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• August. 16th, 2010
Alumni Game Set For September 18th
Different Format Than In Years Past
The 2010 UNCC Rugby Alumni Game
will be held September 18th. Women's match is at noon, men play at 1:00. We could not secure an
opponent for this year's match, so we'll play a traditional style alumni game. Social to follow at Wild Wings on Mallard
Creek Church between I-85 and N. Tryon. For more information contact webmaster@unccrugbyalumni.com.
• May. 2nd, 2010
Alumni Association Earns 501(c)(3) Status
Max Robertson Receives Letter From IRS Friday Evening
Usually letters from the IRS are not eagerly anticipated.
However, for the last several weeks members of the UNCC Rugby Alumni Association's board have checked the mail box each day - sometimes
twice each day - looking for the final word on the 501(c)(3) application. Friday evening Max Robertson was notified
by the association's accountant that the IRS' letter approving our status as a 501(c)(3) organization had been received.
The designation is a culmination of months of work and is a major step in the overall long term plans for the association and the development of the club.
• Feb. 27st, 2010
Charlotte Earns First Win of Spring Campaign
Two Late Tries Earns Comeback Victory
Charlotte Secures Lineout In Last Minutes of Match vs. Elon
Charlotte secured it's first win of the season with a 15-10 win
over the Elon Phoenix. The win was in doubt for most of the match as Elon led 7-5 with only seven minutes to play.
The turning point came when Elon was awarded a penalty and chose to kick for points from nearly 35 meters out.
The kick, if converted, may have been the final nail. Fortunately it drifted wide, swinging the momentum in Charlotte's favor.
Charlotte's forwards turned over the next scrum leading to a long run by Charlotte's inside center to put the ball
near the try line. Taking advantage of an offside call, Charlotte ran in the penalty to take a 10-7 lead.
Following a stolen lineout the ball ended up in Francis Sedgwick's hands. From nearly 15 meters out Sedgwick drug
nearly three Elon defenders with him and over the line to secure the win.
• Feb. 21st, 2010
49ers Drop Matrix Home Opener
Encouraging Improvement In All Aspects Noted
Story By Tom Inch
Charlotte's Tackling Effort Very Good Vs. Determined Duke Backs
The second game of the weekend saw the Green machine
take on the visitors from Duke, whose game the previous day v Davidson was cancelled. Mean green numbers were
boosted by the return of Brad Hughes and Tyewhan Luke and the debut of James "Clay" Kiser. An injury to Andrew
Ksionsk, a veteran of European Rugby, during his time with the services, meant another reshuffle in the pack.
Tired legs made a ferocious start to the game, scoring in the corner after a flowing move that
involved most of the team. It was a full 8 minutes of play before Duke finally got any possession, unleashing
their backs to score two tries in each half and taking the final score to 25-5.
Despite the score line and the tired legs, the difference in the level of commitment
by the team was amazing. All aspects of the game improved. Tackling and rucking were solid. The backs
ran some sweeping moves and the game flowed up and down the field. Both sides had scoring opportunities
denied by solid defense but superior back play enabled Duke to overload the defense, scoring 3 of their 4
tries in the corner.
• Feb. 20th, 2010
Charlotte Frustrated in 28-3 Loss at Guilford
Rookies Step Up In Key Positions
Story By Tom Inch
Charlotte Takes a Lineout Vs. Guilford
The first game of the matrix season was a hike
over to Greensboro to take on Guilford College, a side that the mean machine had easily defeated in
the fall. Numbers were short, with only two subs available and the team also fielded Jordan, and Gerad
who were making their debut appearance in a game of rugby.
Mobility in the forwards and some shaky defense saw the home team run in four tries to
finish with a final score of 28-3, with most of the points scored in the first half.
Despite the constant pressure, the team kept their cool, defended with heart and on several
occasions narrowly failed to capitalize on break away opportunities. Brendan Blevins had to leave the
field, after a stray boot opened a deep gash on his nose. Front Jumping duties fell to Matt Perrine.
• May 25th, 2009
Alumni Prevail in Extra Time 42-37
Overcome Early 12 Point Deficit To Avenge Two Straight Losses
The 'Old Boys'
overcame an early 12-0 deficit to defeat UNCC 42-37 in extra time, thus proving the adage "old age
and treachery will always overcome youth and skill."
