the plan:

All players and drivers going to the STATE COLLEGE match should assemble at Pocopson Elementary at 11:00 am.  We will make ride arrangements at that time.

All players and drivers going to the CUMBERLAND VALLEY match should assemble at Pocopson Elementary at noon.  We will make ride arrangements at that time.

This seems the simplest and most effective way to get everyone matched up.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION 1 WILL PRACTICE AT POCOPSON FROM NOON TO 2 PM.

Curt

We're taking a risk here, but Roman Catholic and the referee are all agreeable.

We will play the Division 2 match vs. Roman Catholic tomorrow at the Unionville High School stadium. 

Kick-off is at 2 p.m.  Players should arrive at 1 p.m.

There is a chance that it may be in use.  If so, we're out of luck.  But everyone wants to get the match in, so we are going to try.

See you all at the field tomorrow!

NOTE:  DOYLESTOWN U-13 AND U-15 MATCHES WILL PROCEED AS PLANNED. 

GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THE STORM HOWEVER I SUGGEST THAT EVERYONE CHECK THE WEBSITE TOMORROW MORNING. 

Curt

1.  Under-15 match:  It is important that all eligible players come ready to play.  This includes (a) 9th graders, (b) 8th graders, and (c) 7th graders who want a game.  It is important that we turn out a full side.

Kick-off is at 1:00 p.m. vs. T/E (Conestoga) Tigers.  MATCH IS AT BISHOP SHANAHAN.  Players should arrive at noon.

2.  ALL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SHOULD ARRIVE AT BISHOP SHANAHAN AT 12:30.  We will practice for 50 minutes starting promptly at 12:30.  Do not be late!

3.  HIGH SCHOOL SELECTIONS

UCFSD HAS CLOSED ALL FIELDS ON SATURDAY.  AS A RESULT ALL PRACTICES ARE CANCELLED. 

CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR IMPORTANT U-RUGBY INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SUNDAY GAMES!!! 

If you did not receive the email, please contact me at patrojan@aol.com so that I can get you a copy promptly.  The information is time sensitive.

Curt

All High School Division 2 players MUST bring the following information to tomorrow's match:

1.  WILL YOUR PARENTS BE DRIVING YOU TO THE MATCH ON THURSDAY AT HAMBURG?

2.  IF YES, DO YOU HAVE ROOM IN YOUR CAR TO TRANSPORT OTHERS?  HOW MANY?

3.  IF NO, DO YOU NEED A RIDE TO HAMBURG?

Conestoga has asked if U-15 wants to play a match at Conestoga in conjunction with the Division 1 high school match.  The schedule would be as follows:

5:00 p.m. -- Kick-off for Division 1 LEAGUE MATCH

Approximately 6:30 p.m. -- Kick-off for Under-15 match

If there is no Under-15 match, we would kick-off the Division 1 match at 5:30 p.m.

ALL DIVISION 1 AND UNDER-15 PLAYERS MUST LET ME KNOW THEIR PREFERENCE ON SUNDAY.

Curt

1.     UNDER-13

      All Under-13 players should report to Hillendale at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.  Parents, please also come in attire where you can play a little rugby.  IMPORTANT:  U-13 PLAYERS SHOULD PLAN TO MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE FOR THE U-15 MATCH IN THE EVENT THEIR PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED.

2.     SUNDAY MATCH SCHEDULEHere are the kick-off times:

1:00 –   Salesianum 2 vs. Unionville 2 (DIVISION 2 LEAGUE MATCH -- AWAY). 

Directions are below.  All D2 PLAYERS MUST BE AT THE FIELD BY NOON.

ALSO, ALL D2 PLAYERS ARE TO RETURN TO HILLENDALE AFTER THE MATCH.

Directions to Salesianum’s field appear below.   Salesianum’s Head Coach wants me to be sure you know that the field where they play is a Delaware State Park.  He mentions this because there is a fee to park. 

2:00 –   Radnor at Unionville (DIVISION 1 LEAGUE MATCH AT HILLENDALE).  PLAYERS ARE TO REPORT AT 1 P.M.

3:30 –   Radnor at Unionville (Probable B-side match at Hillendale). 

5:45 --   West Shore U15 at Unionville U15 (U15 League match at Hillendale)  PLAYERS ARE TO REPORT AT 4:45 PM. 

