Rucky- the friendly fish.

As a kid I've always found mascots fun, exciting and if they are good enough a key part of the game day experience for all fans of any age. Some mascots , to me, are just there from an organization to check off a box and say that they are doing something "for the kids". 

With that said I honestly feel like the MLR and it's teams have done a fantastic job in making every teams home game experience memorable. One of the Keyes to that is the mascots that some of the teams have and how active they are through out the game in engaging with all the fans , players and staff. 

(My daughter Zatanna with her own Rucky) 

Being a Seawolves fan my self I've grown a liking to Rucky. He's very active on social media, active in the community and during home games. Being in Oregon it is hard to see Rucky in person and as often as I'd like to, but as my own kids get older we hope to make a few trips to Washington to catch a few Seawolves games our self's and the kiddos a chance to say hi to Rucky. 

As busy as Rucky is he was very kind enough to answer a few questions for me and I hope you all enjoy. 

LLR- Who's your closest MLR mascot buddy? 

LLR- Who would you say is your role model in any league or sport ? 

LLR- Best Moment thus far in the MLR?

LLR- Anything special planned for the 2022 MLR season? 

LLR- Any words you'd like to share with everyone?

Growing up in San Jose and as a Sharks fan, Sharkie  has a phrase used when describing him as which is  "The Hardest Working Fish in sports", then Rucky must be the Hardest working Fish in MLR. 

#TogetherWeHunt

Pio Sasa Tanuvasa

I would like to take a moment and ask that you all join me in sending condolences to the Tanuvasa family. After suffering from a stroke and brain hemorrhage Early this week yesterday Pio went to be with his loved ones in the after life. 

I never got the chance to personally get to know Pio in depth. We crossed paths as I was leaving the local youth program in Los Gatos, CA  as he became involved with them and his kids began playing. He served on the coaching staff for the @sjsumensrugby club. And through social media we where able to make a connection. I admire his love for the game of rugby, his passion for the Raiders , Oakland and Las Vegas, but most of all his unwavering love for his family. My friend, my regret is we never got a chance to get to know each other more. I was looking forward to seeing you in March when I come to visit. Now I will have to wait a bit longer and I can't wait. 

To his family. We never knew each other but I love you and my prayers are with you all always. 

"All of our lives leads to a goal. This search, the search for the goal, is tiring. It requires a lot of effort, commitment. But the important thing is not running alone. To get there we need to run together, and the ball must be passed from hand to hand, and carried along until we reach the goal line. Then we celebrate.

-Pope Francis

Linn Benton Youth Rugby

 Since moving to Corvallis Oregon I've always tried to keep up with the local rugby clubs, college, men's and youth. Linn Benton Youth Rugby supports primarly both main towns , Corvallis and Albany, in the neighboring counties, Linn and Benton county. since the lions where founded in 2001 the program has become a staple of excellence in the youth club landscape for Rugby Oregon. The director of Linn Benton was able to answer some brief questions about the lions and how to fallow. 

LLR -can you introduce yourself and what is your position with Linn Benton and when was the program founded?

JA- My name is Joe Alvernaz, I am Director of Linn Benton Rugby, I serve as middle school boys coach and an assistant coach to HS boys.  I have been involved as a coach since 2004.  Linn Benton Lions rugby was founded in 2001, winning the Rugby Oregon boys championship in its first season under coaches Amanda Six and Joey Webber (who is now Timber Joey, mascot of the Portland Timbers MLS team)

 

LLR -what age levels does LB offer? 

JA- Linn Benton Rugby offers HS boys and girls, middle school (7-8^th) boys and girls, and a co-ed flag rugby program for 3^rd-6^th grade

 

LLR -how many kids on average a year register with the Clubs? 

JA- 60 to 80 kids participate each year

 

LLR -what is a few highlights that LB has experienced over the years?

JA- HS girls were 2017 and 2019 Rugby Oregon Champions, 2018 runners up and 2017 Rugby Oregon 7s Champions.   In February of 2020 Lions alumni Joe Montgomery was signed by the Seattle Seawolves to a professional contract.

LLR -how can people follow along every season on what's happening?

JA- When things are going, we update Facebook and Instagram almost daily.

