The New Orleans French Quarter Festival is a Thursday-Sunday event held on the banks of the Mississippi overlooking the french quarter. It is a free event and the bands are the best New Orleans has to offer. Funk, soul, blues, jazz, cajun/zydeco. all of the top restaurants are a short walk from the music stages, and additional performances continue into the wee hours at the bar music venues.The time of year is perfect weather-wise. Lows in mid to low 60s and highs in upper 70s to low 80s, with a dependable breeze coming from the south across the river. I can not remember it ever raining for this festival. Also, coastal saltwater fishing for speckled trout and redfish is in its peak at this time and charters are reasonable. 30 minutes from New Orleans and you are in prime “sow ” trout territory.
Sorry, but as you can tell I am high on the extra curricular opportunities for FQF Tournmnet participants.

NOW TO RUGBY

This rugby tournament was first played in 2006, I believe, and  is the brainchild of Tim Falcon, longtime New Orleans and former LSU prop.
It is a one day play affair, to allow participants to enjoy the fest and all the rest that New Orleans has to offer.
Last year served as the backdrop for the New Orleans v Crescent City rugby (cross town rivals) “bury the hatchet” match.
This year coincided with the Tulane University Rugby Reunion. Pete Maud, the founder of the Tulane team in 1967 and the New Orleans squad in 1973, was honored with an autographed leather ball and dubbed great grandfather of New Orleans rugby. Nostalgia ran rampant as several former green wave ruggers, including  Fred King and Ty Yokum, took to the pitch again after 30+ years in hibernation. In addition Tulane had dozens of ex ruggers designated with “spectator in the rain” status, including Billy Merritt, Fran Thompson, Jerry Cave, Bill Schwartz, Jack Adams, Henry Hahn, Bob Uhrann, Bob Edmundson,Tom Crosby,  and Maud. Other spectaors in the rain (non-Tulane) included: Ronnie Virgets, Gene Gerdes, TR Rainey, Monte Lunn, Philip Lachin, Mark Neeb(sorry I didn’t get to say hello mark), Harpoon Midkiff who ended up playing anyway, Robert Socha, Steven McGinity, Mumbles Moore, Timmy Martin, Chris Gillen, and Jack Mauer.
Although typically this tournament has been “masters”, or simply over 35, for the first time this year it was decided to allow an over 50 exhibition match to promote over 50 rugby in the gulf coast area. The system is simple,  every over 50 player shows up , pays 20 bucks, and is randomly assigned to one of two teams. This had been successfully done at the 2011 Battleship tournament for the first time, to go along with their 35+ division that has been played at that tournament for years.
The plan for this years’ tournament changed when the Virginia Cardinals notified tournament Director Dale Thayer that although they could not muster an over 35 team, they would be sending an over 50 side. This was a tournament changer, to get a team of Virginia’s caliber to attend with the first ever over 50 division squad. It also raised the bar of the level of over 50 rugby from social to top level competitive.
The over 50  teams were Virginia, New Orleans Vieux Garcons (old boys en francais), and a third motley team calling themselves Les Bons Baissers, ( if you go to a french dictionary this would translate “the good kissers”, but every frenchperson knows it means good fuckers (thanks to ORB Sweetpea for that name). Les Bons Baissers were ably coached (herded like cats?) by Sweetpea, who was injured but showed up nonetheless. Le Bons Baissers had players from many different sources: a sizeable Mobile Battleship Old Boy contingent including Lars Grenade, Kahley Malloy, Dean Wood, Dale Wood, Greg “Keg” Roberts,  and Doug “Dougby” Bryant;  Florida Old Boys Henry Hemstead and Jerry Razer;  ex LSU stalwart(Phil Aucoin); ex ole miss forward Tim Joffrion; over 50 newbie Henry Roop, SLU oldsters Sam Hyde and Claude Lowe;  and some vieux garcons switch hitting whores.
Enough name dropping.
The first match between Vieux Garcons and Virginia started promptly at 9. Virginia was at the pitch at least an hour before match time, stretching, warming up, and going over plays and assignments. Les Vieux Garcons arrived at a more leisurely pace….. up to about 15 minutes before match time….. but were ready to play when the whistle blew. The game started out with several knocks,drops, and missed opportunities by both sides. Virginia however proved  opportunistic (scored on quick line out while Vieux Garcons were trotting to the lineout), overall much fitter and much younger. They only had 18 players though and never seemed to tire of the fast pace they set. They constantly supported the ball and continued to make passes in some excellent multiple phase attack rugby. Vieux Garcons had several breaks, and penetrated deep into Cardinal territory several times, but simply could not finish off any of them… Despite herculean efforts by Sam Farnet , Gary Giepert, and JR “Podnuh”Vendetto. Final score 27 Virginia, Vieux Garcons 0.
The next match pitted Les Bons Baissers v Les Vieux Garcons. I don’t recall the score, but Vieux Garcons won something like 4 tries to 2.
The final 50+ match of the day, Les Bons Baissers v Virginia was not pretty for the goodfuckers against a clicking on all cylinders Cardinal squad. Final score something like 50-10.
Hats off to the Cardinals. They came to town and took care of business. As those of us who play them in Aspen and Fort Lauderdale know, you need to bring your “A” game to beat them and anything less will just not be enough.

In the 35+ division, participating teams were New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, and Texas ROT. The finals pitted Baton Rouge v New Orleans. However, New Orleans forfeited and Baton Rouge hauled home the hardware (many of the Vieux Garcons  and also played on the 35 squad and after 4-5 games were simply too exhausted, crippled, or buzzed (or all of the above??) to play another.

In summary, the tournament was a good one, everyone had all the rugby they could ever care to play in a day at age 50. Free beer on the pitch all day long. Shoulder dislocations, torn biceps, pulled groins, but nothing serious.

The tournament will reconvene next year, and all who have an interest in a good time with a day’s worth of good rugby thrown in needs to get this one on your calendar. Send me your email address if you were not getting my group emails.

For over 50 rugby to continue to grow and provide adequate opportunity for those interested in reviving long lost rugby careers, simply adding your name to an email list, or being the designated drinker at the pitch  helps keep it alive.
Thanks to all of you who allowed me to use your name in vain, it is/was for a worthy cause.
And I know I have forgotten many of my rugby brothers’  names that should have been included.  But, shit, i’m hitting 60 in a few months.
See ya’ll at Saranac, Aspen, Battleship and Fort Lauderdale, FQF 2013 and any other 50+ opportunity.

Oh yes, again Huntsville has an over 50 match at their 10s tournament May 12. JBShaps@yahoo.com for details

