Dan Payne's Youth
Rugby Skills Camp
Next Game Summer 08
SDSU Sevens
Check back for latest scores and team announcments.
Rugby Skills Camp
Next Game Summer 08
SDSU Sevens
Check back for latest scores and team announcments.
Aztecs Come Close in Vegas,
Win At Home
Win At Home
6/28/08 San Diego, CA
Under the tutelage of coach Dave Disorbo the Aztecs sevens team continues to showcase the growth of San Diego State Rugby. This year the team is participating not in collegiate brackets, but in men's open during tournaments, showing great results in their first two hitouts. Additionally, the team has become more inclusive, featuring recent graduates such as Joe Fontana, Bryan Branch and Ryan Howe as well as community college students seeking to transfer into SDSU.
The first tournament was the Las Vegas Midnight Sevens Open Division, which, although played during the latter part of the day and into the night, started off in triple digit heat and never went below nineties. The first game of the season saw the Aztecs narrowly defeat the Old Aztecs, in which the Aztecs struggled to break fifteens habits and play open rugby. Progressing through the day, the Aztecs began to show great defense and continuity in avoiding contact long enough to break down opposing defensive pattern, allowing the Aztecs to reach the try zone. The Aztecs reached the final undefeated, before falling one try short to another young team from the east coast featuring french exchange students.
Still disappointed from Las Vegas, the Aztecs were fired up and ready to play at home in San Diego at the Old Aztec Summer Invitational Sevens (OASIS). The structure of this tournament was somewhat mired since some of the "competitive" division teams did not show up, so all teams were collapsed into pools, with the top four teams entering the competitive bracket, the second eight going to the open and bottom eight going to the social; each bracket was single elimination. The Aztec team won their pool, which included a victory over Aztec Alum Zac Winter's Santa Monica. The team progressed through the playoff to meet Santa Monica yet again in the final. After an intense 20 minute game, the scores remained level and a sudden death overtime was played. Well into the period, Mike Hicks worked his way through the defense to score the game winning try and State collected their first trophy of the season. An Aztec B-side of sorts also participated in the tournament, drawing on players from SDSU and UCSD as well as some other young players new to the game. Coached by Jim Wilson, who also featured at prop, the team lost their first game to Huntington Beach, but winning the remainder of their games to make their way into the social final against the Newport Sharks, who defeated the Aztecs by two tries.
Despite the great success of the Aztecs, they have yet to play one game with their sevens star Alex Ross, who has been a standout player with the OMBAC first side. Of special note is his performance in the final of the OASIS tournament where he helped himself to two tries, leading the OMBAC team to victory over the Belmont (formerly Oxy) Tigers in a nail biting, high scoring affair.
The sevens team is led by captain Jamie Purcell. The players: Brendan Purcell, Mike Hicks, Bryan Branch, Anton Mironov, Ryan Howe, Alex Main, Kenneth McKenzie, Scott Brown, Joe Malim, Danny Rimsans, Duncan Kelm, Keenan, Dave Disorbo, with special guest appearance by Dan Payne.
The first tournament was the Las Vegas Midnight Sevens Open Division, which, although played during the latter part of the day and into the night, started off in triple digit heat and never went below nineties. The first game of the season saw the Aztecs narrowly defeat the Old Aztecs, in which the Aztecs struggled to break fifteens habits and play open rugby. Progressing through the day, the Aztecs began to show great defense and continuity in avoiding contact long enough to break down opposing defensive pattern, allowing the Aztecs to reach the try zone. The Aztecs reached the final undefeated, before falling one try short to another young team from the east coast featuring french exchange students.
Still disappointed from Las Vegas, the Aztecs were fired up and ready to play at home in San Diego at the Old Aztec Summer Invitational Sevens (OASIS). The structure of this tournament was somewhat mired since some of the "competitive" division teams did not show up, so all teams were collapsed into pools, with the top four teams entering the competitive bracket, the second eight going to the open and bottom eight going to the social; each bracket was single elimination. The Aztec team won their pool, which included a victory over Aztec Alum Zac Winter's Santa Monica. The team progressed through the playoff to meet Santa Monica yet again in the final. After an intense 20 minute game, the scores remained level and a sudden death overtime was played. Well into the period, Mike Hicks worked his way through the defense to score the game winning try and State collected their first trophy of the season. An Aztec B-side of sorts also participated in the tournament, drawing on players from SDSU and UCSD as well as some other young players new to the game. Coached by Jim Wilson, who also featured at prop, the team lost their first game to Huntington Beach, but winning the remainder of their games to make their way into the social final against the Newport Sharks, who defeated the Aztecs by two tries.
Despite the great success of the Aztecs, they have yet to play one game with their sevens star Alex Ross, who has been a standout player with the OMBAC first side. Of special note is his performance in the final of the OASIS tournament where he helped himself to two tries, leading the OMBAC team to victory over the Belmont (formerly Oxy) Tigers in a nail biting, high scoring affair.
