Seattle Vikings Rugby

Hosting Neeed for Touring Teams

2012-02-09T05:00:14Z

Viking Parents,
Touring is a great part of rugby. We have been lucky to host touring teams from the UK, Australia and across the US. This year we are hosting two teams, one from Colorado and another from California. We need your help to give these players a place to stay for a few nights. Nothing fancy. Typically, we have 2-3 players hosted per household. The group from California is particularly big so we will need help from across the club. Please let us know if you can host for one or both groups. Here are the nights we need to host, more details coming for both groups:

Glendale, Colorado: Boys
Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th
9-10 families needed

Bishop O' Dowd School, Oakland, CA: Boys and Girls
Thursday, April 5th and Friday, April 6th
25 families needed!

If you can host, please contact Rita Mohn our hosting coordinator at rcmohn@comcast.net.

You can find more information on hosting in our hosting informational sheet.

Lady Vikings - first ever match on Saturday!

2012-02-09T03:25:33Z

Very proud to announce the details of the very first match for our girls team:

Below are details about Saturday and a few questions for you. Everyone is welcome, even if you haven't been able to make it out to many practices. This will be a safe and educational scrimmage—and a great chance for all of you to experience what the game feels and looks like.

First match of the season!

We will be playing in a scrimmage with Rainier Plateau and Budd Bay. Everyone will get playing time and we will be coaching while you are playing— this is a great learning opportunity. Parents are more than welcome to come and support the team.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

10:00 a.m.—Meet at Tukwila Park and Ride (13445 Interurban Avenue South, Tukwila, WA) to carpool to pitch

10:15—Depart Park and Ride

11:00—Arrive at Pitch

12:00—Kick off

We will arrive back in Seattle between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Location of pitch:

27515 120th St E
Buckley, WA 98321

Show on Google Maps

Players: what we need to know

1. Are you able to come? (let us know at practice or contact Hannah at wadsworth.hannah@gmail.com)

2. Can you (or a parent) drive, or do you need to carpool?

What to bring:

1. Water bottle

2. Snack

3. Mouthguard

4. Cleats and shorts

We will have jerseys for the team.

Let us know if you have any questions—we'll review everything at practice tomorrow as well. See you all out on the pitch tomorrow!

Cheers,

Hannah and George

Week 3: Let the Games Begin

2012-02-07T05:20:27Z

Hi all,
This week we have games on Friday and Saturday for our players. Practice continues this week, Tuesday and Thursday at 4 PM.

Tuesday - practice at 4 PM, regisration day, bring paperwork and pick up gear.
Thursday - practice at 4 PM.

Friday, Scrimmage vs. Eastside at Magnuson Park
All U-14 players arrive at 4 PM. U-16 and U-18 players by 4:30 PM (or earlier).

U14	Seattle vs. Eastside (two 20-25 minute periods)	5 PM
U16/U18	Seattle vs. Eastside (three 20-25 minute periods)	6 PM

Saturday
Seattle Girls vs. Rainier - game time and details to be announced

Week 2 Updates - Registration, Schedule, Parent Volunteers

2012-01-31T20:36:18Z

Hi all,
We have had a great first month of practice and are looking forward to getting some games going next week. I wanted to pass along some important updates:

Registration and Gear: you can find all paperwork on our site at this link entry. On February 7th (next Tuesday after practice) will be Registration and Gear day we are making a push to have all paperwork in and we will also have the opportunity to collect credit cards for registration courtesy of Susan Michaels for 3.5% fee. This will also be a great day to collect shorts, socks and practice shirts.

Practice and Game Schedule: practices will continue Tuesday and Thursday through March 1st. Our first Monday practice will be Monday, March 5th and from that point forward will be on the regular Monday, Wednesday schedule. You can also find several recent updates that have been made to our schedule, you can find the latest schedule here.

Parent Volunteers: we had some great parent involvement so far with Susan Michaels, Shauna Fastenow, Rita Mohn, Sharon Woolf, Wayne Widdis and Ingrid Falip sign up for various roles in the club. We still need a number of volunteers, if you can help with parent coordination, post-season party, etc. please let Susan Michales know (susanmichaels1@comcast.net). We will post an updated contact list with our parent volunteers very soon.

