Thursday, December 29, 2016

2016-2017 Blackdog Game Schedule


1/20 - @ Elise Allen
1/28 - BYE
2/3 - @ Lancers
2/10 - @ Kennedy
2/17 - Home vs. Harlequins
2/24 - @ Sierra
3/4 - BYE (Vegas 7’s)
3/10 - Home vs. Sac PAL
3/17 - @ Cougars
3/24 - Home vs. Elk Grove
4/1 - BYE
4/8 - BYE/Rain Make-ups
4/15 - BYE (Easter)


* I’m assuming playoffs will be the same as the girls, so the last weekends in April, but we will let you know as that becomes available.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Get to know the Coaches

With the season just under way we wanted to give a little spotlight to all of our coaches so you can know a little bit about them!  

We also get a lot of help throughout the season from many of men's players, which is really awesome because it gives the kids plenty of people to learn from, watch and ask questions to.  We are one big club and family and everyone helps out in some way during the season!


Girl's Head Coach: Samantha Miller
Coaching Experience: 2011-present Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach 
                         2014 Head Coach Davis High School Girl's Rugby
                         2015-present Head Coach Vacaville Blackdog Girl's
                         2015 Master's degree in Coaching and Athletic Admin.

Playing Experience: 2009-11 Colorado Mesa University, ranked top 10
                              2010-11 West U23 Regional All-Star Team
                              2011 Division 2 All-American
                              2014-present Berkeley All Blues
Fun Fact: Originally from Colorado... but hates the snow, although does enjoy urban sledding (sleds pulled by a car).

Girl's Assistant Coach: Jordan Vermette
Coaching Experience: 2014-present Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Girl's

Playing Experience: 2012-15 high school rugby at Davis High School

                             Will be playing at UCD next fall
Fun Fact: She has swam from Alcatraz 3 times! And she loves making cupcakes, especially during finals week.


Girl's Assistant Coach: Zach Post

Coaching Experience: 2014-present Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Girl's

Playing Experience: 2003-07 Vacaville Blackdog Rugby (started in 8th grade)

10 years and counting for Vacaville Rugby Men's Club
Fun Fact: Used to get his hair in cornrows before games, and people would tend to pick on him a lot in games. He cut his hair, and he doesn't get picked on so much anymore.



Boy's Head Coach: Brett Fortney
Coaching Experience: 2012-14 Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby
2015-present Head Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

Playing Experience: 2007 Vacaville Blackdog Rugby 
                             2007-11 at Chico State, nationally ranked top 25
                   6 years and counting for Vacaville Rugby Men's Club
Fun Fact: At the time, only known Chico State player to actually get the Chico rugby logo (CSR) tattooed on him during the Rookie Scavenger Hunt.

Boy's Assistant Coach: Matt Hensley
Coaching Experience: 2012-present Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

Playing Experience: 2002-06 Vacaville Blackdog Rugby
                          2006-10 St. Mary's College, nationally ranked top 10
                          2010 Brother's Rugby Club, Australia
                11 years and counting for Vacaville Rugby Men's Club
Fun Fact: He wears the same t-shirt before every game while warming up.  And he LOVES Baldo's burritos.

Boy's Assistant Coach: Zane Miller
Coaching Experience: 2016 Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

Playing Experience: 1 year at Univ. of Alabama

                             1 year at Diablo
                             2 years at Univ. of San Francisco 
                             First year with Vacaville Men's Club 
Fun Fact: Once jumped onto a moving Taco Truck in Humboldt.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

High School Update:

Although the weather has been hard to cooperate with, we have had 2 weeks of practices now!  Everyone on both teams are doing great, learning lots, but we still have a lot left to learn before our games start!

Boys have a had a top turnout of 35 guys at practice, while the girls have had a top turnout of 25!  Great start and lets keep building on it!  We want that many people at practice every time!

PLEASE get all paperwork turned in ASAP! Everyone needs to fill out a Dues Assistance Sheet, even if you paid the full $200 already!  Concussion waivers are required to be able to play.  Get it turned in. 

Payment plans of $50 or $40 a month are due! Since we did not have practice on Thursday it needs to be turned in this Tuesday!  Please be timely with your payments, we need to be able to get everyone registered.  Talk to your coach with any questions.

Please get your mouth guard and cleats ASAP! Soccer cleats are the most preferred! No toe cleats (like on football cleats).  Black shorts and socks can be purchased online at worldrugbyshop.com, here is the link to the Vacaville store, http://www.worldrugbyshop.com/club/11434930/ or you can go to The Coliseum, 1595 Holiday Lane, Fairfield.  They are needed prior to the first game.

See everyone on Tuesday!


