by Mark Smiley | Oct 24, 2014 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Following last spring’s successful Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP) campaign in which the Glendale Raptors fell just a few plays shy of winning the championship, the team has been taking new steps in preparing for another successful run in 2015.
Traditionally, the Raptors first team would play a more robust fall season, but the team’s transition to the action packed spring schedule in the PRP means that Glendale has been using this fall to refocus its roster and players.
“Previously we would be playing Division I games during the fall. The fall season is pretty much open for the Division I players now, so we’ve got to keep them busy, train and keep them fit,” Raptors head coach Andre Snyman explained. “I just don’t want them to sit at home for four or five months and wait for the PRP season.”
This fall, the Raptors participated once again in the Aspen Ruggerfest, a tournament the team has participated in for the past four seasons.
Using a mixed group of veteran players and younger players who are competing for the possibility of being included with the first team next season, the Raptors won the Ruggerfest crown for the very first time.
“I think it was a great milestone for the club,” Snyman said.
Even though the Raptors were proud to take home hardware in Aspen, the tournament largely serves as a social tournament, and Glendale was looking for stiffer competition for the remainder of the fall.
For its next two matches, Glendale would play friendlies against two collegiate teams. But they weren’t just any two college teams. The Raptors would play two top-10 college programs with a home game against No. 5 Arkansas State followed by a road trip to No. 8 Lindenwood.
“We’ve always gone to Aspen, but this year we needed something different,” Glendale Director of Rugby Operations Mark Bullock explained. “The two college sides reached out to us because it gives their players an opportunity to play with a club side in the PRP.”
The competition was stiff indeed. The Raptors suffered defeats in both collegiate matches, losing 51-24 to ASU and 24-15 to L
indenwood.
But the results on the scoreboard weren’t the most important point of emphasis for Glendale during their fall preparation. Forging new relationships with the two college programs was a prospect that the Raptors, as well as their opponents, were excited to be a part of.
“The most important thing for us is building bridges between ourselves and the schools. When these players graduate, then maybe they’ll have the opportunity to play for us,” Snyman noted.
“We all know that Glendale of the fall is a distant cousin of the Glendale of the spring, so it’s about development,” Lindenwood head coach J.D. Stephenson added. “Although we’re happy with the victory, we’re not branding ourselves world champions or anything too soon.”
For Snyman and the Raptors, evaluating what kind of players the staff has at its disposal within the club’s broader talent pool, in addition to testing out new ideas prior to the competitive matches in the spring has been a greater goal.
“Those two games helped to give me an idea of the depth of the club,” Snyman explained. “It gave us an opportunity to see new players in different positions, try new combinations, and look at new structures and game plans.”
New players can be defined as players new to the club, or simply players from Glendale’s Division II team that are getting new looks and a shot to contribute to the First Team. Snyman describes the latter as “bubble” players.
So who are some of the players that have caught the eye of the coaching staff this fall?
Snyman highlighted two Australians, prop Jake Turnbull and flanker Leslie Stephens.
“Turnbull is definitely PRP material. Stephens is a really busy little flanker, he could become a good PRP player,” Snyman said.
Players from countries where the rugby tradition is more deeply rooted always make for a strong side, but Snyman and his staff don’t necessarily have to look far to find talent.
“We’ve got local guys like Cody Melphy,” Snyman noted. “He’s always steady, a good young player.”
Glendale’s fall slate of games has concluded, but it doesn’t mean the team has taken a break from its preparations.
“We don’t have any more games scheduled for the fall but we’ll still be practicing and doing weight training,” Raptors veteran forward Justin Mitchell said. “We’re working on skills and strategy preparing for the spring.”
Given all the work put into team strategy, evaluating players and working on strength and conditioning in this fall’s Pacific Rugby Premiership offseason, fans of the Glendale Raptors are assured a new look side coming this spring.
by Mark Smiley | Sep 29, 2014 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Casey Rock
The Glendale Raptors fell short of their summertime goals in 2014, falling a game short of Club 7s Nationals with a loss at the Omaha 7s qualifying tournament and falling short of hardware with a loss to the Northeast Olympic Development Academy with a 35-7 loss in the Plate (second tier) Final at the annual Serevi RugbyTown Sevens tournament hosted at Infinity Park.
Yet neither defeat was the biggest blow to the Raptors during a grueling 7s season. The team’s biggest loss was that of longtime team member Casey Rock to injury.
Suffering a blown knee in the Denver 7s tournament which started off the Raptors’ 7s campaign in 2014, Rock was tackled by an injury which not only prompted an early end to his season, but also forced the lock forward into a premature retirement from playing a game he has grown to love.
