by Mark Smiley | Nov 23, 2015 | Glendale City News
by Kurt Woock
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
The Denver Metro area is undoubtedly in the midst of a major growth spurt. Economic indicators back up what countless construction sites suggest: People want to do business here. According to a market report produced by Colliers International, nearly 500,000 square feet of office space went online during the second quarter of 2015, and developers broke ground on 1.1 million square feet of new office space, bringing the total commercial space under construction to about 3.3 million square feet.
Despite all the added space, the overall vacancy rate in the metro area has fallen for at least four consecutive quarters. Leading this growth has been the southeast suburbs, which was accountable for about 70 percent of the absorbed sublease space. Glendale’s ideal location and its long tradition of being a business-friendly city bodes well for the future. And businesses like the Hyatt Place don’t just have a front-row seat — they are the ones on the field, making this happen.
The Hyatt Place saw this coming. Before Denver’s boom truly took off, it began a $10 million renovation of the building it currently occupies near the intersection of Colorado and Mississippi. Keeley Bogenschutz, the Hyatt Place’s director of sales, said the new building represents a new approach for the modern traveler, foregoing the old “full-service” hotel model to a “flex service” hotel.
Despite the designation change, the Hyatt Place has made a name for itself precisely because of the extra services it provides to all guests. It offers complimentary wi-fi, breakfast, and parking. No extra charges or confusing protocols to go through. Bogenschutz said Hyatt is especially adamant that Internet at its locations should be free. Food is available 24/7, and a coffee-and-cocktail lounge keeps guests going day and night. Essentially, the Hyatt Place takes care of its guests by making it effortless for today’s traveler to get all the details he or she needs. It’s working, as Bogenschutz said the Hyatt Place concept has led to new locations popping up all over the country.
The Hyatt Place’s partnership with the Glendale Raptors is just another example of its forward-thinking approach to business. It demonstrates both its commitment to the community around it and the hab
it of getting in on the ground floor of growth opportunities. Bogenschutz calls the partnership a “no-brainer.” The two organizations also have the benefit of calling each other neighbors: Infinity Park is only a block away from the Hyatt Place.
As Infinity Park is a destination for teams and fans traveling from all over the country and world, it’s the perfect spot for spreading the word about the Hyatt Place. During major events, such as the annual RugbyTown 7s Tournament, the Hyatt Place probably holds more rugby players and fans than any other Glendale location outside Infinity Park itself. And, when travelers come to Glendale and ask the front desk for a recommendation of something to do, one of the first responses is always, “go to a Raptors game!”
Bogenschutz adds that rugby’s future in the United States is compelling, giving it a high potential of being a beneficial partnership for years to come. “It’s a growing sport — it really gives us the opportunity to put Glendale on a global stage. It’s great to be getting into it now and being able to watch it grow.”
Both have the advantage of being located in Glendale. Bogenschutz said that the city is “business oriented,” which was a major reason they decided to make such a significant investment in it. Its central point between downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center makes it an ideal spot to stay for those doing business anywhere in the region. The Hyatt Place’s 3,000 square feet of meeting space, A/V capabilities, food-and-beverage service, and Glendale’s myriad dining opportunities make Glendale a popular site for meetings. Nearby residential areas, along with the entertainment options of Cherry Creek, make it a go-to spot for people visiting family.
The future looks bright for both organizations. “We’re living in an exciting time for Glendale, this area in particular,” Bogenschutz said. The development of new com-
mercial spaces, in addition to the investments existing businesses make as they grow, bolster the area. In particular, Bogenschutz is looking forward to the construction of Glendale 180, an entertainment complex that will become a regional destination, attracting thousands of people every night.
In a sense, places like the Hyatt Place are ambassadors for Glendale as they serve as the gateway to the area for travelers. “More and more, guests are looking for local experiences,” Bogenschutz said. “We help direct them to having a good time by recommending local business.” The opportunities to give exposure to the area will only increase over time. Because, as Bogenschutz said, “The City of Glendale is becoming its own destination.”
by Mark Smiley | Nov 2, 2015 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Other sports stake their own claim to the title of the “world’s game,” but without a doubt, it’s been Rugby that has captured the attention of eyes throughout the world this fall with the Rugby World Cup returning to the sport’s birth country.