Sunday, December 11, 2016

2017 Lady Blackdog Game Schedule

Games are on Saturdays! Exact times and field addresses will be know about a week or two prior to the game.  Our away games are all around the Sacramento area. Please contact me with any questions! vacavilleblackdogrugby@gmail.com

Jan. 14th - Girls Kick Off Tournament Sacramento

Jan. 21st - Sac Valley Kick Off Tournament (undecided if we will be doing this one)

Jan. 28th - BYE

Feb. 4th - vs. Sierra (most likely @ Sierra)

Feb. 11th - @ Amazons

Feb. 18th - Home vs. Chico

Feb. 25th - Home vs. Gridley

March 4th - BYE (Vegas 7’s)

March 11-12th Tournament in Pleasanton

March 18th - @ Mother Lode

March 25th - Home vs. River City

April 1st - BYE/Rain Make-Ups

April 8th - BYE/Rain Make-Ups

April 15th - BYE/Easter

April 22nd - Quarterfinals
April 29th - Semifinals

May 6th - Finals

Thursday, December 8, 2016

HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE IS ON FOR TONIGHT!!
5:00-7:00 at 6319 Pleasants Valley Rd.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY! Rain coat, pants, tights, hat, (really just bring layers)

RUNNING SHOES ONLY, NO CLEATS!

We will have to play in this weather during season so we need to practice in it sometimes as well!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

DROP OFF SPOT For PRACTICE


If you are dropping off for high school practice please drop off at the location circled on the map.  After coming in the first gate you drive up to the first fork.  There, you can pull off to the side, drop off, and turn around.  It is too crowded up at the field with everyone trying to come and go.  Please and thank you!  We are working to find the most efficient way to do this! 

Sunday, December 4, 2016

SEASON INFO!
Club Contact info:
Email: vacavilleblackdogrugby@gmail.com
Club President: Matt Hefner
Boy’s Head Coach: Brett Fortney
Girl’s Head Coach: Samantha Miller

Practice: Tuesdays and Thursdays
               5:00-7:00 High School Boys and Girls
     7:00-9:00 Men’s Club
Starting Tuesday Dec. 6th!

Location: Yin Ranch 6319 Pleasants Valley Rd. Vacaville
Please arrive at the gate at 4:45!
Meet at Journey Coffee 869 Alamo Dr. to carpool to the ranch, or be dropped off at the gate!

Paperwork: Player info packet, concussion waiver, dues sheet can all be printed off the website.
Must have parent signature if under the age of 18!
Please get all paperwork filled out and turned in ASAP!
Cannot participate until concussion waiver is turned in!

Dues: $200 for the season - see dues sheet for payment options and info
$95 goes directly to USA Rugby/Rugby NorCal for registration
$105 goes to the team to help with field, lights, equipment, etc.
Cash and check accepted - checks payable to Vacaville Blackdog Rugby Club

Equipment: In order of importance: A mouthguard
   Soccer cleats
   Black rugby shorts
   Black soccer socks
  • Shorts and socks can be purchased at the Coliseum - 1595 Holiday Ln. Fairfield OR can be purchased online at worldrugbyshop.com

Please send us an email if you have any other questions or if you would like to help out this year with player administration or socials!  We love all the help we can get!


Tuesday, November 22, 2016

First H.S.Practice Dec. 1st @ 6:00!
Journey Coffee 896 Alamo Dr. Vacaville

The time has finally come for season to start! After many frustrating days and weeks of trying to find a field, we finally got one!

The first practice we will be meeting at Journey to discuss the practice location and guidelines surrounding our use there.
PLAYERS AND PARENTS MUST ATTEND!

We will also be getting much of the administrative work out of the was as well, so please bring with you:
1. Player paperwork 
2. Concussion waiver
3. Dues ($200 total) or whatever you can bring at this time
4. Student ID

We will have extra copies on hand if you have not printed yours yet (available on the website).

A parent signature is required on all paperwork if you are under the age of 18.  

You CANNOT participate until the concussion waiver has been turned in.

Please do your best (players and parents) to be there.  It will make the start of the season run that much more smoothly if we can all meet and start off on the same page and get any questions answered.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

** Player Assistance Fund **


YOU CAN HELP!!

Vacaville Rugby Club is starting a Player Assistance Fund to help athletes who cannot pay their full dues.  Each year, athletes are asked to pay $200 in dues.  $95 goes directly to USA Rugby and Rugby NorCal to register the athlete.  The remaining $105 goes to the team to help with the cost of fields, lights, and equipment.  Every year there are athletes who don't pay their full dues because of financial hardships.  With your help, we as a club can support those athletes who need assistance.  We don't want an athlete to miss out on the opportunity to play rugby because they can't pay their dues.  We want everyone to be given the chance to learn this incredible game and culture that we all love!  

