All,
I know this has been
long overdue, but quite frankly, I have been trying to find the right words to
put into perspective the joy and sense of pride we felt in order to
adequately describe the days events. In the 7 years the Morris Lions have
been in existence, we have graduated 91 players. This year, there were 33
players in attendance, not including 2 more that will always be in attendance,
Rudy and David, and 2 more, the brothers Rosica serving in Iraq, that we
know would have been part of the gathering if it not for their duty assignments.
So, with the 35 players in attendance, we had representation from every
graduating year! In our first year, 2002, we had 2 graduates, Rudy
Kelly and Tom Meek. I include the 2002 year in attendance, with Rudy watching
over us, while Tom is studying for his Doctorate on the west coast, so we can
kind of excuse him! But from every other graduating year, we had representation
from at least 2 players, with the 2008 class returning the most players(in
fairness, they were the largest graduating class with 18 players, 14 of which
participated)! Adding to the festivities was the holiday collection for our troops,
spearheaded by Donna Waliky, Gibby Scholarship Committee chairperson, with
special assistance from Bill Dobbs and JoAnn Rosica, and with numerous
other "volunteers". With founders Bob Karetsky,
Kirk Murrell and yours truly in attendance, along with the Kelly's and the
Gibson's, well, it was a day to remember.
Bob, Kurt and I
reminisced about the time we met at a restaurant in Short Hills mall in early
2002, laying the groundwork for the formation of the club. Our hope was to
spread the word of rugby, with hopes that in ensuing years other high school
rugby programs would add to the growing list of local teams. Low and
behold, St. Peter's Prep, Union U19, Parsippany U19, Palmetto
Bears U19(Naples, Fla.), and more recently Delbarton HS, all grew from
the Morris Lions. To see so many boys from past years, socializing, playing,
laughing and cheering again was special indeed. To see the current club members
giving their all and taking the alumni to task on the pitch, acquitting
themselves quite well, was special indeed. To see so many parents
returning to watch their sons, renew friendships with hugs and kisses, was
special indeed. To see the parent of a former player take up
refereeing and being part of the day in his new role, was special indeed.
Hearing the boys cheer for each other, for the referee, for Rudy, for
Gibby, was special indeed. For all of us to be gathered under the posts
for a group shot, was special indeed.
Kurt made a comment
that this was the first year where he didn't really feel we had to be on the
pitch with the boys to provide assistance, guidance or fill in to get the needed
numbers as in past years. That doesn't mean we won't be stepping on the
pitch in years to come, of course we will, what it does mean is the program and
the importance of the alumni day is such to the boys that enough want to come
back year after year. Add to it the club side being so keen on
playing and showing their skills, well, we seem to have succeeded in ensuring
the long term viability of the day. As I watched the boys at
the end of the match sessions, as I looked over at the crowd on the sidelines,
it made me so proud to be a part of something so very special to so many
people. The day has become special for a number of reasons. Each of you
have your reasons, all of which are important and valuable to the
experience. Whether it being a recognition of the Kelly and Gibson
families and their personal contributions. Whether it be watching the boys
interacting old and new, all with one thing in common, the crest on their
chests. Whether it be the parents reflecting on the past and updating each
other on the present. Whether it was watching the coaches still showing
the flair they had been known to possess in the past. Whether it be shedding a
tear reflecting on pride shown by the boys as representatives of the Morris
Lions. All and more is what made the day so special for
all.
Over the years, our
accomplishments might not always have been reflected on the scoreboard, but
that lack of scoreboard success has been more than made up for in tradition,
honor, sportsmanship and a true sense of pride in being a Morris Lion, past
and present. At times, as coaches we have lamented our lack of scoreboard
success, however, after a day like we had, well, we have been convinced that our
program operates for all the right reasons, allowing young men the chance
to prove themselves equally, gather confidence, develop long lasting
friendships, showcase skills and show their joy in playing the game played
in heaven.
Finally I'd be
remiss if I didn't mention 2 things..
1. To the Lane
Family, we sorely missed your presence for a couple of reasons, one is many
players and coaches were saddened by not having to prove themselves worthy
by surviving a Tom Lane tackle, and almost as important, many people were left
out in the cold without their traditional "alumni day soup"! So
Caryn, as much as we know family is important, well, perhaps a visit on another
weekend might be more appropriate?? We await the return of the Lane family next
year!
2. A very special
thanks to John Cahillane, owner of the Rattlesnake Ranch Cafe for hosting
the after match social. It was an overwhelming success! It was such
a success that I greatly underestimated the anticipated attendance, but
John and staff took things in stride and ensured there was plenty to eat for
all. As coach Simon so aptly put it, it felt like a regular match day
at his home club in England, everyone in the clubhouse after the matches, both
young and old socializing, again showing why we love this sport so
much. With John's approval, you all can be sure we will make it a regular part
of the day, the after match social at the Rattlesnake Ranch Cafe. John has
been a long time supporter of Morris Rugby and we would like to continue that
association by making the Rattlesnake part of the agenda and social activities
for the 2009 Rudy Kelly Alumni Day.
In closing, I want
to thank each and everyone one of you that attended the festivities. I was
overwhelmed by the generosity given for the troops. I was overwhelmed by the
joy, camaraderie, emotion and pride shown by all the players both before
and after the match sessions. I was overwhelmed by the response of the
parents, both current and past. All of the founders, Bob, Kurt and I are
so proud of the Morris Lions and all that the program has come to mean to
so many people. One thing you all might not know, Xavier HS in NYC
has had a very successful, nationally ranked rugby program for over 30
years. But they'd be hard pressed to match what we have accomplished over
7 years. Over the years the one very important thing you boys have taught
me and now truly believe is, "once a Lion always a
Lion"! As another year unfolds, let us continue to ask each
other, "Who do you play
for?"
There were many,
many pictures taken on the day by 4 very capable photographers, Bob Karetsky,
Bill Ross, Jim Hickey and JoAnn Rosica. The links below will
take you to the Morris Lions U19 team blog and the source for all of the
pictures. The number of pictures would rival the Super Bowl coverage! Take
a look, enjoy, relive the day!! The links are aggragated here. The Lions U19 team blog is
here - http://morrislionsu19s.typepad.com/
Thank you and see
you next year,
John
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