Charlotte jumped out to a quick 12-0 advantage, scoring two tries in the opening minutes
of the match. The alumni were obviously overwhelmed by the speed and endurance of the college side so
less than conventional tactics were needed. The Old Boys turned to 12 man scrums and
putting props in with the backs to form rolling mauls. The old boys made up ground when keeping the ball
amongst the pack where they enjoyed a considerable weight (read girth) advantage.
The teams traded scores until the Old Boys took a 10 point advantage into the closing minutes.
Charlotte rallied with some ferocious play late including an impressive penalty conversion and a try in the
closing seconds of the match.
The alumni put the opening kick of the extra session deep into Charlotte territory.
The kick was mishandled, giving the alumni a scrum near the 22. Perhaps reaching back to those glory years gone
by the old boys were able to control the scrum and keeping the ball in the pack push a maul over for the winning
try.
Thanks to all the alumni who took the time out of their busy schedules to travel to Charlotte
and celebrate 20 years of "Mean Green" rugby. See you next year!.
Saadat |
• May 25th, 2009
Iman Sadaat Wins "Unsung Hero" Award
UNCC Recognizes Rugby Club President's Dedication
UNCC Rugby Club President Iman Saadat was recognized by
UNC Charlotte for his dedication to the club and team with the presentation of the "Unsung Hero" award. The award,
presented annually, recognizes those who sacrifice personal time and resources to do the day-to-day work essential
to an organization's success. Iman was selected from a pool of candidates from all university clubs,
organizations and colleges.
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• May 15th, 2009
Womens' Rugby Club Wins Two Awards
Club President April Simmons announced
today that the UNCC Womens' Rugby Club was presented with two awards. The first, New Outstanding Organization,
recognizes the ladies' efforts building a new team and club. The second, Sports Club of the Year, recognizes
the on the field success of the young squad.
• May 10th, 2009
Rugby Club Helps Test Campus Security System
Police Actually Glad To See Rugby Players For A Change
Members of the UNCC Rugby team spent a few evenings
roaming campus and testing the university's blue light security system. The blue lights are stationed
in various areas around campus. A button is located on the front of the light panel that allows anyone
in distress to easily contact police. In a tragic case earlier this year one of the panels did not work, prompting
the rugby club to volunteer to test the entire system. The rugby club's efforts helped identify
potential problems and prioritize were repairs should be made.
• May 1st, 2009
Give Blood, Play Rugby
Club Coordinates Red Cross Blood Drive at the S.A.C.
UNCC Rugby helped the Red Cross
coordinate a blood drive at the Barnhardt student activity center. Blood and blood
product levels are needed now at greater levels than in previous years.
• March 13th, 2009
Womens' Rugby Back at UNCC!
After a nearly nine year absence
womens' rugby has returned to UNC Charlotte. The project to restart the womens' program
began nearly two years ago by then club president Rian Geldenhyus. Iman Sadaat carried on
the effort after Geldenhyus' graduation, and along with the effort of many current club
officers, helped re-usher in the womens' team. Matches have been scheduled for the spring
of 2009 with a full slate of games planned for 2009 and eventual matrix play in
spring of 2010. April Simmons was named the womens' club president for 2009.
• December 10th, 2008
It's Official, Alumni Association Incorporated
Documents Received Today From NC Sec. of State
A six month odessey into the realms
of legaldom culminated today when Elaine Marshall, NC Secretary of State, officially recognized
UNCC Rugby Alumni Association's articles of incorporation. The UNCC Rugby Alumni Association, Inc.
was formed under the terms of chapter 55A of the state's general statutes for non-profit, charitable
corporations.
"This is a big day, I'm really excited" commented Max Robertson. Max's work was key
to getting the paperwork done and filled with the state.
2008-09 board members are: Charlie Dow, President; Max Robertson, Vice President and
Matt "Buggman" Pelletier, Treasurer. Each year the club president and team captain will also
be members of the board. Association meetings will be held monthly and all alumni are encouraged
to attend. Meeting minutes will be made available for review.
There are several documents currently being prepared and filed with the NC Department of
Revenue and the IRS to obtain the 501(c)(3) designation. Such designation will allow all
contributions to the association to be tax deductible.