2013 Vikings Tour to UK and Ireland: a small parent and coaching group is moving quickly on the planning of the tour. Expect to see a follow up meeting in a few weeks. If you are interested in helping reach out to Craig Wicks rugby@seattlevikings.com

Important Dates Coming Up
February 5th: Serevi Camp for Boys and Girls at Magnuson, 9 to 1 PM, $40
February 7th: Vikings Registration/Gear Day, after practice (credit cards welcome)
February 10th - Boys scrimmage with Eastside (Magnuson)
February 11th - Girls scrimmage @ Rainier

Vikings 2012 Schedule

2012-01-26T01:24:01Z

Vikings schedule for Boys U14, U16, U18 and Girls programs. We will keep this link updated with the latest schedule.

Latest update 1/31:
-Added girls scrimmage with Rainier 2/11
-Added boys scrimmage with Liberty 3/17
-Confirmed dates for PCIT, trip to Bay Area for boys - 5/4 to 5/6

Vikings 2012 Schedule

Seattle Vikings Junior Rugby, boys 7-12

2011-12-24T19:28:41Z

Some exciting news! We have momentum around adding a junior rugby program for boys ages 7-12 for the 2012 season. We intend to run a program for U-8, U-10 and U-12. In the past many younger Vikings were a part of the U-14 program, but this year it looks good for us to expand to younger age groups with interest from other teams in forming a league and season. More details to come, but here is what we know right now:

-The Vikings will have teams for boys that are U-12, U-10 and U-8 (age cutoff at beginning of school year)
-Dedicated coaching staff including recent transplant Brian Humphris, an Aussie who helped establish a similar program in the Bay Area
-If you have a son/friend/cousin/nephew that is interested in trying out rugby, is between the ages of 7 and 12, send us an e-mail at rugby@seattlevikings.com

Go Vikings!

Seattle Vikings January 2012 Schedule

2011-12-10T00:57:18Z

Happy Holidays! It was great to see so many players this fall as we gear up for next season. We expect to be able to field competitive teams at the 18-under, 16-under and 14-under age groups, as well as a girls side new this year. Lots going on with Vikings rugby, visiting teams from Colorado and California, a European tour in 2013! Three things to do be doing right now as a new or returning player:

1. Recruit Girls and Boys! see the recent post on recruiting resources, a player that brings another player out will receive a free rugby ball. Two players, a ball + a T-shirt.
2. Stay/Get fit! follow the fitness plan created for rugby players, if players are already involved in a winter sport this isn't neccesary.
3. Review Player Requirements. see the player packets at this post. You can return these to any coach in January.

In January all players should attend our pre-season QuickStart sessions designed to teach brand new players how the game of rugby is played and to re-orient our experienced players on passing, running, defense and other elements of the game. Plan to bring sweats, cleats or running shoes and water. Finally, if you want some Vikings gear as a gift or stocking stuffer see Susan Michaels, her order form for gear is here. Contact Susan at susanmichaels1@comcast.net.

There have been a few changes in our schedule, note that the first two QuickStarts will be at Roosevelt HS (66th and 14th Ave NE), additionally we are practicing on Tuesday and Thursday starting January 24th and through the month of February.

Questions reach out to us at rugby@seattlevikings.com

Seattle Vikings RFC: January Schedule

Date	Session	Start	Finish	Location
Saturday, January 7th	QuickStart #1	10:00 AM (arrive at 9:45 AM)	12 PM	Roosevelt HS
Saturday, January 14th	QuickStart #2	10:00 AM (arrive at 9:45 AM)	12 PM	Roosevelt HS
Saturday, January 21st	QuickStart #3	10:00 AM (arrive at 9:45 AM)	12 PM	Magnuson Park Field #5
Saturday, January 21st	Player/Parents Meeting	Directly following practice	1 PM	Magnuson Park Brig
Tuesday, January 24^th	First regular practice	4:00 PM (arrive at 3:45 PM)	6:15 PM	Magnuson Park Field #5
Thursday, January 26^th	Second regular practice	4:00 PM (arrive at 3:45 PM)	6:15 PM	Magnuson Park Field #5

2012 Player Registration

2011-12-05T06:20:37Z

Thanks to all that came to our Fall Open Houses for Vikings Rugby. Below is paperwork for the 2012 season for all players. Dues for 2012 are $225. Return the paperwork to any coach.

2012 Paperwork for All Players (please fill out both the player packet and USA Rugby registration)	2012 Player Packet
	USA Rugby Registration
Player Fitness Plan	Fitness Plan

Vikings Rugby - Recruiting 2012

2011-11-17T19:26:47Z

Vikings Rugby,
Just a word on recruiting for boys and girls Viking rugby in 2012. Here are some ideas and and resources we have for you. Now is the critical time to reach new players.