Later Guys,
Billy

Thoughts from Jack Adams
I must thank you all for your accolades but it is truly a labor of love....Great music, Great food, Great
 laughs, New Orleans, Rugby, and Amazing friends.What more can you ask for? I am sure you all cherish what
we have as much as I do. Not too many folks can say, that after 35-40 years you can get together with with
a group of guys from college and pick-up right where you left off and enjoy every moment of it, and know
that anyone of them would have your back if you needed it. It is a camaraderie that is difficult to explain
 but deeply rewarding....And a good deal of credit goes to Crosby and Dobbs for getting me off my ass and
encouraging me to do this after 12 years as we drank our way around Ft.Myers beach riding bicycles from
 bar to bar till all hours.
For those of you that were not there, I was presented The Blue-Black Award, on behalf of the Old Boys,
by Fred King who miraculously found an actual 100 year old bottle of Stephens Blue-Black Ink....yes,
 Mary from the mountain glen who seduced herself with a fountain pen truly had a reason to call the
Blue-Black bastard Stephens because that really was the color of the ink, wink-wink...and I now have
proof! Thank you Fred, I will put it on my shelf with the signed leather balls I have from a couple
previous reunions.
Speaking of leather balls, again for those of you slimy depraved souls that were not there, the
Tulane Old Boys and the NORFC presented Peter Maud with a signed ball as recognition for his
founding both the Tulane RFC and the New Orleans RFC. He is truly the Grandfather of Louisiana Rugby
and deserves all the credit for what we are able to experience at these reunions. Hell, I would have
 given him the ball just for riding on a train for 29 hours each way just to be here...you too Grace.
Jim, I thank you for acknowledging that Donna makes looking my direction easier on the eyes, and that is
my favor to you, but let us also thank Bob Edmundson for bringing Kathleen...he's not easy to miss,
but did anybody actually see Bob?
Cave and I found a destination for the next reunion...and it could only happen in New Orleans. We
are sitting at the bar in the airport and we ask the waitress where she is from because of her very
NO/Cajun accent and she proceeds on a 15 minute story about Garyville, La where they "don't even have a
stoplight", and the locals just ride around in golfcarts rather than cars. Well just last year they
bought a 9 acre fishing camp, on a canal, with a house/shack "with plenty of room for guys to sleep
cuz they don't care about furniture or a leak in the roof " and it is fabulous for "frogging, great
big 6-8 inch ones that taste so sweet", "turtling, and they are great eatin", and "the alligators
are everywhere" and "the Perch are always bitting" so grab your nets, poles, duct tape and shot-guns
....she invited us all to come stay for the next Old Boys reunion. Sorry Mary, the Caribbean will have
to wait.
Sumo, you asked for all the email addresses....I thought I was bad with technology? I am pretty sure if
you go to the top of this email where it says "To", I think you can cut and paste any or all of the
addresses...if you can't figure out who some of them are let me know.
Bob, thanks again for the beer tab but hopefully you will never have reason to do that again. And
Tippins please find a better excuse next time if you're not going to make it.
Mark and Paula I hope your home and community in OK are safe and without destruction but I still think
you should have come to Commanders, it was fabulous watching Crosby and Richeson dance....the food wasn't
bad either.
And Tyrone, good luck with your surgery. Just don't let it keep you from returning to the next reunion----
I promise we will not let you play!!!
Went back and checked the archives and realized I didn't bring any of my pictures from 2000. I forgot
I hadn't put them in the book, Bob if you want me to send you those too, let me know. But I also found
my list of those who have been to every reunion. We lost 4 of the previous 10 members that were in the
exclusive club after 2000 so we are down to just 6 having attended evey reunion 1980,84,88,92,96,2000,
and 2012....Congratulations to Greg Eaton, Bob Edmundson, Fred King, Bill Merritt, Jim Richeson and ME....
who will be the last standing??
Places and dates can be submitted to the suggestion box for the next reunion...let's not wait 12 years.
 
Jim Richeson's Tribute to Tulane Reunion
Great to see that some things just do not change - particularly the personalities on the rugby team and the 
fine food in New Orleans.
Jack, as always you did a great rendition of the Pied Piper calling all of the Old Boys to town, and thank you 
for all the fine organization and the obvious effort involved. Also thank you for bringing Donna, as it 
makes looking in your direction much more pleasurable.
Crosby, if only I had known what a good dancer you were the redhead may have had no chance from the start. 
My dance card is yours. It was a treat to see the wait staff doubled over in laughter watching our antics.
Cave, you need to step outside of yourself more and tell us exactly what you are thinking without holding 
all the good stuff in. Many laughs thank you. Speaking of many laughs & good to see you: Henry, Bielski, 
Sumo, Vincent(would have given you last two bigger hugs at Manalis had I realized would not see you at 
Commanders).
A major tip of the hat to the real Old Boys: Mr Father Rugby of New Orleans, Peter Maud, who at 
Baton Rouge vs LSU playing fullback for NORFC executed one of the most devastating tackles I ever witnessed, 
Bob Edmonson who deftly slipped a bill to the musicians at Commanders for going along with our shenanigans, 
and Fred King who has been keeping TU students & ruggers out of central lock-up for years.
And the only downer of the weekend, was that Ty tore his biscep, again. Our Rock of Gibraltar in the scrum. 
Heal quickly dear friend.
Many others should name but here in Quarter drinking milk punch at Brennans and still need to pack for later 
afternoon flight and maybe let the wife take advantage of me...again...and again.
Parting words:
Couple married 40 years watching a beautiful sunset while sharing a bottle of wine. Wife says,
 ?I love you so much, I don?t know what I would do without you.? Husband says, ?Kinda sounds like 
the wine talking.? Wife replies, ?I was talking TO the wine.?
Looking forward to next rendez-vous.
Jim Richeson

Joe Schwartzel's Thanks to Jack Adams & Billy Goodell
Great Weekend and special thanks to Jack Adams and Billy Goodell for all of the organizational work, a
labor of love.  I won’t wait another 39 years for the next one, although my knee and shoulder are reminding
me why I stopped active playing in 1976.  Meet a guy at the airport Sunday on the way out that had played
for a Memphis team, he agreed with Crosby’s Rule, never play with people who want to win.  He agreed it was a
great tournament.
Joe Schwartzel
Ode to Cleavage & Other Thoughts by Cave
All,
Great to see everyone.
Here are the take aways ...
Drink in dog beers and you will never have too many.
Don’t fail to show up or we will continue to trash you mercilessly.
We can’t really play rugby any longer but we can still really sing (especially with Wagner).
Whoever scheduled all the lunch & dinners, listen I was only kidding about fitness thru fatness!
And remember, above all it is the cleavage!
Put your ear to her breasts and listen to the cleavage. You may hear a creek, a stream, a river, a bay or 
even the ocean but it is good shtick that will get your face close to unsuspecting breasts. From there it 
is just a quick “Eyes Right!” to the motorboat position and away you go! Varoom.
Well done Jack.
See you all next time.
Jerry
Billy Schwarz - Best Wishes for Speedy Recover to Tyrone
I hope y’all had an enjoyable weekend and do not have too many hospital or doctor visits necessary as a
result.  Especially you Yoke!
Thought this would be a good sendoff:
“I was in a pub on Saturday night.  Had a few....
I noticed two large women by the bar.
They both had strong accents so I asked,
"Hey, are you two ladies from Scotland?"
One of them chirped: "It's WALES you friggin' idiot!"
So, I immediately apologized and said...,
"Sorry, are you two whales from Scotland?"
That's the last thing I remember...”
Billy Schwarz
Billy Goodell's Shout-Out to His Tulane Brothers

To all my Tulane brothers. Glad your reunion was a success. Taking the pitch with Ty again....incredible.
I whored out with so many teams over the years but NEVER played for Tulane! Now I feel I can say that I did

so as many Greenies were on my end of the pitch at the same time I was in the over 50 match.
 i should  have crashed your party at some point to sing along but lost track of time at the FQFest

(did ya'll do let me call you sweetheart??? That was a Tulane staple). I also remember Roselli ALWAYS had to

start up Mayor of Bridgewater, hope that was done in his absence/honor. And who was it again that always

sang the verse "Girl from Azores" to Rodriguez the Mexican Pervert???Another Tulane classic verse.
See ya'll around. Billy Goodell

Jim Richeson's Comments on Pete Maud's Clarifications on Tulane Rugby History

Thank you for the clarification that Mike Keys, Howard Goldberg, and Bill Terry were responsible for starting

 the team and playing at least one game before you came along.  While you may not have been there for the

actual birth of the Tulane Rugby Team, you were there to nourish it in its infancy, guide it through its

 growing phase, helped it through its maturation phase by taking the lead in forming the Louisiana Rugby Union,

 and were one of those who helped form the NO Rugby Club in 1973,  which just last year won the national

championship.

It seems I have heard while in college at some point those names of the 3 founders, and it was probably

from you.  However we are correct in calling you the Father of Tulane Rugby, just like a boy, who never knew

his biological father, would correctly refer to his step-dad, who was always there for him, as Father.

Peter, you were instrumental in helping Tulane Rugby and rugby in Louisiana survive and flourish.  In our

hearts and minds, as compromised as they may be from the relentless consumption of beer, you will always be

the Father of Tulane Rugby.

I raise my glass to you.

Thank you.