3.     REMINDER:  HIGH SCHOOL SELECTIONS

Selections for Sunday’s matches are listed below:

DIVISION 1 MATCH AT HILLENDALE

BOTH OUR DIVISION 1 AND DIVISION 2 HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS HAVE LEAGUE MATCHES NEXT WEEK ON THURSDAY (APRIL 7).   

DIVISION 1 PLAYS CONESTOGA AT CONESTOGA.  KICKOFF IS AT 5:30 PM. 

DIVISION 2 PLAYS HAMBURG AT HAMBURG (NEAR READING).  KICKOFF IS AT 6:00 PM IN LIGHT OF THE LONGER DRIVE TO GET THERE. 

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE GET FULL TEAM PARTICIPATION AT BOTH MATCHES.     

5.     SUNDAY MATCH FIELD SETUP

Hillendale is set up and ready to go.  We will NOT be meeting on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.    

6.     REMINDER:  SUNDAY GAME SOCIAL

Parents:  Please come to the field earlier than your scheduled games and help out with the grills and tables so that all the volunteers are able to watch their son(s) play.   We intend to serve through the middle school games.  For that to happen, we need a couple volunteers from the high school families to help.   Here's what we need folks to bring:  

?  WATER

?  Coolers, labeled with name and filled partially with ice.

?  Gatorade (which is OK since we don't have to worry about the artificial turf.)

?  Dessert items, both store bought and home baked

?  Snacky items...whatever your rugby player likes

?  Fruit, any way that works for you, cut up or whole

?  Tables, labeled with your name. We have some tables,but this weekend we could use more. 

Please contact Donna Woislaw (donna.woislaw@gmail.com or 610-888-2682) if you can volunteer your time.   

7.     DRIVING DIRECTIONS (provided by Salesianum)

Directions to (Salesianum’s home pitch) Alapocas Run

*there is a state park fee of $3 to park

Via 202 South

·         202 South past Route 141 (Astra Zeneca on corner)

·         Stay to the right and take the ramp leading to 141 spur/Foulk Rd.

·         At the light, turn left onto the 141 spur (this becomes Foulk Rd.)

·         Go under the 202 overpass

·         Make a right onto Weldin Rd.

·         You will see the field on your right, but park on the left

·         Be sure to use “Self Pay” envelopes 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION 1 SIDE FOR A HUGE WIN OVER CUMBERLAND VALLEY ON SUNDAY!!!

The following information should help everyone to plan for the upcoming weekend.

1. SATURDAY PRACTICES ARE AT POCOPSON ELEMENTARY

A. MIDDLE SCHOOL AND 9TH GRADERS

We’re going to try something a little different this week.

9:00 to 10:00 – Extra work on core skills for middle school players. If you are in 7th grade or younger – or if you are a middle schooler in your first year of playing rugby – please attend this session.

10:00 to 11:00 -- All middle school players should be present

11:00 to noon – 9th Grade players are to join the practice. The focus of this segment will be on Under-15 play. Players who attended the 9:00 to 10:00 session are welcome (indeed, encouraged) to stay, but the focus will be on developing next level skills.

The goal is to give better attention to the various levels of players that we have at the middle school level.

B. HIGH SCHOOL INCLUDING 9TH GRADERS

Noon to 2 p.m. – Our weaknesses were on full display this weekend. We’ll get that taken care of. It’s vital that our turnout be high for this practice!!!

Yes, I am aware that 9th graders are practicing from 11 am to 2 pm. Rest assured that it is because you are wanted, needed, and seen by everyone as truly wonderful people.

2.  SUNDAY MATCHES

In an event as rare as a full solar eclipse, ALL OF OUR BOYS MATCHES ARE AT HOME THIS WEEKEND. (For those of you who have forgotten where "home" is, our matches are played at HILLENDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.)

Game social information will be posted on the website tomorrow night (Tuesday, March 21).

Here are the kick-off times:

12:00 -- Exeter at Unionville (High School Division 2 League match)

1:30 -- Exeter B at Unionville B (High School B-Side match)

2:30 -- Coatesville at Unionville (High School Division 1 League match)

4:30 -- Downingtown U13 at Unionville U13 (U13 League match)

5:30 -- Downingtown U15 at Unionville U15 (U15 League match)

ALL PLAYERS MUST REPORT 1 HOUR BEFORE THE SCHEDULED KICK-OFF TIME.