Glendale Raptors head coach Andre Snyman was there to catch an early glimpse of the scene as one of several participants in a charity match hosted by Rugby Aid in London, England. Snyman competed alongside several former rugby world stars and pop culture icons as part of the event, which was held in support of the Rugby for Heroes charity. The charity supports military personnel who are making the transition back to civilian life.
“It was a great experience and for a great cause: It helps military folks with the transition to the normal world,” Snyman said of the experience. “We had more than 10,000 supporters at the game watching us play.”
All in all, the event proved to be a lighthearted and enjoyable affair for the participants, one which supported a noble cause but also provided a glimpse of what London had to offer as the hosting city of the Rugby World Cup.
“The atmosphere is absolutely fabulous,” Snyman said. “Everywhere there are people talking about it. Underground in the trains there are posters. There’s a big vibe and everyone is asking what game you’re going to watch. Everyone is getting their TVs and news set up for rugby. It’s going to be a great World Cup.”
While Snyman got a taste of this year’s World Cup buzz, two of his players were blessed to witness the events firsthand, up close and personally. Raptors Zach Fenoglio and Niku Kruger were among the names selected to the 31-man USA World Cup roster. The USA Eagles were one of 20 nations competing during the six-week tournament.
“Making the World Cup squad truly is a dream come true. It was something I set my sights on five years ago and it is surreal to see those goals met now,” Fenoglio said of his selection. “When you first start playing rugby you always imagine what it would be like to play on the World Cup stage and now to have had this opportunity is something I’ll cherish forever.”
“Zach has been a hard worker since his initial selection onto our A side (lower-level Eagle) three years ago. Despite some disappointing squad omissions, Zach continued to remain positive in his approach, and eventually he became a regular squad member for us,” said USA Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin. “His leadership role with the Raptors has helped him become a confident player with the Eagles.”
International play gave Fenoglio, a Denver native and longtime Raptor, time to mesh with Kruger, who will enter next season as one of Glendale’s newest roster additions when the Raptors look to defend their Pacific Rugby Premiership title in 2016.
“I chose Glendale because of the professionalism and culture the club has. I have followed Glendale for a couple of years and really enjoyed the way they played and presented themselves,” Kruger explained. “Then when I spoke to coach Andre [Snyman] and learned of his love and enthusiasm for the game I knew it was the place I wanted to further my rugby career.”
“It has been great getting to work with Niku, he’s a very talented and knowledgeable player of the game,” Fenoglio added. “It’s been great seeing him develop with the Eagles and I know he’ll bring great value and leadership to Glendale next season. Bringing someone of the talent and rugby background will only help grow and better our team.”
Fenoglio and Kruger also played alongside several other PRP players as teammates for the Eagles.
“It shows there’s a quality of our league,” explained Snyman. “We have these international players playing in the PRP and it shows the quality we’re playing against. It shows well for the U.S. and hopefully there will be more players coming through the ranks.”
The pair were part of a USA team which featured 20 World Cup debutants, but played several international matches in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.
“In terms of Rugby World Cup experience, yes, this is a relatively inexperienced group,” USA Men’s Eagles head coach Tolkin said. “However, while the Rugby World Cup is a whole different kettle of fish, many of these players do have a fair bit of international play under their belts since 2011.”
Drawn in Pool B alongside opposing teams Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and Japan, the Eagles had a rough go in this year’s tournament, a campaign which saw a winless record. But win or lose, representing one’s country at the highest level was a badge of honor for Glendale’s participants.
“As a player, I want to ensure that every time I step into that field I represent my country to the best of my ability and hard top quality rugby,” said Kruger.
It also provided a valuable learning experience; one that Snyman hopes to apply to the upcoming domestic campaign.
