by Laura Lieff | Feb 19, 2021 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Glendale is forming the biggest, fastest and most athletic rugby team in the world. The question is whether the team will be able to win rugby games. Glendale has had men’s, women’s, and kids’ rugby teams for almost a fifth of a century and its teams have won various national championships. In 2017 it formed a professional men’s team and was one of the founders of Major League Rugby but dropped out last year when the leadership switched over its emphasis to foreign born players over Americans.
Super Athlete: NFL Combine sensation and social media star Terron Beckham is one of many star athletes that will be playing on the mega rugby team to take on the world’s best teams.
For many years, a goal of the rugby union has been for America to be able to field a highly competitive team that could take on the top teams in the world in the quadrennial Rugby World Cup, and thereby open up rugby to the enormous American market. The international governing body for rugby union, now named World Rugby, contributed millions of dollars to the American governing body USA Rugby to produce such a team which has proven to be an unmitigated disaster. USA Rugby went into bankruptcy and the American team, called the Eagles, was so pitiful at the last World Cup that it tied for last among the 32 national teams. The Eagles did not win a single game, losing to the likes of the national team for Tonga. That island nation has a population of a little over 100,000 which is one tenth of the population of Rhode Island.
That was the last straw for Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon who played rugby in the Caribbean after briefly playing professional football with the Denver Broncos. He decided to form an all-American team with players who were in the XFL, CFL or NFL, or were top athletes in other sports, who bring the size, strength, and speed to potentially play rugby at a high level.
But will it work? Can you take great American athletes who have never played rugby and turn them into a team that can take on the very best at the sport whose players have played rugby almost their entire lives? It is the ultimate “nature versus nurture” battle in sports.
International Criticism
Many in the international rugby world think that Glendale and Dunafon are crazy and that is being kind. They believe that the only way to rugby excellence is through youth programs which is the way it is done in the rest of the world. Unsurprisingly, the new Glendale program has received far more press attention overseas than in America. One of Britain’s largest newspapers, The Guardian, has written extensively on Glendale rugby.
The comment sections on international coverage say it all. Referring to a longtime New Zealand-born rugby coach, one commentator said: “Andrew Douglas is absolutely correct in saying [American] football players make sh*t rugby players.” Another commentator declared, “Teaching a dude rugby at age 25 is sheer stupidity.”
Another critic opined, “This [Glendale] way of thinking just blows me away. It is such an arrogant statement to think that America has such great athletic prowess that is can overcome their inherent lack of rugby IQ. Another believes that not only would Glendale be crushed by the New Zealand national team (called the All Blacks) but any of its better amateur teams would win ‘by 100 points.’”
But Dunafon does not care about the criticism. He stated: “It is highly unlikely that rugby is going to be able to supplant football and soccer in our schools anytime in the near future. The youth program approach has resulted in America being crushed by tiny nations like Tonga in the World Cup. We are going to try a different approach as the traditional method has not generated any success. We will just have to find out whether taking the road less traveled by, can make all the difference.”
Scouting And Recruitment
Practice Underway In Glendale: From left to right, Leonard Sagapolutele, Gelen Robinson, and Chase Stehling are practicing their front row technique.
Glendale’s scouting and recruiting efforts have been impressive. Glendale’s Director of Rugby Mark Bullock and his staff have reviewed over 4,000 athletes across the country and 30 were vetted and invited to November tryout.
“We’re recruiting highly articulate, motivated, intelligent athletes,” Bullock adds. “The mix that creates success is a dedication to the purpose of the team, combined with athleticism. I’ve been pleasantly surprised, thrilled actually, with the caliber of people we’ve recruited so far.”
At this point, 29 players have contracts and Glendale is looking for a total of 40. According to City Manager Linda Cassaday, recruiting will continue until that number is reached.
“We wanted to train these athletes in a full-time training environment and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” explains Cassaday. “Making rugby their full-time job is going to positively impact the players’ ability to learn and play the sport. Not everyone will be successful but we’re hoping that most of them will be.”