HIGH SCHOOL SELECTIONS WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW NIGHT (TUESDAY, MARCH 21) ON THE UNIONVILLE RUGBY WEBSITE (www.unionvillerugby.com)

3. FUTURE HIGH SCHOOL MATCHES AT IRREGULAR TIMES

a. THURSDAY, APRIL 7 (AWAY MATCHES)  

5:30 p.m. - Division 1 plays a League Match at Conestoga

5:30 p.m. - Division 2 plays a League Match at Hamburg (near Reading)

b. FRIDAY, APRIL 15 (STADIUM GAME EVENT IN THE UHS FOOTBALL STADIUM)  

5:00 p.m. - Division 2 plays a League Match against Valley Forge Military Academy

6:30 p.m. - Division 1 plays a League Match against Malvern Prep

c. HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS (BOTH DIVISION 1 AND DIVISION 2)

The playoffs will commence in the week following the completion of the EPRU playoffs (May 1).

14 EPRU high school teams and two western PA teams will qualify.  

Seedings and first round pairings will be announced on or before April 20, 2011. 

Round 1 will take place Tuesday May 3, 2011 

Round 2, the quarterfinal round, will take place on Saturday May 7, 2011.  An exception will be given to the EPRU champion, if it is a PA team.  That team will play its opponent at home on May 8 due to that team having to play on May 7th for the MARFU Championship.

The Semifinals will take place Saturday May 14 and the winners will play for the championship on Sunday May 15.

Events today (Saturday):

1.  Middle School Practice:  10 am to noon at Pocopson

2.  High School:  Matches at Kutztown University. 

Since there is some question now about attendance, I am asking that all players try to arrive by 9 am.  If you were originally assigned to the D2 side and cannot get there at 9, please do everything you can to arrive before 10.

3.  Field Set Up:  5:30 pm at Hillendale

If you did not receive the email, please contact me at patrojan@aol.com so that I can get you a copy promptly.  The information is time sensitive.

Curt

AS OF 10:53 A.M.

The radar suggests that the pause in the rain is just a "hole" in the storm front.  The most recent forecast is for calm to prevail until about 12:30, then heavy rains and thunder begin -- continuing through the evening. 

As a result, I am going to cancel today's practices.  (Of course, now that I've done so, it will turn out to be sunny and 68 degrees.)  It is the continued forecast for thunder as the front moves through that concerns me.

Please watch your email in the next day or two ... there will be final instructions and other information regarding the Carolina trip coming your way.

Curt

AS OF 9:30 A.M.

Please check the site at 11 a.m.

Though the weather right now looks promising, Accuweather (the service which I've had the best luck with) indicates significant thunderstorms from noon to 4 p.m.

If we are expected to have lightning, I will not convene practice since we have no safe haven available to move our players.

I will check the site at 10:45 and make the call at that point.

Four quick items:

1.  PRACTICE -- SATURDAY, MARCH 5

I walked the Pocopson field this morning.  It is still marshy (and, incidentally, well fertilized by the Canadian geese).  If we were to play there, we would tear it up.

Consequently, we will practice today at Unionville High School.

- Middle School Boys from 10 to noon

- High School Boys from noon to 2

2.  SPRIT WEAR

Most, but not all, of the spirit wear has arrived.  We will distribute it today.  THIS MEANS WE NEED HELP!!!  Parents who can assist, please be at Unionville High School for the start of today's 10 am practice.  We will sort the stuff and put it in bags.  If everyone pitches in, we can have everything ready by the end of the middle school practice.

4.  CIPP REGISTRATION

From this point forward, if you haven't registered, you cannot play in matches.  A list of all registered players was emailed to all families at about 5:15 p.m. yesterday (March 4).  IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE LIST, OR IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THE EMAIL, YOU MUST SEE ME ASAP.

Sunday's matches at Conestoga have been canceled. 

It is our desire for our players to have a match tomorrow.  Consequently, we will have a full scrimmage at Unionville High School.   Kickoff will occur at approx 5 pm, and we will be done before dark.  All players should wear jerseys or other shirts that are not blue (we will create 1 team with blue game jerseys and another team without them).  Side selection will take place at the field. 

Rules regarding the UHS artificial surface: 

1.  Clear liquids only -- no Gatorade

2.  No standing on the track

I apologize for the late notice.  Conestoga notified us last night that the match was canceled.