“I tore my LCL, MCL, ACL, patella tendon, all of my meniscus, and shredded all of the cartilage in my tibia and femur.” Rock said of the gruesome injury. “The doctor told me that because of all the bone damage, contact sports are done for me.”
Ironically, Rock’s injury came not from contact but from an awkward landing while chasing down an opponent.
An injury involving damage to the primary ligaments within the knee is sometimes referred to as an “unhappy triad” in the medical field, and for good reason.
“My spirits are pretty low,” Rock laments. “I wasn’t ready to stop playing and it’s been a real challenge to deal with that premature end to it all.”
At age 27, Rock seemed primed for many more seasons playing with the Raptors in both the 7s and 15s variations of Rugby. But it also ends the long journey he has experienced alongside the club, having joined the Raptors as one of the team’s original members back in 2006.
A Colorado native, Rock played both soccer and rugby at Denver’s East High School. In college, he focused on soccer with a scholarship to Metro State, but was lured back to Rugby when the Raptors began recruiting players at the club’s inception.
“I always thought that soccer players made a better transition to rugby because you’re used to running around for 90 minutes,” Rock explained. “You’re used to the game’s flow because soccer has so much change of direction and constant movement.”
His time with the Raptors eventually led to additional opportunities within the sport, including stints abroad with clubs in Australia and New Zealand as well as stints with the Collegiate All-Americans and USA Eagles. But his fondest memories remain with the Raptors.
“Winning the National Championship in 2011 was really fun,” Rock recalls. “We had a great team of guys that year. We had guys who weren’t necessarily stars but it was a great team.”
Rock continued his path to become a better rugby player while the Raptors became a bigger and better club.
“It’s been fascinating to watch the club grow. From being a 19-year-old practicing behind the Goodwill to playing for a Springbok legend in one of the greatest facilities in the Nation has been really great,” Rock said.
The “Springbok legend” Rock refers to is current head coach Andre Snyman. While Rock has only spent a few seasons under the South African, Rock explained that Snyman’s experience, particularly in the 7s game, had helped him become a more complete player.
“His knowledge of the game is so vast,” Rock said. “He’s really helped me develop my ball handling skills and vision for the game. I learned how to look at the game differently with him and see how the game was developing to put myself in a better place on the field.”
But even though Casey Rock’s time on the field has come to an end, he assures that he will continue to maintain a role with the Raptors and a relationship with the sport of Rugby.
Shortly after his injury, Rock was offered the position as coach of the Raptors Division II forwards. He’s also spearheading the movement to create an “Old Boys” organization for the Raptors. Not often seen with rugby clubs in the United States, an Old Boys organization is a way for former players to give back time and resources to their former club.
“Having played overseas, I’ve been part of clubs that have been around for hundreds of years. When guys retire they don’t just disappear. They tailgate or run a training session for the younger players. I see myself bringing the boys back in an organized fashion and being more visible,” Rock explained. “I feel really proud and humbled at how much the club still wants me around and to be involved.”
Outside of rugby, Rock has also gained time to focus himself on his new career as a first year language arts teacher for middle school students.
Unfortunately, no lesson plan could have prepared him for the challenges he has faced this summer while dealing with the devastating knee injury.
“The lesson I’ve learned is that all good things come to an end. It’s put some things in perspective for me. It’s reinforced the belief that you can’t spend all your time and energy on one thing.”
by Mark Smiley | Sep 17, 2014 | Glendale City News
Denver Public Works plans to close some lanes near Cherry Creek Mall at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. The intersection of University Boulevard and 1st Avenue will be fully closed by 10 p.m. that night.
During the closure, crews will work to complete the storm sewer and street reconstruction projects.
“A full closure of the intersection will allow the work to be completed more quickly in one single phase instead of in multiple phases as originally planned,” DPW spokeswoman Nancy Kuhn wrote. “I think it will be less impactful than doing it in several phases.”
The intersection will reopen on Tuesday, September 23, by 7 a.m.
The University/Josephine improvement project began in January 2014. With the new plan, the project is now expected to be completed on November 1.
During the closure, access to homes, businesses and the mall will be maintained throughout the closure.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 29, 2014 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
One of the biggest sporting events in Glendale in the month of August, if not the entire year, took place last month when Infinity Park hosted the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens international rugby tournament.
Needless to say, the event left its mark on the City of Glendale, as 17 teams from around the United States and the world convened to compete for the $10,000 prize awarded to the tournament’s winner along with a berth in the Bayley’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament, a rugby tournament hosted in the homeland of Serevi namesake Waisale Serevi, known as the “King of Sevens,”
“It’s truly an international event, people from all over the world are coming out,” commented Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon, prior to the event.