Funding
Tall Glass Of Water: Vincent Boumann has played professional basketball around the world and will play lock for the XOs.
The City is funding the estimated $3 million annual cost of the project and seeking sponsors. Players are paid $1,500 a month, are living rent-free in two-bedroom apartments, and are being provided three meals a day and insurance coverage.
“No one has ever done this before,” says Cassaday. “Other organizations can keep doing what they’ve always been doing which is training youth and then continuing that training through high school and college. We’ve chosen a different pathway and are excited about it. This program is part of our economic development plan. It puts Glendale on the map and brings visitors in to enjoy all the bars, restaurants, hotels, and retail we have to offer.”
Players Under Contract
Players who have made the team and signed contracts include:
Vincent Boumann: a 6’9”, 265-pound basketball player who was a center for Western Oregon University and who has spent the last several years playing professional basketball around the world.
College Star: 6’4” 285 pound Casey McDermont-Vai is joining the Glendale team after starring as a tight end at Texas Christian University and playing for the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL.
Gelen Robinson: a 6’1”, 285-pound defensive tackle from Purdue University’s football team, who also played in the Canadian Football League.
Gelen Robinson: a 6’1”, 285-pound defensive tackle from Purdue University’s football team, who also played in the Canadian Football League.
Taniela Tupou: a 6’2”, 295-pound former NFL and University of Washington player.
Casey McDermott-Vai: a 6’4”, 285-pound former Texas Christian University tight end who had a short stint in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.
DJ Stewart: a 6’2”, 225-pound athlete whose background includes both football and bobsledding for Olympic Team USA.
Terron Beckham: a cousin of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who ran a 4.47 second, 40-yard dash and had a 47-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine. Beckham has 529,000 followers on Instagram.
Glendale is continuing to bring recruits in for evaluation and hopes to have Brock Lutes in for an evaluation this week. The 6’4”, 215-pound former college point guard recently tried out for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
Looking Ahead
While the RugbyTown Crossover Academy is a new experiment, the caliber of players is garnering attention. According to Team Manager Peter Pasque, the Colorado XO (named for crossover) players are as big and fast as some NFL teams.
Pending Covid-19 restrictions, the first Glendale XO home game is scheduled for Saturday, April 3 at Infinity Park. Although no fans will be allowed to attend due to the pandemic, the game will be streamed live.
Whether Glendale can pull off teaching former basketball, football, baseball, and track stars how to play rugby remains to be seen. But if the video on the Crossover Academy website is any indication, these athletes are focused, fast, strong, and ready to play.
For more information visit www.crossoveracademy.infinityparkatglendale.com.
by Glendale Sports Center | Feb 19, 2021 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Elizabeth Bravman, Nutrition Specialist for the YMCA of Metro Denver and former pediatric nurse
No surprise: eating too much sugar is not good for us. It’s a challenge for so many who have a busy, work, school and family life. The good news is that a little knowledge, a keen eye and small changes can make a huge difference. Here are five tips — and challenges — to reducing the number of added sugars in what you eat and drink.
- Be a Sugar Detective. Naturally occurring sugars are good for us and include fruits, dairy products, some vegetables and whole grains. Added sugars are not so good for us and are hidden everywhere! Some are obvious like in sodas, candy and desserts but can also include some breads, crackers, soups, and even salad dressings. Foods with added sugar can spike your blood sugar, leaving you feeling hungry and then overeating. Research shows that a diet high in added sugars increases our risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Knowledge is power. Start with your daily limit of sugars — 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women. Track what you’re eating, specifically noting the added sugars, using a mobile app like MyPlate. Combine your tracking with some of these next tips to help you decrease your added sugars.
- Don’t let breakfast be dessert. Some of the most popular breakfast staples can surprise you with their added sugar.