More information will be made available as to meeting times and locations and tax
status. Please contact Charlie Dow for more
information.
• October 18th, 2008
UNCC Leaves No Doubts, Defeat Cougars 35-0
Builds Strong Momentum Going Into State Tourny
For the second time in less than a week
the 49ers faced the Charleston Cougars. The match started slowly with Charleston's speedy
outside center causing problems for UNCC's back line. Charleston had the first scoring
chance of the day, a drop goal attempt from 20 meters sailed just wide. Charleston's
pack dominated most of the scrums, pushing deep into Charlotte territory. The 49ers
held thier ground extremely well once their backs were against the try line. Charleston
was able to maintain possession within 10 meters of the try line for uncomfortably long periods
of time. Nearly all of Charlotte's scoring came from break outs and were in large part
due to the efforts of an extremely talented rookie back. UNCC did have moments of genius
when ferocious rucking combined with a series of impressive back combinations led to
large gains in territory. Once again, Charlotte demonstrated they are not afraid to hit.
Several legal tackles were severe enough to draw either an unwarranted yellow card
or a stern lecture from the official.
Charlotte takes it's three game winning streak into the NC State tournament
this weekend in Danville, VA.
• October 14th, 2008
49ers Post 2-2 Record at Rucktoberfest
Womens Rugby Recruits Also Participate
Although not meeting team goals, the effort was
solid. Charlotte played well in their losses, falling only to more experienced sides.
Charlotte's B-side opened with a 22-3 loss vs. Elon (A). The Niners A-side next met
AHO and played an extremely tight match with the Mountaineers coming out on top 10-3.
Sunday's effort resulted in two blowout wins. The A-side blew past WCU 44-5 and the
B-side handled Charleston 32-0. There was a little animosity evident between
the two teams after the match that may carry over to Saturday's match against the Cougars
at Charlotte.
The future of Charlotte womens rugby traveled to Boone to participate in
the tournament. Maddy Clark, April and Kimberly Gordon joined up with UVA and NC State
against James Madison, UNC, ECU and Virginia Tech. Maddy Clark's effort was especially
impressive. She was invited to play with the U-23 women's team this Sunday in Charleston.
• September 27th, 2008
Charlotte Thumps Duke 49-14
B-Side Dominates, Scores 25 Points In 30 Minutes
In a prelude to spring 2009 matrix play the 49ers
sent a message to Duke with a solid 35 point win. The game opened slowly as both sides played a
game of field position for the first 45 minutes. Charlotte led at the half 14-8. The second half
opened with back to back high tackle penalties, putting Charlotte 2 men down for nearly 10 minutes.
The aggressive play paid off however, as the 49ers scored 35 unanswered points and cruised to victory.
"We were a bit undisciplined at the opening of the (second) half," commented club president
Iman Sadaat. "There was some frustration that carried over from the first half. We tried
to do some things we worked hard on in practice and they (Duke) seemed to have an answer. We
stuck to Coach's plans and it really opened up in the second half."
Charlotte's b-side dominated the second match of the day, scoring 25 points in an
abbreviated 30 minute match. Charlotte's rookies were solid and their effort was
definitely noticed. "They don't play like rookies," commented alumni association
board member Matt Pelletier. "They are focused, they hit gaps with good speed. The coaches
are doing a very good job."
• September 28th, 2008
49ers Prep For Rucktoberfest
Charlotte Will Field Two Teams In Tourny
Charlotte rugby takes next week off and
will prepare for the annual trek to Boone, NC to participate in the annual Rucktoberfest tournament.
Charlotte enters it's first tournament since the summer sevens tournaments at Asheville, NC and Clover, SC.
The 49ers look to carry over some of the success from winning the Clover 7's and the added experience
from a tough 7-5 win over Carolina at Belle Chere to Boone.
Charlotte will be fielding two teams in the tournament for the first time in club history.
Quick Notes:
• Charlotte's two full sides fielded at Rucktoberfest are due to the extensive
summer recruitment efforts paying off. Team officers held recruitment clinics at all major
university events, collecting information from over 200 potential players. The 49ers consistantly
have 40-50 players at every practice.
• Charlotte has fielded a full "b-side" at each of the first three matches this fall.