The sevens team is led by captain Jamie Purcell. The players: Brendan Purcell, Mike Hicks, Bryan Branch, Anton Mironov, Ryan Howe, Alex Main, Kenneth McKenzie, Scott Brown, Joe Malim, Danny Rimsans, Duncan Kelm, Keenan, Dave Disorbo, with special guest appearance by Dan Payne.
Aztecs Named All-Americans
6/18/08 Denver, CO
USA Rugby has selected the 2008 Collegiate All-Americans, with several Aztec players being named to the squad. Two players have been named outright All-Americans, with three others being listed as honorable mentions. Captain Joe Fontana returns to the All-American squad and is joined by sophomore phenome Duncan Kelm; Duncan has enjoyed a great season since moving to flyhalf and had recieved a call up from the under 20 national team before being ruled out by an injury.
Prop David Buboltz and senior flanker Ryan Howe and fullback Alex Lichtig are named to the honorable mention list. These Aztecs are hoping to be named to the All-American touring sqaud which is scheduled to travel to New Zealand later this year. Good Luck!
Prop David Buboltz and senior flanker Ryan Howe and fullback Alex Lichtig are named to the honorable mention list. These Aztecs are hoping to be named to the All-American touring sqaud which is scheduled to travel to New Zealand later this year. Good Luck!
Aztec Rugger On The Price Is Right
6/6/08 Los Angeles
This Monday Joe Griffith will appear on national television this Monday morning. Check you local listings for your station and time.
Congratulations to Ante Drazina
6/5/08 Glendale, CO
Aztec 2007 Alumni Ante Drazina has made yet another great impression on the national scene, this time with the San Francisco based Olympic Club. Although Ante has had several injures that had hampered him throughout the teams league season, Ante Returned to form in the national playoffs and started for Olympic in their playoff run. Although Olympic is stacked with former and current Eagles and All-Americans, Ante showed his prowess are a hard working flanker able to compete at the highest national club level.
Dan Payne "I'm happy for Ante. He's a warrior of a player and has carried on with his rugby in remarkable fashion. He is, obviously, representing Aztec rugby proudly. He continues to set a great example for our current players to live up to. I look forward to the day when we have 25-30 former Aztec players playing D 1 and/or Premier League rugby in our country for the best men's clubs around. The Aztec Rugby family is, both, proud and happy of Ante's acknowledgement.
Here, then, is our all-tournament XV.
1. Brian McClenehan Olympic Club
2. Phillip Thiel Life
3. Seth Straus Life
4. Brian Richardson Life
5. Ryan Chapman Glendale
6. Scott Lawrence Life
7. Ante Drazina Olympic Club
8. Kort Schubert Olympic Club
9. Josh Schmitz Glendale
10. Mike Graham Glendale
11. Kyle Grossheider Life
12. Gary Parseghian Olympic Club
13. Nathan Rogers Life
14. Pio Funefeaikelekolio Pearl City
15. DeWon Reed Glendale
- Source: Alex Goff at http://erugbynews.com/
Dan Payne "I'm happy for Ante. He's a warrior of a player and has carried on with his rugby in remarkable fashion. He is, obviously, representing Aztec rugby proudly. He continues to set a great example for our current players to live up to. I look forward to the day when we have 25-30 former Aztec players playing D 1 and/or Premier League rugby in our country for the best men's clubs around. The Aztec Rugby family is, both, proud and happy of Ante's acknowledgement.
Here, then, is our all-tournament XV.
1. Brian McClenehan Olympic Club
2. Phillip Thiel Life
3. Seth Straus Life
4. Brian Richardson Life
5. Ryan Chapman Glendale
6. Scott Lawrence Life
7. Ante Drazina Olympic Club
8. Kort Schubert Olympic Club
9. Josh Schmitz Glendale
10. Mike Graham Glendale
11. Kyle Grossheider Life
12. Gary Parseghian Olympic Club
13. Nathan Rogers Life
14. Pio Funefeaikelekolio Pearl City
15. DeWon Reed Glendale
- Source: Alex Goff at http://erugbynews.com/
Sevens Start!
6/5/08 San Diego
The Aztec Sevens will start practicing this weeks at the Little Q, with Coaches Dave Disorbo and Jim Wilson developing sevens skills, fitness and strategy. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM. Upcoming Tournaments include Vegas June 21st and OASIS June 28th.
Duncan Kelm Receives U20 Eagle Callup
5/29/08 San Diego
Sophomore flyhalf Duncan Kelm received a last minute call from U20 national team coach Salty Thompson to play in the Junior World Championships this June. Further details will be forthcoming.
Aztecs Lead the Way For SCRFU Griffins
5/29/08 San Diego
Twelve Aztecs players have been selected to the Southern California Griffins. Dan Payne said "I'm really happy for the guys that tried out and made the Griffins all-Star squad. Not only is it a great opportunity to represent their home territory with Aztec pride, but, more importantly, it's an extra 2 months of rugby training and practice with which they can each improve their game. Late spring/summer rugby, combined with our summer sevens program is a great time to 1) enjoy playing-first and foremost and 2) improve individual skills and overall understanding of the game.
After a break to regroup from a long season, most of our guys are now starting to get back in the weight room and they're getting started on Coach Richard's strength and conditioning program.