Curt

I'm sorry for the delay in getting logistics posted for the middle school program this weekend.  I just received the following and, because of field conditions, I must still label this preliminary.

All sorts of stuff: 

1.  Saturday practices. 

I need to move the time of the high school boys practice on Saturday.  I apologize for this change, but this is a rugby meeting in Allentown that I must attend.  So, the following will be our practice times:            

Middle School Boys:  (Normal time)  10 a.m. to noon 

High School Boys:  (Special time) 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

PRACTICES WILL BE AT UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 

2.  Sunday matches:  

Middle School Boys:  We are awaiting the final timetable for Sunday’s matches.  I will send a note as soon as I receive the times. 

High School Boys: 

All High School Boys Sunday matches are at Unionville High School. 

Players should arrive at least 1 hour before match time. 

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER GAME ASSIGNMENTS APPEAR BELOW.  PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY PLAYERS ARE ASSIGNED TO MULTIPLE GAMES.  This is to give everyone a ton of playing time.  Be sure to check the games to which you are assigned. 

GAME SOCIAL:  Donna Woislaw has asked that I request that HIGH SCHOOL FAMILIES bring some or all of the following to Sunday's matches: 

-           WATER Lots of it!

-           Gatorade

-           Desserts (all kinds, store bought and/or home made)

-           Coolers and Ice (Please put your name on coolers)

-           Chips/pretzels/snacky stuff

-           Anything you'd like to eat and share at the game

-           Portable tables (labeled with your name) 

Additionally, Grillmasters are wanted and appreciated. (We will grill in shifts so that parents can watch their son's game.)  Please e-mail Donna at donna.woislaw@gmail.com if you can assist so that she is able to plan better. 

3. MATCH ASSIGNMENTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL match assignments will be made when we have match times. 

HIGH SCHOOL player assignments appear below, by match. 

Again, be sure to check if you are appearing in more than one match!!!  IF YOUR NAME DOES NOT APPEAR, IT MEANS THAT I MESSED UP.  Please let me know and I will get you assigned to the proper match(es). 

a.        Noon to 1:30 (Players should arrive at 11):  Unionville vs. Cardinal O’Hara

Steven Annan

Zach Barnes

Spencer Dell

Derek Emlet

Ethan Fish

Ryan Hartley

Nate Henderson

Spencer Hendrixson

Alex Hill

Jordan Hodess

Perry Hopkins

Joe Kleschick

John Kleschick

Conor Lacy

Marshall Lane

Robbie McNew

Jamie McNew

Patrick O'Connell

Tyler Sanderson

Sam Scales

Bucky Stanton

David Stitz

Stephen Tryens 

b.      1:30 to 2:30:  West Chester vs. Unionville (Players should arrive at 12:30, unless already there)

Paul Anderson

Steve Annan

Sean Barnes

John Bradley

Mario Cotto

John Cronin

Spencer Dell

Ryan Hartley

Spencer Hendrixson

Alex Hill

Jordan Hodess

Joe Kleschick

John Kleschick

Marshall Lane

Jamie McNew

Darren O'Connor

Tyler Sanderson

Sam Scales

Hunter Scales

David Stitz

Stephen Tryens 

c.       2:30 to 4:00:  West Chester vs. Unionville (Players should arrive at 1:30 unless already there)

Chris Baker

Trevor Bloomfield

Tom Caswell

Dima Curtis

Bas deVries

Ryan Ford

Jason Hodess

Perry Hopkins

Stephen Lange

Daniel Mushnick

Griffin Norman

Stephen Olenik

Ryan Potts

Jack Raube

Connor Riley

Colin Roberts

Daulton Sanderson

Michael Silver

Beau Stitz

Troy Varrasse

Taylor Williams

Matt Woislaw 

d.      4:00 to 5:30:  West Chester vs. Unionville (Players should start warmup at 3:00) 

Zach Barnes

Sean Barnes

Spencer Dell

Bas deVries

Derek Emlet

Ethan Fish

Ryan Hartley

Nate Henderson

Jason Hodess

Jordan Hodess

Conor Lacy

Marshall Lane

Robbie McNew

Patrick O'Connell

Connor Riley

Tyler Sanderson

Sam Scales

Bucky Stanton

David Stitz

Stephen Tryens

Taylor Williams

Matt Woislaw 

There is more to come as the week progresses.  Let’s hope all the snow melts and that the weather is dry.  If you have any questions about the above, please drop me an email. 