1. Use the Vikings poster to generate interest, post in schools, community centers (ask permission first)

2. Schedule a school visit now, if you would like to organize a school visit let us know, usually this can be done right after school wiht cooperation of the athletic director, let us know at rugby@seattlevikings.com.

3. Direct all new players to our December 3rd open house they will have an opportunity to try rugby directly afterwards on the field.

Finally, remember this year we will have girls program. Lets get as many girls out that we can that are interested! If you have any further ideas on recruiting new players let us know.

-Vikings Staff

Vikings Rugby Open House on December 3rd

2011-10-31T15:25:18Z

Join us for our second Open House of the fall on Saturday, December 3rd. Learn about boys and girls rugby for ages 12-18. Anyone (boys and girls) that is interested in playing rugby this next Spring season should attend this event, we will be inside for the first hour and then have a short on the field session designed for returning players and anyone new to rugby. If you attended the previous open house, we will have new information at this time including news on the season, gear for sale, 2013 tour information signup forms and more.

Handouts on Vikings Rugby 2012
-Vikings Rugby 2012 FAQ
-Vikings Rugby 2013 Tour to UK and Ireland

-Meet the coaches, staff and returning players and parents
-Learn about rugby and our 2012 season
-Learn more about England, Wales and Ireland tour in 2013
-Buy official Seattle Vikings gear
-Get on the field with our coaches from 12 PM to 1:30 PM

Date: Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (in the Brig), 12 to 1:30 PM (on the rugby field)
Where: The Brig Community Center at Magnuson Park (click for directions),
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Park Map
Players Bring: workout gear, running shoes or cleats and water

2012 Vikings Rugby Open House - October 29th - 11:30 AM

2011-10-02T01:35:36Z

The buzz about Vikings rugby has never been better...Rugby World Cup going on, lots of interest from new players, upcoming tours and....a brand new Vikings program for girls in Seattle. Let's get Vikings rugby rolling for 2012! Join us on October 29th for our first open house of the season for new and returning players and parents. Learn about boys and girls rugby for ages 12-18. New this year is a Seattle Vikings girls team. Anyone (boys and girls) that are interested in playing rugby this next Spring season should attend this event:

-Meet the coaches, staff and returning players and parents
-Learn about rugby and our 2012 season
-Learn more about England, Wales and Ireland tour in 2013
-Buy official Seattle Vikings gear
-Watch live college rugby directly afterwards

Date: Saturday, October 29th
Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Where: The Brig Community Center at Magnuson Park (click for directions),
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Park Map

End of Season Party Wrap Up

2011-06-09T21:08:37Z

A big thanks to players and parents who came out last Friday night to Horizon View Park for our end of season party. Special thanks to the Brennans and Susan Michaels for food and location coordination. The weather even cooperated!

Seniors, good luck and keep playing rugby: Chris Aiworo, Gavin Grisham, Jack Halvorson, Isaac Kowals-Dym, Jack Moseley, Jope Motokana, Ryan Murphy, Will Romano, Kevin Smith, Nick Solimano, Levi Carroll and Colin Thal. The best news is that many of these guys will keep playing, including many at the university level including Western Washington, University of Washington, Central Washington University and the University of Arizona to name a few.

2011 Award Winners

Top Vikings
U14 – Top Viking, Finlay Bruce

U16 – Top Viking, Tony Cammarano

U19 – Top Viking, Dylan Peppin

All Club – Top Viking, Nick Solimano (two-time winner)

Special Recognitions
Susan Michaels, Christine Widdis and Lisa Tagal (Parent Coordinators)
Julie Agel (Trainer)

Rugger Awards - understanding and embracing the culture of the sport (underclassmen only)
Kian Alden, Dylan Peppin, Tony Cammarano, Roy Forney, Phillip Hartsell, Ethan Hausman, Jacob Sands, Phoenix Tagal, Wilson Vess, Sam Bradley, Will Brennan, Finlay Bruce, Connor Miller, Tristan Mohn, Riley Halvorson and Isaac Mohn.

California Trip - PCIT Summary

2011-05-03T18:33:00Z

More tournament photos at SportsWurlz

This last weekend the Vikings traveled to the Pacific Coast Invitational Tournament in Morgan Hill, California. The Vikings finished second in the Varsity Silver competition to a strong Santa Rosa team. A few of our guys hadn’t been on a plane before or even down to California. Upon arrival, we were greeted by sunshine that would stay with us the whole weekend. After a quick lunch in Palo Alto, the Vikings Van caravan was down the 101 to Morgan Hill, just 20 minutes south of San Jose. We stayed right across from the park, just a 10 minute walk to rugby. Very convenient. That afternoon we watched some great rugby from Jesuit the eventual NorCal champs as they beat a tough side from San Mateo.