First, toast. Some breads can have 5 grams of added sugar. Study the labels and look for options for 2 grams of added sugar or less per slice. Top your toast with a healthy protein like no-added sugar nut butter or a cooked egg. Second, oatmeal. It’s great for breakfast, but instead of the instant, look for plain oats and sweeten with cinnamon, berries or nuts. Third, and a favorite, pancakes and waffles. Try making your own batter. A big batch freezes for an easy breakfast with a mashed banana on top during the week.
- Think Your Drink. Did you know that venti mocha cookie Frappuccino tips the scale at 19 teaspoons of sugar? Don’t fall into the trap of ‘drinking your sugar.’ A few changes can make the difference.
Try replacing that go-to soda with unsweetened tea or coffee. Try a bubbly seltzer. Add lemon, lime, cucumber or even strawberries to water.
Sound overwhelming? Try this: if you drink two sodas a day, make it a goal to have one soda. Start where you’re at.
- Hack Your Snack. Packaged food is so convenient, but it is often loaded with added sugar. Instead of the pantry, go to the fridge for snacks. Pair fats and proteins to keep you full. Be adventurous in the fruits and veggie department at the grocery store — try that purple cauliflower or jicama.
What are some super easy snack choices? A small, sliced apple + cheese stick or cucumber sticks dipped in hummus. A little motivation helps. Put fruits in a bowl on the counter or at the front of your fridge to grab first.
- Treats. A decadent dessert for a special occasion? Indulge, but in a reasonable size portion and enjoy. For everyday no sugar added treats, try frozen grapes, fruit kabobs or a baked apple with a touch of butter and cinnamon. The key is balance.
The YMCA of Metro Denver offers cooking classes and one-on-one guidance for everyday solutions to help on your wellness journey. Contact us at community health@denverymca.org or call 720-524-2747 to schedule a consultation.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
The Beatles said it best when they crooned: “Here Comes the Sun.” March is the month when the sun crosses the equator line, heading north in the sky to mark the start of spring in our hemisphere. As we tilt more toward the sun we begin feeling free and back in love with life. We’ll enjoy longer daylight hours with earlier dawns, later sunsets.
This month’s St. Paddy’s Day’s tune Rumbles of Spring expresses the season thus: “I’m as happy as a king, when I catch a breath of spring and the grass is turning green.”
As you begin enjoying spring weather, here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertaining to ensure the brooks, trees and singing hills send happiness to you:
3 Enjoy Beethoven’s best works performed by a string quartet at the safe Wings Over The Rockies bathed in candlelight March 10 & 17, 7 p.m. Sit back and savor the ambiance and the pieces. Information: 303-872-7720.
3 Support Lowry Elementary School’s first ever virtual auction the “No Go Gala” by bidding online March 13th at 8 p.m. Information: 720-424-5910.
3 View the Radiant Season in the Freyer-Newman Center March 13-July 11. Urban objects are painted by Kevin Sloan. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Returning to its roots, this year’s Runnin’ of the Green jogs off in waves at Washington Park March 14, 8 to 11:30 a.m. Information: rungreen7k.com.
3 Enjoy a bit o’ corned beef on St. Paddy’s Day as Monaco Inn Restaurant is dishing up the hearty plate for takeout or dine-in starting at 3 p.m. Served with boiled potatoes, carrots and celery. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Has the pandemic created a money shock at home? Colorado Gold Mart is loaning cash or will buy your gold jewelry, diamonds, Rolexes, vintage watches and coin collections. Information: coloradogoldmart.com.
3 Spring Youth Rugby starts at Glendale’s Infinity Park March 16-April 12, on Tues. & Thurs., 4:30-5:45 p.m. Information:glendaleyouthrugby.com.
3 Listen to Olympic soccer player Carli Lloyd during Junior League’s virtual catered dinner March 19, 7-8 p.m. Information: 303-692-0207.
3 Threatened by pests, pathogens and climate change, learn ways to protect Denver’s urban forest at the 7th Annual Tree Diversity Conference streamed online through Vimeo March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discussions will explore relationships between landscape design, horticultural practices and variety of tree species. Participants will have access for 14 days following the live session. Information: denverbotan icgardens.org.