All the very best, Jim Richeson

From: Ty Yokum  to Pete Maud   Tuesday, April 24, 2012 08:54 AM
Peter,

It was wonderful to see you again, especially to see you honored for your service to the game of rugby.

 I have fond memories of my time with the New Orleans RFC under your tutelage.

Thanks for everything, my friend.

Sincerely,

Ty(rone) Yokum

 Peter J. Maud   Thanks & Tulane Rugby History 

Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:08 PM

Jack and the Tulane/New Orleans rugby gentlemen(this may be a misnomer for some of our brethren!),

I want to thank all of you who made the rugby reunion such great success. I want to thank in particular Jack

for organizing the past Tulane players reunion. It was great success and not only did I have a great time but

my wife also enjoyed the weekend (that means that I may be allowed off the leash for future similar meetings!!)

 The food, the beer and the singing were excellent  Happy memories! Also I would like to thank Tom C.for the

award that was given to me by the Tulane and NO players - it resides in a very special place in our home.

Others that may need some mention are Stan S, Bob U, Tyrone and far took many more to individually identify

for showing up and helping me remember so many past happy memories of my time in New Orleans. Jerry Cave also

should be identified as he provided many good laughs!! Billy you did a great job of organizing the rugby -

just wish that I was able to step onto the field once again. Please give my congratulations to the NO team

that won the Division three game - great rugby - I was very impressed.

I would just want to make one thing quite clear - I was not the founder of the Tulane team - that honor goes

to three (or more) past medical students - Mike Keys, Howard Goldberg, and Bill Terry. I joined the club in

the summer of 1967 after the club had played at least one game in the previous spring. Nor was I the sole

founder of the NO club. It was a joint affair with at least two of the other main contributors being

Bob Urann and Stan Smith - I'm probably missing a few (Lawrence Williams perhaps ?)
Oh so many happy memories from the past and now more to see me through my remaining years.

Grace and mI have now fully recovered from our 30 hour one way train ride and would certainly go by

 rail again!

If any of you would like a copy of my history of the early years of rugby in NO please let me know.
Also, I would like to extend my little article to include other players memories of these days and would

welcome any contributions from you.

Thank you all for such a wonderful reunion.

Peter

 Twelfth Annual Rocky Mountain Challenge
*“America’s Premier Prep Rugby Tournament”*
Aurora Sport Park, Colorado  *june 16-19, 2012*

 The tournament is the premier Under-17 & Under-19 rugby tournament. The tournament is sponsored by the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union (ERRFU), and is the Twelfth Annual Tournament.
 The Rocky Mountain Challenge attracts *regional all-star rugby* teams from
 throughout the United States. Last year’s Challenge included teams from Florida, Southern California, Northern California, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Heart of America (Kansas City area), and Colorado
 “For the twelfth year, we are honored to host the Premier Prep Rugby Tournament in America,” said Tournament Director, Jeff Calhoun. “Rugby is the fastest growing youth sport in America, and will be a new sport in
 the 2016 Olympics in Rio.  The Rocky Mountain Challenge is a great
 showcase for teams and players from all parts of the US.  The players that you will
  over the course of the tournament weekend are the future USA Eagles
 Rugby  Team, and could qualify for the 2016 US Olympic Rugby Team.
 “In fact, James Patterson & Todd Cleaver, two members of the US
National Rugby Team and 2011 World Cup players, starred in past RMC’s,”   said  Calhoun.

  The Tournament has two competitive divisions.  One division teams
 players under the age of 17 and the second division teams players under the age of under the age of 19. 
 Last year, the teams from Northern California won both the Under-19 and Under-17 Tournament Championships. 

 The Rocky Mountain Challenge is one of five Regional Tournaments and is a key part of the process that will ultimately lead to consideration for the  National USA U-20/U-18 selection pool for international team play in 2011. The
regional All Star teams are comprised of the top young players competing for an opportunity to be chosen for a place in USA Rugby’s Elite High Performance Development System.
 The Challenge could feature the next “Jeremy Lin” of youth rugby.
 The weekend event will feature over 30 matches between the participating teams, with preliminary rounds on Saturday June 18, and the semifinals and championship games played on Sunday, June 19.  A banquet, honoring all
 players, will be held at the RMC’s Official Hotel, the Crown Plaza
Hotel. .

 On Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 9:41 AM, David Buckingham wrote :
Coaches and others,

I think we need to decide on leadership for either the trip as a whole or separate U17 and U19 leadership as soon as possible. The coaching and administrative duties are significant but I think there’s a general consensus that we want to make this happen again.  I would recommend that maybe for the next week or two Gary could take volunteers and or nominations for either one or two people who will be in charge of the whole trip.  This person or two wouldn’t have to do everything obviously but they would pick/recruit the coaching staff and admin support in order to organize both teams and make it all happen. We need to be organized BEFORE  the HS State Championship because if the players aren’t involved or aware by then it will be hard to get them back.If you’re not interested in being involved or just hearing about the planning process just send me buckdr3@gmail.com an e-mail and I will  take you off this distribution list that will be used for the trip.  Anyone can be added as well.
 Thoughts?
 Buck

Side note:  Niceville and MS Rugby both have good players but as you know both teams are undesirable because of the distance for practices, etc.  IF you think your going to be short players you should consider checking out the guys at the Playoffs on April 21st?!   Just a thought…. Lori Sutherland  MS Rugby Club

 — On Wed, 4/4/12, Tim Falcon  wrote:

From: Tim Falcon Subject: RE: 12th Annual Rocky Mountain Challenge Prep Rugby Tournament
To: “Saade Bou-Mikael”  mccormick, giepert,  buckdr, cadoe,  ”Adam Ducoing” , bill goodelllaw, hill, japgenthon, “cibreit”, “rfitzgerald’,  bobscully, sparrill, john-gopurplemonkey, kevinkern,  fontenelle, diannemarkel, johnleitz , “Coach Scott”, spud, Jarrett Falcon, farnet, rugbybuzz, oakrafter, docfrisbee, jerrymalina, missicameron, “deepsouthrugby@hotmail.com” , samfnet, wsrugby, cgothreaux, dgcuccia, cpdube, vendettoj, carlopedalino, bwmcintyre, selu.edu
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 8:04 AM

Maybe the way to go is have an open try out. See how many players want/can go, then we can select the best 23-25 per team. Part of the problem in the past is getting enough players. If we put it out as a selection process then we can achieve Saade’s goals. Coach tim

 From: Saade Bou-Mikael  Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 10:36 PM
 I am in to coach for the summer, and may be able to go for the trip.
 
Also, just as a suggestion, just from my experiences at LSU… rather than pitch it as “anyone can go”, i think if we would like to bring in the elite players of every team, that we make it exclusive, or at least seem that way. Go to the 5 or 6 players (or however many you think are capable) on your team and tell them you want them to make the trip, and that we see them as having the best chances of making the baby eagle camps.
 
When I first played on the team, I really only came because i was selected on the “all star” team of the tournament… had I not made that team or thought we weren’t selected to represent new orleans by the coaches as the best players from our league, I probably would not have gone.
 
I will be happy to ask adam, eric, cullen, and other guys who made the eagle camps go to one of each practice and pitch this thing to the best players of each team, who the coaches have picked, and talk about their experience and that having the best players from each team is what made it fun and gave them the best chances of being noticed… In my mind it’s the best chance of making these kids feel special and selected, and more motivated to do this.
 
Anyways, regardless of how we handle it, I will be up for assisting wherever i can, coaching wise.
 
-Saade
 

Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2012 18:06:35 -0500
From: tjfmccormick
Gary has suggested these exact same guidelines/deadlines every year for as long as I can remember, and it seems like each year we make things considerably harder on ourselves by not following them. It will be especially crucial this year with so many teams to have everything organized and on paper as soon as possible. 

 The key is to get the information to the parents as soon as possible. You will get nowhere by giving the information to the kids and expecting them to get themselves (and their checks, more importantly) where they need to be. Parents want to know 1) where my son is going; 2) when he’s going; 3) who is going to be responsible for him; 4) how much is it going to cost me? 

On Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 8:41 AM, <giepert@cox.net> wrote:

All coaches should be promoting this with their teams.  We need practice days, times and locations set now for practices  starting the week of April 23rd.  I would suggest practice once or at most twice a week to start.  We need a blast e-mail to send to Coaches with all of the information, date of trip, cost of trip, deposit needed, check payable to, etc.  Coaches could then take this e-mail and blast it to their players.  We also need a flyer with info to hand out at State.   I would suggest a $100 deposit due by May 1st with $50 returned if the player is not selected.  The player will receive  $50 of gear- shorts, socks, T-shirts.  What about jerseys?  Do we have two sets of exile jerseys?  Do we want to buy team sets, (preferable) or do we want each kid to buy their own?  If we do not have 22 committed for either team by May 15th, I say we then pull the plug.  Anyone interested we need to meet soon.  Any suggestions?

                                                     Gary

—- David Buckingham wrote:
 *Welcome Saade and Fitz to this e-mail list.  Everyone receiving this
 e-mail should also get an invite in a new google group.  This should help
 manage some of the sharing and let people choose whether they want to keep
 getting occasional e-mails on the topic.*

 To date I haven’t heard much response, chat, or buzz about the LA Exiles
 and the Colorado Tournament.  If you’re working on it secretly let us know
 so we can start collaborating.  If that’s not the case then I guess I will
 volunteer to put together some of the initial items needed to get this going.
 *My goal this week is to brainstorm with people in the know and create a
 list of what needs to be done and when*.  Then we can set up some smaller
 committees or meetings and really attack some of the to dos associated with
 this great opportunity for our young men.
 Please give me a call or e-mail me with comments and suggestions.  I’ll try
 and have some materials ready to go by the end of the week.

 *In your practices leading up to the state tournament please start the buzz
 with you guys.*  The basic blurb is EVERYONE can participate in the
 practices and we won’t make cuts until we have too many participants.  The
> tournament is June 15th-17th in Colorado.  Historically the trip has cost
> around $400.   We will need coaches and parents to travel with the two
> teams.  Practices will start after the state tournament and go through the
 week of the tournament. Thanks,Buck

 On Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 10:19 AM, Trip McCormick  wrote:
 Excellent points all. I would love to be involved again, but won’t be able
 to this year. Buck’s most important point is that the trip AND THE DETAILS
 (costs, itinerary, etc.) need to be advertised as early as possible. Last
 year, we had a different plan in place for the U19/U17 program, and at the
 last minute we switched gears to try and take them back to Denver. It
 didn’t work.
 You have to get the parents on board, then it gets much easier much
 faster. If you rely on word of mouth from players, it will not work. That
 worked when we had one team, and 90% of that team came from three high
 schools and LSU, and 75% of that team were close friends who had known each other since grammar school.
 I nominate Buck as Manager, Program Director and Head of Coaching and Personnel.

 On Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 9:20 AM, giepert wrote:

 Subject: Attention All Teams- Announcing the 12th Annual Rocky Mountain
Challenge Prep Rugby Tournament
From: Colorado Rugby <colorado.rugby@gmail.com>

The release below has been mailed to all National Rugby and Colorado media outlets.

 If you have any questions, please respond to this email, or Jeff Calhoun at  gscalhoun49@aol.com .
 For more information, visit http://www.rmu19c.com/

  Another contact is colorado.rugby@gmail.com

As he second oldest on this email, except for Markel the trilobite, if I can be allowed add something to the excellent points Saade and Tripp make.  Consider:

It’s impossible for me to write about The Flora-Bama without it getting personal.

Another La / Deep South High School Rugby Season is in the books.  If I am not mistaken it is our 11th.

We started the high school league in the spring of 2002.  My son Jonathan was a freshman at Br Martin.

He is now 25 years old.

Congratulation to Jesuit for winning the State Championship ( again).  I know we all get tired of Jesuit winning but they make us all better by striving to compete with  them.  Congratulations to Shaw for coming in second and playing a very good final match.
Congratulations to Jesuit B for winning the Plate and Mississippi for winning the Bowl competitions.

Please e-mail your tournament scores to Sean Malek above so that he can include them on the NORFC website.

A special thank you to the administrators and coaches of the first year teams:
Audubon - Paul Miniclear, Sam Farnet, Joe Chaddick, Conrad Breit, Bob Olsonoski
Lake Area - Jay Leitz, Adam Ducoing, Chance Doyle
Mississippi - Lori Sutherland, Andy Cameron
We all know how much time, work and dedication it takes to manage and coach a high school rugby team.
Thank you to Alex Sharland for organizing our referees for the tournament, Steve Brinson for providing the trophies and announcing, Randy Traylor for organizing the gate and T-shirt sales, Dave Buckingham for organizing the program ( which I understand made another $1700 for the High School All Star team) and Sam Farnet for organizing the fields.

We made approximately $3500 from the gate and T-shirt sales.  Our expenses are:  referees $635, T-shirts - $864, stadium rental - $1000.  so right now we have cleared $1000.  However some teams have still not paid their tournament fees:
Jesuit $300
Shaw $100
ESA $100
Lake Area $100
Please make your checks payable to La High School Rugby and mail them to me at 4603 S Carrollton Ave N O La 70119.
All proceeds will go to supporting the La Exile All Star program.  

The La Exiles All Star team will have its first practice Tuesday May 1st at 4:30 pm at the City Park Rugby Field.  All High School rugby players are invited and encouraged to try out.  Please spread the word to your players.  The La Exiles will have a U-17 and U-19 team.

See ya'll next year.

                                            Gary Giepert

2012 LA State High School Rugby
> Tournament See link http://nolarugby.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/265-2012highschooltourney

> *TUESDAY 4/17:*
> *Game 1**: *CUP SEMI-FINAL – Shaw v Brother Martin, 5:30PM GRETNA
>
> *WEDNESDAY 4/18:*
> *Game 2:* CUP SEMI-FINAL – Jesuit v Audubon, 5:30PM CITY PARK

>> > *SATURDAY 4/21:*
> 9:00AM BOWL GAME (Round-Robin)
> *Game 3: *Jesuit C v Br Martin B @City Park Rugby Field
>
> 10:00AM PLATE SEMIFINALS
> *Game 4: *Lake Area v Jesuit B @Pan Am Stadium
> *Game 5: *Rummel v ESA @City Park Rugby Field
>
> 11:15AM BOWL GAME (Round-Robin)
> *Game 6: *Br Martin B v Mississippi @Pan Am Stadium
>
> 12:15PM CUP CONSOLATION – 30 Minute Halves @Pan Am Stadium
> *Game 7: *Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2
>
> 1:30 PM PLATE CONSOLATION @Pan Am Stadium
> *Game 8: *Loser Game 4 vs. Loser Game 5
>
> 2:30 PM BOWL GAME (Round-Robin) @City Park Rugby Field
> *Game 9: *Jesuit C v Mississippi
>
> 2:30 PM PLATE FINAL @Pan Am Stadium
> *Game 10: *Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5
>
> 4:00 PM CUP FINAL / STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – 30 Minute Halves @Pan Am
> Stadium
> *Game 11:* Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

> Sean Malek
> Club Secretary / Chief Blogger
> nolarugby.com <http://NOLARugby.com>

> From: giepert weeks before the tournament

> Subject: DEEP SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT
>
> The 11th Annual Deep South High School Championships

Pan Am Stadium on Saturday April 21st.

The following teams have committed to compete:
>
> 1) Jesuit A
> 2) Jesuit B
> 3) Jesuit C
> 4) Shaw
> 5) Br Martin A
> 6) Br Martin B
> 7) Rummel
> ESA
> 9) Audubon
> 10) Lake Area
> 11) S Mississippi
>
> We will have three divisions. If the number stays at 11, one division will only have three teams and will play a round robin. The other two divisions will play semi-finals and finals. The semis for each division will kick off at the same time using Pan Am and the Rugby Field . All Consolation matches and Finals will be in Pan Am Stadium. Games will probably start at 8am Saturday morning. We will use the Cup, Plate and Bowl designations for the three divisions with the Cup being the 1st division, Plate being the 2nd division and Bowl being the 3rd division. Entry fees into the Stadium will be $7 Adults and $3 for Children. All proceeds will go to the Rugby Foundation to promote Rugby in the area by helping with the fields and other rugby related expenses.

