Wake Drops Heartbreaker to UVA in Conference Opener

You could not have painted a better picture for a home season opener than what the Demon Deacons and University of Virginia had in Winston-Salem on Saturday. Both teams were eager to kick off the 2013 season and begin a new chapter under new coaching regimes. From the opening kickoff, both sides showed plenty of butterflies to be settled as simple handling errors and mindless penalties kept the flow going back and forth for the first 20 minutes of action. Then, just before halftime, Wake Forest was awarded a penalty 5 meters from their attacking try line and James Watson (Captain) was able to slip through for a try to put the Demon Deacons ahead 5-0. At the break, the competition was still equally matched up, although just after the restart, a penalty allowed the home side to inch further in front with a penalty by Johnny McMurray making it 8-0. Virginia’s persistence finally paid off when, on an attacking lineout, one of their forwards was able to slip through from 20 meters out for the first try. Continuing to build on their momentum, the Cavaliers only needed 5 minutes to break the Deacons defense and find the try zone again to move ahead for an 8-10 lead. Wake refused to let up and was able to absorb Virginia’s attack in some high-pressure situations. Unfortunately, on a very loose ball, UVA’s backs were able to round the corner and display some quality skill work which led to their final try of the day and a successful conversion which extended their lead to 8-17. During final push in the closing minutes, the Deacons were able to narrow the gap as Johnny McMurray took a quick tap from 5 meters away and dive over for the home sides second try of the match. However, the conversion narrowed the defecit to 17-15 with under 10 minutes remaining. Wake pressured the UVA line repeatedly in the last minutes of play, but were unable to get the winning points. Looking ahead, UVA will enjoy a bye week to address their season opening mistakes while Wake Forest has a quick turn around for their Friday night match at Virginia Tech on September 20th.

Fall Season Underway, Hopes are High for New Look Deacon Squad

After two full weeks of testing, training and team building, the 2013-2014 Wake Forest Rugby season is finally underway! In a year that marks the 40th anniversary since the team’s origin, there are plenty of other reasons to celebrate. Catching the most attention this summer is the introduction of new head coach, Justin Goonan. Before firmly planting himself on campus, Coach Goonan welcomed new and returning faces into the squad with a preseason camp that included skills sessions, performance tests and team-building exercises. The extra time together before starting classes proved to be greatly beneficial as the players outlined their goals for the season as well as for the program. Also bringing excitement will be the new competition structure being introduced by the Atlantic Coast Rugby League. Beginning this fall, the conference will host the XV's competition in the fall, while reserving the spring as a strictly Sevens period. As the new Olympic sport gains more and more interest and support, Wake Forest, along with its other conference members, is very excited for the innovative competition structure and aims to compete very heavily in both seasons. Of course, even more exciting than the conference news is the new addition of the freshmen who are ready for their college rugby debut. In the forwards, Mark Bernstein (Greenwich High) and Tim Peterson (Fairfield Prep) have put their high school rivalry aside and are ready to team up to make an impact at the college level. Joining the young forwards are a class of backs that are ready to test their skills and pace with a veteran backline that returns 7 players with first-side experience. Mitch D'Eramo (Fairfield Prep), Austin Cunningham (Union County) and Miguel Abella (Phillipines U-19) are making a statement to earn their starting jersey and become a threat to opposing defenses. Wake Forest Rugby welcomes this class of freshmen as well as a number of other former high school athletes that have joined the team as newcomers to rugby. Yesterday, Wake Forest Rugby made its first step into the new era during a round robin scrimmage in Raleigh, NC hosted by NC State. Wake faced off against former NCRU D2 rival ECU and UNC-Wilmington, a familiar opponent from recent seasons. The first match up with ECU was a picture perfect start to the season highlighting some amazing skill and athleticism from senior players. With a final score of 47-5, multiple Deacons found their way into the try zone while the entire squad began to implement new attack and defense strategies that were introduced during preseason training. In the second runout of the day against UNC-W, many of the newcomers received their first taste of the speed and physicality of match-level rugby. Though the scoreline was not in the Deacons’ favor, the experience was still very productive and beneficial in giving new players the opportunity test their skill levels and understand the flow of an actual game. Now shifting its attention to the conference season opener this Saturday against the University of Virginia, the squad is focused on recovery and mentally concentrating on improving from yesterday's performance. The season home opener is scheduled to kick off at 2:00pm Saturday on campus at Poteat Field. All are welcome to come out and support the Demon Deacons!

A Note From Coach Goonan

Wake Forest Tabs Justin Goonan as New Head Coach

Goonan, center, was an assistant coach for the 2012 USA U-20 team

that captured the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy

 

Winston-Salem, NC-The Wake Forest University men's rugby team has hired Justin Goonan to be the team’s new head coach.  Goonan joins the Demon Deacons with an impressive resume, having played college rugby at Texas A&M and then in the US Rugby Super League with Old Blue and Boston. While in Boston, he served as an assistant coach with Boston College and in 2012 he was a member of the coaching staff for the USA U-20 men's team that won the IRB Junior Rugby World Trophy. For the last year, Coach Goonan has lived in London pursuing a Masters degree in Strength & Conditioning at the University of Greenwich and interning with the famed London Scottish.

