Monthly Archives: August 2017

Bullies Best Tigers in Friendly!

Bullies Best Tigers in Friendly!

Memphis 8/26/2017— The Memphis Tigers hosted the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Memorial Field as the end of their development camp Saturday August 26.  The Bulldogs were invited to come to town so the Tigers could work on game situations following a full day of skills training.

The match featured four 20-minute periods so each team could coach the players during breaks.  As hoped, the Tigers improved each period of play.

And there were some very bright spots. Conlan Sweeney debuted as captain and will be a tremendous leader this year. He was constantly watching over his mates ensuring their safety and engagement.  He was an encouraging force on the field throughout the day.

The first try of the year was scored by Ramon Cantu standing at hooker.  He took the ball from a lineout on a 35 yard run to mow down the opposition fullback with a tough hit,  then had the presence of mind to dot the ball for the try.

Ethan Scott followed in his brother’s footsteps and showed that he had a golden toe. He converted Cantu’s try from the sidelines with a beautiful soaring kick.  Ethan stood outside center for the day and probably made more tackles than any other player.  He was consistently tough on defense.  Unfortunately, the Tigers were on defense too much… one item we will be working on this week.

Ethan, Conlan, and Ramon

Conlan Sweeney was named Man of the Match for his leadership on the field.  Ramon Cantu was honored as the Best Forward Rookie and Ethan Scott was honored as the Best Back Rookie.  The rookie awards were tough since we had excellent play by our rookie mates.

The end of the day was capped with a social at Audubon Park where burgers and dogs were consumed in massive quantities.  The Tigers mingled well with the Bullies and friendships were made. That is what rugby is all about.

Wilsons and Roedels

A great bonus for the weekend was seeing a second generation pair stand with their fathers.  James Wilson played fly half and Brittin Roedel played scrum half this weekend. Approximately 20 years ago their fathers were playing together for the Tigers.  The legacy image was profound and helps us understand why we appreciate Tiger Rugby so much.

More pictures are available from Tom Sweeney here and from Stacy Scott here.  We appreciate so very much our parents who capture these moments and share their incredible talents.

Thanks to all families, fans and supporters who came out to support the Tigers. Thanks to all who freely donate money to support the club. For those who wish to help the team, please visit the Donate page.  More opportunities for support are available below.

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Please help!

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.  We are trying to get 100 folks to sign up, so everyone must be in.  See more here.

Please link your Kroger Card to Tiger Rugby.  Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you link your card to the Tiger program.  Yes… 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.

2017-2018 Tiger Camp a Success!

The Tiger 2017-2018 rugby camp was a great success this year.

Camp Attendees

The Tigers have a limited amount of time to sort out and develop competencies in the techniques of rugby and this year’s camp gives attendees a huge jump in their skills.

The camp was attended by 19 players who were mostly freshmen. “The first

Coaches Rick Cole, Rick Knowles, Tony Brooks, Marc Holley and Steve Swatzyna. Player coaches Will and Gerald looking on.

competency we needed was tackling”, stated Coach Swatzyna.  “In observing the High School All-Stars we knew that tackling needed to be improved for us to be successful.”

Ball handling and decision making were stressed along with proper ruck play and the set pieces.

The end of the camp was capped off with a friendly match against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.  “They gave us the competition we needed to improve and we advanced every play of the game, stated Coach Cole.  “I am very appreciative of the Bulldogs helping us this year.”

Many thanks to guest coaches Marc Holley, Tony Brooks and Rick Knowles.  The camp was only a success because of the talents, wisdom and excellent instruction by these fine coaches. Thanks so much!

Quintin Griffin Chooses Tiger Rugby

Quintin Griffin Chooses Tiger Rugby

Quintin Griffin signed a letter of intent to join Tiger Rugby this fall.  Quintin has only played one year of rugby, but is a fabulous athlete having competed aggressively in swimming, in track as a miler, soccer and as a marathoner.

Quintin with Coach Swatzyna

At 5’ 8” weighing 195 pounds he is tough to deal with at the center spot where he has his playing experience.

“Quintin is incredibly fit. He does not tire easily”, stated Spartan head coach David Scott.  “He has only played the game a year, but we placed him at center in the state tournament and he distinguished himself. He is a great athlete.”

Robert, Ethan and Quintin with Coaches Swatzyna and Cole

Quintin joins the Tiger program with two Spartan teammates, Ethan Scott and Robert Phillips. These new players from the White Station Spartan program and will be a great asset to Tiger Rugby.  The Spartans have a long tradition of excellent rugby and this year was no exception.  They again traveled to the state championships this year as a representative of West Tennessee High School.

Quintin starts with the tigers in his freshman year and plans to study French at Memphis.  We are thrilled to have Quintin with the Tigers this year.

Tigers Sign Ethan Scott

Tigers Sign Ethan Scott

Ethan Scott signed a letter of intent to play with the Tigers this fall as a freshman addition to the team.  Ethan is from a rugby playing family and has 8 years of experience to bring to the Tigers.

Ethan and parents

Ethan with parents

Ethan is 5’ 11” and weighs 150 pounds. He spent most of his years at halfback (9 or 10) but this year stepped up to cover center (13) for the Spartans.   He used his halfback skills while standing  13 to place players in a gap to make great line breaks.

“We’ve had our eye on Ethan for the past few years”, stated Memphis Coach, Steve Swatzyna.  “He is a solid player with a good head for the game. He reads the opposition well and makes good decisions with ball in hand.”

Ethan was honored as a Memphis High School Rugby All-star.  He played in First Annual High School Rugby All-star game ever to be held in Memphis. He was also honored this year as the “Best Teammate” by his fellow Spartans.

Robert , Ethan and Quintin with Coaches Swatzyna and Cole

Ethan joins the Tiger program with two Spartan teammates, Robert Phillips and Quintin Griffin. These new players from the White Station Spartan program and will be a great asset to Tiger Rugby.  The Spartans have a long tradition of excellent rugby and this year was no exception.  They again traveled to the state championships this year as a representative of West Tennessee High School.

Ethan plans to study Business Economics while at Memphis.  We are thrilled to have Ethan join the Tigers this year.

Robert Phillips Joins Tiger Rugby

Robert Phillips Joins Tiger Rugby

This is to announce that Robert Phillips signed a letter of intent to join Tiger Rugby this fall.  Robert brings with him two years of high school experience of playing at the highest levels of Tennessee HS rugby.

Robert stands 5’ 11” weighing 150 pounds and served both years of his experience at second row.  He played flag football before getting involved in Rugby.

“Robert is a fearless player”, stated Spartan head coach David Scott.  “He gives you 100 percent on and off the field.  He is a solid athlete and plays with a reckless abandon.”

Robert , Ethan and Quintin with Coaches Swatzyna and Cole

Robert joins the Tiger program with two Spartan teammates, Ethan Scott and Quintin Griffin. These new players from the White Station Spartan program and will be a great asset to Tiger Rugby.  The Spartans have a long tradition of excellent rugby and this year was no exception.  They again traveled to the state championships this year as a representative of West Tennessee High School.

Robert starts rugby with the Tigers in his freshman year and plans to study journalism while at Memphis.  We are thrilled to have Robert with the Tigers this year.