Any donation you can make, big or small, makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated by everyone in Vacaville Rugby Club.  Thank you!


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

2016 USA Rugby College Seminar
Nov. 12th in Oakland @ Merritt College
OR
Nov. 13th in Sacramento @ McClatchy H.S.

The Rugger’s Edge is a college advisory firm that focuses on the unique needs of rugby players. The Rugger’s Edge works with the best colleges in the country to prepare material to help families find the perfect fit for their child. With an intimate knowledge of the landscape of US collegiate rugby and how athletic recruiting applies to college admissions, The Rugger’s Edge offers aspiring collegiate student-athletes sound advice to help reach the child’s goals and fulfill the family’s needs.”

Sunday, November 13 at CK McClatchy HS, The Rugger’s Edge is hosting a College Seminar for any players wishing to learn more about the below topics and SO MUCH more!
                How do I apply to college?
                What college offers a program that I’m interested in?
                What do I need to do in HS to help me get into college?
                Who do I contact if I want to play rugby?
                How do I write an application essay?

The Rugger’s Edge is partnering with ArborBridge (a high quality ACT test prep company) to offer a FREE Mock ACT exam for all interested students attending the college seminar. By taking this Mock ACT, each student will better understand the experience of taking an ACT, what types of questions will be asked, how long each section takes, etc. Once the students complete the Mock ACT, ArborBridge will grade the exams and give each student feedback on their performance, what their skills are, what sections need to be improved upon.

Lastly, there will be a college fair where colleges from across the country will be present for you to talk to them about their academic offerings and rugby programs.


Monday, October 31, 2016

What is Rugby??

Rugby is a team sport where 15 players on either side work to advance the ball (with no forward passing) and score a Try in the opposing team's Try Zone.

Where did it come from?  Rugby is believed to have began in 1823 when William Webb Ellis was playing soccer and he picked up the ball and ran with it.  Someone was probably unhappy about that decision and "tackled" him.  While there is no concrete evidence to support this story, it is so widely accepted that the World Cup trohpy is offically named the "William Webb Ellis Trophy".

Rugby is played in over 100 countries around the world, and across six continents.  There are even 7 countries where rugby is their national sport.  There has even been rugby games played in Antartica by American and New Zealander researchers!
Image result for rugby game in antarctica

Some rugby terms, rules and positions:

The ball can only be passed lateral or backwards, never forwards.  It can however, be kicked forward at any time.

Try: When the ball is placed on the ground in the Try Zone.  If it not placed on the ground under control it does not count. It is a literal touchdown, unlike American Football where it merely has to cross the line.  A Try is worth 5 points.  The kick after is worth 2 points, 7 points in total.
Image result for rugby try

Scrum: After certain infractions the game is re-started with a scrum.  The team who is awarded the scrum will feed the ball into the scrum giving their team and advantage to maintain possesion.  It consists of the forward pack of 8 players against the other team's forward pack.  With the Scrum Half (#9) rolling the ball in.

Lineout: When the ball is carried or kick out of bounds the game is re-started with a Lineout.  It is like a jump ball, a cheerleading lift and soccer throw-in all mixed into one.
 

Ruck: Rugby is a continuous game, much like soccer.  When a player gets tackeled the play does not stop there, like it does in American Football.  There is a contest for posession of the ball, called a ruck.  There are many rules surronding the ruck to keep the game moving along, as well as keep it safe.
 

Tackle: When a player is taken down to the ground by an opponent.  Both the ball carrier and the tackler must the release the ball, and the tackler the ball carrier. A ruck is formed.  Both players must attempt to get out the way so that the ball can be played.



Positions: There are 15 positions on the field.  The forwards make up the first 8 positions.  With the backs making up the remaining 7 positions.  While the positions do have some specific roles, the game of rugby is open and flowing.  Each player must pass, catch, run, tackle and ruck.  The number of the jersey corresponds with the position.
1. Loose Head Prop
2. Hooker
3. Tight Head Prop
4. Locke
5. Locke
6. Flanker
7. Flanker
8. 8 Man
9. Scrum Half
10. Fly Half
11. Wing
12. Inside Centre
13. Outside Centre
14. Wing
15. Fullback


Go search "Rugby" on YouTube and start watching!! Men's and women's rugby is played exactly the same, so it does not matter who you watch!  











Thursday, October 27, 2016

WHY YOU SHOULD PLAY RUGBY
Men’s, H.S. Boys & H.S. Girls
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  So here are a few thousands “words” to convince you that you should play rugby too. :)

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Plus, we have the cutest, craziest, most mean-mugging, new to the world, amazing kiddos there are! We have an amazing Rugby family!
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