This year’s competition came from locales as far away as England and the Caribbean, but prior to the tournament’s conclusion, Serevi was “keeping an eye on” the USA Falcons.
As it turns out, it was the Falcons that took home this year’s Serevi RugbyTown Sevens Cup Championship, defeating the Denver 7s All Stars 36-19 in the tournament final.
A familiar face helped guide the Falcons to the championship as former Raptors fly-half Valenese “Nese” Malifa made his return to Infinity Park.
“I don’t miss the altitude,” Malifa joked.
But what he did miss was the experience Infinity Park offered to thousands of rugby fans and teams from around the world over the three-day weekend of events.
“It’s a good show they put out here. It’s family,” Malifa said.
The Denver 7s All Stars also brought familiarity to this year’s SRS tournament. The team featured a mix of players including some from Glendale’s rival, the Denver Barbarians.
“It’s a great tournament, we can’t wait to come back next year,” Denver 7s and Barbos fullback Maximo De Achaval said.
“It is a community building sport. It is played all over the world, and now we’re being recognized for it,” Mayor Dunafon added.
Unfortunately, the tournament hosting Glendale Raptors were unable to bring home hardware in this year’s tournament, after making a finals
appearance last year alongside the USA Collegiate All-Americans.
After an undefeated start in pool play, injuries started to pile up for the Raptors, eventually losing 35-7 to the Northeast Olympic Development Academy in the SRS Plate Final.
“With the new/reserve players coming in, we broke the continuity and needed to build confidence but it was too late to try and do it in a final,” Raptors head coach Andre Snyman said. “The reserves played really well and I’m grateful for their attitude and commitment to help the team at such a short notice.”
In addition to the Cup and Plate Finals, hardware was also contested in the SRS Bowl and Shield Finals as well as a third place match.
In the third-place game, Austin, Texas, area club Negro y Azul, defeated the crowd favorite U.S. Army. Azul defeated the Raptors 28-21 on Day Two of the competition in the Cup Quarterfinals.
Army was defeated in the third place match, but put together a strong tournament, winning the Military Championship with a 26-15 defeat of Air Force on Day Two of the competition. It’s the second Military Championship in three appearances for Army, who has defeated Air Force both times.
Another fan favorite throughout the years has been the Royal Air Force Spitfires. The RAF entered SRS having won hardware in each of their previous tournaments in 2014, but fell short in RugbyTown with a 19-12 loss to 2013 SRS Cup Champions, the Collegiate All-Americans in the Bowl Final.
Nevertheless, the Spitfires were ever grateful for what has become a yearly trip across the pond to Glendale.
“It’s brilliant coming here, it’s our third trip here. We love the city,” remarked RAF coach Tim Barlow, adding, “The tournament has grown over the last three years, the standard has gotten higher, the teams are better and more ranging.”
Although this year’s competition was largely dominated by American competition, one dark horse from an exotic locale was able to bring home hardware.
After failing to record a win over the first two days of the tournament, Bermuda was able to put together two wins on Sunday, concluded by a 29-14 win over the U.S. Coast Guard in the Shield Final.
“We were delighted to play and be back again this year, it’s a big step forward for our development,” Veteran Bermuda scrum half Tom Healy said following the win.
The competitive action on the field was certainly a sight to behold, but what also made this year’s SRS tournament a rousing success were the weekend’s off-field events, which included a “Bruises and Brews” beer fest on Day Two of the competition and a “Taste of Glendale” on the final day of the competition.
“The participation of people locally is fantastic,” praised Mayor Dunafon. “Combine it with the beer festival and the Taste of Glendale it’s over the top. It’s really what this is all about, introducing Colorado to the sport of rugby.”
It’s another reason to check out next year’s edition of the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens tournament in addition to a chance to see the Glendale Raptors strive for another chance at glory.
“We can take a lot from this tournament and some of the younger players got a taste of what it’s like to play at the next level.” Coach Snyman said. “We look forward to regroup and get ready for next year’s tournament.”
by Mark Smiley | Aug 22, 2014 | Glendale City News
Company to perform natural gas line upgrade Aug. 26-28
Xcel Energy crews will be installing a major natural gas service line for a customer Aug. 26-28 in the Cherry Creek area; the project will impact traffic in the area as the company completes its work.
Xcel Energy will begin work for an underground boring operations beginning Aug. 26. On that day, the company will close one lane of eastbound traffic in the 2900 block of East First Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. MDT. On Aug. 27-28, the company will close two lanes of westbound traffic along the same street, also from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. MDT.
