Cameron Walton

The Memphis Tigers fell to the visiting Mississippi State Bulldogs last Saturday.  The bulldogs came to Memphis short and were bolstered by several of the Memphis Kings.

Post match analysis shows the loss was associated with several factors:

• The Tigers fresh off of their trip to the SIRC 7s tournament clearly were off their 15s game.  Most of the Bulldogs points
  

  Hayden Snyder

  were scored in the first half before the coaches could make critical defensive adjustments.

• Thankfully, we have some very good new players. Unfortunately, they have not had
  

  William Gibson

  time to learn our offensive and defensive strategies, leaving missed opportunities and gaps in our defense.

• We are still in search of a kicker. As Swat has said, if you can kick, you get to start,
  

  Captain Chris Lemons

  even if you have never seen a rugby game before.  We are that desperate.

This was a very frustrating loss for the Tigers and the lads were clearly disappointed.  What made the loss more disappointing is that most of the players played their hearts out.  The Tigers to a man were aggressive to the very end.  Powerful running plays moved the ball nicely into position only to become stopped by a knock or fumble after the tackle.

We will get to work as soon as the weather lets up.  We have a lot of season to play and we will get better with each match.  The lads are gelling as a team and they have lots of heart.  I am confident we will sort these issues out.

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Please update your Kroger Card for Tiger Rugby.  Kroger requires that you select your funds to go to the Tigers each January.  So, if you have signed up in the past, please sign up again.  This is free money.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page to learn more and sign up today.  Discover how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.

Rob Halcomb pinned by Connie Griffin

Rob Halcomb lends his support to the Tigers by contributing $100 to the Tigers following his referring of the team against Miss State on Valentines Day 2015.  “We feel the love”, stated Coach Cole.  “The Tigers are very grateful for this and each contribution.”

In appreciation of his contribution, Connie Griffin (club bookkeeper, videographer, and team supporter) pinned Rob at Ubee’s restaurant. Rob will get the trinkets that are provided to Tiger Rugby 100 contributors.  At present we have a Tiger Rugby tie and pin.

The Memphis Tigers incur just over $20,000 in cost each year due to travel, game day cost and equipment expenses.  The players pay over $500 to play each year and the cost drives some away from the sport.  Borrowing from tiger football Highland 100 club, the vision of Tiger Rugby 100 is for 100 past players, supporters and friends to give $100 each year to fund half of our team cost.

Rob lending his support is especially sweet.  Though he did not play at Memphis, he has developed an appreciation for the team and the values we hold.  As a Life University rugger, he knows excellent rugby.  He transitioned to refereeing a few years ago and is quickly becoming one of the best referees in the area.

We call on all Tiger fans and supporters to joint Tiger Rugby 100.  We need your support.  Click here to discover how.  Thanks for giving to the club.

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Please sign up your Kroger Card with Tiger Rugby again.  Kroger requires that you select your funds to go to the Tigers each January.  So, if you have signed up in the past, please sign up again.  This is free money.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page to learn more and sign up today.  Discover how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.

William Gibson with team captain Chris Lemons

Prior to the match yesterday between the Tigers and Miss State, William Gibson was honored with a Tiger Medal for his play as Best Forward against Georgia Southern last October.  Also, he was presented a plaque in honor of his first try as a Tiger against the Kings in November 2014.

The Tigers have chosen to memorialize significant play of players such as man of the match, best back and best forward when players so distinguish themselves.  William is new to the sport, but plays his heart out each day and every play. Being a strong athlete, he picked up the nuances of the sport very quickly and is one of our best forwards each match.

We are pleased to have William on the team and are grateful for his contributions as a Tiger Rugger.

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Please sign up your Kroger Card with Tiger Rugby again.  Kroger requires that you select your funds to go to the Tigers each January.  So, if you have signed up in the past, please sign up again.  This is free money.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page to learn more and sign up today.  Discover how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.

Captain Chris Lemons

Captain Chris Lemons will lead his Tigers against Mississippi State this Saturday the 14^th (Valentine’s Day!). All are invited to come this Saturday at 1:00pm to watch the Tigers in 15s mode again. We have had good practices this week and I think we are back on track with our 15s play.  Come out and check out our new game strategy.

Prior to our match White Station and Germantown high school teams will be playing. They kick off at 10:30.

Starting Side:1. Justice Houston 2. Justin Myers 3. Matt Hill 4. William Gibson 5. Hayden Snyder 6. August Stevens 7. Aaron Miles 8. Chris Lemons (Captain) 9. Thomas Strickland 10. Kyle Baker 11. Cameron Walton 12. Sam Toliver 13. Bert Milam 14. Ronnie Parnell 15. Mike Edwards  (All players with dues current will play. Players be there at 11:30, dressed and ready to play.)  

Referee: Rob Halcomb

Kickoff:  1:00

Pitch: Memorial Field – All matches are at 1:00 unless otherwise noted.  Home games are played at Memorial Field on the campus of University of Memphis.  You can find Memorial Field by following your GPS to 451 Zach Curlin Street  Memphis, Tennessee.  You cannot see the field from the street because the field is 25 feet above street level.  You can see the goalposts sticking up through the trees.  Park acrossthe street and walk up to the field. Bring a lawn chair and sit on the track.  There are no bleachers.  We have water and restroom facilities handy.

Social: Ubee’s Restaurant

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Plus, sign up your Kroger Card with Tiger Rugby.  This is free money.  Kroger will give the Tigers money based on how many folks cards are signed up with the Tigers.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page on this website and see how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.

