Home >> News
 |
| THAT WINNING FEELING! |
The pre-season camp is here! We will have three sessions a day. Two out door and one indoor classroom. The morning session at 9am to 11am. The afternoon session at 1:30pm to 3:30pm. The evening classroom session at Rm 249 at the Boyden Gym at 6pm to 8pm. This begins on Monday August 25th. All are expected to attend. Contact President Diego de Leon (massrugby@yahoo.com) (978 882-2007) for information on housing if you need it and haven't heard from him.
The Schedule of Events
MONDAY: The morning session will begin as a warm up and progress into a demonstration of our basic attack, defense and over all strategic philosophy.
The afternoon session will be an exercise in to how our philosophy manifests in different game situations. Finishing with a controlled scrimmage with stoppages to emphasize the execution of our tactics.
The evening session will be a discussion of what we understand from todays sessions and each player will be expected to design a drill to accomplish a particular task.
TUESDAY: First session will break into small groups to with each player presenting, explaining and running their drill.
The second session will be divided into unit skills...tight five, scrum half- hookers, hookers-jumpers, scrum half-back row, back row-tight five, half back to 3/4 play, wing full back play. Attack and counter attack. Taking high ball. Offensive and Defensive patterns.
Evening: Discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of our play. How to improve it. Players will be expected to design a routine to emphasize improving one defensive situation.
WEDNESDAY: Divided into teams to practice improving defensive patterns as designed by players. Groups will be given an opportunity to test their plans against live opposition.
Afternoon session will be a series of live competitions.
Evening session will be a presentation of the new laws by a NERFU Referee. Followed by a question and answer session.
THURSDAY: Morning will begin with a series of outdoor fitness tests for backs. The forwards will have their session in the weight room.
The afternoon session will begin with a series of outdoor fitness test for the forwards and the backs will have their session in the weight room.
Evening session will be a video of some rugby matches with discussion.
FRIDAY: The morning session will concentrate on team play, gradually increasing in intensity.
The afternoon session will be a combination of individual skills, unit skills and their incorporation into our over all game plan. Finishing with a controlled contact game.
The evening session will be a summation of our week and the culmination of our philosophies. We now will have our season in front of us, and an idea of what we are out to accomplish and how we intend to do it.
Contact me directly if you have any problems or conflicts.
All the Best!
Coach
coach@admin.umass.edu
The Schedule of Events
MONDAY: The morning session will begin as a warm up and progress into a demonstration of our basic attack, defense and over all strategic philosophy.
The afternoon session will be an exercise in to how our philosophy manifests in different game situations. Finishing with a controlled scrimmage with stoppages to emphasize the execution of our tactics.
The evening session will be a discussion of what we understand from todays sessions and each player will be expected to design a drill to accomplish a particular task.
TUESDAY: First session will break into small groups to with each player presenting, explaining and running their drill.
The second session will be divided into unit skills...tight five, scrum half- hookers, hookers-jumpers, scrum half-back row, back row-tight five, half back to 3/4 play, wing full back play. Attack and counter attack. Taking high ball. Offensive and Defensive patterns.
Evening: Discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of our play. How to improve it. Players will be expected to design a routine to emphasize improving one defensive situation.
WEDNESDAY: Divided into teams to practice improving defensive patterns as designed by players. Groups will be given an opportunity to test their plans against live opposition.
Afternoon session will be a series of live competitions.
Evening session will be a presentation of the new laws by a NERFU Referee. Followed by a question and answer session.
THURSDAY: Morning will begin with a series of outdoor fitness tests for backs. The forwards will have their session in the weight room.
The afternoon session will begin with a series of outdoor fitness test for the forwards and the backs will have their session in the weight room.
Evening session will be a video of some rugby matches with discussion.
FRIDAY: The morning session will concentrate on team play, gradually increasing in intensity.
The afternoon session will be a combination of individual skills, unit skills and their incorporation into our over all game plan. Finishing with a controlled contact game.
The evening session will be a summation of our week and the culmination of our philosophies. We now will have our season in front of us, and an idea of what we are out to accomplish and how we intend to do it.
Contact me directly if you have any problems or conflicts.
All the Best!