Later that evening we explored the vast dining options Morgan Hill offered and were off to bed with a full rugby day ahead of us on Saturday. This would be a proper tour with plenty of preparation, team talks, walk throughs, team meals and of course...a Kangaroo court.

Santa Rosa – in a game that was evenly matched from the start, Seattle and Santa Rosa squared off as the late afternoon winds picked up. The Vikings played some excellent rugby, moving the ball well in the backs with tries to Jope Motokana. Santa Rosa countered with a strong forward pack that worked well to convert several tries as the Vikings dug a bit of hole and despite a late try went down 24 to 17.

Pleasanton – Just two hours later the Vikings played a second match against a team from Pleasanton. After a back and forth start to the match, Seattle put in some tries with had some hard running from Jope Motokana, Gabe Evans, Jack Moseley and Nick Solimano to take the game 19 to 5.

Motherlode – after some confusion on our next opponent tournament officials arranged a third match with Motherlode on Sunday…a team from El Dorado County. Motherlode played some tough gritty rugby led by their forward pack. Seattle had some nice breaks and near tries from Matt Brennan and Michael Doquilo but just couldn’t put the game away. Nick Solimano eventually iced the game with a penalty and the Vikings were in the final with an 8 to 5 win.

Santa Rosa (again) – a tired Vikings team faced off against Santa Rosa again on the main field with a bigger crowd. With some early tries Santa Rosa put the game out of reach…the sun, the long weekend and a large Santa Rosa squad just wore us down. Santa Rosa 24, Seattle 7.

This was a very successful trip. Our players conducted themselves (mostly) like gentlemen and received praise from teams and organizers of the tournament for their conduct and play. The restaurant on Saturday called our group the best large group they had in the restaurant in a long time. A few minor tour offenses were handled in a Kangaroo court led by Steve Brennan in the airport coming backJ

Some thank yous:

Coaching Staff – Jim Gourley, George Peppin and Steve Brennan who handled all the coaching duties, plus dinner plans, snacks for players, driving duties, airport confusion...the list goes on and on.

Julie Agel – she is irreplaceable. We kept Julie busy as she cared for a number of mostly minor injuries and helped guide everyone on nutrition, hydration and staying out of the sun. Next time you see her please thank Julie (to the point of embarrassment) for her time this last weekend and throughout the year.

Players – everyone handled themselves well, particularly our group leaders Nick, Jack and Levi who took on some extra responsibility. You set a standard for future tours.

Parents – we know there is a cost for these trips and we appreciate the support you have given us this last weekend and throughout the season. It was fantastic to see a parents welcome as we cleared security late Sunday night.

Vikings Gear for 2011

2011-01-13T00:57:00Z

Being a great team means looking like a great team. I have received comments from many that we have great looking, quality gear. Here is a list of what we have, cost and how to order. As a reminder all players receive rugby shorts, socks and a practice shirt with dues. We will be distributing and selling gear at our upcoming player and parent meeting on January 22nd. A big thanks to Susan Michaels for helping out here with the kit bags, if you haven't seen these they are exactly like the high quality canvas bags you see that many schools have today.

Item	Cost	Description	How to Order
Practice Shorts	$15	High quality cotton shorts to wear for practices	See Coach Wicks
Supporter Fleece Jacket	$50	Great option for those cold Friday nights on the sideline, Half zip, midweight fleece with front pockets	Contact Susan Michaels Susanmichaels1@comcast.net
Team Jacket	$50	You’ve seen them around, high quality water and wind resistant team jacket	See Coach Wicks, limited supply will order more if needed
Knit Hats	$10	Black knit hat with Vikings logo	See Coach Wicks
Scarves	$15	Black and red stripes with Viking logo. Great option for supporters.	See Coach Wicks, limited supply will order more if needed
Player Kit Bags	$50	Sturdy canvas bag with strap customized with your name.	Contact Susan Michaels Susanmichaels1@comcast.net

Seattle Vikings 2010 Award Winners

2010-06-05T18:30:00Z

Thanks everyone for a great night with the Vikings BBQ. Fantastic to see everyone out!