April 6, 2012 Email regarding coaches’ meeting.

The Coaches met yesterday and here are the brackets for the State Tournament.

CUP / CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION
1) JESUIT
2) SHAW
3) BR MARTIN
4) AUDUBON

Semis Jesuit v Audubon and Shaw v Br Martin
Semis will play on Wednesday April 18th or when both teams can play. Final and consolation will be played Saturday April 21st.

PLATE DIVISION
1) LAKE AREA
2) RUMMEL
3) ESA
4) JESUIT B

CUP DIVISION
BR MARTIN B
JESUIT C

SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
10AM
Lake Area v Jesuit B Pan Am Stadium
Rummel v ESA City Park rugby Field
11:15AM
Br Martin B v Jesuit C Pan Am Stadium
12:15PM
CUP CONSOLATION 30 Minute Halves
1:30 PM
Plate Consolation
2:30 PM
Plate Final
4:00 PM
CUP FINAL / STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 30 Minute Halves

ORGANIZATION:
1) Referees – Gary will act a liason with the Referees Society
2) Trophies – We will see if Steve Brinson with Royal Honda will supply the trophies again
3) Gate – Randy Traylor will be in charge of the gate / Dave Buckingham will supply the bank
Entrance fees – $7 adults / $3 children under 18
Times:
9:30 – 10:30 Jesuit B
10:30 – 11:30 Br Martin A
11:30 – 12:30 Shaw
12:30 – 1:30 Rummel
1:30 – 2:30 Jesuit A
2:30 – 3:30 Br Martin B
3:30 – 4:30 Audubon / Lake Area
4) T-shirts – Tim Falcon will coordinate with Derek Hoffman
5) Medical – Dennis Whaley
6) Field Setup – Sam Farnet
7) Program – Dave Buck

There will be a $100 fee for each team participating. Please make check payable to La All Star Rugby. All proceeds will go to cover costs of High School All Star program.

Gary Giepert

Email exchange between Gary & Lori on April 6, 2012

I am sorry I misunderstood your earlier e-mails. You will be in the Bowl competition. I will let you know your game time or times.
—- Lori Sutherland wrote:
> Hey Gary
> We have enough….. Niceville is sending players. We might need a couple extras but we are committed! Thanks
> Lori
> From: giepert
> Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 10:49 AM
> To: Lori Sutherland
> Subject: RE: STATE PLAYOFFS – IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
> You did not get over looked. I thought you said you did not have enough players to place a team in the tournament. If you have enough players we will place you in the bowl competition.
> Gary
> —- Lori Sutherland  wrote:
> > Gary
> > Did we get overlooked? MS rugby….
> > Lori
From Gary on April 6th, 2012

With Mississippi’s commitment, I suggest following schedule change. We also need ESA to commit. If ESA does not commit by this Friday April 13th, we will move one Bowl team up to the Plate division and have two teams in the Bowl division.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
9:00AM
Jesuit C v Br Martin B City Park Field
10AM
Lake Area v Jesuit B Pan Am Stadium
Rummel v ESA City Park rugby Field
11:15AM
Br Martin B v Mississippi Pan Am Stadium
12:15PM
CUP CONSOLATION 30 Minute Halves
1:30 PM
Plate Consolation
2:30 PM
Plate Final Pan Am
Jesuit C v Miss City Park Rugby Field
4:00 PM
CUP FINAL / STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 30 Minute Halves

From Gary April 17, 2012

Because no games are scheduled for Pan Am at that time, the 9am Bowl game between Jesuit C and Br Martin B will be held in Pan Am Stadium. Coaches please note that you will not have time to warm up in the stadium. Please find a place to warm up outside the stadium and be ready to kick off right when the game before you ends. Because we are moving the start time up one hour in the Stadium, Lake Area will have the 8:30am till 9:30am gate shift. The gate schedule is as follows:

Entrance fees – $7 adults / $3 children under 18
Times:
8:30 – 9:30 Audubon

9:30 – 10:30 Jesuit B
10:30 – 11:30 Br Martin A
11:30 – 12:30 Shaw
12:30 – 1:30 Rummel
1:30 – 2:30 Jesuit A
2:30 – 3:30 Br Martin B
3:30 – 4:30 Lake Area
The game schedule is as follows:
LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY TOURNAMENT

TUESDAY 4/17:
Game 1: CUP SEMI-FINAL – Shaw v Brother Martin, 5:30PM GRETNA

WEDNESDAY 4/18:
Game 2: CUP SEMI-FINAL – Jesuit v Audubon, 5:30PM CITY PARK

SATURDAY 4/21:
9:00AM BOWL GAME (Round-Robin)
Game 3: Jesuit C v Br Martin B @ Pan Am Stadium

10:00AM PLATE SEMIFINALS
Game 4: Lake Area v Jesuit B @Pan Am Stadium
Game 5: Rummel v ESA @City Park Rugby Field

11:15AM BOWL GAME (Round-Robin)
Game 6: Br Martin B v Mississippi @Pan Am Stadium

12:15PM CUP CONSOLATION – 30 Minute Halves @Pan Am Stadium
Game 7: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2

1:30 PM PLATE CONSOLATION @Pan Am Stadium
Game 8: Loser Game 4 vs. Loser Game 5

2:30 PM BOWL GAME (Round-Robin) @City Park Rugby Field
Game 9: Jesuit C v Mississippi

2:30 PM PLATE FINAL @Pan Am Stadium
Game 10: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5

4:00 PM CUP FINAL / STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – 30 Minute Halves @Pan Am Stadium
Game 11: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

Hey, it's just around the corner!!!!!!

Seriously, thanks to all who attended;  to all who couldn't we missed ya.

Over 50 rugby lives because of you guys. 

Everyone in this email list contributed to the success of last weekend,

 by participating as players, coaches, spectators in the rain,

even the wankers and poofters by giving us somebody to call that.

Next 50+ competition event that i know of is Saranac Lake NY in August. 

Aspen Ruggerfest in mid September. Roy Brewer, address above,

is the organizer of the Florida Old Boys. Drop Roy an email if you have any interest. 

After Aspen is Battleship Tournament in Mobile in November.

I will followup with more on Battleship as it gets closer. 

Stay safe and in touch as appropriate.

Pete Maud's splendid article chronicling the early years of La. rugby can be viewed

on this website www.deepsouthrugby.net .

Pete, amazing that you had the foresight to do it.
BUT, in the peer review process I must make one correction,

 CC played NORFC in fall of 1973. I know because I was there for NORFC.

I know it was fall 1973 cause fall 1973 was the only time I ever played for NORFC

(until AFTER the 2011 CCRFC/NORFC reunion bury the hatchet match.... which in case

you didn't know or knew and forgot, CCRFC won). I distinctly remember playing wing

against Don Evans (and tackling him) at that Metairie pitch on river road by Clearview.

I specifically recall that he had to readjust the height of his socks after.
Thanks for starting this.
 Billy Goodell

If you , the podnuh, get there right at 9:00kickoff I’m cool.

On Apr 4, 2012, at 12:56 PM, Jr Vendetto wrote:

Screw that 800 time way to early  redue that Billy

On Apr 4, 2012, at 12:29 PM, “william goodell”  wrote:

Vieux Garcons 50+ we are first up at 9:00 saturday, be there for 8:00

Bons Baissers, everyone playing on their team, even switch hitting Vieux Garcons, should bring a jersey . The motleys will be motley jerseys as well. NORFC Vieux Garcons will have a team jersey ; Cardinals will have their staple blue n red jersey.