Coach
coach@admin.umass.edu
 |
| Ricky Dever Class '91 |
If you have any questions about our matches, visit our Contacts page and get in touch with anyone on our Leadership Board.
See you on the pitch!
September 13th - UMass vs Amherst College (H)
September 20th - UMass vs St Michaels (H)
September 27th - UMass vs Williams (H)
October 4th - UMass at UVM
October 11th - UMass at Middlebury
October 18th & 25th - PLAYOFFS
SATURDAY - JULY 26TH - 11AM
The undergrads got off to a great start, demonstrating to the alumni they are back and ready to play rugby and jumping to a quick 17-0 lead. The Alumni fought back and as the aroma of the roasting pig intensified, so did their relentless attack, to once again show, that wit and cunning, and some intense rucking, over came youth and speed. Managing to secure another victory, 34-27, as the call to the pig went out, the two opposing groups became united, as is the UMASS Rugby Tradition! Thanks to all the Alumni for their efforts, in once again having a successful day of the PIG Roast and festivities! Hope to see you all during the season and at our Alumni Match and Award Ceremony in MAY 2009.
Coach
The undergrads got off to a great start, demonstrating to the alumni they are back and ready to play rugby and jumping to a quick 17-0 lead. The Alumni fought back and as the aroma of the roasting pig intensified, so did their relentless attack, to once again show, that wit and cunning, and some intense rucking, over came youth and speed. Managing to secure another victory, 34-27, as the call to the pig went out, the two opposing groups became united, as is the UMASS Rugby Tradition! Thanks to all the Alumni for their efforts, in once again having a successful day of the PIG Roast and festivities! Hope to see you all during the season and at our Alumni Match and Award Ceremony in MAY 2009.
Coach
 |
| Whatever the conditions... |
I want to thank this year's graduating seniors for their strong support. It's not always easy to have a new coach come aboard in your last year of college rugby. The team followed your lead, and it made for a successful year. Your involvement in our new program has helped it to get off to a great start. Good luck in the coming years and I look forward to your participation in our alumni events. Remember: Hit and Pop, Hit and Strip, Hit and Drop! Pass! Pass! Pass! and Most Important: Have a go!
Coach
Coach
Rain and wet grounds! The day was a success for all! Thanks to the Alumni who were able to make it! We look forward to the pig roast in July!
Eric Bollin receives the Ricky Dever Memorial Scholarship!
Team MVP - Marc McCabe!
Rookie of the Year - Clark Hoopes!
Most Improved - Connor Carroll!
Best Back - Shawn Brennan!
Best Forward - Bill Gullotti
Coach
Eric Bollin receives the Ricky Dever Memorial Scholarship!
Team MVP - Marc McCabe!
Rookie of the Year - Clark Hoopes!
Most Improved - Connor Carroll!
Best Back - Shawn Brennan!
Best Forward - Bill Gullotti
Coach
This Saturday we will hold the annual Alumni Match and Awards Ceremonies. We will be celebrating forty years of UMASS RUGBY! We will also take the time to remember Ricky Dever, past player and friend. We invite all family and friends of Ricky to attend and join with us, in celebrating his life and memory. I've included an entry from Ricky's Legacy Journal on last years presentation. We thought moving the date of the presentation of the scholarship, in his name to this week end, would allow for the opportunity for a greater number of the UMASS RUGBY Community to be exposed to this fine man and his continuing contribution to the standards of the UMASS Rugby Program, that he helped to establish. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We know what it means to lose someone close.
Richard T. Dever
May 14, 1969 - March 19, 2005
Deputy Sheriff Suffolk County House of Corrections, of Dorchester. Graduate of Don Bosco High School, class of '87, and UMASS Amherst, class of '91.
November 14, 2007
This past Saturday a group of Ricky's friends presented scholarships to two UMass rugby players in Amherst. The winners, Patrick Flanagan & Ryan Gillespie, were chosen by their coach & teammates. This scholarship was made possible by Jim Counihan, who became friends with Ricky when they played together on the UMass rugby team. Eddie Doyle co-ordinated the day with the coach (Al Baker) & captain (Eric Bollin) of this year's team. As usual, many Ricky stories were told & it seems like Patrick & Ryan now have an idea of the kind of person Ricky was.