Curt

Practices on Sunday will be held at their normal time at UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. 

We will continue our work on tackling and rucking ... so wear rugby gear and be sure to have your mouthguard.

Remember, we cannot take colored fluids onto the field ... Gatorade is a no-no.  Bring water!

All boys (Middle School and High School) will practice from noon to 2 pm.

See you all at UHS!

Curt

Our practice on Sunday, February 13 will again be at the Unionville HS parking lot.

All Boys -- Middle School and High School:  Noon - 2 pm

Be sure to bring your mouthguard.  Temperatures will reach 40 degrees!  Let's hope for some melt off.

For the high school boys:  We will introduce 15 man play.  After today's practice, we have only 3 more times together before our first match.  It is important that you be there!

 Curt

All possible fields have at least 2" of snow under a thin ice cover.  Great for penguins and polar bears who are interested in our sport.

Here's what we're going to do today:

1.  All boys (Middle School and High School) will practice at Unionville High School at our regular time:  Noon to 2 p.m.

2.  We will break into forwards and backs. 

Backs will practice entirely on the blacktop, so wear appropriate footwear. 

Forwards will move onto the snow for lifting and scrummage instruction.  (FORWARDS SHOULD WEAR RUGBY SHORTS, RUGBY JERSEYS, AND SHOES THAT CAN GET WET.) 

Also, all players should bring sufficient warm clothing to put on if they get cold.

If you don't know whether you are a forward or a back, dress according to directions for forwards so that you are suitable for both situations.

ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE MOUTH GUARDS.

LET ME STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICES AT THIS POINT IN OUR PREPARATION.  WE HAVE A MATCH IN 21 DAYS -- I'M NOW EVALUATING FOR THE PURPOSES OF SIDE SELECTION.

I look forward to seeing you all at noon at Unionville High School.

Curt

We will be inspecting possible practice sites on Saturday morning.  Check the website one hour before practice for final location.

Curt

UNIONVILLE RUGBY SNOW BOWL AT POCOPSON ELEMENTARY (LOWER PLAYING FIELD)

ALL BOYS (MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 ... NOON TO 2 PM

-- We will teach tackling

-- We will play snow rugby (We'll split the field ... one match will be Middle School, the other High School)

-- We will get wet (remember that for the ride home)

-- We will be tackling, so you MUST have your mouthguard

Parents and players:  I stress the importance of dressing appropriately (i.e., snow pants, snow boots, snow jackets, gloves).  The weather will be sunny and a balmy 35 degrees, making for a slushy playing field.  (There were 6" of snow or so on the Pocopson field today.)  Again, your mouthguard is mandatory.

This should be incredible fun for everyone ... but it also has a serious learning side.  The lessons in tackling are vitally important.

Please also bring any forms still outstanding to practice (registration, Carolina, spirit-wear).

See you at noon!

Curt

1.  PRACTICE

Given the cold temperatures, we will have an abbreviated practice today on the parking lot at Unionville High School.

Middle School Boys:  Noon to 1 p.m.

High School Boys:  Noon to 1 p.m.

Weather.com says it will be 23 degrees, so wear warm clothes, tennis shoes, gloves, and ear protection.  Bring water.

2.  REMEMBER TO BRING ...

If you haven't already turned them in, remember to bring:

a.  Your registration forms and payment

b.  Your spirit-wear order and payment

c.  Your Carolina trip confirmation form (to be turned in whether or not you will be going)

3.  COACHES AND WANT-TO-HELP-OUTERS ...

We will have a brief (30 - 45 minute) coaches meeting (which includes those who just want to assist during practice) immediately after practice.  We will convene at Giordano's in Kennett Square at about 1:20.  Please attend even if you are only thinking about it at this point.

Weather forecast says "too cold to play outside Saturday"

We will instead meet on Saturday at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 N Union Street, Kennett Square.  We are sincerely grateful for the church allowing us to use a room in their facility.  Here is a link to the church website:  http://www.church-of-the-advent.com/

Saturday is important, because we may not be able to practice on Sunday (the call will be made Sunday morning and posted to the website)

Middle School Boys-- 10 am - Noon

High School Boys -- Noon - 2 pm

Girls -- check the girls website

We will cover rules, game strategy, and do some film work.  We will also finalize the schedule and Carolina trip planning.

