Glendale Raptors Release
It’s bittersweet whenever anyone leaves the nest, but every Raptor lives in our hearts forever. Today, we would like to thank Zach Fenoglio, Casey Rock, Peter Dahl and Maximo de Achaval for everything they have done for the Glendale Raptors, and we want to wish them the best as they retire from rugby.
Casey Rock was one of the first members of the club, and he attended the first-ever Raptors camp in 2006! Casey had played for Marist Rugby Club in Whakatane, New Zealand and Brothers Rugby Club in Brisbane, Australia, but he became a member of Glendale’s first rugby team when he answered a newspaper ad for open tryouts. During Casey’s time at the club, he has won a national D1 championship in 2011, while being the runner up in 2007 and 2012. He also won the Pacific Rugby Premiership Championship in 2015 and 2016, while being a runner up in 2014, and he was a part of the MLR runner up team in 2018.
Zach was first inspired to take up rugby when high school friends told him he wasn’t tough enough for the sport (Not tough enough? Good thing hindsight is always 20/20.) Originally being involved in rugby as a way to stay in shape for football, Zach’s passion and love for the game grew and grew. It was the fall of 2013 where we had the privilege of being introduced to Zack and when we first welcomed him as a member of the Glendale Raptors. He was with the Raptors through the team’s most successful era; he was here as we won the Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP) 4 times and transitioned into Major League Rugby.
Peter Dahl came to Glendale from his hometown Wanaka, New Zealand; he was also on the team with Zach and Casey winning back-to-back PRP national championships in 2015 & 2016. Dahl had the privilege of representing the USA Eagles in both 7s and 15s rugby. Peter’s wife Katie also is a part of the Glendale Rugby family as both a player and a sidelines marshal during Raptors games. Not to mention their three children being some of the best Raptors fans the club will ever know.
Maximo de Archaval has been playing both rugby 7s and 15s at a high level for many years. He’s played with the Denver Barbarians in 7s where he played in several National Club 7s Championship tournaments. Maximo has been a part of the Glendale Raptors for the last few years and saw our transition to the major leagues and the MLR’s first Final in 2018.
All of us here at Glendale will miss you and are incredibly fortunate to have interacted with you four on a daily basis. Once again thank you for the time you put in, the effort you exhibited, and the leadership you showed. All the best going forward gents, we are excited to see what you do next!
Read articles about Zach Fenoglio, Casey Rock, Peter Dahl, and Maximo de Achaval!
Once a Raptor, always a Raptor. #RaptorStrong
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