Western Suburbs RFC Today

29 Feb 2008 --- HAPPY LEAP DAY!

Practice tomorrow, Saturday, March 1, from 10:00 Am - noonish, at "The Panzer Pitch".

Please bring both a light AND a dark-colored jersey for the scrimmage.

Contact Coach Kris at koosswar@hotmail.com if you're going to be missing practice.

Directions to the "Panzer Pitch":
The map below describes a soccer-sized field near Fred J. Panzer's house.
These directions are a little easier to understand:
1. from Centreville, take Rt. 28 South to Rt. 29 North.
2. take a right on Pickwick Road (at O'Toole's Restaurant).
3. Go straight thru light over Braddock Road.
4. Continue thru a neighborhood -- you'll now be on Little Rocky Run Circle.
5. at stop sign go straight.
6. take immediate right into community center parking lot (or better yet, park along the road).
7. follow pavement footpath at far end of parking lot thru woods until get to New Braddock Road.
8. You want to walk across New Braddock Road (you can hear the traffic from the rec center parking lot) and head to your right a little.
Look for a trail in the grass (NOT a pavement footpath) along the tree line that leads to the pitch, which is located under those high power lines.
It's about a quarter-mile walk. The walk and playing Frogger with the traffic is a part of the whole practice experience.
9. This is an HOA field and we need to respect the community.

---

From Coach Kris:
1. Thank you everybody that makes an effort to get to practice and works hard to make our club better. It will pay off when we need it most.
2. It is very important, that everybody CIPPs themselves and pay dues.
3. It is very important, that everybody buys BLACK SHORTS and BLACK SOCKS.

Please come out on Saturday, we are going to scrimmage and nobody's spot in the A side is booked.
This will be the first round of trials, PLEASE BE THERE.
Thank you,
Kris

---

WSRFC Old Boys will have their first match of the season on 8 March 2008 in Charlottesville, VA versus a combined UVA Old Boys / Virginia Gentlemen Old Boys side.
The match will be the second in a rugby extravaganza pitting two MARFU playoff qualifying teams - Virginia RFC of the VRU and Western Suburbs RFC of the PRU - against each other. The order of play will be Club A-side, followed by Old Boys, then Club B-side.
Everyone who makes the trip WILL PLAY. There will be ample opportunities in the Old Boys match, and there may be additional opportunity at some positions to get some time for the Club Bs.
Again, EVERYONE WILL PLAY - it will be Old Boys' rules: short periods with liberal substitutions.
Let's get this thing going!!!
Everyone is invited to get a run in and support Coach Swart (one of our own WSRFCOBs) and the club in its practice session this last Saturday before the season at 1000 at Panzer Pitch in Centreville, and Tuesd ay and Thursday nights throughout the season at Poplar Tree Part (a lighted, turf field off of Stringfellow Road). Fitness and fundamentals are being stressed as we prepare ourselves and the club sides for a successful spring.
Watch the message board for events, times, and directions. See you on the pitch!

---

Some of you have been asking about this:

2008 MARFU Division III Playoffs:

Seedings:
1. EPRU #1 (Old Gaelic)
2. EPRU #2 (Jersey Shore)
3. VRU #1 (Virginia)
4. PRU #1 (West Potomac)
5. EPRU #3 (Harrisburg)
6. EPRU #4 (Second City Troop)
7. VRU #2 (Blacksburg)
8. PRU #2 (Western Suburbs)

April 12 - Quarterfinals; first team listed is home team
Game 1 #1 (Old Gaelic) v #8 (Western Suburbs)
Game 2 #2 (Jersey Shore) v #7 (Blacksburg)
Game 3 #3 (Virginia) v #6 (Second City Troop)
Game 4 #4 (West Potomac) v #5 (Harrisburg)

April 19-20 - Location: Harrisburg RFC - Semi-finals
Winner of Game 1 v Winner of Game 4
Winner of Game 2 v Winner of Game 3
Consolation
Championship

---

Notice concerning Selections & Dues:
From Prez Bushy:
1. Coach Kris asked me to post that practice attendance is a key component for him when considering players for selection. To paraphrase his words, I hope there is nobody out there who thinks he can just show up and walk on the A-side, it isn't going to happen. In case you haven't noticed, he is recording attendance.

2. From the exec and field officers, dues are a key component on general principle. As said at the annual meeting, last spring we set a hard deadline and there were few issues, in the fall we had a soft deadline and half the D3 champ game starters didn't pay until the last game day! Before this practice season started we set next Tues 3/4/08 as the deadline. We will push this to Thurs 3/6 which is the last practice day before the first game. Everyone is expected to pay up by then with few e xceptions. For those of you who need some extra time, please talk to us. We understand that there may be some issues for some people but they should be few as everyone seems to have beer money!! Dues are $85 for spring season if you CIPP yourself. For the guys who are new to rugby, dues are $35 if you CIPP yourself. You can also pay dues via Paypal. WSRFC PayPal address for dues: dues@rugbyfootball.com We will be providing the selectors with a list of who has paid. For more info, there is a link on the website - see Club Dues and CIPP.