 

LLR -if a MLR team would come to Oregon, most likely Portland, how big would that be for rugby in Oregon?

JA- One good thing I can say about Portland is this:   They really do come out to support their professional sports teams, the Blazers sell out every game and the Timbers and Thorns are league leaders in attendance for professional soccer.   The addition of a Portland based MLR team would likely attract a solid following and lead to a natural growth in rugby participation.

 

LLR -Who in the MLR do you support?

JA- Given that we had an alumni on the Seawolves team in 2020, it is fair to say all of our coaches are solid Seawolves fans.    Although, I do have a soft spot for the New Orleans Gold.

 

LLR -if people want to learn more about the Linn Benton Lions how best can they do so?

JA- We use our team Facebook and Instagram for information and communication.   There’s always our team email,  lbyouthrugby@yahoo.com

*Rugby Oregon is going ahead with a 2021 season but modified. Click Here here to read how they've adjusted. 

Linn Benton Youth Rugby

www.lbyouthrugby.org

Portland Rugby Project- MLR ?

Like many of you, last week we where all thrown into a frenzy when a survey for the rugby community in Oregon began making it's rounds through social media inquiring about the potential of a MLR team coming to Portland, PDX. Of course being in Corvallis, which is about just over hour drive from Portland , my excitement was sparked. And of course naturally I had to reach out to find out more right away. Ben from Portland Rugby Project which is a consultanting firm was gracious enough to answer some questions and let us all know where everything stands at this time. 

LLR- Would you please introduce yourself and your involvement with the Portland Rugby Project?

 

B- My name is Ben Barlow, and I have been working with the Portland Rugby Project to determine the feasibility and assess the market conditions related to bringing a Major League Rugby team to Portland. I have been involved in rugby as a fan, player, and coach for a little over a decade and very much so look forward to exploring the possibility of bringing a new high performance pathway to the region.

 

LLR-What is the Portland Rugby Project, is the PRP seeking to be owners of a MLR team?

 

B-The Portland Rugby Project is a consulting group dedicated to identifying the feasibility of bringing a MLR team to Portland. ­

 

LLR-Have clubs throughout Oregon been contacted by PRP to seek feedback or just the clubs in and around Portland?

 

B-We just began phase two of our market research plan. As such, a variety of clubs from the Portland Metro and surrounding area were chosen to participate for more in depth research. Portland Rugby Project expects this to be the prime target market due primarily to their geographical proximity, but welcomes feedback from across the state and sincerely hopes to engage fans and supporters from the entire region as we progress.

 

LLR-Has there been any communication between this group and MLR, is the commissioner or any owners been spoken to?

 

B-No significant communication has taken place as yet. Portland Rugby Project is still in the very early stages of this process.

 

LLR-Is it possible to name a facility or more that are currently being looked at for a home venue, will this team build their own similar to what was done in Huston?

 

B-Portland Rugby Project is still reviewing a variety of possible venues and all of its options.

 

LLR-If everything falls into place what is a realistic year a Portland team can begin playing?

 

B-It is difficult to say as this is still one of the major items we are trying to identify, but the more buy in and support we continue to receive from individuals like yourself, the more likely things are to continue to progress in an expeditious manner.

I would like to thank Ben very much for getting back to me so quickly and being honest and open. As more information comes in time more information will be posted here and on LLRugby social media accounts. 

pdxmlr.com

*For more inquiring please send emails to marketing@pdxmlr.com

Also PRP has social media accounts that will be active soon. 

Oregon RL- Corvallis

Wanted to give an update from this Saturday's meeting. It's not go as planned as well as last weekend's gathering in Salem but I will take full responsibility for this failure. The gathering of Salem was put forth weeks in advance which gave time for people to make plans and be ready. This Saturday Corvallis gathering was put forth just 5 days earlier, and was only heavily advertised the day prior. 

Going forward there will be two more gatherings planed , once again for the Corvallis/Albany area and the Springfield/Eugene location. Both of those will be set out two weeks in advance with the fallowing week being the Salem RLC "practice" player show up. 

After all three locations have had their meetings we will be able to put a financial plan forward and every team set practice dates and potentially put together a exhibition mini season to get the word out. 