The tournament over 50 play schedule:

Vieux Garcons v Virginia Cardinals 9:00

Bons Baissers v Virginia Cardinals 11:00

Vieux Garcons v Bons Baissers 1:00(on main pitch prelude to NORFC D1 side playoff match!!!!!)

We are at Gretna Pitch on the BestBank due to availability issues with City Park. go to NORFC website for directions

If you enter the following on your GPS you will get there: 841 Gretna Blvd, Gretna, LA

If you are a Vieux Garcon, or a switch hitter please get there for 8:00, bring $20 to pay your entry fee. No coins.You must pay or you will not be allowed to play, no exceptions.

Over 35 schedule to be posted on saturday . Memphis needs a prop or two, so help em out if you can . Other teams will likely want a few reserves so just ask around.

If you want check in with me and I will help hook you up with a team 35 or 50.

We could maybe rename this tournament HoFest???? I’ll do my best to make it that.

Uhrann, Brian Foster, Fran Thompson(knee surgery recovery), Bill Merritt, Bill Schwartz, Monte Lunn (Shoulder surgery), Jack Mauer, Mike Moore, Jack Breen, Jimmy Summerour, Steve Hazel, Jim Richeson, Freddie Schwartz, Jack Adams, Jerry Cave, Henry Hahn, Timmy Martin, Mark Neeb, Dave Buck, Bob Edmundson, Pete Maud, Ronnie Virgets, Rick Garey, Big Joe McFarland(too young), Jerry Malina, Omer Davis.

On Apr 8, 2012, at 12:27 PM, “william goodell  wrote:

The schedule has been revised slightly. The 50+ matches will start a little later, at 10:00 to accommodate the 35+ youngsters.We will finish at same time to allow those wanting FQF debauchery to enjoy an almost full Saturday of it. Saturday at Abita Stage is arguably the best line up for the fest.

See ya’ll Saturday,

Billy

9:00 35+ Memphis v Baton Rouge Field 1

9:00 35+ NORFC v Texas XXX Field  2

9:45-11:00 FIELD 2 NORFC GOLD PRACTICE

10:00 50+Vieux Garcons v Va Cardinals Field 1

11:00 35+ NORFC v Memphis Field 1

11:00 35+ Baton Rouge v Texas XXX Field 2

12:00 50+ Vieux Garcons v Bons Baissers Field 1

1:00  35+ Championship Field 1

1:00 50+ Bons Baissers v Va Cardinals Field 2

2:00 35+ Consolation  Field 2

1:55 Award ceremony on Field 1 immediately BEFORE NORFC GREEN match
2:00 NORFC Green v Brevard D3 Playoff Match Field 1
3:30 NORFC Purple v Navy Ship, Field 1

20 min halves, 35+ championship 30 min halves.

Schedule is in a state of Flux. Will finalize and send out when done.

ETC ETC ETC

I incorrectly referred to the Texas 35+ squad as the Texas XXX, a former participant in FQF Rugby. It is instead the Texas ROT (Republic of Texas)

WEATHER FORECAST 10% chance of rain thursday through Sunday, low 71 high 83, conditions favorable for Halter Tops.

All take note. I have loosely “assigned ” players to the NORFC Vieux Garcons squad vs the Motley Bons Baissers to allocate sufficient numbers for two full teams with adequate reserves. I did this based on a “did you ever play for NORFC or Crescent City” criterion…not just whore out for a match or two at a tournament but were you ever actually a part of the NORFC/CCRFC squad. THIS IS NOT CAST IN STONE. Anyone who wants to play for both will not be prevented from doing so if they wish to. i will try to play for both squads . So will others , like JR, Dean Wood. However, we will try to preserve the separate identity of the two squads to some degree. Battleship is bringing 10 or so players, so the motley squad will have a strong Mobama contingent. I think the way the two squads “divided” is pretty good from a competitive standpoint. Each side has some very strong players. I don’t see it as one team is so much stronger than the other.

Tulane Rugby is having its reunion, and to the extent possible we want to allow them to put all of their guys together on the pitch at the same time for a least a part of one match. We will figure that out Saturday, but I am thinking that will more easily be accomplished in the Vieux Garcons v Bons Baissers match.

Finally, in the spirit of honesty, integrity, and USA rugby rule compliance mandates (you say: “what, is this the Goodell i used to know???”), if you play over 50, you must have your 49th birthday ON or BEFORE April 14th, 2012. i know there is a tendency to want to put in ringers who are not quite of age. We shouldn’t be doing that. i will be checking IDs at the pitch to make sure of your age when you sign up. I will do the same for Virginia. If a player is close in age, a “waiver” from the other squad’s captain can usually be obtained.

Remember, bring $20 to play, no pay no play. If you are already playing on an over 35 squad you only have to pay $ 10 to play 50+ as well.

We wil have 3 kegs of Abita Amber at the pitch. Hopefully that should last till time to migrate to the fest. The beer is free, but donations to support New Olreans 50+ rugby will be accepted at the beer dispensary.

WE will also be selling T shirts . There is a limited number so buy them as soon as you get there if you want one.

GOODELL FINAL SCHEDULE UPDATE APRIL 10

OK, I got my court work finished so i’ll catch ya’ll early friday at Abita Beer Stage . Rally point to be designated by GPS coordinates and if I can get my shit together , a balloon cluster. No not making it out of magnum condoms.

Attached is final schedule of match play saturday. First Over 50 match is at 9:00. Vieux Garcons v Virginia. Then it’s Bon Baissers v Vieux Garcons at 11:00, followed by Les Bons Baissers v Virginia at Field 1 right before the NORFC playoff match against Brevard.

TULANE OLD BOY UPDATE FROM JACK ADAMS APRIL 10th

Is Everbody Ready?

I Have NOT HEARD anything from: Johnny Braun,Laird Canby(can’t begin to imagine what his excuse is),Bob Edmundson(I am just assuming he will be there),Chuck Brent,Randy Wyckoff, Rick Roselli, John Jostrand, John Howe(but I’ve heard he is playing), Rankin Tippins, Stanley Smith( I am hoping he shows his face), Pat Dial, Chip Valente, and Jim Beskin.

LOCALS IN ATTENDANCE: Fred King(playing), Bob Ancira(playing), Mark Bielski, Tom Crosby(playing), Bill Schwartz, Bob Edmundson, Bob Urann, Stanley Smith, Nobu Hiyashi, and Billy Goodell

Those  that are NOT COMING: David Taylor, Doug Watkins, Tad Daniels, Ray Hunting, Doug and Chris Ross, Mike Rinella, Tom Sprott, Peter Burns, and Joe Hoffman

ARRIVALS:  Bill Merritt, Vincent Dobbs, Bob Preston(playing), Greg Eaton, Jerry Cave, Jim Richeson, Jim Summerour, Steve Salliman(playing), Dan Anderson, Tyrone Yokum(playing), Mitch Wood(playing), Henry Hahn, John Howe(playing), Karl Ellins, Mark Wagner, Peter Maud, Rick Garey, John Bretz, Joe Schwartzel(playing), and Jack Adams

If I forgot anyone or your plans have changed please let me know

AGENDA:

Thursday and Friday Evening—-The Irish House (Highly recommended by King and Crosby)

Restaurant and Bar

1432 St. Charles at Melpomene (it’s on the streetcar line)

6pm till ?

On Friday, after the Irish House, I made a reservation for 16 at 9:00 at Tujague’s in the Quarter (823 Decatur), if you are interested let me know.

Saturday—Rugby Day!!  We need to get out there and support the guys playing!

The Tournament is on the fields in Gretna (Google: 841 Gretna Blvd, Gretna LA.). It’s 5 minutes after you cross the bridge.

All halves are 20 minutes

See Billy Goodell’s schedule above for match times on Saturday

Saturday night I made reservations for up to 20 people at 7:00 at Pascal’s Manale ( 1838 Napoleon). I figured it’s early enough to still get to the Quarter for a night of music. If you are interested let me know.

