Alumni Newsletter

November 2007

Alumni Day 2007
Nov 17-18t

We have now finalized all the details for Alumni Weekend. The golf tourney was cancelled due to low response. Here is the itinerary:
Saturday Nov 17th
10:00 a.m. Women’s Rugby Alumni Game @ Elings
11:00 a.m. Men’s Rugby Touch Game (Three 10 minute periods)
11:30 a.m. Men’s Rugby Alumni Game (Six-Eight 20 minute periods)
1:30 p.m. – Dark. BBQ
9:00 p.m. Timbers Bar

All rugby games will take place at Elings Park as well as the BBQ – it will be located at the uppermost part of the park. Our Alumni game will be either six or eight, 20 minute periods, it depends on attendance. The BBQ will consist of chicken and tri-tip from Peter’s restaurant along with salads, snacks, beverages, and deserts. In addition, the cost has been reduced from $40 per person to $25: this includes the BBQ and transportation both ways from Timbers bar. Buses will be leaving from I.V. at 9:00 & 9:30 p.m. on Saturday for the bar and making return trips at 1:00 & 1:30 a.m. Not sure of the specific location just yet, but I’ll get that info for you soon enough. Polo shirts will also be available to purchase for the price of $35. See you all in a week,
-Jonathan

The Evolution of the Gaucho by Head Coach Kevin Battle

Dearest Alumni,

Alumni weekend is fast approaching, and we are looking forward to seeing you and introducing you to the new team.

Because of you, UCSB Rugby has built a reputation of being an extremely competitive team on the field, and an extremely fun team off the field. From multiple appearances in the National Sweet 16, the numerous domestic and international tours, to the legendary after match and alumni socials in IV, UCSB Rugby has now become one of the premier places to play rugby in the country.

The current team leadership is committed to building on the legacy that YOU have created. With this, we need your help.

Over the last 5 years, "Barbara" has had four appearances in the National Sweet 16 and the Elite 8 once. We are now setting our sites on establish ourselves as consistent members of the Elite 8 and strive for a Final 4 appearance. To achieve this, the team has increased trainings to 4 days a week, 6:30 am weight room sessions, expert medical care, as well as hiring a specialized strength and conditioning coach. Off the field, we are currently in the process of securing our own grounds, travel to all away matches by bus, and still promote all of the players to take full advantage of the rugby culture, fun and excitement that goes hand in hand with UCSB Rugby.

Player dues have increased to $570 for the year. This coupled with our school funding still leaves us with a $23,000 shortfall. This money must be raised through sponsorship, fundraisers and donations.

I am asking for your help. Please seriously consider attending the Alumni weekend. It is vitally important for the young players to meet those of you who have created this program. It is also important for them to know the Barbara Rugby is bigger than themselves, and they have a responsibility to your legacy.

I am also asking you to help support us financially. Not all players can afford the current dues, and we will NOT turn a player away because of money. I ask you to reflect on your experience with UCSB Rugby, and if possible, help someone else have the same experiences, fun and memories.

I look forward to catching up with you soon, and I thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do! GO GAUCHOS!

Respectfully Yours,

Kevin Battle
Coach
UCSB RUGBY!

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December 2005,

This might seem to be coming a little late for some of you. During the alumni events last weekend I heard again and again that communication is what is lacking with the current team, so I am trying to open up the channels a little bit. First, it was great to see all of you who came, especially those who travelled far to come back. It means a lot to the club that people still care so much about it. The young guys see that dedication and enthusiasm and it fires them to do the same. To be honest, the new guys need to see the alumni to show them a little lesson in how the game is played and to give them an idea of the history of the club.

Second, I apologize that we weren't more vocal in spreading the word about the alumni weekend this year. We listened to the advice that was given by the alumni that were able to attend, and we are doing our level best to make those suggestions happen. We are hoping to make up for this later in the year with a few more events, so please, check up on the website from time to time. We will be updating it and the alumni section is going to be one of the most important sections. We are
going to need your help in getting off the ground. After all, how else are we going to let the world know how great you all are? My personal email address is on there as well, so if any of you want to get a hold of me you can. (It is kfmcbride@umail.ucsb.edu, just so none of you think that I am hiding from you.)

Finally, I want all alumni to know that they are welcome with the UCSB Rugby club. Some people seemed a little put off by this year's event. I am sorry we had to have the game on Rob Field; Eling's park was booked months in advance and Harder Stadium was being used for an NCAA soccer match. I put my own dollar on the line with transportation and banquet space. The UCSB Rugby club is more than just the fifty-odd current players, it represents over forty years of family. Just like family, just because we do not talk every day does not mean that you are not a part of UCSB Rugby. That said, I'm looking forward to being in contact much more often.

cheers,

Kyle McBride
President, UCSB Rugby
kfmcbride@umail.ucsb.edu