No Arms, No Legs, No Problem!

Hi Friends & Fans,

I just concluded my 13th season paying rugby. This season as always, was fun, hard hitting, success and one of my all-time favorites.

I got to start every game for the first time since the’04 season. This means I had to dedicate myself to a different approach than last year. My role when I start is to be defensively minded, the 3rd ball handler and team oriented in my thinking. This all starts with the understanding that during a game I need to know when to when to shift from being defensive minded to offensive minded. With our team being set with elite level players, I need to not be the weak link.

 First, I needed to be in physical condition so as to be able to play an hour and 20 minutes of rugby. To be on top of my fundamental skills like passing, catching and dribbling. Secondly, I needed to be in the right frame of mind so as to be coached. A player not allowing themselves to be coached is a player that is on the decline. I also needed to not be confrontation when players and coaches yell and scream at me. I never have taken any of that personally. Part of being a team player is knowing your roll on the team. I am not the main guy on offensive but I still need to be a threat when I have the ball. I am not our best defender, but I cannot allow myself to be a weak link on our defensive scheme. Most importantly, I know who those main guys are and if in the heat of competiton a player or coach needs to yell and scream at someone. I have no issue if it is me. This is my role and I still enjoy it.

Our team finished 3rd in the USQRA this year. This broke a string of 10 years of either being in first or second. I am very proud that despite my age and years of competiton, I have not lost that much ground on the elite level competiton. Although, I know that I am past my prime I know that I have not lost it all together. (at least physically)  

Finally, this was a great year because of the people I am associated with that are in our league and on our team. Kevin Orr, the coach who holds it all together. The support staff that goes over and beyond their responsibilities (Master & grasshopper). My team captain Bryan Kirkland, what a leader! Joel Wilmoth, the future of the league and the supersize version of me in my prime. (I guess that makes me his mini me). The team: Steady Eddie, Sulli, Willard, Jay, Aimee, Rock, Del and Tommy V. Thank you is not a big enough word and I love you is too small a word for what I feel. I am so blessed and Thankful to be a part of this team. You guys are the reason that I has a fun and successful season. This is why it is one of my all-time favorites. Take Care & God Bless.