Sunday Brunch at Commanders Palace(1403 Washington Ave) 10:30 AM. I have reservations for King(2), Adams(2), Cave(1), Dobbs(2), Hahn(2), Crosby(2), Summerour(1), Richeson(2), Sallman(2), Maud(2), Wagner(2), Preston(1) and maybe’s from Schwartz(2) and Merritt(2). If anyone else wants to come let me know ASAP.

For those of you interested in the French Quarter Fest Music the following are recommended by Billy Goodell:

THURSDAY MUSIC PICKS:

Papa Grows Funk, 5:45-7:00 Abita Beer Stage

Rebirth Brass Band, 5:45 -7:00 Capital One Bank Stage

Charmaine Neville, 2:00-3:15 WWL TV stage

Preservation Hall-Stars, 11:00-12:15 WWL TV Stage

FRIDAY MUSIC PICKS:

Joe Krown, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, and Russell Batiste jr., 4:00-5:30, Abita Beer Stage

Soul Rebels, 7:45-9:00, Captal One Stage

Bonerama, 7:30-9:00 Abita Beer Stage

SATURDAY: Abita Beer Stage(afternoon and night)….best music line-up of the festival.

3 free kegs of beer at tournament, Abita Amber no less!!!

> Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:36:24 -0500
> To: NORFC@yahoogroups.com

> Subject: DAY OF RUGBY MARCH 24TH
> SCHEDULE
> 10AM BR MARTIN B V JESUIT B
> 11:15 S MISS V RUMMEL
> 12:30 BR MARTIN V ESA
> 1:45 PM LAKE AREA V AUDUBON
> 3:00PM NORFC GREEN V PANAMA CITY
> 5:00PM NORFC GOLD V ATLANTA RENEGADES
> 7:00PM JESUIT V SHAW
>
> GATE SCHEDULE
> 10 -12 JESUIT
> 12-2 AUDUBON
> 2-4 RUMMEL
> 4-6 BR MARTIN
> 6-8 SHAW / LAKE AREA

> Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:03:46 -0400
> From: giepert

> Subject: DAY OF RUGBY MARCH 24TH
>
> S Miss would like to switch with Lake Area and Audubon and play at 1:45pm. Anyone have any problems with that? S Miss v Rummel is presently set to kick off at 11:45.
> Gary

> Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:48:15 -0400
> From: giepert

> Subject: DAY OF RUGBY MARCH 24TH
>
> Here is the latest schedule for the Day of Rugby
>
> 10AM BR MARTIN B V JESUIT B
> 11:15 LAKE AREA V AUDUBON
> 12:30 BR MARTIN V ESA
> 1:45 PM S MISS V RUMMEL
> 3:00PM JESUIT V SHAW
> 4:15PM NORFC GREEN V PANAMA CITY
> 6:00PM NORFC PURPLE V ULL
> 7:30PM NORFC GOLD V ATLANTA RENEGADES
>
> GATE SCHEDULE
> > 10 -12 JESUIT
> > 12-2 AUDUBON
> > 2-4 RUMMEL
> > 4-6 BR MARTIN
> > 6-8 SHAW / LAKE AREA

Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:40:42 -0400
> From: giepert@cox.net
> Subject: DAY OF RUGBY MARCH 24TH
> CC: norfc@yahoogroups.com
>
> I had one error in the previous e-mail. S Miss needs to play earlier than the 3:15 time slot. So that game has been switched with the Lake Area v Audubon game.
>
> Here is the final schedule: ( I hope)
>
> 11:30am BR MARTIN B V JESUIT B
> 12:45 S MISS V RUMMEL
> 2:00pm BR MARTIN V ESA
> 3:15pm LAKE AREA V AUDUBON
> 4:30PM JESUIT V SHAW
> 5:45 PM NORFC PURPLE V ULL
> 7:00PM NORFC GOLD V ATLANTA RENEGADES
>
> Please e-mail me that your team will be there one hour in advance of its game time. There will be a charge at the gate for all spectators, $7 for adults, $3 for children. In addition, every New Orleans team must take an hour shift at the gate. Please e-mail me and let me know what hour you can take. This includes NORFC Gold, Green and Purple. If I don’t hear from you by 5pm I will assign times.
>
> Gary

I had one error in the previous e-mail.  S Miss needs to play earlier than the 3:15 time slot.  So that game has been switched with the Lake Area v Audubon game. 

Here is the final schedule:  ( I hope)

11:30am BR MARTIN B V JESUIT B
12:45  S MISS V RUMMEL
2:00pm BR MARTIN V ESA
3:15pm  LAKE AREA V AUDUBON
4:30PM JESUIT V SHAW
5:45 PM NORFC PURPLE V ULL
7:00PM NORFC GOLD V ATLANTA RENEGADES

Please e-mail me that your team will be there one hour in advance of its game time.  There will be a charge at the gate for all spectators, $7 for adults,   $3 for children.  In addition, every New Orleans team must take an hour  shift at the gate.  Please e-mail me and let me know what hour you can take.  This includes NORFC Gold, Green and Purple.  If I don’t hear from you by 5pm I will assign times.

                                           Gary

Below is a brief history of the inception of the club as provided by Breit:

The Audubon Rugby Club (Barbarians) was started by Paul Miniclier (Notre Dame RFC) in the fall of 2011 as the result of the desire of his two sons to play high school rugby. The high school they attend does not have a rugby club affiliated with the school so the Audubon Rugby Club was formed by Paul Miniclier as a club not affiliated with any particular high school. Paul reached out to Gary Giepert (Louisiana High School Rugby Commissioner) in order form the club and in order to be included in the league. The team is open to any high school student in the New Orleans area who desires to play rugby regardless of what school he attends. There are several different schools represented on the roster and some players travel from as far as Destrehan, Mandeville & Baton Rouge. The head coach is Sam Farnet (New Orleans Old Boy and 2011 Shaw Eagles Coach) with assistance from parents/coaches Conrad Breit, Bob Olsonoski & Joe D.

The Tulane University and New Orleans Clubs, and Union Affiliations

PART 1:  Tulane University

Peter J. Maud

The following is an attempt to document the early history of the sport of rugby in the State of Louisiana primarily documenting the contributions of the Tulane University Club, the New Orleans Rugby Club and early union affiliations. This report is based upon the personal recollections of the author, some published media reports, and copies of official club and union files which were retained by the author following his departure from the New Orleans area. (Some original data was sent to Ed. Lee, Secretary of the Eastern Rugby Union.) Unfortunately records are incomplete and any reader who can supply missing data is encouraged to contact the author in order to update this report. The author was a member of the Tulane University Club from 1967 to 1970, of the New Orleans Club from its initial year of formation in 1973 to 1979, and the founding president of the Louisiana Rugby Union. In the Fall of 1979 he departed New Orleans due to professional advancement opportunities.

The first rugby game to be played by a Louisiana team occurred in the Spring of 1967.  The Southeast Louisiana University Rugby Club from Hammond played either one or two games that Spring, evidently just prior to the formation of the Tulane University Club.

History of Tulane University Rugby Club – 1967 to 1970

The first games played by the Tulane Rugby Club team took place in the spring of 1967 against the Baylor Medical College club and, as the majority of the Tulane team was from the medical school, the game was billed as “the battle of the young doctors”. Evidently Baylor was victorious. The Tulane club had primarily been founded by two medical students, Michael Keyes and Howard Goldberg, who had the initial intention to found a field hockey team. Evidently, according to an article written by Keyes in the Hullabaloo, the Tulane student newspaper, “a lack of money, competition and coaching practically precluded starting a hockey squad, so it was decided to play rugby instead”. (1)

The club, shortly after its founding, was fortunate enough to enlist the help of Arnold DuPisani, a member of the South African consular office in New Orleans, to coach and play scrum half for the team. Other early members besides Keyes and Goldberg, included medical students Bill Terry, the team captain, Jay Scully, Pete “the boot” Anderson, Brian Travis, Mike Maffet, Joe Chiapella, George Stelling, and Pat Schow, ably assisted by Nick Price (architecture), Fred King (law), Randy Starett (Business), Pat Kelly ( LSU Med. School anatomy professor) and Peter Maud (Tulane faculty) who took on the coaching responsibility after DuPisani’s departure for his home in South Africa. Others from the 1967 – 1970 era included Stan Smith, Ken Roy, Tim O’Mara, Bob Urann, Howard Sheridan, Nick Mantus, Brian Francis and probably the first undergraduate to play, Bob Edmundson, followed by John Howe. Apologies are extended to those whose names do not appear. Nobuo Hayashi (Tulane faculty) became the Tulane coach for the club beginning in the Fall of 1970.

