​Lake Forest College is accepting applications for the position of Head Men’s Rugby Coach.
 
Lake Forest College is a highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore with a current enrollment of approximately 1,600 students from over 40 states and 70 countries. It is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with nearly 40% of our student body comprised of domestic minority and international students and consistently ranked as one America’s top liberal arts colleges. Learn more about the Lake Forest College’s recognition as a top tier college.
 
The chosen candidate will lead a rebuild of the College’s historically strong club men’s rugby program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to…
 

• Recruitment of students (both current and future) to the men’s rugby program
• Develop and implement practice plans 2-3 days per week from late January through end of April
• Create a competition schedule
• Provide coaching and mentorship for students

 
Qualifications 
Bachelor’s degree required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong background in playing and/or coaching rugby. This individual must also possess strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, as well as solid planning and organizational abilities. USA Rugby certification preferred but not required.
 
Salary and Benefits 
This is a part-time stipend position. Hiring will be contingent on a successful background check.
 
Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. For more information about Lake Forest College, visit www.lakeforest.edu.
 
Application Process 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and at least 2 references to Mike Raymond, Director of Club Sports, at mraymond@lakeforest.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Please consider a donation to the Danny Fitch Memorial Fund.

via the Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory:

"John Daniel “Danny” Fitch of Kalispell, MT passed away on June 21st from a rafting accident. Danny was born April 24th, 1979 in Gillette, WY.  He graduated from the University of Wyoming, while a member of the Wyoming Army Guard. While attending the University of Wyoming, he was a member of the Mens Rugby Team that placed 2nd in the nation.  Danny was selected as a two time All-American Rugby Player and represented the U.S. National team as an American Eagle.  He earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College followed by an RN degree.  He was a Registered Nurse employed by Logan Health in Kalispell, MT.  

Danny enjoyed staying physically fit, outdoor adventures, and coaching his children. He coached the Flathead High School rugby team to two Montana State Championships.

Danny is survived by his wife Shannon Fitch (Hardy), children Jaylyn and Brayton, his parents Susan and Gary Whipkey, and John Fitch.  Sister Amanda, niece Cahle, brothers Adam and Tanner. He is survived by in-laws Ann and Marc Hardy, brother-in-law Colin Hardy and wife Kara, niece and nephew Maryn and Nash Hardy.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

The Danny Fitch Memorial Fund through UW Rugby: 
www.givecampus.com/campaigns/29327/donations/new 

Black and Blue Flathead High School Rugby
780 White Basin Rd. Kalispell, MT 59901 
www.blackandbluerugby.org"

A pair of RMR college programs clashed in the first-ever American College Rugby (ACR) Division III National Championships held in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. RMR member New Mexico Tech ultimately triumphed over the University of Denver, a longtime RMR stalwart. Congratulations to both clubs on their excellent seasons.

RMR also sent teams to the Rugby 7s National Championships in Kennesaw, GA on May 13-15, and would like to congratulate Air Force (Men & Women) and Northern Colorado on their performances.

Rocky Mountain Rugby recently tied one other union for qualifying the most teams to the USA Club Rugby XVs National Championships in Atlanta, GA on May 20-22. Although none of our teams took home the national championship, RMR couldn't be prouder of their efforts. The event featured a weekend attendance of over 3,000 people and was broadcast live across the world on The Rugby Network, where replays are still available.

Congratulations to:
Colorado Gray Wolves II - Women's Division I National Runner-Up
Denver Barbarians - Men's Division II National Runner-Up
Queen City Rams - Men's Division III National Semi-Finalist

via McCoy Funeral Service:

"Celebration of Life for Cameron Neal Harp

Born: June 16th, 1968, Taft, California

Returned to the Rugby Pitch in the sky: April 23rd, 2022, Fort Collins, Colorado

Cameron Neal Harp was born in Taft to Carolyn and Cleaston Harp (deceased 1984). Growing up, he was a very athletic young man and dedicated his time to football and baseball. His love for baseball continued after graduating from Cuyama High School in 1986. He was a pitcher for the Cuesta Community College team while earning his associates degree. He then continued his education at Bakersfield College where he was also a nighttime janitor to support his commitment to being a lifelong learner. Then, he was gifted his daughter, Abigail, while married to Angela.

