August 3, 2013 – Summer is a time to lay back and relax, sip some lemonade, sit at the beach, and enjoy the easy life, unless you are a Mud Turtle. For Mud Turtles, it’s time to run fast, tackle and ruck in the heat. Organized by Old Boy Justin Walden, the Mud Turtles consisted of few Tigers, Tiger Old Boys and some collegiate pick-ups from Chattanooga and Miami and competed through the summer. Participating in three tournaments, including Pitch-a-Tent, they concluded with the Elvis 7’s this past weekend.
The 7’s gods smiled on the Elvis 7’s this week by providing three days of rain to soften the field and by and bringing in cool the air on game day. The Mud Turtles had a good run in pool play competing well against Baha Men (who won the tournament), Jonesboro (ASU), and Blues B. They were able to topple the Blues B, and had a very good showing against the other teams in pool play.
Steve Swatzyna coached the Mud Turtles and players commented that the summer experience left them stronger, faster and with better ball handling skills. These skills will serve them well as we move to fall friendly play for Memphis. Old #7 fly half Tony Lubiani helped as assistant coach on the day.
Team composition included Justin Walden, Phil Elliott, Tezman Mosley, Rob, Jonathan Bauer, Chris Cobb, John Elmore, Ian Rasmussen, Grant Cook, Corey Chambers, and Brandon from Miami. Not pictured due to work were Scott and Anthony Smith, Trent, Chris Forshee, and Tyler Mann.
Memphis 15’s practice starts on August 20. We will need to start fast because our first match against the Old Boys will be September 7.