Hard work is the only way to get it done and I'm proud of the way the majority of our guys have embraced that concept!!!"
After a break to regroup from a long season, most of our guys are now starting to get back in the weight room and they're getting started on Coach Richard's strength and conditioning program.
Hard work is the only way to get it done and I'm proud of the way the majority of our guys have embraced that concept!!!"
Dan Payne's Summer Rugby Skills Camp
5/5/08 San Diego
Head coach Dan Payne is pleased to announce the inaugural Aztec Rugby Summer Skills Camp. This camp will feature current and former eagles, such as Sevens National Team Captain Todd Clever, as well as current Aztec Rugby players focusing on developing a complete skill set necessary to compete in high level competition.
5/1/08 San Diego
In order to keep all alumni up to date on the happenings of Aztec Rugby, we are compiling a list of contacts and basic information.
We're going to put forth a massive effort to reunite as many Aztec alumni as possible over the next ½ year, May 1 thru November 1. Please, help me amass as many contacts as possible. In order to enhance the efforts our players are putting out, it's imperative that we build a strong, unified, and vibrant alumni base. Our goal is to build a program we can all be proud of year over year, on and off the pitch. The team's recent success, a brand new pitch being built in the middle of campus and the amount of work our coaches and athletes are putting forth toward growing Aztec Rugby will all lead to something everyone can be proud of.
I'm now specifically requesting the added support of our alumni base. Please, forward your contact info and help us continue to grow the Aztec Rugby Nation.
Sincerely,
Dan Payne
Send an e-mail to Coach Dan Payne at danieltpayne@aol.com with the following information:
We're going to put forth a massive effort to reunite as many Aztec alumni as possible over the next ½ year, May 1 thru November 1. Please, help me amass as many contacts as possible. In order to enhance the efforts our players are putting out, it's imperative that we build a strong, unified, and vibrant alumni base. Our goal is to build a program we can all be proud of year over year, on and off the pitch. The team's recent success, a brand new pitch being built in the middle of campus and the amount of work our coaches and athletes are putting forth toward growing Aztec Rugby will all lead to something everyone can be proud of.
I'm now specifically requesting the added support of our alumni base. Please, forward your contact info and help us continue to grow the Aztec Rugby Nation.
Sincerely,
Dan Payne
Send an e-mail to Coach Dan Payne at danieltpayne@aol.com with the following information:
Name
Nickname
Address
Shirt Size
Graduation Year
Nickname
Address
Shirt Size
Graduation Year
For Older Reports, Go To "News & Media" and Select "Match Reports" or Click HERE
Practice This Summer @ OMBAC / Little Q
Duncan Kelm scoring a try vs Claremont
Sevens Practice
Tuesday & Thursday
6 PM
Tuesday & Thursday
6 PM
Weight Room Etiquette
All workouts must be done in groups of two or more; rookies should be accompanied by veterans.
All workouts must be done in the correct order (no skipping days).
Dress code: SDSU Aztec shirt and shorts (preferably with an Aztec rugby logo).
IF you cant do that, then have a plain white t-shirt and black shorts. Most importantly, no other university logos. i.e., don't come into the weight room with a "miami U football" shirt.
No ipod/ Music players.
Workout shoes only.
No changing clothes inside the weight room. Its not a dressing room.
Say hi and bye to the coaches. Thank them when they give advice. Clean up all weights after use. Do not use excess white chalk. Replace ALL WEIGHTS and clean up ANY sort of mess you make.
Refer to the two coaches as "coach Richards" or "coach Francis." We are not on a first name basis in there.
All workouts must be done in the correct order (no skipping days).
Dress code: SDSU Aztec shirt and shorts (preferably with an Aztec rugby logo).
IF you cant do that, then have a plain white t-shirt and black shorts. Most importantly, no other university logos. i.e., don't come into the weight room with a "miami U football" shirt.
No ipod/ Music players.
Workout shoes only.
No changing clothes inside the weight room. Its not a dressing room.
Say hi and bye to the coaches. Thank them when they give advice. Clean up all weights after use. Do not use excess white chalk. Replace ALL WEIGHTS and clean up ANY sort of mess you make.
Refer to the two coaches as "coach Richards" or "coach Francis." We are not on a first name basis in there.
Schedule
-Monday @11:00 am and 1:00pm
-Tuesday and Thursday: entire team lift @4:00.
All sessions will last about 1.5 hours.
-Monday @11:00 am and 1:00pm
-Tuesday and Thursday: entire team lift @4:00.
All sessions will last about 1.5 hours.
Recent Updates:The Join page has been updated.
A large link to player profiles has been placed in the Headline section next to the Frontpage image.
The results page has been updated for the complete 2008 section.
Older news has been moved to the "Match Reports" Section
Headlines:
SDSU AZTECS
2008 SCRFU LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS 9-0
NBC San Diego's All Eyes
on Aztec Rugby!
Directions to the
Aztec Home Field
Meet the Team
SDSU AZTECS
2008 SCRFU LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS 9-0
NBC San Diego's All Eyes
on Aztec Rugby!
Directions to the
Aztec Home Field
Meet the Team
