Morris Rugby Newsletter ~ December 2020
| Happy Holidays from Morris Rugby! |
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Year-End Message from Morris Rugby President Andrea Matthews
With the holiday season upon us and as we look back on 2020, I’m sure we can all agree it was a year we will never forget. Whatever was thrown at us, the Morris Rugby Family showed the love of the game still endured and if there is a will there is a way. Although we unfortunately had to cancel the flag season and the amount of rugby played was limited, most tackle teams got to enjoy some practice time during the fall. The High School Boys even managed some scrimmages with other local NJ teams. The High School and Middle School girls also had the opportunity for some additional training with Rugby United New York Coaches. Off the pitch things were still happening. The men’s team showed community spirit by raising about $7,000 with their Cuts for Covid head shave for Atlantic Health Systems’ employees. In June Bill Dobbs introduced us all to Rugby Golf in aid of the Alzheimer’s Association with a day of socially-distant fun and fundraising. Five months later than originally planned, the annual Morris Rugby Golf Outing was finally able to take place and was a great success with more than the usual number of golfers. (The 2021 event will be on Thursday, September 23rd.) The shed at Mennen got a renovation to ensure it will continue to provide storage for our equipment for years to come. We also combined Six Nations rugby and a food collection for a local food bank. These are just some of the activities which took place throughout the Morris Rugby community in 2020. My first year as President certainly wasn’t what I expected, but I’m still proud to be part of such a great group of rugby players, coaches, referees, parents, and avid supporters of the game. The Board of Trustees and coaches are continuing to work towards our return to ‘normal’, but we can’t do it without your help. Volunteer opportunities always exists so if you are interested in any capacity let myself, a coach or any of the trustees know. There is a lot of work to be done in 2021 to ensure we are ready to continue the success of Morris Rugby. The flag program particularly will need a lot of continued effort to get those youth players back in the summer. The plan is to have a virtual meeting for flag in early January to discuss the 2021 season and how it may look to ensure success. Date to be confirmed. I’m looking forward to being able to see players back on the pitch in 2021, a return to some sort of normality as the year progresses, and working towards the continued success Morris Rugby. Sending best wishes to all the Morris Rugby Community for Happy Holidays. Please stay safe & healthy. |
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Socially-Distant Six Nations Yields Successful Food Drive
After having to cancel the first day showing of the games on October 24th due to COVID-19 concerns, October 31st proved to be a great day of rugby and camaraderie for all who attended. Thanks go to PJ & Mark Miller for organizing, Allan Grace for cooking the food, Ronan McLaughlin for the projector and the Moose Lodge for allowing us to use their outdoor space, TV and, a welcome addition on a cold day, the fire pit and patio heater. Although the food drive should have been a weeklong collection, the generosity of Morris Rugby and Moose members meant that our one-day event still ensured a large amount of food, cleaning products and PPE equipment was collected and delivered to the Hope House food bank the following day. |
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Bill Dobbs to Succeed Gene Caulfield as New HS Girls Head Coach
Earlier this year, Gene Caulfield announced he was stepping down as the HS Girls Head Coach after an incredibly fruitful four and a half years. Under Gene’s leadership, the HS Girls rose to be ranked #4 in the country in 2018 and garnered numerous HSAA and select side nominations. Additionally, many of his players earned scholarships to continue their rugby careers on competitive college teams. The selection committee has named Bill Dobbs, a longtime member of the Morris Rugby family, to take the helm from Gene. Dobbs has been an assistant with the HS Girls program for the last two years, and he also brings a wealth of rugby knowledge from his time playing, starting the U14 Girls program and serving as Men’s Head Coach for five years. Thank you Gene for your dedication over the years, and congratulations to Dobbs on this next chapter! |
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Morris Rugby Athletic Trainer Coordinator Still Needed
This volunteer opportunity involves submission of game schedules from Coaches for all Morris teams, youth and adult, to the Atlantic Health contact at the beginning of each season and confirmation on a weekly basis of any changes to Atlantic Health. If you are interested and looking for more details on this volunteer opportunity, please email [email protected]. |
UPCOMING MORRIS RUGBY EVENTS
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REMINDERS
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