• September 21st, 2008
B-Side Gets Big Comeback Victory
Overcomes 27 Point First Half Deficit
The 49ers b-side overcame a 27 point first
half deficit and defeated UNC-G 29-27. The second half domiance included 5 unanswered tries and two
successful conversions. Charlotte trailed 22-27 with two minutes remaining and were able to put one
over to tie the score as time expired. Flyhalf Jay Klein converted a 30 metre conversion from the
side line to complete the comback.
• September 6th, 2008
Match with Guilford Cancelled
Guilford Unable to Travel to Charlotte
An early morning call confirmed what many
suspected would be the case, today's match vs. Guilford A has been cancelled. Guilford was unable
to make the trip to Charlotte due to a few complications including tropical storm Hannah.
Charlotte's next match is scheduled for Saturday September 13th vs. Gastonia RFC. The location
for the match has yet to be determined.
• July 26th, 2008
Charlotte Takes Clover 7s Championship
Niners Shut Out All Four Opponents
UNCC takes the Clover Sevens Rugby Championship
by defeating Tobacco Road 54-0 in the final match. Charlotte shut out all four of their opponents,
for a combined score of 154-0. Charlotte was led by Will Sloop, James "Red" Wayne and Johan
Posthumus. The niners move on to Asheville this weekend for the Belle Chere 7s tournament.
• July 19th, 2007
Old Boys Get Together For Annual Golf Tournament
Tradition Approaches Ten Years
Members of Charlotte's first
rugby team came together at Sunset Hills golf course for a yearly tradition known as
"UNCC Old Boys Golf Tournament, Croquet Tournament and Black Snake Hunting Exhibition." Yes,
in addition to golf there is a croquet tournament (it's not your grandmother's croquet)
and black snake hunting is also part of the day's events. Fred Phifer came out the days big winner,
his foursome turned in the lowest score of the day and he successfully defended his
2007 croquet championship. Unfortunately no black snakes were found this year. In addition,
Scott Goodman demonstrated his swimming prowless by crossing a channel under 7 minutes and during
a thunderstorm.
The tradition has been going strong for nine years. The tenth anniversary of
the golf/croquet tournament and black snake hunting exhibition coincides with the twenty year
anniversary of the founding of UNCC rugby.
Thanks to the Sherwoods for organizing and hosting the event. A good
time had by all.
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Dead Raccoon, 17th green
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• July 19th, 2007
Womens' Rugby Team A Possibility
Initial Recruitment Survey Very Positive
After a seven year plus absence, womens' rugby
at UNCC could become a reality again. Members of the mens' team have officially begun forming a womens'
side. Efforts were sparked by the presence of numerous womens' alumni from the 1998-2000 squad
at this year's annual alumni game."It's a real positive for our club," said Iman Sadaat, current club president. "As
our club grows the formation of a womens' side helps build even more momentum going
forward."
Currently the team is surveying potential players at on campus SOAR sessions. Initial
results show tremendous interest and have turned up women with previous experience at
the college and high school levels.
Pending numbers, the womens' side will practice twice a week with three to five matches
this fall before taking on a full schedule spring 2009.
• January 12th, 2007
Jim "Blackhook" Kinghorn's A Dad!
Shona Delivers A Healthy Baby Boy
UNCC Rugby Alumni Association
is proud to announce the birth of Blair Kinghorn. Blair is the son of Shona and
Jim Kinghorn (Edinborough, Scotland, UK). Jim says all is well with the baby and
Shona, "Hi everyone, just wanted to let you all know we had a little baby boy at
the weekend - Blair Kinghorn. Shona and Blair back from hospital yesterday and
all going well. We had a short game of rugby in the yard with him today but I
was able to stop him getting in and I a few against him so maybe I can still do
it." Jim was a member of Charlotte Rugby 1998-99 and was a NCRU selection both
years.
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• November 17th, 2007
Charleston Outlasts 49ers 22-31
Cougars Talented Backs Hard to Contain
After a long drive down
to Charleston Saturday morning with a squad of 17 players, UNCC took on the Cougars
in Mean Green's final match of the season. Even though Charlotte did not bring down their strongest
squad, the 49ers made a valiant effort to stick with the very talented backline
of CofC.