“From a coaching point of view, I’ll be looking at these games for new ideas, new structures and the way they do things,” He said. “As a coach you always look to find ways to improve and be different.”
by Mark Smiley | Sep 25, 2015 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Eagles Practice at Infinity Park Photo by Seth McConnell
Two Glendale Raptors are representing club and country this month during the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
Glendale Raptors Zach Fenoglio and Niku Kruger were among the names selected to the 31-man USA World Cup roster. The USA Eagles are competing alongside 20 other nations during the six-week tournament.
“Making the World Cup squad truly is a dream come true. It was something I set my sights on five years ago and it is surreal to see those goals met now,” Fenoglio said of his selection. “When you first start playing rugby you always imagine what it would be like to play on the World Cup stage and now to have this opportunity is something I’ll cherish forever.”
“Zach has been a hard worker since his initial selection onto our A side (lower-level Eagle) three years ago. Despite some disappointing squad omissions, Zach continued to remain positive in his approach, and eventually he became a regular squad member for us,” said USA Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin. “His leadership role with the Raptors has helped him become a confident player with the Eagles.
International play will give Fenoglio, a Denver native and longtime Raptor, time to mesh with Kruger, who will be a new addition to Glendale’s roster.
“I chose Glendale because of the professionalism and culture the club has. I have followed Glendale for a couple of years and really enjoyed the way they played and presented themselves,” Kruger explained. “Then when I spoke to coach Andre [Snyman] and learned of his love and enthusiasm for the game I knew it was the place I wanted to further my rugby career.”
“It has been great getting to work with Niku, he’s a very talented and knowledgeable player of the game,” Fenoglio added. “It’s been great seeing him develop with the Eagles and I know he’ll bring great value and leadership to Glendale next season. Bringing someone with that talent and rugby background will only help grow and better our team.”
Fenoglio and Kruger will look to defend the Raptors’ Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP) title in 2016, but are playing alongside several other PRP players as teammates for the Eagles.
“It is great to have these players return to their clubs and bring back the international experience they have gained,” said Tolkin. “Their teammates look up to them and they help raise the bar on the field.”
The pair are part of a USA team which features 20 World Cup debutants, but played several international matches in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.
“In terms of Rugby World Cup experience, yes, this is a relatively inexperienced group,” USA Men’s Eagles head coach Tolkin said. “However, while the Rugby World Cup is a whole different kettle of fish, many of these players do have a fair bit of international play under their belts since 2011.”
He added, “[Kruger] was a late selection and has displayed talent as a young scrum-half. While he has not had much playing time this summer, his skill and work ethic promise well for him in the future.”
Drawn in Pool B alongside opposing teams Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and Japan, the Eagles look to qualify for the Knockout Stage, a goal which has been out of reach in several prior World Cups.
“As a team we have really begun to come together and execute our systems effectively,” said Fenoglio. “Our goal for the World Cup is to continue to develop our continuity on both sides of the ball and to make it into the round of 8, getting out of pool play. We have a very talented and committed group of guys and I know we can do it.”
“As a player, I want to ensure that every time I step into that field I represent my country to the best of my ability and hard top quality rugby,” added Kruger. “We want to to make it to the knockout stages of the tournament.”
by Mark Smiley | Aug 31, 2015 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
GLENDALE, CO – AUGUST 16: Denver vs Serevi Selects during the Serevi RugbyTown 7s tournament at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado on August 16, 2015. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
In his nearly two decades of playing the game of rugby, Fiji international Waisale Serevi became known around the globe as the “King of Sevens” for his prowess in the fast paced, seven-a-side version of the game.
Therefore, it’s fittingly appropriate that the tournament which bears his namesake, the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens (SRS) has become the crown jewel of sevens tournaments in North America.
For the fourth-straight year, Glendale, Colorado, the city that’s become synonymous with the moniker RugbyTown USA, hosted the three-day event (Aug. 14-16) and with 17 teams from around the world once again competing for a $10,000 cash purse, the event proved to be as enticing as ever for players and fans alike.
“This is all we’ve waited for. This is as good as it gets in North America and it’s some of the best rugby around the globe,” Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon said of this year’s competition. “It’s what makes the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens such an important tournament. It is the essence of the future of the game of rugby.”
