The 3rd Annual Baylor Rugby Alumni game was the largest one yet. The weekend began at Ninfa’s where we had a party of 30 or so Alums chatting up the good ‘old days and catching up on years gone by. Following dinner we had our first corporate meeting to discuss the operations and running of the Baylor Rugby Association, its goals, its purpose and its direction. This was a very fruitful meeting and some very good ideas were thrown around by all. We will be focusing our attention in 3 main areas over the next year. First, we will be looking to expand our board to allow more members to get involved in the running of the BRA. Secondly, we will look at membership options for the association and what you are granted for being a member. Finally, we will be gathering information about forming a partnership/scholarship with Baylor University and how all of the details of that relationship will work out.
Following the meeting everyone retired to be ready for the game the next morning.
Around 10am preparations began to set up the field, set up the tents, prepare the food, etc. We would like to thank Denise, Ashley, Brenna, Meredith, and Wes for getting everything prepared and making sure the booth ran smooth. Also we would like to thank Mr. Ferguson for cooking up all of the burgers and dogs for after the game and the Lowes for helping with all of the cleanup.
By 10:30 the Alumni numbers had swollen to around 40 and hundreds of supporters and family members turned out, we decided we would institute a hockey substitution method, and being as it was an Alumni game the referee had no qualms.Eric Tuitjer decided it was appropriate to bring back the Tukutela so all 40 alumni ran out on the field and instilled a touch of fear into the BURFC.
The game kicked off and as they say the rest is history. The Geezers were able to mount wave of attack after wave of attack and handily won 50 – 25. At times the BURFC looked pretty crisp and has a good foundation of talent, but they will need to put in the hard work over the next several months to realize their potential. Under the tutelage of new coaches Nick Lane and Jeff Reuther the guys should have a very successful season.
The BURFC once again select Dr. Lewin for some nice tackling as the “Prehistoric Primetime Player”.
The Geezers selected Gavin Goetchius for the “Young Buck Award” for his field generalship and some bone crunching tackles.
Following the game Dr. Lewin graciously hosted us at his house for a BBQ and a dip in his pool. This allowed the alumni and team to get to know one another and cool off after the long day or rugby.
Around 7pm everyone began to gather at Cricket’s Grill for a good time on Saturday night. We are very appreciative of the $1,000 donation that Cricket’s has made to the BRA and were more than happy to pay them back by spending the remainder of the evening having a great time there with friends and family.
This years Baylor Rugby Alumni Festival was the greatest one yet and through all of the hard work of the Fundraising Chairs and others we are confident it will only grow. We were able to raise $4,763.60 and will be looking to roll that into a CD so that we can continue to build our endowment and start to see some substantial returns.
Thank You List for the 3rd Annual BRA Festival:
Fundraising Leaders – Matt Lewis, Zachary Oliphant, Brian Dusablon, and Cody Riles
Cricket’s Grill Sponsorship raised by Tay Bagley $1,000
Wes and Denise Oliphant $500
Zachary and Ashley Oliphant $500
Trevor Wardlaw $200
Robert and Karen Howell $150
Matt Rinker $100
Dr. John Blakeman $75
Nick Lane and Jeff Reuther for donating their time to coach the team.
Dr. Lewin – After Game BBQ
Mr. Ferguson – BBQ at the Field
Meredith, Ashley, Denise, Brenna, the Lowes and others for running the booth.
Everyone who registered for the event.
Everyone who purchased a shirt and made a donation at the event.
Randy Campbell for coming down to referee the game.
The Clarion Hotel
Front Row Outfitters
We all cannot wait for next years game which I am sure can only be bigger and better!!!
Photo Set from the Festival CLICK HERE (If you have others please email them to us – Thanks)