March 13, 2017
Inaugural Bonnies HS Boys Rugby Challenge Cup
Doug Coil
St. Bonaventure Men’s Rugby Club is a member of the D1A Rugby East Conference. Tui Osborne, Head Coach of the program, has them improving rapidly and is one of the leading coaches in the United States.
St. Bonaventure Rugby Club will host the inaugural Bonnies High School Boys Rugby Challenge Cup on March 25, 2017 with the following four teams participanting in the tournament: Kenmore, Orchard Park, Canisius, and Fairport.
The teams will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the tournament, as well as tour the campus. With the exposure to the campus and coaches, players hopefully will recognize the quality of the academic programs and of the rugby program.
For those family members traveling to this tournament, St. Bonaventure also has a women’s rugby program as well, coached by Clarence Picard.
Tournament Schedule and Fixtures:
Kenmore(A), Orchard Park(B), Canisius(C), Fairport(D)
10am: A vs B
1050: C vs D
1140: A vs C
1230: B vs D
Lunch Break/SBU Tour
330pm: A vs D
420: B vs C
**20 minute halves with a 5 min halftime/Rolling subs allowed
Points System: Wins, Points Differential and Tie Breaker- total tries
Quotes from Coaches:
Steve Caruana- Kenmore RFC Head Coach:
“We are really looking forward to some early season rugby. We sometimes struggle to get outside this early with the weather. Bonnie’s will be a great venue and the chance for us to see what kind of team we are putting together this year before the league starts”.
Fairport RFC – Head Coach- Joe Kirsh :
“Despite graduating 32 seniors last year, Fairport looks to win its third straight Rugby NY Western Conference title with a core group of experienced players. In the forwards Luke Goodwin will find the try-zone often with his dynamic running ability and Hunter Totsline will accumulate a high tackle count. In the backs, Rhys Lawther and Chris Ayer will be difficult for defenses to contain.”
Canisius RFC – Asst./Forwards Coach – Kevin Wiles:
“Looking forward to a good season from our seniors, Doar Doar, Jack Wiles, Jake Millitelo and Jake Ostrowski. This tournament is a great way to kit start the season and we are looking forward to it. Thanks to St. Bonaventure of hosting!”
Orchard Park RFC –Asst. Coach- Athony Crispo:
“We’re really excited about the number of returning players we have this year. We played very close games last year and we think we’re ready to take the next step this year. The players have really enjoyed starting training earlier this year and look forward to seeing the results at the St Bonaventure tournament.”