Following a disappointing campaign in which the Raptors fell short of their goal of qualification for this year’s Men’s Club 7s Nationals, the local club entered the tournament with something to prove not only to fans and opponents, but to themselves. By the weekend’s end, the team felt they had proved their point, stringing together competitive showings and results en-route to a fourth place finish in the field of 17.
“It was a great show of character. For us to be a local club side and to take fourth place, I’m happy with that,” Glendale Raptors head coach Andre Snyman said. “We’re disappointed but holding our heads high. I’m very proud of them for the way we played.”
It was a quarterfinal loss to eventual tournament champions and crosstown rivals, the Denver 7s, on the final day of the tournament which would derail the Raptors’ chances to win this year’s SRS Cup and the prize money that went with it.
Denver defeated a team which also bore the Serevi name, the Serevi Selects, 28-24 in an exciting final match, which proved to be an emotional win for Denver captain Maximo DeAchaval.
“We stuck together, we played together, and we finished together. We did everything together. My boys did it,” Denver captain Maximo DeAchaval said postgame. “[Serevi Selects] have great players and are great guys. We love playing them, hate playing them but it’s always a pleasure. We’re pretty happy.”
This year’s edition of the tournament also featured a new element. An inaugural high school tournament alongside the senior action, with the Glendale Raptors U-18s competing for the first time with seven other junior teams. The junior Raptors fared decently, with three wins and 12 points in the table. But it was visitors Atlantis who would win the High School Championship, defeating the Utah Lions 31-26 in the final.
Opportunities to watch local rugby sides compete against all-star and select sides from around the country and international locals wasn’t the only draw for fans to come out to Infinity Park. The Military Championship, which pits teams from each branch of the U.S. Military, has always been a fan favorite and staple of SRS.
Teams from each branch of the armed forces competed for positioning in Pool A, and after Day 1 of the tournament, Army and Air Force rose to the top. On Day 2, Army would defeat Air Force twice, 22-12 to win the pool and 43-12 to win the Military Final, marking the Black Knight’s third Military Championship in the four years of the tournament.
“It’s definitely our goal to win the Armed Forces Championship. Every year it’s a new team and a new competition so it’s just about 12 guys coming together as part of the All-Army family and getting the result that we wanted,” said Army team captain Andrew Locke.
The awards didn’t stop there. In addition to the SRS Cup, $10,000 purse, High School and Military Championships, teams also fought for the SRS Plate, Bowl and Shield awards.
Northeast Academy defeated Negro Y Azul 26-19 to win the Plate. Atlantis surprised the USA Collegiate All-Americans to win the Bowl by a score of 22-17. In the Shield Final, dark horse Bermuda also put on a show to beat Mexico Serpientes by a score of 19-15.
“It’s wonderful to have this kind of talent brought together for us to play against,” Atlantis coach Chris Ryan said. “The tournament is fantastic.”
That particular match was one 
for seventh place in the tournament, but it was a true indication of the field’s quality from top to bottom, pitting the tournament newcomers against the 2013 SRS Champions.
“When you play a group like that, you’re playing the best of the best,” Ryan said of the All-Americans. “There’s a lot of future USA Eagles in that group and it was an honor to play against them.”
And with the competition becoming better and better each year, the anticipation will only grow stronger in the coming months while fans of rugby in North America anxiously await the fifth edition of the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 3, 2015 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Photo by Seth McConnell
One of the biggest rugby events of the year returns to RugbyTown USA this month when Glendale hosts the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens (SRS) International rugby tournament August 14-16, 2015, at Infinity Park.
Seventeen teams from across the nation and the world, including teams from each branch of the United States Military, will compete in 50 rugby matches over the three-day period for a winner-take-all $10,000 prize.
“It’s our fourth year hosting so we’re quite excited,” said Glendale Raptors head coach Andre Snyman.
“It’s a unique tournament. Quality players come from all over the world: some from overseas, some local and some nationally based. It’s really a good opportunity for players to measure themselves against some quality teams. There’s always a surprise team that comes out of it, so I can’t wait for this year.”