Oregon RL- Salem Rugby Lague Club

Over the last few months I've been helping to establish rugby league here in Oregon. Currently there is only a few social media accounts available,there is a Facebook group and page and a Twitter account. 

we were able to hold our first meeting in Salem the state capital. It was a informal gathering no practice being held due to covid protocols. but today i did learn that we could still hold a "practice" but with only touch. 

Only seven players were able to arrive but that is not discouraging at all seeing as only advertisement was through online. Was notified that more players were tempting to arrive but had work priorities. Here's a bullet point of items that were discussed and things to come. 

- practice event to be held in 2-3 weeks

- name write in from players

- 2/27 top four names chosen

- club presidents and treasure to be selected for SRLC

- once name has been chosen and after practice finance figures will be made more concrete for players and club moving forward. 

-2-3 week's meeting to be held in Eugene/Springfield to engage potential players and set up another club. 

- 2/27 or 2/28 meeting to be held in Corvallis/Albany to try and also set up another club. 

There is huge excitement from everyone to get going and start practicing and playing. There's experience amongst the guys who are used to setting up events and financially securing enough funding. 

Newberg Girls rugby- Tigers.

It may not be Portland, or Eugene or even Salem but in Newberg Oregon there is something special brewing. The Newberg high school girls rugby team is growing and improving year after year. It is unfortunate that due to covid the State of Oregon has had to shut down and close down facilities that has made it hard for any sports team to practice let alone play games. Marcus is in a tough spot in trying to keep his players together and continue to build a program that is of varsity status through the local high school. I want to thank Marcus for agreeing to answering some questions and I hope like me you all also become new fans of the Tigers! 

LLR-  How long have you been coaching and how did you get involved with Girl’s Rugby?

 

MG- I have been coaching on and off since 2013. I started as an assistant coach for the Newberg HS Boy’s Rugby Club in 2013 and then in 2015 – 2016 I was an assistant coach for the Oregon Pioneer (Boys) Rugby Club. It wasn’t until fall of 2019 that I officially accepted the title of Head Coach for the Newberg HS Girls Rugby Varsity Team.

 

How did I get involved? I was lucky! It was the 2018 Rugby Oregon Finals Tournament at Western Oregon University (Go WOR – Western Oregon Rugby. I played 2008 – 2011). It was right after I refereed a match that the former NHS Girls Coach Bailey came up to me and said “Hey Marcus! Wanna take over as Head Coach?” It wasn’t an automatic answer, however, after a few conversations and a meet up with Bailey I decided to myself “Why Not?!”

 

Like they say in the Snickers commercial ‘No Regrets”!

LLR- When was the club founded and is it a multi school club or strictly for one high school?

MG- I had to reach out to Coach Bailey for this answer. Per her recollection the club was founded sometime in 2009 – 2010 and then excitingly became a varsity sport in 2018. To maintain the team’s varsity status, we can have a maximum of 3 players from metro areas and/or 5 players in rural areas. Their ability to play for NHS depends on whether there is a local team closer to them that they can join instead.

LLR- Due to covid how has the program stayed active since not being able to play or practice thus far?

MG- This is a good question. I will say that covid has totally impacted the team emotionally and mentally. Our last practice was on a Wednesday and then only a few hours later I had to send out mass emails saying, “Sorry girls, no Friday practice and we have no definite answer on to when we can come back.”

On of my ideas to try to keep an open and fun line of communication with them was that I created a Discord channel for my players. I created several different channels; one for rugby talk, rugby memes, rugby videos, non-rugby talk, non-rugby videos, and a channel where I attempted to live stream games from YouTube. I was super excited I found a great way to keep my team entertained. Yeah… it flopped hard. At most I had maybe 2 or 3 participants every few days. 

Other than that, I have just been regularly reaching out to the players at random via Instagram to see what they’re up to and how they’re feeling.

LLR- How many players does the team average every season?

 

MG- I would say the team gets anywhere between 12 – 23 players depending on the season. during 7s (Fall) we would see around 12 – 15 players and during 10s/15s (Spring) around 15 – 23ish.

LLR- How big is it for the club to have the varsity status compared to it being a non-varsity program through the school?