Inheriting a team that struggled last spring, going winless in ACRL conference play, Coach Goonan is eager to build a successful program along with the large number of returning players in key positions.  Wake Forest Rugby Foundation President Andrew Gentles, who led the coaching search committee, had this to say: "We had dozens of solid candidates apply for the position, but Coach Goonan really stood out.  From our first interview with him I knew he was the right man for the job and I'm thrilled that he has accepted the challenge of leading Wake Forest rugby as we rebound from last year and continue to raise the level of the program."  For his part, Goonan said, "This is a fantastic opportunity to coach college rugby at a high level. Wake Forest University is very well known as an academic institution and their rugby program has a talented and committed group of returning players along with strong administrative and alumni support.  I'm looking forward to getting back to the States and plan to hit the ground running.  Right now, my focus in on learning more about the players and establishing a platform for our pre-season camp."

Goonan will be assisted by Trent Justice, who has been an assistant coach with the team since 2010 and will stay on in that capacity.  Former head coach Patrick Kane is also expected to remain with the program as an assistant.  Wake Forest begins the ACRL season on September 14 when they host the Virginia Cavaliers at Poteat Field.

Q&A with Pat Kane and Andrew Gentles on Grow Rugby

http://www.growrugby.com/2013/06/18/qa-about-wake-forest-coaching-position/

Wake Forest Seeking Head Coach

Wake Forest Men’s Rugby Seeking Head Coach

The Wake Forest Men’s Rugby team is looking to hire a Head Coach for the upcoming season.  Wake competes at the D1-AA level in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Rugby League and is seeking to establish itself as a premier undergraduate rugby destination in the Southeastern United States. In the past nine years Wake has rapidly ascended through the Division III and Division II ranks with a strictly volunteer coaching staff and hiring a paid Head Coach is an important next step in ensuring the team’s continued growth. 

Job Description:

Wake competes during both the Fall and Spring semesters. For the first time this year, the ACRL will be playing the 15s season in the Fall, while 7s will be played in the Spring. The Head Coach will be expected to commit to a work schedule during the competitive season that includes four practices per week and weekend matches.  The Head Coach will be expected to commit to a lesser schedule during school breaks, focusing mainly on recruiting and attending various events to further the team’s interests.

The Head Coach will be inheriting a group of highly talented and motivated rugby players, including several incoming freshmen with substantial rugby experience. The biggest challenges for the Head Coach will be growing and maintaining a sufficiently-sized roster through recruitment of high school players and athletes from within the general student population and ensuring the continued growth in financial resources provided by the school and other sponsors and donors.

In addition to coaching responsibilities, the Head Coach will need to handle administrative tasks, communicate with the appropriate rugby organizations (e.g. ACRL, USA Rugby), institute a formalized high school recruitment policy, coordinate with the Wake Forest Rugby Foundation on team finances, scholarships and alumni outreach, act as a liaison to the Wake Forest Administration, manage the team budget and fundraising efforts, and most importantly, mentor players both on and off the field.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following experiences and skills:

·         Previous collegiate coaching and playing experience

·         Ability to teach players with varying levels of experience the fundamentals of rugby

·         Strong understanding of offensive and defensive strategy, set pieces and situational decision-making

·         Superior leadership and managerial skills

Compensation:

The Head Coach will receive a salary between $10,000 and $20,000, commensurate with experience. Health and other benefits will not be provided

For more information:

If you are interested in the position please send a resume and cover letter to:

Andrew Gentles, President, Wake Forest Rugby Foundation

Gentac1@gmail.com

 

About Wake Forest University

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private educational institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has approximately 4,800 undergraduate students, the vast majority of which live on campus or in the immediate surrounding areas. Wake is a hotbed for collegiate athletics, and is the third smallest school competing in Division 1 FBS football. The school was ranked 27^th overall in U.S. News’ 2013 list of America’s Best Colleges and is known for its rigorous academic standards. Wake Forest boasts a vibrant Greek life and has one of the highest participation rates for study abroad programs in the country.

About the Wake Forest Rugby Foundation

The Wake Forest Rugby Foundation was established in 2009 as a way to help further the proud tradition of Demon Deacon rugby both on and off the pitch. The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Donations to the Foundation fund a portion of the team’s operational expenses, scholarships for current players as well as high school recruits, and alumni outreach efforts. In addition to financial support, the Foundation’s Officers, Board of Directors and active alumni participants provide ongoing support to current players and coaches in various capacities.

Watson, McMurray, McIntyre, and Zimmerman Get ACRL Honors

ACRL Press Release

2013 Atlantic Coast Rugby League

All-Conference Teams and Award Winners Named

Naval Academy scrumhalf Ricky Neel-Feller is the 2013 Atlantic Coast Rugby League Player of the Year, narrowly edging out his teammate and fellow halfback partner Jack McAuliffe.  Neel-Feller led the Midshipmen to an undefeated ACRL conference season and a trip to the semi-finals of the inaugural Varsity Cup National Collegiate Rugby Championship.