“Here comes the sun, doo da doo doo.” The George Harrison-penned track for Abbey Road has us thinking about clocks, time and light. Spring forward March 14 by setting clocks ahead an hour to Daylight Saving Time. The extra hour of light at the end of the day will feel like a gift after this year’s pandemic plagued winter. Enjoy it!
Watch the arc of the sun across the sky as it shifts toward the north. Birds are migrating northward, along with the sun. Sunlight also triggers birds to sing. Cool, eh?
Unless you’re living under the Blarney Stone you know March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Leprechauns won’t stroll beside floats; as the parade is canceled. The Valley, nonetheless, will be lush with parties. Wishing you the things an Irish blessing brings: Joy, love and laugher. May your days be content and you smile happily ever after!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Peter Boyles | Feb 19, 2021 | Blasting with Boyles
As, by now, we all know, there were plenty of QAnon supporters amid the chaos at the Capitol in January. You could see many banners with the Q rabbit denoting the QAnon slogan “Follow the white rabbit.” There seems to me to be two forces in our country today, both sides are defended by elected officials and both claim the other one doesn’t exist. If you recall, Joe Biden told us that Antifa is a philosophy not an organization. And although many Republican elected officials adhere to the Q they say it doesn’t exist as well.
Karl Marx always talked about a specter haunting Europe, and I think these two specters are haunting America, and the American political scene. We can all agree that Antifa fashions themselves as a modern Bolshevik party. However, what is QAnon?
QAnon is jumbled theories that say Donald Trump is waging a secret war against the elite, Satan worshipping pedophiles in government and the media. They suffered a huge disappointment when Dr. Jill’s husband was sworn in and commandos did not come down on hot ropes and arrest all the offenders. By the way, I’m really drawn into the Jewish laser beam that started forest fires.
To explain QAnon, I myself am an alcoholic and a drug addict. The organization of Alcoholics Anonymous has a rule. We only use our first names. So that’s where the Anon comes from. According to my reading and listening, Q is a high ranking person inside the government, a source who apparently from time to time actually talks to Alex Jones and other selected elite. But beginning in October 2017, Q put out a series of posts on a message board known as 4chan. He signed off as Q and claimed to have a level of U.S. security approval known as the Q Clearance. These messages became known as Q drops or, if you’re following along at home, breadcrumbs, often written in a very cryptic language with pledges, pro Trump themes, slogans and riddles. True believers, and I’ve spoken to them, contend that deliberate misinformation is sewn into Q’s message so the conspiracy theory is impossible to disprove.
Brilliant historians have dubbed stuff like this parallel histories. Almost any event today or through history, if it’s important enough, from the crucifixion of Jesus to the writing of the Torah, to who shot Kennedy, a parallel set of tracks runs next to mainstream history. True believers are a frightening bunch. Like those of you who still believe Donald Trump had the election stolen from him.
If opinion polls are correct there are hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who believe in some of the bizarre theories offered by QAnon. People’s careers have been trashed, jobs have been lost. In fact, the Q people have survived with many predictions not coming true. Like almost all of them.
In a post Donald Trump world, Q believes Donald Trump is a savior who will stay in power and wage war against the cabal of satanic pedophiles. And for Q believers who saw President Biden get sworn in instead of Donald Trump it was a reality check. But it doesn’t seem to matter. In fact, the QAnon community has survived.
As crazy as Q is, was, and always will be, they are far less dangerous than Antifa. Militias are being formed in this country, battle lines are being drawn and who controls the streets has been an age old question dating back to the French Revolution. QAnon has survived after Donald Trump. Antifa and Black Lives Matter claim Joe Biden owes them for the win.
Remember this, Marjorie Taylor Greene posted a picture of herself holding a gun alongside images of Democrats like AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. That’s kind of Q-ee, isn’t it?
See you next month.
— Peter Boyles