Wear rugby gear -- if space permits, we will work on building a scrum and binding, which can be done indoors.

Please remember to bring your Carolina forms with you, as well as your spiritwear order if you have not turned them in already -- and your registration materials if those have been turned in.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. 

This is a reminder to read the message below and respond.  If you have not already responded, please do so ASAP (and thanks to those of you who have!!!).  It is very important.

Three other quick items:

1.  Penn State Camp

Several players have expressed interest in the Penn State Winter Clinic, which will be held February 4-6.  Below is a link to the website:

http://www.outreach.psu.edu/psu-sport-camps/rugby-winter/

This is a terrific camp.  While absolutely optional, I can assure you that you'll learn a ton if you choose to go.

2.  Weekend

The current weekend forecast is not promising.  Please be sure to check the website on Saturday morning to verify final logistics.  I will have final confirmation up at least 1 hour before the start of practice.

3.  Virginia Tech Match

This caught my eye and strikes me as way cool.  Check out Virginia Tech Rugby's schedule as posted on the website.  Scroll down to March 11:

http://www.virginiatechrugby.com/schedule.html

I'm looking forward to seeing you all this weekend.  Again, be sure to respond to the email below.

Thanks.

Curt

Hey all.  We had an excellent start this weekend. Thank heaven for the melted patches that allowed us to introduce rucking today (a critical skill).  Everyone did great.  A lot of work in front of us, but we looked good. I am very pleased.  

This note is primarily to request your feedback, but it also provides important information.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU RESPOND BY THE DEADLINES PROVIDED IN THE EMAIL.

I need to emphasize that timely response from every family to this email is crucial.  We’re making commitments to hotels, festival organizers, and other teams that we need to keep. 

1.  HOUSEKEEPING

Four quick housekeeping items:

a.       Remember that apparel / spiritwear forms are due next weekend.  If you haven’t already submitted your materials (sign up forms and apparel orders), please bring them to practice next weekend or mail them to me.

b.       Mouthguards are essential at practice.  I cannot allow players into contact unless they have their mouthguard.  Please be certain to ALWAYS bring your mouthguard.

c.       Be sure to check the website (www.unionvillerugby.com) before coming to practice.  I will always have final confirmation of practice status posted at least 1 hour before practice begins.  With plenty of winter weather in front of us, we’re almost certain to have last minute changes.  I may or may not be able to send emails.  RELY ON THE WEBSITE AS YOUR DEFINITIVE INFORMATION SOURCE.

d.       Just a reminder that attendance at practice is very important to skills development. Please continue to make every effort to be at each practice.

2.  CAROLINA TRIP

Message to everyone: 

I have posted below (at the end of this message) a confirmation form for the trip.  PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM (EVEN IF YOU CANNOT GO) AND RETURN IT TO ME BY NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 23.

Message to High School families: 

We have entered two teams in the tournament to assure that everyone who makes the trip plays a lot of rugby.  That means that we must have 35 players make the trip from grades 9-12.

Also, the weekend after the tournament are our first league matches.  Consequently, it will be necessary for the teams to be selected based on play in Carolina.

The bottom line is that it is important for high school players to make the trip.  If there is an SAT conflict, I understand.  Otherwise, I really need you there.

Please complete the confirmation form mentioned above (whether or not you are coming south) and bring it to practice next weekend.

Message to Middle School families:

At this writing, I have received responses from 12 players … I have not yet heard from 26 players.  (Thank you to those who have responded.)  At this point we have 11 “yes” or "probable." 

I’m going to presume that we will have sufficient numbers and lock down our spot in Charlotte.

This means that if you are on the fence, I need you to join the adventure.  It most definitely will be a fantastic experience.

Please complete the confirmation form mentioned above (whether or not you are coming south) and bring it to practice next weekend.

3.  STADIUM GAME

Each year, we play a series of matches on a Friday night in the UHS stadium.  It’s our showcase of rugby to the Unionville community.  We try to have a middle school match, a girls HS match, and boys HS matches.  It is a big event. This year, we’ve been offered the stadium on FRIDAY, APRIL 15.

What’s important here is that April 15 is the last day of school before spring break.

BY NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, PLEASE CONFIRM BY RETURN EMAIL THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PLAY THAT NIGHT.  (This applies to all players, both middle school and high school.)

4.  HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULING ISSUE