He worked in management at an oil refinery and served his community in wastewater treatment before discovering his calling as a member of the United States Navy in 2002. He loved his country and decided to dedicate his life to serving after the events of September 11th, 2001. In the Navy, he was an Airframer and achieved the rank of E6, Navy Chief, and was awarded the War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, Service medal, Humanitarian medal, Navy and Unit Commendation medals, Good Conduct medal (x3), Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, and the Deployment Ribbon (x5).

After an honorable discharge, Cameron followed the advice of his big brother Brian (deceased 2018) and started working as a Pumper in the oilfields of Colorado. Shortly after moving to Northern Colorado, he met Mary in 2017 and they were married on November 1st, 2019.

Cameron is survived by his mother, Carolyn Hudson, wife, Mary Siek, daughter Abigail Terrrasas-Harp (Cali), and stepdaughters Evelyn Siek and Lorelei Siek, and a large extended family.  Cameron’s unwavering faith in his Heavenly Father is the foundation upon which he built his life. His hobbies and interests included:

Traveling the world; he frequented Australia and shared his love for Ireland with his new wife Mary on their honeymoon.

Playing and Coaching Rugby; He was a spirited team member of the Noco Rugby Flamingos, the CSOBs, and the Fresno Rugby Club.

Reading books about history and historical figures

Rewatching the Three Stooges and Father Ted

He enjoyed any beer (except for IPAs) and a good scotch to be quickly followed by Tums in his Mancave.

He loved classic rock; he would enthusiastically solo on the air drums on road trips.

All of this was always placed second to his wife and daughters. 

Cameron was loved by so many; his positive outlook, generous spirit, and kind heart left an impression with everyone he met. He always went out of his way to help anyone in need and had an incredible work ethic. He never met a stranger that didn’t quickly become a friend. Cameron always seemed to find the right words to say when you needed to hear it and will be remembered by friends he made around the world.

This was Cameron’s message to his mother in an earlier time of grief:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” -Romans 8:18

“Life here is a gift we should enjoy, but nothing compared to being in His Wonderful Presence. We will all meet there someday but for now we have work here to do, in this beautiful world God has given us.” -Cameron Harp

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Cameron’s extraordinary life on April 29th, 2022, at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Windsor CO, at 12:00pm MST."

Last Updated: Sunday, June 5
Second Update: Thursday, June 23

The 2022 Rocky Mountain Rugby Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 26.

The location for the meeting is 6300 S Syracuse Way #150, Centennial, CO 80111 (Keller Williams Realty; we're meeting in the large conference room of Bobo's office). Zoom will also be available for this meeting and a Zoom link will also be distributed to properly registered individuals on Saturday, June 25, and the morning of Sunday, June 26 (prior to the meeting beginning).

You must be a registered representative of your club in order to attend this meeting. If known as a representative, unregistered attendees will be asked to register and become register representatives. No unregistered individuals may attend the AGM. Proxies must be established in writing at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting by emailing the RMR Proxy Form to Erik Geib and Rich Cortez.

Full member clubs may nominate candidates for any Office by written notice to the Executive Committee by using the Nominations Form located at the end of Registration, and nominations will be accepted until the opening of the AGM on June 26. If there is no candidate for an Office, nominations for such Office may be made at the meeting. The Board of Directors has proposed a slate of candidates that includes the existing officers with a request for assistance in filling the open positions. The President has specifically requested due diligence in electing a Vice President - Operations (RMR VP) who is amenable to the training time required to become the President as part of succession planning.

