First Game

Ok, so I am no Francois Pienaar or a Lewis Moody, but I had more fun playing Flanker last Saturday than I can remember having in a long time. Although I did not set the Rugby world on fire with my play, I maintain that I had a respectable game and a lot to be proud of. It was a cold raining day in Northern Illinois when we met Lake Forest College for our first match of the spring season. We were almost shorthanded until our 15th man showed up 10 minutes before the match. This meant that I was not only going to get a lot of time playing but that I was also going to get my first start. Although it was by default, a start is a start. I am proud to say I finally earned a cap.

I felt my heart rate shoot up the moment I walked on to the pitch. (Speaking of the pitch, it was a very nice modern artificial turf. Wearing a pair of molded soccer cleats I was able to run and cut like I was 18.) We were playing Lake Forest College, an undefeated team with a 10-0 record. My expectations were low since we had only practiced outside twice but we played very well.

In fact, we dominated the first 20-25 minutes of the game but could not score. I, on the other hand, was manic for the first 3 minutes and then sucked wind for the remaining 37. I knew I should pace myself but I could not help it. The adrenaline flow was too strong and I was engaged in the heat of battle. Throughout the game, I made 3 or 4 strong solo tackles and numerous assisted ones. I attacked the rucks with careless abandon and eager sought a chance to make a play. I even got steamrolled several times when I took on the big boys; but more often than not I brought them down. I was a bit spasmodic on my passes and obviously still need more experience in order to slow the game down enough to play offense like I need to.

It seemed I spent most of my day in a scrum. This is a physically exhausting activity which we must of done 20-30 times. Despite my aggressive play I was caught being a spectator in a scrum which cost us a try. The ball was put in on my side and since it was our put in all I thought to do was push as hard as I could. By this time we had already done a couple a dozen or so scrums so I was focused on winning the scrum despite my fatigued legs. I did not come out of the push to look for the ball or look for the scrumhalf, as I was thinking the ball was going to the other side of the scrum. Instead, it came shooting out of my side like a scared squirrel leaving me in a stunned trance. The ball was quickly recovered up by a Lake Forest back who ran it down to about the ten meter line. Several plays later they scored their second and last try. I had a chance to redeem myself late in the second half by blocking a punt but due to my complete lack of vertical leap I missed it.



We ending losing 14-0 and I was sore and bruised; but the experience made me feel alive and energized. I was ready to do it again. Far from erasing any hopes of being the next David Wallace or Francois Pienaar it has only added fuel to the fire to play harder and better the next time I lace up my boots.

As a small footnote I called the Lake County Sun-Times to see if we could get some press coverage. They braved the cold and rain to write a good article and took a few pictures. So a special thanks for their support. I will post their article in a few days.

New Position

Along with the new season I have been given a chance to play a new position. I am to be one of the Flankers on the Gladiators front five. I am excited about the opportunity to play a skill position and maybe get to hit a little more. Since, I have never considered myself a big guy (I am about 180 lbs) I thought I would never see the Front 5. However, this week in practice they asked me to play the Flanker. It is my style to want to know everything about that which I am doing. So as I researched the position I've impressed and humbled by the responsibility and trust that is given me. The flanker seems to be a very active position, one which gets a lot of action, both offensively and defensively. I have gained a few new Rugby heroes in my pantheon now due to me "research". Guys like Francios Pienaar from the South African Springboks. If you have seen INVICTUS you know who Francios Pienaar is. He is the guy who was played by Matt Damon; the captain of the team that united a Nation.

There are a few other guys that I have gained an appreciation for: Lewis Moody of England and Mike Wallace of Ireland. My first game as a Flanker (and the first game of the season) is tomorrow. I am both excited to play the position, but nervous that I will not be up to the demanding task because of my age and inexperience. Yet I keep reminding myself "not to take counsel of my fears" and that if I give my best effort then things will probably workout because I am surrounded by a team of good guys. So as I strap up my boots tomorrow whatever butterflies are in my stomach at least I will not have the weight of a nation on my shoulders like my hero Francios Pienaar.

Motivation!!- A great Ad.

A New Season!!

The Gladiators (the team I play for) had there first outdoor practice this week. I don't know if it was the trill of getting back on the pitch with the guys after a year or finally being outside after a long Mid-West winter but the experience was almost euphoric. I was surprised by how much I had forgotten because I have spent this winter obsessing about getting a chance to play again. However, I performed well and definitely played with more confidence. It is amazing what a little confidence can do to a person. I think knowing the guys on the team and finally understanding the rules of the game enabled me to be a bit more relaxed and sure of what I was doing. I find it rather funny that after one season and three games played (caps) for the Gladiators that I am considered a veteran, one of the Ole guys. Another dynamic that assists in my new found confidence is the fact that I have personally recruited six members of the team from my job. Since I am their direct boss at work and know their level of experience I am automatically more comfortable with being a leader. In turn I think they are more comfortable to have me to turn to and watch. Having my co-workers beside me creates a team within a team. This is not in a cliquish dynamic, but rather a feeling a familiarity that I did not have last year when I tried to break into the team. After practice we consolidated the old guys with the new guys with a round of beers and some pizza. Yes, it is going to be a good season, win, lose, or draw.