3. CIPP-this issue is paramount. A player simply cannot play under the umbrella of USA Rugby for anyone anywhere unless they are CIPP'd. We are asking each player to CIPP themselves this year. Again, there is a link on the website - see Club Dues and CIPP. It is not h ard, believe me, if I can do it, you can do it!

Please take care of these things so the officers and selectors can forget about them and move on to better things!
Thank you!-Bushy

Western Suburbs RFC Today

28 Feb 2008

Tuesday and Thursday practice from 7:00-9:00 PM, on a lighted turf field at "Poplar Tree Park" and at "The Panzer Pitch" on Saturday from 10 am - noon. See directions below.

In case of inclement weather, be sure to check the status of the Poplar Tree Park fields by calling the Fairfax County Parks status line *after 3 pm* at 703-324-5264 for updates. (We are on Poplar Tree field #2.)
Contact Coach Kris at koosswart@hotmail.com if you're going to be missing practice.

---

Notice concerning Selections & Dues:
From Prez Bushy:
1. Coach Kris asked me to post that practice attendance is a key component for him when considering players for selection. To paraphrase his words, I hope there is nobody out there who thinks he can just show up and walk on the A-side, it isn't going to happen. In case you haven't noticed, he is recording attendance.

2. From the exec and field officers, dues are a key component on general principle. As said at the annual meeting, last spring we set a hard deadline and there were few issues, in the fall we had a soft deadline and half the D3 champ game starters didn't pay until the last game day! Before this practice season started we set next Tues 3/4/08 as the deadline. We will push this to Thurs 3/6 which is the last practice day before the first game. Everyone is expected to pay up by then with few e xceptions. For those of you who need some extra time, please talk to us. We understand that there may be some issues for some people but they should be few as everyone seems to have beer money!! Dues are $85 for spring season if you CIPP yourself. For the guys who are new to rugby, dues are $35 if you CIPP yourself. You can also pay dues via Paypal. WSRFC PayPal address for dues: dues@rugbyfootball.com We will be providing the selectors with a list of who has paid. For more info, there is a link on the website - see Club Dues and CIPP.

3. CIPP-this issue is paramount. A player simply cannot play under the umbrella of USA Rugby for anyone anywhere unless they are CIPP'd. We are asking each player to CIPP themselves this year. Again, there is a link on the website - see Club Dues and CIPP. It is not h ard, believe me, if I can do it, you can do it!

Please take care of these things so the officers and selectors can forget about them and move on to better things!
Thank you!-Bushy

------------------------

Directions to "Poplar Tree Park":
4718 Stringfellow Rd. Chantilly, Virginia, 22021
From the Beltway:
Exit 9A or 9C (Route 66 West) to Fairfax County Parkway exit.
Left on Fair Lakes Parkway,
Right on Stringfellow Road,
Then immediate left into park.

From Fairfax:
Take 50 West toward Chantilly.
Turn left onto Stringfellow Road.
Go past Chantilly High School and Rocky Run School.
Poplar Tree Park is on your right side.
Follow the paved walking path, next to the restrooms back to the field.
Practice time is slated for 7:00-9:00pm.

In case of inclement weather, be sure to check the status of the Poplar Tree Park fields by calling the Fairfax County Parks status line *after 3 pm* at 703-324-5264 for updates. (We are on Poplar Tree field #2.)

 

Directions to the "Panzer Pitch":
The map below describes a soccer-sized field near Fred J. Panzer's house.
These directions are a little easier to understand:
1. from Centreville, take Rt. 28 South to Rt. 29 North.
2. take a right on Pickwick Road (at O'Toole's Restaurant).
3. Go straight thru light over Braddock Road.
4. Continue thru a neighborhood -- you'll now be on Little Rocky Run Circle.
5. at stop sign go straight.
6. take immediate right into community center parking lot (or better yet, park along the road).
7. follow pavement footpath at far end of parking lot thru woods until get to New Braddock Road.
8. You want to walk across New Braddock Road (you can hear the traffic from the rec center parking lot) and head to your right a little.
Look for a trail in the grass (NOT a pavement footpath) along the tree line that leads to the pitch, which is located under those high power lines.
It's about a quarter-mile walk. The walk and playing Frogger with the traffic is a part of the whole practice experience.
9. This is an HOA field and we need to respect the community.

   

Western Suburbs RFC Today

 

22 Feb 2008

There is a forecast for freezing rain continuing thru late tonight.
THEREFORE, COACH KRIS HAS CANCELED SATURDAY'S PRACTICE.

The Buffalo Wings House in Herndon (13005 Worldgate) is showing Six Nations Rugby via Setanta sports channel.
FYI - Buffalo Wing House will NOT be showing the matches LIVE...
The Wing House will be showing the games, just not live. The bar has regular Setanta, not the Setanta premium.
The games won't be tape-delay broadcast until 8pm (Wales vs. Italy) and 11pm (Scotland vs. Ireland), with the England vs. France game on Sunday night at 7pm.