USA Falcons vs Denver in the Cup Final during day three of the Serevi RugbyTown 7s at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. Photo by Seth McConnell
The SRS tournament serves as a grand event to conclude the summer Rugby 7s season, a format which offers more fast paced action and explosive offense compared to the traditional 15 a side rugby union format seen during the Pacific Rugby Premiership season. It offers both a challenge for the Raptors and a delight to local fans.
“It’s tough for a club side to compete against teams with 12 All-Star players. I’m just trying to help the boys and get our team up to par,” Snyman said of the challenge. “There’s good teams coming in. Pretty much all the other teams are select sides. I’m busy recruiting players to strengthen our side. Unfortunately we’ve had some injuries and hopefully the players will be back on track for Serevi.”
One of those All-Star programs, Stars 7s Rugby, is excited to participate at Serevi RugbyTown Sevens for the very first time.
“Last year I attended Serevi RugbyTown 7s for the first time as several of our Stars players were playing for the programs involved. I was impressed with the competition and the quality of play,” said Star 7s Director Elizabeth Entwhistle. “As Stars Rugby 7s is building our program, we’re looking to play in the best competitions possible with a professional setting and SRT7s sets the benchmark for the men’s 7s game.”
This year’s action kicks off August 14 with Free Fan Friday, beginning with pool play competition divided amongst four different pools.
All five military teams will compete in Pool A. Tournament hosts Glendale will compete in Pool B alongside the Bermuda National Team, Stars Rugby 7s and Upright Rugby Rogues. Pool C will feature locals Denver All-Stars, newcomers Atlantis Rugby, Northeast Olympic Development Academy and Mexico Serpientes National Team. Rounding out the tournament field in Pool D are the Serevi Selects, Texas-based Negro y Azul, Collegiate All-Americans, and the Bahamas National Team.
Tonga withdrew from this year’s tournament, but this year’s tournament is far from lacking in international representation.
“Bermuda Rugby is extremely proud of our partnership with Serevi Rugby, and our participation at the SRS tournament in Glendale is a highlight in our calendar, and a focal point for the development of our 7s program,” said Bermuda coach Jonathan Cassidy.
New to this year’s tournament is a boys’ high school tournament, which will take place on the Infinity Park Sports Field adjacent to the men’s tournament. This year’s inaugural participants include clubs such as Atlantis, Utah Lions, Serevi Institute, Rogue River (Canada), Rocky Mountain Rebels and the Raptors Academy being featured.
At the conclusion of Friday’s matches, a Fallen Rugger Ceremony will take place on the pitch.
On Saturday, August 15, pool play will continue followed by the High School Cup Championship at 3 p.m. and the Armed Forces Championship at 3:56 p.m. Cup and Bowl quarterfinal matches round out the competition on Saturday afternoon.
The Armed Forces Championship has become a staple of the tournament and a highlight of the weekend for fans and participants alike.
“As Marines, our primary attraction to this tournament is the opportunity to square off with our fellow services in the Armed Forces Rugby Championship,” U.S. Marines Rugby coach Major Russell “Bubba” Strange said. “What makes it even sweeter is that Glendale hosts a first-class event that we could never replicate on a military base, and we expose our players to a higher level of rugby than what they are used to seeing.”
The second day of the tournament will also see the return of the Glendale’s Bruises and Brews Beerfest with an impressive lineup of Colorado craft brews and distilleries from 12 to 4 p.m. Tickets for the Beerfest are just $35 and include entrance to all rugby matches held Saturday.
Sunday’s events will have implications for all tournament trophies including the SRS Shield, Bowl, Plate and Cup with games kicking off with a Shield Semifinal at 12 p.m. Championship matches will begin at approximately 3:30 p.m. culminating with the Cup Final set to kick off at 5:14 p.m.
Tickets for all events during the three-day weekend of rugby 7s action can be purchased by visiting the website at: rugby townusa.com/serevi.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 25, 2015 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Raptors vs Northeast 7’s in the Plate Final during day three of the Serevi RugbyTown 7s at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. Photo by Seth McConnell
Just as the seasons change from spring to summer, so will the seasons change for the Glendale Raptors.