We all miss you Rick.
The Devers -
----
This is our last weekend of rugby for our graduating seniors, as undergraduate members of our club. This will not be their last involvement as UMASS RUGGERS!
We have a number of playing and non playing events for alumni over the course of the year and more to come as we march towards our first half century. Watch this web site for details as they develop.
Players will arrive on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 at 12:30. Match at 1 PM and celebrations to follow.
All the Best!
Coach Baker
Richard T. Dever
May 14, 1969 - March 19, 2005
Deputy Sheriff Suffolk County House of Corrections, of Dorchester. Graduate of Don Bosco High School, class of '87, and UMASS Amherst, class of '91.
November 14, 2007
This past Saturday a group of Ricky's friends presented scholarships to two UMass rugby players in Amherst. The winners, Patrick Flanagan & Ryan Gillespie, were chosen by their coach & teammates. This scholarship was made possible by Jim Counihan, who became friends with Ricky when they played together on the UMass rugby team. Eddie Doyle co-ordinated the day with the coach (Al Baker) & captain (Eric Bollin) of this year's team. As usual, many Ricky stories were told & it seems like Patrick & Ryan now have an idea of the kind of person Ricky was.
We all miss you Rick.
The Devers -
----
This is our last weekend of rugby for our graduating seniors, as undergraduate members of our club. This will not be their last involvement as UMASS RUGGERS!
We have a number of playing and non playing events for alumni over the course of the year and more to come as we march towards our first half century. Watch this web site for details as they develop.
Players will arrive on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 at 12:30. Match at 1 PM and celebrations to follow.
All the Best!
Coach Baker
5 Ashley Terrace
Waterville ME 04901
17 April 2008
To the UMass Rugby Community:
Forty years ago, the spring of 1968 saw the birth of the Rugby Club at The University of Massachusetts ar Amherst. A Welsh graduate student and an American grad student who had been initiated to Rugby at Tufts started the program. Over the first several seasons, Rugby struggled with numbers and matches, not winning a first match until we played the novice Hartford Rugby Club in April 1969. As time went on the club got bigger and stronger. Graduate students had a major influence on them program in the early days. Names from those times were Jerry Bruen, “Swede” Vilkitis, Paul Joy, Jess Kane, and the founder Jeff Bloomfield, The early 70s saw the rise of UMass Rugby when they were finally able to best the crosstown rivals Amherst and extend touring London Irish in Spring 1970. The highlight of those years was the crushing (27-5) win over Beacon Hill Rugby. UMass’ ringer was Mike Bull, a graduate student in Exercise Science and former England under-19 center, who single-handedly dismantled the New England Champions.
I had joined the UMass faculty in the fall of 1968, but bicycling back home to Hadley past the stadium, I soon found the Club. It was only a few days before I began playing and became the faculty adviser for the next 34 years.
As all Rugby programs have their ups and downs so was it for UMass. The mid-70s was a successful time with players like Jim “Piggy” Tkacik, Larry Tebo, Tony Cipriani, Ricky Lopes, Jay Appleman, and Mark “Keghead” McCabe. The lull of the late 70s with Jay Dacey and Dave Packard led to the great successes of the early 80’s with great teams and players like George Economou, Mike DeCampo, Brent”Stein” Goldstein, Greg Renaud, and Paul Bourdon. We struggled for a few years until the late 80s and early 90s. Again there were great kids like Larry Scanlon, Pere Berkowitz, “Granby” Tomlinson, and Arlen Gerritson . The 21st century came, I left the confines of Amherst and the program persists and is on its way back to great success under the leadership of old friend and current coach Al Baker now with captains Marc McCabe and Austin Chappell.
I wish them a fantastic future. Happy Anniversary!!!
