Illinois Youth Rugby Association
130 North Garland Court
Apt 4603
Chicago, IL 60602-4850
Contact Executive Committee
RUGBY IN THE NEWS
The following article about the Glen Ellyn Ducks Rugby Club was in their local newspaper. The Ducks are coached by Dan Wiseheart.
Read the full story...
Photo by Bill Ackerman of the My Suburban Life publications.
ROCHELLE HIGH school rugby
Chris Moore, A Physical Education teacher at Rochelle Middle School is forming a rugby team at the Rochelle High School. Chris was first introduced to rugby five years ago when he was serving the the US Marine Corps. Currently playing rugby for the Rockford Ravens, he has received help from his club side in getting the youth program started in Rochelle. Chris is also starting a tag rugby program at the Middle School this spring as part of the PE program. Chris has big plans with youth rugby in Rochelle as his next project is to start a girls team and then a Park District program this summer. David Hall, iYRA Vice President, presented Chris a game ball and four practice balls. The balls were donated by the iYRA with the help of American Rugby Outfitters.
DeKalb high school rugby
Joe Napolitano, a junior at DeKalb High School, has spearheaded the effort to form a rugby club at the school. Joe was a student at Oak Park last year when he had his first introduction to rugby. With nearly thirty students showing interest in the game of rugby and with the approval of Dan Jones, the school's Athletic Director, the fledgling rugby team has started training in the school's gymnasium. Mark Lancaster and Rick Turner, coaches of nearby Sycamore High School Rugby Club, are providing guidance to joe in organizing the club. Also Northern Illinois University Rugby Club are helping to coach the high school students. Shown in the picture is David Hall, iYRA Vice President, presenting Joe with a game ball and four practice balls in front of Dekalb high School's bell. The balls were donated the the DeKalb club by iYRA with the help of American Rugby Outfitters.
midwest Girls u-19 selects Jess Rogawski
Jess Rogawski of St. Charles Girls Rugby was selected to play prop for the Midwest Girls U-19 team. Jess is a Senior this year and plays forward for St. Charles, but rotates between prop and flanker. CONGRATULATIONS Jess!
For more about the Midwest Girls U-19 click here.
For the Midwest Girls U-19 Team Roster click here.
Area youth selected for national
u-19 team
Congratulations to St. Ignatius 2007 alumniJACK BRENNAN and St. Ignatius Senior BOBBY MULVANEY who have been selected to play for the USA National U-19 Team against Canada at the Freedom Cup which will be held in February over President's week-end. Jack and Bobby played for the Illinois All State Tornados in 2007. Jack is a Freshman at Dayton University.
Jack Brennan |
Bobby Mulvaney |
Click here for more information on the National U-19 team.
PEORIA VISIT
Tyke Nollman and David Hall, Illinois Youth Rugby Association Executive Committee members, traveled to Peoria on December 12, 2007 to meet with the youth rugby leaders from Peoria and Bloomington. Michael Schubach, of the Peoria Rugby Club, hosted a luncheon meeting at the local YWCA. Seven youth rugby administrators/coaches representing four clubs attended the meeting. They had a very interesting and productive three hour meeting. Tyke Nollman outlined the mission of the Illinois Youth Rugby Association, what we have accomplished in our first year and answered questions.
On their way back to Chicago, Tyke and David stopped off to scout out likely areas for a rugby field that would be suitable for playing games between Chicago area and Peoria clubs in order to reduce the travel time for both participating clubs.
YOUTH CONFERENCE ON THE GAME
This year's youth conference offered administrators, coaches, referees and volunteers the latest tools and methods used in developing programs that attract and retain young athletes to rugby. A series of interactive sessions by best practice experts unveiled the latest thinking on all components of building exceptional high school and youth rugby programs.
Participants were able to choose sessions based on their interest as tracks covered areas of youth, high school and technical development. Plenary sessions provided opportunities for networking, interactive discussion and contribution to national level developments. For more information, visit USA Rugby's web site at http://www.usarugby.org/default.asp.
MIDWEST SELECT SIDE TOURNAMENT
The Illinois Tornados swept into Elkhart on June 17, 2007 to compete in the Midwest Select Side Tournament. They started off the day reasonably calm against a well seasoned Indiana North High School team coached by U19 National team coach Bart Botoroff.
THE CODY CUP
On June 10, 2007 the Illinois Tornados traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to play the Wisconsin Youth Select Side for the Cody Cup. The Tornados put up a good performance against an opponent that was both bigger and more experienced and finally lost 44-21.
Illinois Youth Coach Nolan Day with Wisconsin Youth Coach Jeff Schramel
The improvement shown over last year's effort by the Tornados was apparent but they could not overcome the hard running of the bruising Wisconsin pack. At the post game awards, Wisconsin Coach Jeff Schramel made the comment that the Tornados had come a long way from the previous match last June in Rockford. The hospitality shown by the Wisconsin group was only surpassed by the camaraderie of the young players as they were able to mingle over a fine feast. Mt Carmel's Mike Barry was named Player of the Match for his two tries and hard defensive work on the wing. Flanker Ben Weiskopf of the Ducks showed that of his 175 pounds all of 150 pounds must be heart as he tackled like a battalion with reckless abandon.
The Cody Cup was presented to the Wisconsin team. The trophy was donated by Vic Hilarov, in memory of Michele Cody an avid rugby fan and dear to Vic, who was a founder of USA Rugby and the first President.
Tornados PLAY HALFTIME AT USA v Munster - AUGUST 26
On Sunday, August 26th, the USA National Rugby Team lost to the 2006 European Club Champions Munster Rugby from Ireland at Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Illinois. The iYRA Tornados played the Wisconsin U-19 All Stars prior to the game. Illinois won 20-18. Illinois and Wisconsin also had the opportunity to play a short scrimmage during halftime of the USA v Munster game..