Jon Carter reports that if we need another venue O'Connels on King St. in Old Town Alexandria is showing them LIVE and doing $4 - 20 oz Guinness...it is $20 for all 3 matches...

Su mmers restaurant in Arlington, one block from the Courthouse metro stop. $20 for all 3 games - live.

Also, the Shebeen in Fairfax will probably have all the games live for $20.

Here is the LIVE schedule for Sat.
Wales v. Italy @ 10:00am
Scotland v. Ireland @ 12:00pm
France v. England @ 3:00pm

---

Also, Prez Bushy wants to move our scrum sled from its current location at South Run Rec Ctr (7100 and Reservation Dr) in W Springfield.
We need volunteers to help pick it up and load into Bushy's truck. It takes a minimum of 3 people to lift it. We would like to move the sled on a practice night so that we can go to Poplar Tree Park and have plenty of help to move it there.
It looks to be in relatively good condition and not in need of immediate repair.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Who has combo for lock?
Contact Bushy at jbush@combustioneer.com if you have the lock combo or if you can help with this task.

 

=============

 

Some administrative notes:
1. if you need real-time info, always check the message board
(http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=111697) and the "what's new"
sections of the team website at www.rugbyfootball.com.
2. if you can't get access to the message board, email Kermit at
rugbykermit@earthlink.net asking for permission.
3. DO NOT send emails to this address (wsrfc@comcast.net) if you need immediate information because it is not monitored on a regular basis. 
 

Western Suburbs RFC Today

21 Feb 2008

There is a forecast for accumulating snow and freezing rain starting later today and continuing thru Friday.
This may force the closure of the Poplar Tree Park fields for Thursday's practice, and likely the same for Saturday's practice at the Panzer Pitch. Closures will be posted on the message board.
For the status of the Poplar Tree Park fields, you can call the Fairfax County Parks status line *after 3 pm* at 703-324-5264 for updates. (We are on Poplar Tree field #2.)

---

Also, Prez Bushy wants to move our scrum sled. It looks to be in relatively good condition and not in need of immediate repair.
Who has combo for lock? We also need volunteers to help pick it up and load into Bushy's truck. It takes a minimum of 3 people to lift it.
Contact Bushy if you have the lock combo or if you can help with this task.

---

19 Feb 2008

Practice for the Spring 2008 15s season is underway. The first practice was very good with good numbers.

Practice sessions are on a lighted turf field at "Poplar Tree Park" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 PM, and at "The Panzer Pitch" on Saturdays from 10 am - noon.

***NOTE TUES/THURS TIME CHANGE TO EARLIER START OF 7 PM!***

Reminder: we are on a turf field and that studs are not the best choice.

Whoever has any team equipment (tackle bags, balls, cones, etc.) please bring those items to practice.

Directions to "Poplar Tree Park":
4718 Stringfellow Rd. Chantilly, Virginia, 22021
From the Beltway:
Exit 9A or 9C (Route 66 West) to Fairfax County Parkway exit.
Left on Fair Lakes Parkway,
Right on Stringfellow Road,
Then immediate left into park.

From Fairfax:
Take 50 West toward Chantilly.
Turn left onto Stringfellow Road.
Go past Chantilly High School and Rocky Run School.
Poplar Tree Park is on your right side.
Follow the paved walking path, next to the restrooms back to the field.
Practice time is slated for 7:00-9:00pm.

Directions to the "Panzer Pitch":
The map below describes a soccer-sized field near Fred J. Panzer's house.
These directions are a little easier to understand:
1. from Centreville, take Rt. 28 South to Rt. 29 North.
2. take a right on Pickwick Road (at O'Toole's Restaurant).
3. Go straight thru light over Braddock Road.
4. Continue thru a neighborhood -- you'll now be on Little Rocky Run Circle.
5. at stop sign go straight.
6. take immediate right into community center parking lot (or better yet, park along the road).
7. follow pavement footpath at far end of parking lot thru woods until get to New Braddock Road.
8. You want to walk across New Braddock Road (you can hear the traffic from the rec center parking lot) and head to your right a little.
Look for a trail in the grass (NOT a pavement footpath) along the tree line that leads to the pitch, which is located under those high power lines.
It's about a quarter-mile walk. The walk and playing Frogger with the traffic is a part of the whole practice experience.
9. This is an HOA field and we need to respect the community.

---

At Saturday's practice, KRIS SWART was voted into office as THE NEW HEAD COACH!

From Kris about the 1st practice session:
"Thank you to everybody who made a special effort, to come to practice and be on time. We had a very good run, some warmups, some fitness and some basic skill drills. This will help us to get where we want to be, as far as winning championships. I really appreciate everybody's efforts and discipline; it is an indication of commitment to the club, fellow players and yourself. I want to welcome all the new players, and hope you will enjoy yourself as part of WSRFC. Please invite all your friends who didn't make it on Saturday, the more the merrier. We will keep on with the same kind of practice, with special attention to warmups - we already lost 2 very valuable players, before the season started. On that note, we all hope you have good and fast recoveries, John and Dave. Let's make these next few weeks before the playoffs some really good we eks to give ourselves the best chance.
Rugby greetings,
Kris"
If you have any questions for Kris, contact him.