The team will have had little time to rest on the laurels of their first Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP) championship, as the focus now shifts to summer and the start of the competitive Rugby 7s season, which will culminate with the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens (SRS) Tournament hosted at Infinity Park Aug. 14-16.
Nevertheless, within the Raptors’ camp, the team’s first PRP championship in two seasons continues to be celebrated within the walls of RugbyTown USA. Capping a season of ups and downs for Glendale, the team successfully avenged last year’s finals loss to San Francisco Golden Gate (SFGG) by bringing home the city’s first title via a 25-11 win on May 16.
“You’ve got to show a lot of grit when it comes down to it,” Raptors captain Zach Fenoglio said. “I really felt that we put our hearts on the line and it led to a PRP championship.”
One of the biggest challenges for the Raptors during the 2015 PRP campaign was injuries. The biggest blow came when USA Eagle Ben Tarr went out with a season-ending knee injury which required surgery for the prop. Additionally, center Armandt Peens dealt with an ankle injury down the stretch, but made a return in the final.
Another major challenge for Glendale was the constant shifting in and out of the lineup by Fenoglio and fellow USA Eagles Chad London and Nick Wallace, who were often away on international duty. Those who stayed behind with the Raptors fared well however, securing a spot in the PRP final and paving the way for the trio’s triumphant return.
“All of the guys with Glendale truly approach everything with a professional attitude,” Fenoglio said. “I give a huge credit to the team getting the job done while we were away.”
A huge help to the cohesiveness of the group was veteran Mose Timoteo. The 38-year-old scrum half was signed from SFGG in the offseason and helped a second club to a PRP championship in as many seasons.
“That’s the great thing about rugby. When you lose a brother, you come into a new environment and gain brothers,” Timoteo explained. “You have guys that you fight with and will fight for you. To win two [PRP finals] is a dream.”
The PRP season offered a chance for veterans like Fenoglio and Timoteo to step up and shine on a regular basis. In the 7s format, young players often have an opportunity to shine and hone their game for the PRP. Last year Cody Melphy proved to be one of the summer’s standouts who later found himself in contention for playing time in the PRP.
“[The 7s format] gives us an opportunity to see new players in different positions, try new combinations, and look at new structures and game plans,” Glendale head coach Andre Snyman explained. “We’ve got local guys like Cody Melphy. He’s always steady, a good young player.”
The Pacific Rugby Premiership provides a structured and traditional 15-a-side format with a strong focus on defense and structure. Rugby 7s proves to be perhaps a more fluid, dynamic and offensively based game.
Last summer Glendale competed in tournaments including the Denver 7s, Heartland 7s and Omaha 7s in their quest to qualify for Club 7s Nationals, but fell just short of the goal. This year, the Raptors will once again look toward a Nationals berth.
Capping the 7s season will be one of the nation’s premier 7s tournaments, the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens hosted at Infinity Park. For the fourth consecutive year, 17 teams from around the world will come to Glendale to compete for a $10,000 winner-take-all purse.
“The SRS tournament continues to grow in stature as we enter the fourth year of the competition,” Raptors director of rugby Mark Bullock said. “There are more international teams competing and the USA military teams have raised the standard of their play.”
In addition to the overall purse and SRS Championship, teams representing each American military branch — the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard — will look to compete for both the overall tournament and military championships.
“We would not be fit to call ourselves Marines if our goal was anything less than winning the Armed Forces Championship,” said USMC coach Major Russell “Bubba” Strange.
A high school tournament has also been brought on as a new addition to SRS, with clubs such as Atlantis, Utah Lions, Serevi Selects, Rogue River (Canada), Rocky Mountain Rebels and the Raptors Academy being featured.
“I think this tournament is great. It brings some international players and some great national players together to play against each other and compete,” added Snyman. “[SRS] gives the players an opportunity to compare themselves against the best and show off their skills.”
So no matter what time of year it is, spring or fall, summer or winter, 15s or 7s, it’s always the time of year for rugby in RugbyTown USA.
