The Tigers sent 28 players to Nashville this weekend to participate in the Oak Leaf Tournament hosted by the Vanderbilt Rugby Club, and the Tigers came home with the honors.  The Tigers won the weekend by winning 3 out of 4 matches, including a match against Tennessee Tech 37-5, Western Kentucky 32-14 and against host Vanderbilt 12-6 in the final match this afternoon.

Memphis lost the first match of the weekend against Vanderbilt 30-17, but received honors for the weekend since they scored more total points against the other opponents while drawing against Vandy.

The Tigers came out with more players than the other three teams and were clearly more physically prepared to play.  Further, the Tigers demonstrated poise as they controlled the ball at the ruck and provided clean ball for their backs to exploit.

More details on the matches will to follow, but this post is to thank the parents of the Tigers for raising such wonderful boys.  The gentlemen of Memphis were exemplary in their behavior through the weekend and were a credit to their parents and the university.  Referees all stated that the Tigers were a joy to call because of their positive on-field attitude and respect for authority.  Compliments were also received at the hotel where we stayed and the restaurant where we dined for post match team dinner on Saturday night.

“You have such wonderful boys” stated the owner of The Hermitage House restaurant. “They are so polite”.  These sentiments were shared wherever the boys traveled.

All three Tiger coaches commented on how mature the boys were through the weekend.  They truly represent themselves, their families and the university in the best light.

Several parents, including Drs. Dale and Carol Smith, Mr. Myers, Mrs. Brewi and Mrs. Carter were on hand to observe the weekend. They were witnesses to the boy’s good behavior.

Thanks again to the parents of the Memphis Tigers for raising such wonderful young men.   More about the matches later. (Great news!!!)