Sincerely yours,
Doc
Robert L. Laurence
Coach emeritus
UMass Rugby
Waterville ME 04901
17 April 2008
To the UMass Rugby Community:
Forty years ago, the spring of 1968 saw the birth of the Rugby Club at The University of Massachusetts ar Amherst. A Welsh graduate student and an American grad student who had been initiated to Rugby at Tufts started the program. Over the first several seasons, Rugby struggled with numbers and matches, not winning a first match until we played the novice Hartford Rugby Club in April 1969. As time went on the club got bigger and stronger. Graduate students had a major influence on them program in the early days. Names from those times were Jerry Bruen, “Swede” Vilkitis, Paul Joy, Jess Kane, and the founder Jeff Bloomfield, The early 70s saw the rise of UMass Rugby when they were finally able to best the crosstown rivals Amherst and extend touring London Irish in Spring 1970. The highlight of those years was the crushing (27-5) win over Beacon Hill Rugby. UMass’ ringer was Mike Bull, a graduate student in Exercise Science and former England under-19 center, who single-handedly dismantled the New England Champions.
I had joined the UMass faculty in the fall of 1968, but bicycling back home to Hadley past the stadium, I soon found the Club. It was only a few days before I began playing and became the faculty adviser for the next 34 years.
As all Rugby programs have their ups and downs so was it for UMass. The mid-70s was a successful time with players like Jim “Piggy” Tkacik, Larry Tebo, Tony Cipriani, Ricky Lopes, Jay Appleman, and Mark “Keghead” McCabe. The lull of the late 70s with Jay Dacey and Dave Packard led to the great successes of the early 80’s with great teams and players like George Economou, Mike DeCampo, Brent”Stein” Goldstein, Greg Renaud, and Paul Bourdon. We struggled for a few years until the late 80s and early 90s. Again there were great kids like Larry Scanlon, Pere Berkowitz, “Granby” Tomlinson, and Arlen Gerritson . The 21st century came, I left the confines of Amherst and the program persists and is on its way back to great success under the leadership of old friend and current coach Al Baker now with captains Marc McCabe and Austin Chappell.
I wish them a fantastic future. Happy Anniversary!!!
Sincerely yours,
Doc
Robert L. Laurence
Coach emeritus
UMass Rugby
THE TRADITION GOES ON!
It was a perfect day for rugby, clear sky, sunny and warm. The lads came to play! In an evenly matched match, the teams traded leads continually.
5-0 5-7 7-14 12-14 12-21 17-21 20-21 27-21 27-28 30-28 30-31 35-31 35-34 38-34 38-39 43-39 and 43-44.
But wait! Eric Bollin's apparent winning try, called back! Bollin called for using the referee as an obstruction. NO TRY! ?/@#$#!!& Oh the humanity! Scrum to Maroon and match resumed. Valiant attempts by both sides to put the game away as time ran out. The hero's mantle switched from Bollin's shoulders to Robert Muckel's, who, with no time left, found touch inside his own 22, and the final whistle brought the battle to it's conclusion. Black (PINK) 43 Maroon 39. Was Bollin bitter? Not at all. He invited all back to his place for food and refreshments...the referee too! If you're hungry, I think there is still a burger on the grill.
Coach
Next week: Alumni vs UMASS Ricky Dever scholarship award and team awards. Last match of the season, last match for our seniors. Everyone gets in the game. Don't miss it! BBQ! at the pitch, bring friends and family! Practice as usual.
It was a perfect day for rugby, clear sky, sunny and warm. The lads came to play! In an evenly matched match, the teams traded leads continually.
5-0 5-7 7-14 12-14 12-21 17-21 20-21 27-21 27-28 30-28 30-31 35-31 35-34 38-34 38-39 43-39 and 43-44.
But wait! Eric Bollin's apparent winning try, called back! Bollin called for using the referee as an obstruction. NO TRY! ?/@#$#!!& Oh the humanity! Scrum to Maroon and match resumed. Valiant attempts by both sides to put the game away as time ran out. The hero's mantle switched from Bollin's shoulders to Robert Muckel's, who, with no time left, found touch inside his own 22, and the final whistle brought the battle to it's conclusion. Black (PINK) 43 Maroon 39. Was Bollin bitter? Not at all. He invited all back to his place for food and refreshments...the referee too! If you're hungry, I think there is still a burger on the grill.
Coach
Next week: Alumni vs UMASS Ricky Dever scholarship award and team awards. Last match of the season, last match for our seniors. Everyone gets in the game. Don't miss it! BBQ! at the pitch, bring friends and family! Practice as usual.
