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 (7-8th) boys and girls, and a co-ed flag rugby program for 3rd-6th 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
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