 

MG- I think for both the players and their parents the ‘varsity’ status is super important. I might be biased, and this might sound weird; however, I believe that schools show more pride and are more willing to boast the teams when they can say, “oh we have a girls varsity rugby”. Girls’ sports need as much support from the schools as they can get to flourish. I’m just excited for the future when I can have both Varsity and JV players wearing the Tigers Blue and Gold!

LLR- Has there been many crossover athletes that have come out for the team over the years?

MG- I believe that we have quite a few crossover athletes. Some of the sports that my captain tracked down was the following: Track, Soccer, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Basketball, and possibly volleyball. I hold the personal belief that players who do multiple sports excel in general! However, I have no qualms with the ladies who only play rugby. Because… Rugby!

LLR- Who would you say is the Tigers’ biggest rivals?

MG- I would have to say the rival to beat is East Portland Girls Rugby – David Douglas HS (coached by the AMAZING Toni Fuji).

LLR- What are some highs and lows the club has encountered thus far in its history?

MG- Highs: The team bond and comradery! I love seeing the Veteran players take the time to explain to the newer players different ways on how to be successful and the most important High – The love for Rugby!!!!!!

Lows: Numbers, we started of Spring 2020 with 15s in mind. However, due to circumstances outside our control we had to settle for a 10s team.

LLR- What division does the Tigers compete in?

MG- Oregon actually doesn’t have your typical ‘divisions’ for Rugby like other school sports do. For both Girls and Boys Rugby you either play as a school sport or a club sport so during finals it’s the varsity/jv finals or the club finals. 

LLR- In your opinion is Rugby Oregon and USA Rugby doing enough to help grow the game for girls at all levels?

 

MG- Rugby Oregon? Absolutely, I’ve been a Rugby Referee longer than I have been a coach and I have had the pleasure working for our former CEO Jenn Ackerman Heinrich for many years. The number of amazing things she has done to promote Rugby in Oregon (not only for the girls) is too hard to explain. I just wanna say; ‘thank you for everything you’ve done Jenn.’ Additionally, I am excited for her replacement Laci Betts who’s just as amazing. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Rugby Oregon; ‘Good luck Laci!’ 

 

USA Rugby? * cough * chapter 11… * cough * No comment…

LLR- What words of advice can you offer for others who are considering coaching Girls teams and to potential players who are thinking about giving rugby a try?

MG- For Coaches thinking about it? In the words of the majestic Shia LaBeouf “JUST DO IT! What Are You Waiting For?” Honestly, it’s the best feeling in the world being able to share your love and knowledge of Rugby. Whether you’ve only been a player, been a Team Mom all those years and want to step up, or you been refereeing so long you want to share your knowledge in a way that doesn’t require you to have to run around and chase 14 – 18 y/o for 75 – 80 minutes on Saturdays!

For Players? Don’t listen to those people who say, “oh my gosh, rugby is such a dangerous sport!” It is so much safer than American Football. Each year we’re finding new ways to ensure the highest respect for safety for players on the field. On another note, my number one philosophy of Rugby “Rugby = Family.” I don’t know how many times my WOR or Piggy family has had my back; when I lost my job, my housing, or just needed someone to be there for me, they were there! Lastly, the #1 thing about Rugby is that there is a position for EVERYONE! Are you tall? Short? Fast? Slow? Want to score by running around other people? Want to tackle a lot? Then Rugby is for you!

LLR- How can others follow along with Newberg's progress and help in any way?

MG- You can join us on the following social media platforms! 

Facebook: Facebook.com/nhsgirlsrugby

Instagram: newberggirlsrugby

Twitter: @rugby_nhs (give me a little time on this one... I’m new to Twitter!!!)

If you’re in the gift giving spirit, you’re more than welcome to support the team in many ways. Contact me via email at nhsgirlsrugby@newberg.k12.or.us, you can reach out to me directly if you have any questions on how you can contribute!

 

                                                                    Beautiful Kazoo pictured

Cheers! 

- Marcus Gillette, a WOU Wolf, a Portland Piggie, and a Newberg HS Tiger!

*Oregon offers 10s during the traditional 15s season for smaller clubs and is a great idea to keep the game growing even for smaller programs and clubs that may from time to time see numbers dip. 

Alice Hoagland- Thank You