Clemson University took home the other two individual awards, as Tigers scrumhalf Ryan Gilroy was named Freshman of the Year honors and Tigers head coach Justin Hickey was unanimously voted the conference Coach of the Year.  This is the second consecutive year that a Clemson player was named Freshman of the Year, as Gilroy’s teammate Dan Collins took home the honors in 2012. 

Navy and Clemson, who finished first and second respectively in the conference, led all teams in All-Conference players.  Navy had an astounding eleven selections, including six first-teamers, while Clemson was close behind with nine players selected overall.

In keeping with its member schools’ emphasis on academics, the conference again named an All-Academic team.  To be considered for the All-Academic team, a player must have been a junior or senior who was a consistent varsity player and carried a cumulative GPA over 3.5 or better.

Finally, the ACRL is proud to announce the team that will be representing the conference on the field in the first ever ACRL-Big Ten All-Star Challenge.  The team will be coached by Clemson’s Justin Hickey and the match will take place on Friday, May 31 in Philadelphia at Drexel University as part of the USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship.  Kickoff for the match (which will be rugby 15s) is scheduled for 5:30pm.  The squad is still not finalized, as the coaching staff is awaiting the potential availability of some players who are still in contention for spots on the CRC rosters of Navy, NC State, and Virginia Tech.  The team includes many All-Conference players, including a quartet of players who have been named to the past three ACRL All-Conference teams: Matias Cima, John Davis, and Keith Sneddon from Maryland and Johnny McMurray from Wake Forest.  

A full list of the 2013 Atlantic Coast Rugby League All-Conference Teams and Award Winners is below.

2013 ACRL Player of the Year: Ricky Neel-Feller, USNA

2013 ACRL Freshman of the Year: Ryan Gilroy, Clemson

2013 ACRL Coach of the Year: Justin Hickey, Clemson

2013 All-ACRL First Team

Prop- Abe Harmon, NCSU

Prop- Darrien Green, USNA

Hooker- Dan Collins, Clemson

Lock- James Watson, Wake Forest

Lock- Jon Thornton, USNA

Loose Forward- Matt Fetty, Clemson

Loose Forward- Keith Sneddon, Maryland

Loose Forward- Andrew Stelletto, USNA

Loose Forward- Ben Shafer, Maryland

Forward- Matt Pace, NCSU

Scrumhalf- Ricky Neel-Feller, USNA

Flyhalf- Jack McAuliffe, USNA

Inside Center- Seamus Seifring, USNA

Outside Center- Justin Warzoha, Clemson

Wing- Matt Reilly, Maryland

Wing- Robbie Hemstreet, UVA

Fullback- Evan Burch, UVA

Back- Greg Hesler, NCSU

 

2013 All-ACRL Honorable Mention

Prop- Carl Katz, Virginia Tech

Prop- Max Simons, Clemson

Prop- Brett Weaver, Clemson

Prop- Eddie Youngs, NCSU

Hooker- Bill Whelan, Virginia Tech

Hooker- Matt Kelly, USNA

Lock- Michele Minichiello, Virginia Tech

Lock- Shaun Rich, Clemson

Lock- Matt Daniels, NCSU

Loose Forward- Spencer Wilson, USNA

Loose Forward- Martin Sexton, Virginia Tech

Forward- Keegan Downey, Maryland

Forward- Chris Rixey, USNA

Scumhalf- Ryan Gilroy, Clemson

Flyhalf- Matias Cima, Maryland

Inside Center- Ben Coburn, Clemson

Outside Center- Nick Hancock, USNA

Outside Center- Dan Hudgens, UNC

Wing-Ron Helms, USNA

Fullback- Stefan Friend, Clemson

Fullback- Johnny McMurray, Wake Forest

Back- John Davis, Maryland

 

2013 All-Academic Team

Liam McIntyre, Wake Forest

David Christian, Virginia Tech

Sam Gedeon, USNA

Tommy Evans, Clemson

Greg Hesler, NCSU

Drew Herpel, Maryland

2013 ACRL All-Star Team

Forwards: Brett Weaver, Clemson; Dan Collins, Clemson; Max Simons, Clemson; Bill Whelan, Virginia Tech; James Watson, Wake Forest; Michele Minichiello, Virginia Tech; Matt Fetty, Clemson; Ben Shafer, Maryland, Eric Higgins, Virginia Tech; Keith Sneddon, Maryland

Backs: Matias Cima, Maryland; Matt Reilly, Maryland; John Davis, Maryland; Ryan Gilroy, Clemson; Eddie Abreu, Clemson; Stefan Friend, Clemson; Johnny McMurray, Wake Forest; Jack Zimmerman, Wake Forest; Dylan Cunningham, UNC; Nick Johnson, Clemson; Justin Warzoha, Clemson

Head Coach: Justin Hickey, Clemson

Assistant Coach: Pat Kane, Wake Forest
Assistant Coach: Steve Laake, Maryland
Assistant Coach/Manager: Wright Henry, Clemson