FIRST MATCH vs MASS MARITIME ACADEMY
Saturday April 19th
Kickoff - 10:30 AM
The first half showed a strong UMASS side, who dominated field position and ball control, but was only able to muster 3 points on a penalty kick by Ori Yankelev. The second half showed what patience and fitness, when combined with field position and ball control can do. UMASS exploded with four tries, one each by Clark Hoopes, Shawn Brennan, Tim Holmes and Capt. Austin Chappell. Ori Yankelev added four points with two conversions. The final was a 27-0 UMASS victory.
SECOND MATCH vs SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT
Kickoff - 2:10 PM
The UMASS team was still dominating in field position and fitness. The team's vulnerability showed up in untimely loss of ball possession. Late in the second half, the S. Conn 350 lb prop rolled over two tries against UMASS, unable to stop his momentum on the down hill side. UMASS still managed a relentless attack and was on S. Conn's goal line a number of times, but the loss of ball at critical moments, proved costly. In all, though, another strong showing by the UMASS squad. A stinging loss, 0-12.
Special thanks to Doc Laurence, father of UMASS RUGBY! He attended the tourney, with his new team, Colby College, and was cheering the UMASS side during our matches. The team got to meet the legend, they had only heard about. His suggestion, to attack Mass Maritime's wide side, proved fruitful.
Thanks to all the players who accompanied the team and did not get to play. We will rectify that this week.
All the Best!
Coach Baker
Saturday April 19th
Kickoff - 10:30 AM
The first half showed a strong UMASS side, who dominated field position and ball control, but was only able to muster 3 points on a penalty kick by Ori Yankelev. The second half showed what patience and fitness, when combined with field position and ball control can do. UMASS exploded with four tries, one each by Clark Hoopes, Shawn Brennan, Tim Holmes and Capt. Austin Chappell. Ori Yankelev added four points with two conversions. The final was a 27-0 UMASS victory.
SECOND MATCH vs SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT
Kickoff - 2:10 PM
The UMASS team was still dominating in field position and fitness. The team's vulnerability showed up in untimely loss of ball possession. Late in the second half, the S. Conn 350 lb prop rolled over two tries against UMASS, unable to stop his momentum on the down hill side. UMASS still managed a relentless attack and was on S. Conn's goal line a number of times, but the loss of ball at critical moments, proved costly. In all, though, another strong showing by the UMASS squad. A stinging loss, 0-12.
Special thanks to Doc Laurence, father of UMASS RUGBY! He attended the tourney, with his new team, Colby College, and was cheering the UMASS side during our matches. The team got to meet the legend, they had only heard about. His suggestion, to attack Mass Maritime's wide side, proved fruitful.
Thanks to all the players who accompanied the team and did not get to play. We will rectify that this week.
All the Best!
Coach Baker
The warm sunny day, masked the conditions on the pitch, wet and slippery. Ball handling was a precious commodity. UMASS scored the first try of the match in just 1 minute and 50 seconds, but had to wait, though dominating all aspects of play, until 13 minutes into the second half, to score the second try of the match. Austin Chappell, forward captain and #8, scored the first try, after a successful series of movements involving good rucks and mauls, combined with a daring back attack, featuring hard runs and good passing. Austin picked up a loose ball, and dove over for the try. The muddy field conditions grew as the match progressed, making each attacking movement more difficult. Tries were denied, as the ball slipped out of hands, as certain tries attempted. UMass had to wait another 13 minutes into the second half before Mike Bozza dove over for the second and final try of the match. Alex Berring added two more points with a successful conversion in front of goal. Amherst College, faired much worse, due to the conditions on the field and the relentless pursuit and strong tackling of UMass ruggers. The 12-0 victory by UMass ended a six year losing streak to Amherst College, and UMASS went away with the first annual Amherst Cup!
The B-side match ended with a lop-sided victory for UMass, with a stunning 32-5 victory. Congratulations were earned by all UMASS ruggers on a great day of rugby. The B Cup to be presented later.
Coach
The B-side match ended with a lop-sided victory for UMass, with a stunning 32-5 victory. Congratulations were earned by all UMASS ruggers on a great day of rugby. The B Cup to be presented later.
Coach