To the surprise of the home crowd, UNCC scored first with scrumhalf Brad
Hughes taking it in from 5m out. UNCC and CofC traded scores for most of the game
with James Wayne scoring from a maul and Robbie Hewett making a play from flyhalf
and running the try in from almost the halfway line. Discipline
issues and a very strict ref forced UNCC to make many changes in the pack
after several players were yellow and red carded. Lack of depth
caused inconsistency in the pack and backline. Several
position changes during the course of the game were a distraction, however, Charlotte
managed to keep the score close.
With 15 minutes left in the game, UNCC
scored again to draw within two points at 22-24.
Unfortunately, CofC scored in the final minutes to put the match away
22-31 with the Mean Green losing their first non-tournament game of
the season. CofC will be traveling to Charlotte next season for a rematch.
• November10th, 2007
Charlotte Routs UNC-G 60-5
49ers Send Message to Spring Matrix Opponent
With yet another big home crowd
in attendance, UNCC looked impressive against a Spring Matrix opponent. With new coach Kiwi
Rayner at the game, players were more focused and played better as a team. With some work
on lineouts and scrums in previous weeks of practice, the forwards showed their ability to
take control of UNCG’s possession on many occasions and managed to steal lineouts and win
opposing scrums by wheeling it or just tearing through with their new cadence. Almost all
players in the backline scored tries with excellent individual runs and backline plays.
UNCG will be traveling to our pitch again next season for our second Matrix match in
February.
• November 3rd, 2007
Charlotte Handles Lander 45-12
Second Win Over Blue Army
After a slow start, UNCC was able
to cross the line with Johan scoring first off a pop kick. The game was slow in going with
both teams playing very well on defense. This game was by far closer than the first
meeting between our teams. With less than 10 minutes left in the half, the score was
tied after Lander scored to bring the two teams to 12-12. Lander drove close to the
UNCC line and was trying to score off a quick tap with their forwards, when Rian was
injured on the play. Some changes were made to the lineup and after a talk at half
time from the Captain Johan, the team was able to surge back and score 33 unanswered
points in the second half after excellent backline play. Lander fought well until
half time, but UNCC would go on to control most of the position and territory in
the second half and finish strong.
• October 21st, 2007
Charlotte Runs Through Lander
49ers Offensive Power Too Much For Lander's D
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UNCC Rugby scored early and often, easily
handling the Lander University "Blue Army" 54-0. Charlotte was paced by Will Sloop
and Johan Posthumus who eached scored two tries. Charlotte's fall record improves to 4 wins with 2 losses.
Pending finding a team to play an open date this weekend, Charlotte's next match is against
the same Lander squad in Greenwood, SC Saturday November 3rd.
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• October 20th, 2007
Coaching Staff Addtion
Dave "Kiwi" Rayner Joins Staff
UNCC Rugby would like to welcome Dave
"Kiwi" Rayner as the newest member of the UNCC Rugby coaching staff. Rayner comes from
New Zealand where he was a member of the Waikato rugby squad. Rayner has prior coaching
experience in New Zealand as well as Pittsburgh, where he lived prior to
moving to Charlotte. Rayner becomes the third member of the coaching
staff, teaming with John Brown and John Colville.
• October 20th, 2007
Front Fields To Be Demolished
Work On New Campus Entrance To Finally Begin
Saturdays match against Lander may be the last match played on the front
field. The University will finally begin construction on the new front
entrance. The project was rumored to take place as early as 1998. The
bulldozers will finally start moving in sometime late this month or
early November. UNCC Rugby began playing on the front fields 1993 after
playing most matches on the field located above the soccer/soft-ball
complex. The current team will now move back to the original field and
will utilize the new athletic fields (located along hwy. 29) with
lighting for night matches.
• October 19th, 2007
NC State Tournament Cancelled
Team Seeks Match For Open Date
The 2007 NC State Tournament, held in
Danville, VA, has been cancelled. Virginia Parks and Recreation officials decided the fields
are to be re-seeded. VA Parks and Rec. representatives called NCRU officials and cancelled
reservations made many months ago. The NCRU attempted to reschedule or relocate the tournament.
Unfortunately a facility could not be located on such short notice. The NCRU plans on
holding the annual event again in the fall of next year.
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