Motorists should expect significant congestion and delays during these lane closures. Alternative routes are suggested. Xcel Energy already has begun notifying local and commuter traffic in the area, through traffic message boards, of its work next week. On the day of the lane closures, barricades and traffic signs will be used to redirect traffic.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 1, 2014 | Glendale City News
by Marco Cummings
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
The summer weather isn’t the only thing heating up this time of year. The month of August also ushers in the heated competition of the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens (SRS) tournament, which will take place in Glendale on Aug. 15-17 at Infinity Park.
Rugby 7s is a faster paced version of the traditional 15-a-side rugby union, which is a sport that will debut at the Olympics at the Rio 2016 Games.
“It’s competitive, fast and skillful,” Glendale Raptors head coach Andre Snyman said of the competition. “We as a team like to play at this high level of competition, as it gives our players a great way to measure themselves against some of the best players out there.”
The Raptors will be participating as tournament hosts, having invited a variety of world-class rugby teams to RugbyTown, USA.
Glendale’s tournament offers high stakes. Seventeen teams from seven coun
tries (including three national teams) will be competing for the winner-take-all $10,000 purse as well as an automatic bid to the 2014 Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, in the homeland of Serevi founder and rugby legend Waisale Serevi, the “King of 7s.”
In addition to the national and club teams, each branch of the United States armed forces will be fielding a side. Each military team is made up of active duty and reserve servicemen.
The United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard won’t be the only military presence at the SRS tournament. The Royal Air Force Spitfires will also make the trip from the U.K. This year marks the Spitfires’ third visit to the City of Glendale.
“Our best moments have to be the awesome welcome we get from the city and its residents every time we visit RugbyTown, USA,” remarked Royal Air Force manager Steven Mills. “The facilities and the commentary team are awesome too!”
Long travel times have not deterred many of this year’s entrants to the SRS tournament. Bermuda will endure over eight hours of travel time before training and competing at the Mile High altitude, where the team will make its second appearance at the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens.
Bermuda will be one of two Caribbean participants in this year’s edition of the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens. Team Bahamas will make its inaugural appearance at the SRS tournament.
However, the teams from England and the Caribbean may not be the most exotic, nor the most well-traveled in this year’s tournament. The Republic of Georgia Rugby Club Academia is also scheduled to make an appearance. Hailing from a country nestled in the Caucasus region, which marks the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, the Georgian team is comprised of 13 ruggers and four coaches and trainers, many of whom are involved with the Georgian National Team.
Of course, one needn’t leave the defending SRS Champions out of the conversation. The USA All-Americans will look to defend their 2013 crown by making a visit to this year’s tournament. The team is comprised of many of the best collegiate talent from across the United States. Despite only being founded in 2011, the All-Americans already have many accolades on their résumés.
In addition to last year’s SRS Championship, they were SRS plate winners in 2012 and champions of USA Rugby’s All Star 7’s Cup that same year.
The All-Americans are just one of multiple former SRS champions making a return to the tournament in 2014. The USA Falcons, 2012 winners of the Serevi RugbyTown Sevens Championship will also make an appearance at this year’s tournament.
The Falcons serve as the development team for the U.S. Eagles National Sevens Team and one of multiple teams in the SRS tournament that boast players in the USA Men’s Eagles Sevens National Team player pool (including the Raptors).
Another SRS team loaded with up and coming talent on its roster is the Northeast Olympic Development Academy. The Northeast Rugby ODA has been sanctioned by USA Rugby as the official Academy in the Northeast USA and a designated pathway to USA Eagles selection.
Rounding out the American teams is the Texas-based Negro y Azul. The “Black and Blue” were Serevi Invitational Plate Champions in 2013 and are hoping to add a Serevi RugbyTown Sevens Championship to their trophy case in Austin.
While the United States will certainly be well represented at SRS, the Americans’ neighbors north and south of the border will also have teams in the hunt.
The Lionheart Elite 7s out of Edmonton will represent the Canadians. The globetrotting team earned a championship on home soil at the Vancouver 7s tournament in 2012, but holds hardware from as far away as Dubai.
The Mexican National Team (Mexico Serpientes) will visit Glendale from south of the border. Formalized in 2003, the Mexican Federation of Rugby, B.C. (FMRU) is relatively new on the stage of world competition, but “Los Serpientes” are beginning to make noise. Most recently, Mexico’s U19 team finished as 2014 NACRA Cup Champions held during the third weekend of July.
In addition to the rugby action, Glendale will host a Bruises and Brews beer fest on Saturday, Aug. 16 and a Taste of Glendale on Sunday, Aug. 17. The beer fest will feature unlimited tastings from 20 local craft breweries and distilleries while the “Taste of Glendale” will offer meals and treats priced at $5 or less from a selection of local eateries.
So whether you’re a newcomer or an avid rugger, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy at this year’s Serevi RugbyTown Sevens.쇓