The agenda is as follows as of June 5*:
1. Roll Call  |  9:00 - 9:20
  -Call of Clubs
  -Determination of Proxies
2. Good Standing Notice and Quorum Status  |  9:20 - 9:30
  -Termination of Rights to Clubs in Bad Standing
  -Membership Vote for Probationary Clubs & Housecleaning of Club Statuses
3. Opening Remarks  |  9:30-9:50
  -Union President's address: Erik Geib  |  9:30 - 9:40
  -Chair of the Board of Directors: Rich Cortez  |  9:40 - 9:50
3. USA Rugby Updates: Erik Geib & Rich Cortez  |  9:50 - 10:30
  -Progress of Reorganized Council System
  -Anticipated Future Changes
4. Officer/director/representative reports, including:  |  10:30 – 11:30
  *most reports not necessary in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no competition
  -Finance: Bob Lesnansky & Erik Geib  |  10:30 - 10:50
  -Women's Clubs: Dea Allen | 10:50 - 11:00
  -Men's Clubs: Erik Geib | 11:00 - 11:10
  -Men's & Women's Colleges: TBD | 11:10 - 11:30
5. 5-minute Recess | 11:30 - 11:35
6. Proposed union policies & operations amendments: Erik Geib  |  11:35 - 11:50
7. Bylaw review & proposals; RMR reorganization: Erik Geib  |  11:50 – 12:10
8. Union elections  |  12:10 - 12:30
   -Qualified nominees & the Board's slate of candidates shall be considered
9. New Business  |  12:30 – 1:00
10. General Meeting Adjournment  |  1:00
11. Breakout sessions for 2022-2023 planning  |  1:00 - 2:30
  -Men's Clubs
  -Women's Clubs
  -College Programs

*Due to a change in availability, the Chair has requested the attending body agree to change the order of Agenda items at the start of the meeting.

Previous language:

The 2022 Rocky Mountain Rugby Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 26.

It is likely this event will be online-only but we are exploring possible venues to make it an in-person event with an online/call-in option. This year’s proposed bylaws should be available by Friday, May 27, 2022. Additionally, full members may nominate candidates for any Office by written notice to the Executive Committee no later than Friday, May 27, 2022.  At the Board's discretion, nominations may also be accepted between May 27 and June 26 [Update: Nominations will remain open until the opening of the AGM on June 26]. If there is no candidate for an Office, as reflected in the agenda for the Annual General Meeting, nominations for such Office may be made at the meeting. The Board of Directors has proposed a slate of candidates that includes the existing officers with a request for assistance in filling the open positions. The President has specifically requested due diligence in electing a Vice President - Operations (RMR VP) who is amenable to the training time required to become the President as part of succession planning.

If you would like to propose an agenda item, please contact Erik Geib or Rich Cortez. Items for the Annual General Meeting agenda items submitted by members must be submitted by members in writing to the Executive Committee  before the Annual General Meeting. The agenda for the meeting will be final as of Sunday, June 5, 2022.

AGM Information

Agenda items for the meeting include*:
1. Roll Call  |  9:00 - 9:20
  -Call of Clubs
  -Determination of Proxies
2. Good Standing Notice and Quorum Status  |  9:20 - 9:30
  -Termination of Rights to Clubs in Bad Standing
  -Membership Vote for Probationary Clubs & Housecleaning of Club Statuses
3. Opening Remarks  |  9:30-9:50
  -Union President's address: Erik Geib  |  9:30 - 9:40
  -Chair of the Board of Directors: Rich Cortez  |  9:40 - 9:50
3. USA Rugby Reorganization Update: Erik Geib & Rich Cortez  |  9:50 - 10:30
  -Council System & Committees
  -Service Changes & Registration System
  -Insurance & Benefits
  -Future of College Rugby
4. Return to Play: RMR Board  |  10:30 - 11:15
  -Return to Play policies & paperwork
  -Master Calendar & landscape moving forward for this Summer
  -Summer Plans (Tournaments & Friendlies)
5. Officer/director/representative reports, including:  |  11:15 – 11:35
  *most reports not necessary in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no competition
  -Finance: Bob Lesnansky  |  11:15 - 11:25
  -Referees: Paul Pettit (or delegate)  |  11:25 - 11:35
6. Proposed union policies & operations amendments: Erik Geib  |  11:35 - 11:50
7. Bylaw review & proposals; RMR reorganization: Erik Geib  |  11:50 – 12:10
8. Union elections  |  12:10 - 12:30
9. New Business  |  12:30 – 1:00
10. General Meeting Adjournment  |  1:00
11. Breakout sessions for 2021-2022 planning  |  1:00 - 2:30
  -Men's Clubs: Erik Geib
  -Women's Clubs: Jeanna Beard
  -College Programs: Rich Cortez