---

Club Dues and CIPP Requirements:

As was requested at practice, please logon to USA RUGBY's website and CIPP yourself.

Please register as a PLAYER affiliated with Western Suburbs Rugby Football Club (Club).
You will be required to read a waiver and pay $23.33 to register.
Please print, sign and deliver both the signed waiver AND a copy of your CIPP registration to one of the club administrators (Bushy or Elvis).

Treasurer Ryan Findley will be collecting dues at practices on Thursday and Saturday.
You can also pay dues via Paypal. WSRFC PayPal address for dues: dues@rugbyfootball.com
(Dues are $120 total, $23.33 of which is CIPP, $96.67 is Club Dues remainder after paying for CIPP).

Full dues deadline is Tuesday before the first regular game.
We still have a few people who owe for the Fall.
Dues status WILL affect eligibility for selection. This is a CIPP season and we will not CIPP anyone without dues payment. We have been burned on this before and you cannot play without being CIPP ed.

If you are a NEW PLAYER to WESTERN SUBURBS RFC, please email your contact info (name, email address, phone #s, home address) to Elvis.
If you played last Fall for another club, also let Elvis know if you were CIPPed to that club.
We need to establish who is eligible to play for us in the playoffs and/or who we can submit waivers for.

---

2 years back, we (Western Suburbs) had the honor of hosting the New York Japan Rugby Club. This was 100% in thanks to Dr. Fred Panzer, who had an old friend who plays for this club. For those who where not there, on April 26, 2006, Doc's friend organized a road trip for his club and, to the shock and horror or Steve's neighbors, Lough Field saw the first New York-based tour bus pull up. Loaded with arms full of Sake, Lovettsville saw a team of Japanese Rugby players and families enjoy a day of international rugby, Suburbs Style.

Well it is now our turn to return the honor. On May 3, 2008, Suburbs has a "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity. The New York Japan Rugby Club has invited Western Suburbs to play in Manhattan under the lights.
So please make sure you schedules are clear for this evening and plan on spending the evening in North Manhattan on the Columbia University Campus playing rugby. This is for your families as well.

Please visit the NYJRFC website. You will need translation software or run it through the Google language tool.

---

Reminder from El Presidente Bushy:
Now is the time to start the push for everyone to have complete uniform kit, that is solid BLACK shorts and BLACK socks!

---

Old Boys Update:
From O'D:
"Gentlemen:
The club side initiated its practices in earnest this past weekend under the direction of one of our own, Kris Swart. The training regimen focuses appropriately on fundamentals and fitness and you can guarantee a good workout if you can join in the fun. I would like to remind you that any engagement with the club side is welcomed and encouraged by all - increased numbers afford better drilling opportunities and helps with the training of new players. Further, any additional fitness and familiarity we gain will surely benefit the SOBs on the pitch this season. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Chantilly on a lit turf field. Please come out and join the club for a run whenever you can. Saturday practice is in Centreville at the Panzer Pitch.

Schedules:
We still have a tentative date for the road trip to Charlottesville on 3/8 concurrent with the club side's season opener. I received a number of resp onses indicating an interest in this match, and would like to firm up our expectations of each other before further pressing our welcome on the opposition. Please respond/reiterate your interest/availability in participating in this date's event. I do not know the order of play for the day, but the club side is the visitors in this event, so we will leave scheduling up to our hosts - the Virginia club has expressed some enthusiasm in making it a full rugby extravaganza, and I am looking forward to a good day.

The combined club and old boys sides will be making their annual pilgrimage to the Old South and entering the Savannah St. Patrick's day tournament. Accommodation may be difficult, but where there's a swill there's a sway - check the message board for additional details.

We have received an invitation to play in Norfolk on April 26th for the 30th Anniversary of their club. Norfolk is a bit of a road trip, but it promises to be a good match up if we choose to ac cept. Please respond with your availability and interest in this event, as well.

We will also have additional matches locally, including a potential mini-tournament the first weekend in May (Sunday the 4th) with the Geese and the 'troons. We will also have a separate match against the Geese, and I am hopeful that West Pot and the 'troons will be fielding sides that we can schedule individually, as well.

I will be in Fort Lauderdale this weekend playing in their 32nd annual Ruggerfest with the Geese 45s - if you know anyone in the area have them look us up, as I'm sure we'll be looking to take all comers. If anyone locally is interested in a last minute road trip, I'm sure we can try to assist with coordinating your stay. Please advise.
I look forward to seeing everyone on the pitch!"
O'D

---

Thursday night Happy Hour social at Buffalo Wings House in Herndon (13005 Worldgate).
The Wings House has pledged a sponsorship of the club, and we should make an appearance whenever possible.
Cheap beer ($1 domestic bottles) and boneless wings.
Hope to see you all there!

---

Looking for an exceptional value for an exceptionally cold mug of brew?
Then look no further!! Buy an official WSRFC beer glass ($5 each, 6 for $25) for your cold brew.
A set of 6 will be a fine addition to your bar or entertainment activities.
These will sell fast, so get yours while supplies last.