Club team records for the 1967- 68 are not available but are for the second (1968 – 1969) season where the club first team had a 14 – 4 – 0 record, out scoring their opponents by 226 points to 91. The newly formed second team played four games, winning 3 and losing 1. For the third season (1969 – 1970) the first team record was 11- 9 – 1, (285 points for versus 162 against) with the second team only playing one game which they won.

                         Tulane University Rugby Club, 1967 – 1968 Season         

 No records available.                  

           Tulane University Rugby Club, 1968 – 1969 Season

                                                                                       Results

                                                                                   “A” Team

Date                         Opponent                                 Venue                      Result                      Score

10/27/68  Southeastern Louisiana College                                Away                         W                          11 – 8

11/02/68  Memphis Wanderers                                                Home                          W                          16 – 0

11/03/68  Memphis Wanderers                                                Home                          W                          21 –10

11/09/68  Pensacola                                                 Home                            W                        21 – 3

11/17/68  Southeastern Louisiana College                               Home                          W                          26 – 10

12/07/68  Memphis Wanderers                                                Away                          L                             3 – 8

12/08/68  Memphis Wanderers                                                Away                         W                          12 – 0

02/02/69  Pensacola                                                 Home                          L                             3 – 8

02/15/69  University of Denver*                                             Home                          W                            8 – 3

02/15/69 Baylor Medical School*                           Home                          W                            6 – 5

02/16/69  University of Wisconsin*                        Home                          W                          12 – 0

03/09/69  Southeastern Louisiana College                               Away                          W                          20 – 0

03/16/69  Pensacola                                                 Away                          W                            3 – 0

03/29/69  Rice University                                        Away                          L                             6 – 13

03/30/69  Baylor Medical School                             Away                          L                             3 – 17

04/13/69  Southeastern Louisiana College                               Home                          W                          20 – 0

04/19/69  Springhill College                                     Home                          W                          19 – 0

05/10/69  Southeastern Louisiana College                               Away                          W                          16 – 6

                                                                            “B” Team

Date         Opponent                                                 Venue                      Result                      Score

03/16/69  Pensacola                                                 Away                          L                           3 – 5

04/20/69  New Orleans Blues**                                              Home                          W                          17 – 8

04/26/69  Springhill College                                     Away                          W                            8 – 5

05/10/69  New Orleans Blues**                                              Away                          W                          17 – 8

*  Tulane Mardi Gras Tournament

**First year of the New Orleans Blues club formation.                    

Tulane University Rugby Club Results, 1969 – 1970 Season

                                                                                      Results

                                                                                   “A” Team

Date                         Opponent                                 Venue                      Result                      Score

10/05/69  New Orleans Blues                                    Home                       W                           39 – 6

10/12/69  Springhill College                                     Away                         W                           11 – 0

10/19/69  Pensacola                                                 Home                         W                           16 – 6

10/25/69  Notre Dame University                            Home                         L                            12 – 17

11/02/69  Hammond*                                              Away                         W                           15 – 0

11/16/69  Pensacola                                                 Away                         L                            10 – 13

11/22/69  Memphis State University                        Home                         W                           42 – 3

11/23/69  Pensacola                                                 Home                         W                           15 – 13

12/07/69  Memphis State University**                    Away                         L                              3 – 6

12/08/69  Huntsville**                                            Away                         W                           26 – 0

02/07/70  Holy Cross University***                       Home                         L                              8 – 13

02/07/70  University of Wisconsin “B”***                             Home                         W                           25 – 0

02/08/70  Denver Barbarians***                             Home                         W                              8 – 3

02/28/70  Pensacola                                                 Home                         L                            11 – 21

03/01/70  Springhill College                                     Home                         W                           21 – 8

03/08/70  Hammond*                                              Away                         L                               6 – 11

03/21/70  Pensacola                                                 Away                         L                            Forfeit

04/04/70  Springhill College                                     Away                         L                               3 – 11

04/05/70  Hammond                                                                Home                         W                              8 – 5

04/11/70  Freeport (Bahamas)                                 Away                         L                               6 – 26

04/11/70  Freeport “A” (Bahamas)                          Away                         T                                   0 – 0

“B” Team

Date         Opponent                                                 Venue                      Result                      Score

10/25/69 Springhill College                                     Home                         W                           8 – 5

* The Southeastern Louisiana College Club became a city team for some time.

**The Liberty Bowl Rugby Tournament

***Tulane Mardi Gras Tournament

The Tulane University and New Orleans Clubs, and Union Affiliations

PART 1:  Tulane University

Peter J. Maud

Part 2: The New Orleans Rugby Club:  1973 – 1974

The New Orleans club was founded in the Fall of 1973 primarily due to the fact that there were quite a large number of ruggers residing in the city who were no longer either eligible to play for the Tulane team, or having graduated from other institutions moved to the city for employment purposes. Bob Urann, Stan Smith and Peter Maud, all previous Tulane players, were the three players primarily responsible for founding the club. Others listed on the official club roster for that Fall of the first year included Fred King, Mike Martin, Barry Kennedy, Joe Hamby, Max Bishop, Charlie Monnot, Lawrence Williams, Tom Crosby, Joe Fox, John Nicol, Richard Odum, Barry Haney, Rick Fuchs, Dennis Fitzgerald, Robert Tuminello, Ken Roy, Mark Bergschneider, Richard Evans, Billy Goodell, Glen Wondergem, and Bill Cloud.

Although not listed on the roster for the Fall season, Mike Porter soon appeared on the scene and became the club coach for the next four years. A more complete description of his contributions to the club and to the state is to be found in the January 1978 edition of “Rugby” (2)

Over the next few seasons other players who became major contributors to the club included Segundo Fernandez, Bob Squires, Brian Travis, Crosby, Joe Hamby, Whit Oliver, Steve Davies, Dave Farrar, Doug Guth, Barry Johnson, Jim Rozek, Dave Jones, Harvey Hatfield, Grady Williams, Andre Pelser, Robert Markel, T. R. Rainey, and too many others to list.

New Orleans Rugby Club, 1973 – 1974 Season

A  photo  taken on September 15, 1973 immediately following the first game for the new club against L.S,U “B” team had the following team members:

Rear row left to right: Peter J. Maud, Bill Cloud, Bob Urann, Ken Roy, Tom Crosby, Max Bishop, Richard Evans, Bob Tuminello, Dennis Fitzgerald, and Glen Wondergem.

Front row: Lawrence Williams, Charlie Monnot, Barry Haney, Joe Hamby, Stan Smith, and Richard Odom.

The following are listings of games played by the New Orleans Club from Fall 1973 through Spring 1978. Data is unavailable for some seasons and any reader who is able to fill in either games played or game results is encouraged to contact the author.

Club Officers, 1973 – 1974 Season

President                                 Peter J. Maud                         Social Chairman                     Barry Kennedy

Coach                                      Michael Porter                        Treasurer                                                Charlie Monnot

Match secretary                      Lawrence Williams                 Captain                                   Bob Urann

Results

(No match result data available.)

Date                         Opponent                                 Venue                      Result                      Score

09/15/1973              Louisiana State University “B”                Away                      

09/22/1973              Montgomery                            Home

09/26/1973              Pensacola                                 Away

10/06/1973              U. Southern Mississippi “B”    Home

10/13/1973              Tulane University                    Home

10/27/1973              Memphis                                 Away

11/10/1973              Springhill College                     Away

11/17/1973              Louisiana State University       Home