Tiger 7s Team

Captain Chris Lemons led his Tigers to Savannah, Georgia to participate in the South Independent Rugby Conference 7s tournament on February 7.  The Tigers took 8 brave soldiers into battle who fought the good fight.

Friday was travel day and it took 11 hours to get to Savannah.  Saturday they won their first match when Florida International University forfeited to them.  Then our lads went into battle.

Though the Tigers did not win their matches, they learned a lot about rugby, 7s and each other.  These were the faithful of our club and we owe then a great debt of gratitude.   We also owe a debt of gratitude to Coaches Steve Swatzyna and Tony Lubiani, who worked hard to switch the players from 15s mode to 7s mode, then took care of them over the weekend.  Also, great thanks to Coach Carey Stevens who drove the boys and helped with trip logistics.

Tigers at the Beach

After the tournament, the boys went out to the beach at Savannah and played at the edge of the Atlantic.  Of course, ladies were at the beach and they were clearly enamored by our ruggers.

So, thanks to the brave Tigers for playing hard.  Now back to 15s.  (We have Miss State this Saturday at home.)

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Plus, sign up your Kroger Card with Tiger Rugby.  This is free money.  Kroger will give the Tigers money based on how many folks cards are signed up with the Tigers.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page on this website and see how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.

SIRC

The Memphis Tigers head to Savannah, Georgia tomorrow to participate in the South Independent Rugby Conference 7s Tournament this weekend.  The travel team was selected based on play during the Bluff City 7s Challenge tournament last weekend.

Steve Swatzyna and Tony Lubiani are coaching the 7’s team which has been in 7s development mode for the past two weeks.  Carey Stevens is traveling for logistical support.

The 7s travel teams consists of the following players:  William Gipson, Thomas Strickland, Kyle Baker, Cameron Walton, Sam Toliver, Chris Lemons, August Stevens, Aaron Miles, and Matt Hill.

Good luck lads.

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Plus, sign up your Kroger Card with Tiger Rugby.  This is free money.  Kroger will give the Tigers money based on how many folks cards are signed up with the Tigers.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page on this website and see how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.

Bluff City Challenge

The Memphis Tigers hosted its first tournament in recent memory on January 31st.  The 7s tournament had a specific purpose, to serve as a development opportunity for teams preparing for conference 7s championships.  With Freddy in the tower calling the match and playing tunes, the tournament took on a carnival atmosphere.  Playing at Memorial provided a wonderful opportunity for fans and players alike.

The Tigers are preparing for the South Independent Rugby Conference (SIRC) 7s tournament to be held in Savannah, Georgia February 7 and 8.  Alabama and Mississippi State are preparing for the Southeastern Rugby Conference (SERC) is later in the spring.  Arkansas State is heading to the Vegas 7s in a few weeks and needed to sort out a few players.  To round out the teams, the Blues and Kings sent sides to get some playing time and experience.

Arkansas State was the winner for the day.  That came as no surprise.  ASU brought players who were on the bubble for Vegas and clearly dominated the play for the day.  The major benefit for the other participating teams is that ASU showed us all how to properly play.   Teams had a chance to see how ASU set their defense and how they moved the ball.  Play for all teams improved throughout the day.

Alabama came in second and took on ASU for the last match of the day.  Alabama actually played really well against ASU.  I believe Alabama will do well in their conference tournament. The opportunity to play ASU was certainly helpful to them.

Mississippi State took third place in the tournament and learned as well.  Miss State has some very big players, and they were initially locked in 15s style play.  Their new coach took advantage of the weekend to improve his players significantly.  By the end of the day, they had learned how to swing the ball and attack space.

The Tigers played their best players against ASU early in the day and they did a fairly good job. Mistakes were made, but Swat and Tony corrected them at the half. All Tigers got some playing time and the team learned a lot on the day.

We are grateful for the Blues and Kings for coming out to play.  They got a good run in and they will be better for having participated in the weekend.

Referees for the day were Rob Halcomb and Jonathan Brewi.  Alastair Twaddle coached the referees between matches.  Like the players, referees need to shake off the rust from the winter. Both referees improved throughout the day.  Rob has more refereeing experience and did a fabulous job.  Jonathan is newer to refereeing so is not as polished. However, he knows the game well and has fabulous instincts.  He gets the calls right.  Thanks to both of these men for helping last Saturday.

Fans asked if we would be doing this again next year.  It is hard to look that far ahead. Much will determine when our conference 7s tournament is next year.  It was a good experience for our team and all teams who participated thanked us for providing this learning opportunity.

We have some Bluff City 7s Challenge T-shirts left.  (S, M, L, XL only). If you want one, they are $20.00.  Just go to the Donate page and give us $20.00, tell us that you want a shirt and what size.  We’ll get you a shirt.  They look great.  You need to buy one.

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Old Boys, Friends, Family and Fans – We need your support.  Please join the Tiger Rugby 100 Club and be a person who contributes at least $100 annually to help the club.  It is easy to contribute with Pay Pal…  and if you are tight on funds, set it up to charge your card $10 per month.  Everyone can handle that.  Even Phil.  Ha!  Just kidding Phil.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  (I’m leaving Phil’s name until he signs up and then I am going to pick on someone else.)

Plus, sign up your Kroger Card with Tiger Rugby.  This is free money.  Kroger will give the Tigers money based on how many folks cards are signed up with the Tigers.  A small portion of each purchase will be given to the Tigers. So, go to this Kroger page on this website and see how we can get free money from Kroger.  Thanks for helping with this important initiative.  Do not delay. Do this today.