Also, we've reduced the price on "Black Pack" t-shirts to $10 a piece for club members. They are great for post match drink-ups and whatever. We still have most Men's and Ladies sizes in stock.

Contact Guinness-Powered Bryan for more info

---

SOB's!!! The Old Boys are ordering a set of jerseys for the spring '08 season.
They will be black/white Adidas hoops. I suspect the club insignia will include Old Boys in it, and we will have a sponsor insignia under the numbers in the back and likely one on each sleeve (not billboard-sized insignia, but respectful of our generous sponsors).
Anyone interested in purchasing a jersey of their own is welcome to add to our order.
The jerseys, fully customized will likely fall in the $50 range.
Please see the size chart and photo of the proposed kit, and forward size and number specifications at your earliest convenience.
We are looking to order the kit sometime in the VERY near future (next week) in order that we can have them for the start of the season.
Please contact O.D.

 

 

 =============

Some administrative notes:
1. if you need real-time info, always check the message board
(http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=111697) and the "what's new"
sections of the team website at www.rugbyfootball.com.
2. if you can't get access to the message board, email Kermit at
rugbykermit@earthlink.net asking for permission.
3. DO NOT send emails to this address (wsrfc@comcast.net) if you need immediate information because it is not monitored on a regular basis. 
 

Western Suburbs RFC Today

19 Feb 2008

Practice for the Spring 2008 15s season is underway.

The first practice was very good with good numbers.

Practice sessions are on a lighted turf field at "Poplar Tree Park" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 PM, and at "The Panzer Pitch" on Saturdays from 10 am - noon.

***NOTE TUES/THURS TIME CHANGE TO EARLIER START OF 7 PM!***

Reminder: we are on a turf field and that studs are not the best choice.

Whoever has any team equipment (tackle bags, balls, cones, etc.) please bring those items to practice.

Directions to "Poplar Tree Park":
4718 Stringfellow Rd. Chantilly, Virginia, 22021
From the Beltway:
Exit 9A or 9C (Route 66 West) to Fairfax County Parkway exit.
Left on Fair Lakes Parkway,
Right on Stringfellow Road,
Then immediate left into park.

From Fairfax:
Take 50 West toward Chantilly.
Turn left onto Stringfellow Road.
Go past Chantilly High School and Rocky Run School.
Poplar Tree Park is on your right side.
Follow the paved walking path, next to the restrooms back to the field.
Practice time is slated for 7:30-9:30pm.

Directions to the "Panzer Pitch":
The map below describes a soccer-sized field near Fred J. Panzer's house.
These directions are a little easier to understand:
1. from Centreville, take Rt. 28 South to Rt. 29 North.
2. take a right on Pickwick Road (at O'Toole's Restaurant).
3. Go straight thru light over Braddock Road.
4. Continue thru a neighborhood -- you'll now be on Little Rocky Run Circle.
5. at stop sign go straight.
6. take immediate right into community center parking lot (or better yet, park along the road).
7. follow pavement footpath at far end of parking lot thru woods until get to New Braddock Road.
8. You want to walk across New Braddock Road (you can hear the traffic from the rec center parking lot) and head to your right a little.
Look for a trail in the grass (NOT a pavement footpath) along the tree line that leads to the pitch, which is located under those high power lines.
It's about a quarter-mile walk. The walk and playing Frogger with the traffic is a part of the whole practice experience.
9. This is an HOA field and we need to respect the community.

---

At Saturday's practice, KRIS SWART was voted into office as THE NEW HEAD COACH!

From Kris about the 1st practice session:
"Thank you to everybody who made a special effort, to come to practice and be on time. We had a very good run, some warmups, some fitness and some basic skill drills. This will help us to get where we want to be, as far as winning championships. I really appreciate everybody's efforts and discipline; it is an indication of commitment to the club, fellow players and yourself. I want to welcome all the new players, and hope you will enjoy yourself as part of WSRFC. Please invite all your friends who didn't make it on Saturday, the more the merrier. We will keep on with the same kind of practice, with special attention to warmups - we already lost 2 very valuable players, before the season started. On that note, we all hope you have good and fast recoveries, John and Dave. Let's make these next few weeks before the playoffs some really good we eks to give ourselves the best chance.
Rugby greetings,
Kris"

---

Club Dues and CIPP Requirements:

As was requested at practice, please logon to www.usarugby.org and CIPP yourself.
Please register as a PLAYER affiliated with Western Suburbs Rugby Football Club (Club).
You will be required to read a waiver and pay $23.33 to register.
Please print, sign and deliver both the signed waiver AND a copy of your CIPP registration to one of the club administrators (Bushy or Elvis).

Treasurer Ryan Findley will be collecting dues at practices on Thursday and Saturday.
You can also pay dues via Paypal. WSRFC PayPal address for dues: dues@rugbyfootball.com
(Dues are $120 total, $23.33 of which is CIPP, $96.67 is Club Dues remainder after paying for CIPP).