Departing Seniors - best of luck and keep playing rugby
Brendan Michel, Tyler Rutten, Joshua Schenkman, Spencer Kleevgaard, Will Romano, Vincent Granados, Griffin Wright and Rami Mackay.

Rugger Awards - understanding and embracing the culture of the sport (underclassmen only)
Nick Solimano, Jack Moseley, Kevin Smith, Michael Doquillo, Matt Brennan, Andy Johnson, Kellan Anderson, Per Nyhammer, Isaac Kowalls-Dym, Jordan Woltjer, Cameron Mohn, Dane Halvorsen and Jack Halvorsen.

Top Viking Award Winners
U14 - Andy Johnson
U16 - Matt Brennan
U19 - Griffin Wright
All Club - Nick Solimano

Special Recognitions
Joney Springberg (Parent) and Julie Agel (Trainer)

Kangaroo Court
Dane "Deuce" Halvorsen
Griffin Wright and Rami Mackay - Cornflake Award

Player Off Practice Fitness Plan

2010-01-28T17:24:00Z

Hi all,
I wanted to make sure everyone had the fitness plan we distributed last night at our player/parent meeting. As we discussed, rugby demands a high level of fitness and sticking to this basic plan will not only make the game more fun, but reduce the risk of injury. The program has been specially designed for rugby. Big thanks to Greg Faherty for putting this together.

Seattle Vikings Workout

Seattle Vikings 2009: Award Winners and Thank Yous

2009-06-01T16:23:00Z

A big thanks go out for our 2009 season go out to coaches, players, parents, fans and supporters of Seattle Vikings Rugby. I think we can all say that this season wasn't easy but we have much to look forward to. At Saturday's picnic we announced our 2009 award winners:

-Most Valuable Back: Nick Solimano
-Most Valuable Forward: Griffin Wright
-Most Improved Back: Rami Mackay
-Most Improved Forward: Will Murphy

I also want to congraulate Nick Solimano for making the 2009 Loggers and the other trialists, Rami Mackay, Isaac Kowals-Dym and Alek Bjordahl. Our Lynwood contingent...you guys made a real effort to come south to learn and play rugby. Parents - thank you! You stepped in and helped wherever we needed it, I particularly want to thank Bryn and John Martin who went above and beyond here! Our trainer Julie Agel, who provided support throughout the season. Lets keep in touch, players join us on Sundays for our touch sessions over the summer. Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!

Cheers,
Craig Wicks

Magnuson Park: Mickey Merriam Athletic Fields

2009-04-21T02:16:00Z

Micky Merriam Fields at Magnuson Park is the new home to Seattle rugby. Magnuson Park lies at Sand Point on the west side of Lake Washington just north of the University of Washington and Children's Hospital.

From I-5 (coming from the North)

At exit 172, take ramp right for Corliss Way N toward N.E. 80th St.
Bear left onto NE 80th St
Bear right onto Banner Way NE
Road name changes to NE 75th St
Bear right onto 55th Ave NE
Turn left onto NE 70th St
Turn left onto Sand Point Way
Turn right into the park near NE 74th Street
Follow NE 74th Street into the park and take a right into the main parking area
Field is directly east of the main parking area

From I-5 (coming from the south)

At exit 170, take ramp right for Ravenna Blvd toward NE 65th St
Bear left (crossing Ravenna) onto 8th Ave NE
At 65th Street NE take a right
Travel on 65th Street NE 3.5 miles to Sand Point Way
Turn left onto Sand Point Way NE
Turn right into the park near NE 74th Street
Follow NE 74th Street into the park and take a right into the main parking area
Field is directly east of the main parking area

Injury Rates in Rugby

2008-02-06T07:02:00Z

Many ask about injury rates in rugby compared to other contact sports, I have seen studies done in different parts of the world that show that rugby compares favorably in terms of injury rates to other contact sports. This is recent study done in the US that our team actually participated in.

Injuries Sustained by High School Rugby Players in the United States, 2005-2006

For additional questions regarding injury prevention or care please contact our trainer Julie Agel.

Good Rugby Links

2008-02-03T16:42:00Z

IRB - International Rugby Board, official sanctioning body of rugby.
USA Rugby- governing body and rugby union for the United States.
Washington Youth Rugby- local league, find standings and more here.
Seattle RFC- our parent club that has been in existence since 1966.
University of Washington Rugby- coached by Seattle RFC members Shawn Loudenback and Joe Rissone.
Scrum.com - international rugby news.