Full dues deadline is Tuesday before the first regular game.
We still have a few people who owe for the Fall.
Dues status WILL affect eligibility for selection. This is a CIPP s eason and we will not CIPP anyone without dues payment. We have been burned on this before and you cannot play without being CIPPed.

If you are a NEW PLAYER to WESTERN SUBURBS RFC, please email your contact info (name, email address, phone #s, home address) to Elvis at rugblvis@yahoo.com.
If you played last Fall for another club, also let Elvis know if you were CIPPed to that club.
We need to establish who is eligible to play for us in the playoffs and/or who we can submit waivers for.

---

"Was it over when the Germans Bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Well no.

2 years back, we (Western Suburbs) had the honor of hosting the New York Japan Rugby Club. This was 100% in thanks to Dr. Fred Panzer, who had an old friend who plays for this club. For those who where not there, on April 26, 2006, Doc's friend organized a road trip for his club and, to the shock and horror or Steve's neighbors, Lough Field saw the first New York-based tour bus pull up. Loaded with arms full of Sake, Lovettsville saw a team of Japanese Rugby players and families enjoy a day of international rugby, Suburbs Style.

Well it is now our turn to return the honor. On May 3, 2008, Suburbs has a "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity. The New York Japan Rugby Club has invited Western Suburbs to play in Manhattan under the lights. So please make sure you schedules are clear for this evening and plan on spending the evening in North Manhattan on the Columbia University Campus playing rugby. This is for your families as well.

Please visit the NYJRFC website at www.nyjapanrugby.com.
You will need translation software or run it through the Google language tool.

---

Reminder from El Presidente Bushy:
Now is the time to start the push for everyone to have complete uniform kit, that is solid BLACK shorts and BLACK socks!

---

Old Boys Update:
From O'D:
"Gentlemen:
The club side initiated its practices in earnest this past weekend under the direction of one of our own, Kris Swart. The training regimen focuses appropriately on fundamentals and fitness and you can guarantee a good workout if you can join in the fun. I would like to remind you that any engagement with the club side is welcomed and encouraged by all - increased numbers afford better drilling opportunities and helps with the training of new players. Further, any additional fitness and familiarity we gain will surely benefit the SOBs on the pitch this season. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Chantilly on a lit turf field. Please come out and join the club for a run whenever you can. Saturday practice is in Centreville at the Panzer Pitch.

Schedules:
We still have a tentative date for the road trip to Charlottesville on 3/8 concurrent with the club side's season opener. I received a number of resp onses indicating an interest in this match, and would like to firm up our expectations of each other before further pressing our welcome on the opposition. Please respond/reiterate your interest/availability in participating in this date's event. I do not know the order of play for the day, but the club side is the visitors in this event, so we will leave scheduling up to our hosts - the Virginia club has expressed some enthusiasm in making it a full rugby extravaganza, and I am looking forward to a good day.

The combined club and old boys sides will be making their annual pilgrimage to the Old South and entering the Savannah St. Patrick's day tournament. Accommodation may be difficult, but where there's a swill there's a sway - check the message board for additional details.

We have received an invitation to play in Norfolk on April 26th for the 30th Anniversary of their club. Norfolk is a bit of a road trip, but it promises to be a good match up if we choose to ac cept. Please respond with your availability and interest in this event, as well.

We will also have additional matches locally, including a potential mini-tournament the first weekend in May (Sunday the 4th) with the Geese and the 'troons. We will also have a separate match against the Geese, and I am hopeful that West Pot and the 'troons will be fielding sides that we can schedule individually, as well.

I will be in Fort Lauderdale this weekend playing in their 32nd annual Ruggerfest with the Geese 45s - if you know anyone in the area have them look us up, as I'm sure we'll be looking to take all comers. If anyone locally is interested in a last minute road trip, I'm sure we can try to assist with coordinating your stay. Please advise.
I look forward to seeing everyone on the pitch!"
Please contact O.D. at jgodonnell@netzero.com.

---

Thursday night Happy Hour social at Buffalo Wings House in Herndon (13005 Worldgate).
The Wings House has pledged a sponsorship of the club, and we should make an appearance whenever possible.
Cheap beer ($1 domestic bottles) and boneless wings.
Hope to see you all there!

---

Looking for an exceptional value for an exceptionally cold mug of brew?
Then look no further!! Buy an official WSRFC beer glass ($5 each, 6 for $25) for your cold brew.
A set of 6 will be a fine addition to your bar or entertainment activities.
These will sell fast, so get yours while supplies last.

Also, we've reduced the price on "Black Pack" t-shirts to $10 a piece for club members. They are great for post match drink-ups and whatever. We still have most Men's and Ladies sizes in stock.

Contact "Guinness-Powered" Bryan for more info at BSiltanen@msn.com.

 

---

SOB's!!! The Old Boys are ordering a set of jerseys for the spring '08 season.
They will be black/white Adidas hoops. I suspect the club insignia will include Old Boys in it, and we will have a sponsor insignia under the numbers in the back and likely one on each sleeve (not billboard-sized insignia, but respectful of our generous sponsors).
Anyone interested in purchasing a jersey of their own is welcome to add to our order.
The jerseys, fully customized will likely fall in the $50 range.
Please see the size chart and photo of the proposed kit, and forward size and number specifications at your earliest convenience.
We are looking to order the kit sometime in the VERY near future (next week) in order that we can have them for the start of the season.
Please contact O.D. at jgodonnell@netzero.com.

 =============

Some administrative notes:
1. if you need real-time info, always check the message board
(http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=111697) and the "what's new"
sections of the team website at www.rugbyfootball.com.
2. if you can't get access to the message board, email Kermit at
rugbykermit@earthlink.net asking for permission.
3. DO NOT send emails to this address (wsrfc@comcast.net) if you need immediate
information because it is not monitored on a regular basis. 
 

Western Suburbs RFC Today

The annual banquet wil be held *Friday Feb 8** at PJ Skidoos starting at 7pm.
Price will be $45 per person.
This will include hors d'oeuvres , bread, salad, entree with side, dessert (chocolate mousse)
and 1 keg to start.

There will be a cash bar as follows:
$5.50 house drink
$3.75 domestic beer
$4.50 imported beer
$4.50 house wine
$5.50 premium wine.

The agenda is 7-8 happy hour, 8-? dinner, awards, raffle, etc.
and then music and whatever until whenever (midnight).

Attire - jacket and tie until after dinner.
Skiddoos asks that we park beside and behind the Regency furniture store.
There is a separate entrance to the downstairs banquet room.

=============

Thursday night Happy Hour social at Buffalo Wings House in Herndon (13005 Worldgate).
The Wings House has pledged a sponsorship of the club, and we should make an
appearance whenever possible. 
Cheap beer ($1 domestic bottles) and boneless wings. 
Hope to see you all there!

=============

SATURDAY MORNING BUGGER!
Saturday's touch session will be held at an alternate pitch at 11:00 AM.
Our Eagles brethren have a back-up pitch similar to our very own Panzer Pitch.

Directions follow:
From the south (Fairfax area):
7100 (Fairfax County Parkway) North
Left on Fox Mill Road
First right into Stratton Woods Park
Park in parking lot
Walk west along Fox Mill Road for 5 minutes
Field on right

From Centreville:
28 North
Right on Frying Pan
stay on Frying Pan and go over Centreville Road at light.
Go under brown metal bridge
Keep going straight, Frying Pan becomes Fox Mill.
Cross Monroe Street at light
Pass field on left
Turn left into Stratton Woods Park, just before Fairfax County Parkway
Walk west along Fox Mill Road for 5 minutes
Field on right.

Afterwards we'll adjourn to lunch and re-hydration at the Wings House.

=============

Looking for an exceptional value for an exceptionally cold mug of brew?
Then look no further!! Buy an official WSRFC beer glass ($5) for your cold brew.
A set of 6 will be a fine addition to your bar or entertainment activities.
Test drive your new glass at the WSRFC Banquet!!!
These will sell fast, so get yours while supplies last.
Contact Guinness-Powered Bryan for more information
BSiltanen@msn.com

=============

IF YOU HAVE ANY LEADS ON A NEW HEAD COACH,
CONTACT PRESIDENT BUSHY AT jbush@combustioneer.com
While we do have a couple of coaching leads it looks like practice will be run
by an Old Boy or 2 or 3.
The practice and game plan will be developed by the field officers with
temporary coach input.
We are asking that all players show whoever runs practice respect and to
conform to the practice plan of the day.

=============

General news:
Full dues of $120 deadline is Tues before the first regular game.
We still have a few people who owe for the fall.
Dues status WILL affect eligibility for selection.
This is a CIPP season and we will not cipp anyone without dues payment.
We have been burned on this before and you cannot play without being cipped.
You can cipp yourself (www.usarugby.org) and pay $85 dues with a copy of your
cipp registration. OD has agreed to chair a By-laws review committee.
The goal of this group is to edit, develop language for director of youth rugby
amendment that was approved and consider other amendments to the existing by-laws.
We hope to have a finished proposal for a summer team meeting.
OD will be soliciting volunteers to participate.
Nothing can be changed without a vote of the membership.
Kelly has ordered 1000 generic WSRFC business cards.

=============
 
SOB's!!!
The Old Boys are ordering a set of jerseys for the spring '08 season. 
They will be black/white Adidas hoops. 
I suspect the club insignia will include Old Boys in it, and we will have a sponsor
insignia under the numbers in the back and likely one on each sleeve
(not billboard sized insignia, but respectful of our generous sponsors). 
Anyone interested in purchasing a jersey of their own is welcome to add to our order. 
The jerseys, fully customized will likely fall in the $50 range. 
Please contact O.D. at jgodonnell@netzero.com.

=============

Below is what is on tap for the Spring.
As you can see, there is a lot of ambiguity in what
we have, but it all depends on how we do in the play-offs.

02/16 1st 15s practice
03/01 open
03/08 Virginia RFC Away
03/15 Savannah Away (duh)
03/22 bye - Easter weekend
03/29 VA Beach RFC Home
04/05 NoVa Away
04/12 Old Gaelic Play offs away (A&B)
04/19 Harrisburg Play offs round 2 Away
04/26 open (Possibly Alumni)
05/03 Japanese/ NYC Away
05/10 (Possibly Alumni)

=============

Some administrative notes:
1. if you need real-time info, always check the message board
(http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=111697) and the "what's new"
sections of the team website at www.rugbyfootball.com.
2. if you can't get access to the message board, email Kermit at
rugbykermit@earthlink.net asking for permission.
3. DO NOT send emails to this address (wsrfc@comcast.net) if you need immediate
information because it is not monitored on a regular basis.
 
=============

 

Western Suburbs RFC Today

Tomorrow's touch session will be held at an alternate pitch.
Our Eagles brethren have a back-up pitch similar to our very own Panzer Pitch.

Directions follow:
From the south (Fairfax area):
7100 (Fairfax County Parkway) North
Left on Fox Mill Road
First right into Stratton Woods Park
Park in parking lot
Walk west along Fox Mill Road for 5 minutes
Field on right

From Centreville:
28 North
Right on Frying Pan
stay on Frying Pan and go over Centreville Road at light.
Go under brown metal bridge
Keep going straight, Frying Pan becomes Fox Mill.
Cross Monroe Street at light
Pass field on left
Turn left into Stratton Woods Park, just before Fairfax County Parkway
Walk west along Fox Mill Road for 5 minutes
Field on right

-----------------------------------

ATTENTION!!!!!
GUYS, RSVPs need to be sent NOW!
We have to tell Skidoos by this coming Monday, Feb. 4 what the headcount and menu choices are.
 
The annual banquet wil be held Friday Feb 8 at PJ Skidoos starting at 7pm.
Price will be $45 per person.
This will include hors d'oeuvres , bread, salad, entree with side, dessert (chocolate mousse)
and 1 keg to start.
Entrees to choose from are:
1.) stuffed (mushrooms, spinach and cheese) chicken breast in dill sauce with rice.
2.) prime rib au jous with baked potato.
3.) stuffed flounder w/crabmeat and vegetable medley.
There will be a cash bar as follows:
$5.50 house drink
$3.75 domestic beer
$4.50 imported beer
$4.50 house wine
$5.50 premium wine.
The agenda is 7-8 happy hour, 8-? dinner, awards, raffle, etc.
and then music and whatever until whenever (midnight).
Head count and menu choices will be handled thru Elvis via e-mail at rugblvis@prodigy.net.
Cut-off for reservations is Feb 4.
Let's have a big turn out!
Attire - jacket and tie until after dinner.
Skidd oos asks that we park beside and behind the Regency furniture store.
There is a separate entrance to the downstairs banquet room.

from VP Bryan Siltanen:
Need some help setting up the banquet.
Let's do it up right, with class, and recognize all who have worked to make
our season a success (coach, wives, GFs, Steve, etc.).
Drop me a line if you want to help.
Cheers,
Guinness-Powered Bryan
BSiltanen@msn.com

----------------------------------

Looking for an exceptional value for an exceptionally cold mug of brew?
Then look no further!! Buy an official WSRFC beer glass ($5) for your cold brew.
A set of 6 will be a fine addition to your bar or entertainment activities.
Test drive your new glass at the WSRFC Banquet!!!
These will sell fast, so get yours while supplies last.
Contact Guinness-Powered Bryan for more information
BSiltanen@msn.com

---------------------------------

Thursday night Happy Hours have been light but continue to take place at the Buffalo Wings House in Herndon
(13005 Worldgate). 
The Wings House has pledged a sponsorship of the club, and we should make an appearance whenever possible. 
Cheap beer ($1 domestic bottles) and boneless wings. 

---------------------------------

from Jon Carter:
Gents - I am looking into doing a little Pick-Em pool for the upcoming 6 Nations Matches.
Basically you pick the winner of each match and assign a confidence value.
Cost to play is $10 - Winner take all.
Matches Start Sat. Feb. 2 so all $$$ & Entries will be due by TODAY Friday Feb. 1.
If you are interested please email me and I will get you all the info/ details.
jcarter75@aol.com
Thanks
JC
 
---------------------------------

IF YOU HAVE ANY LEADS ON A NEW HEAD COACH,
CONTACT PRESIDENT BUSHY AT jbush@combustioneer.com
 
---------------------------------
 
Below is what is on tap for the Spring.
As you can see, there is a lot of ambiguity in what
we have, but it all depends on how we do in the play-offs.
02/09 *tentative* 1st 15s practice
03/01 open
03/08 Virginia RFC Away
03/15 Savannah Away (duh)
03/22 bye - Easter weekend
03/29 VA Beach RFC Home
04/05 NoVa Away
04/12 Old Gaelic Play offs away (A&B)
04/19 Harrisburg Play offs round 2 Away
04/26 open (Possibly Alumni)
05/03 Japanese/ NYC Away
05/10 (Possibly Alumni)