Honey Badgers: 20 Years, Don’t Care
by: Rachel Priddy and ChatGPT
The Beginning of the Honey Badgers
The journey of the Severn River women’s rugby team began in the summer of 2006, when Kirk Wiggins approached club President Steve Compo with the idea of establishing a women’s program. Through the hard work, determination, and dedication of Wiggins, Meredith McAlister, Chelsea Renoe, and Sherri Korpella, the foundation was laid for what would become the Severn River women’s rugby team.
In those early days, the women practiced alongside the men’s team while working tirelessly to recruit enough players to compete in weekend 7s tournaments. By the fall of 2006, their efforts had paid off. The team had recruited enough players to field a full squad and compete in its first fall 15s season under the guidance of Coach Kirk Wiggins.
This author likes to think that the arrival of “The Salisbury Show”—Jenn Fenzel, Kristi Grande, Dayna Jost, and myself—helped solidify the forward momentum of that first season. But truth be told, our fearless founders were far from alone. Standout players like Ruth Seerey, Jeanna Beard, and Candace Coston were already on the scene and ready to go to battle.
Chelsea Renoe served as captain of that inaugural team, while Meredith McAlister took on the essential organizational responsibilities of creating schedules, agendas, and itineraries. Recognizing the importance of ensuring the women’s team had a voice within the club, Meredith became the first woman elected to the Severn River Rugby Club board, serving as Treasurer.
These pioneering women established more than just a rugby team. They created the foundation for the growth, camaraderie, determination, and success that would come to define Severn River’s Honey Badgers women’s program for years to come.
The Early Years: Scrappy, Resourceful, and a Lot of Fun
Those first several years were fun and scrappy.
We were tight. We battled on the field, drank away the pain, and did it all again the next week.
Every season, the Honey Badgers grew stronger, bringing in more players from surrounding colleges and, eventually, from much farther away. One by one, we put more pieces in place. The team began to develop depth, experience, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from playing—and surviving—together.
In 2008, we acquired Katie Fitzgerald by coaxing her off a boat and onto the pitch with promises of beer and fun.
For Katie, it turned out to be about much more than rugby.
“I had just lost one of my favorite crew members in a drunk driving accident. Finding you guys actually saved me in a lot of ways.”
— Katie Fitzgerald, longtime scrum-half
A few years later, we received a surge of talent from Towson University, that included Jackie Melsopp, Denisse Villaran, and Iliana Rosa, followed closely by Stephanie Hickok and Charlee Bryan. Their arrival added another wave of players who would help push the program forward.
But college campuses weren't our only recruiting grounds.
Another surprisingly productive recruiting location was the Dairy Queen in Easton. That's where we found Mary Todd one fateful Thursday evening on the ride home from practice.
Thank goodness Kristi Grande’s beer-filled bladder couldn't make it all the way back to Salisbury.
The lesson?
Talking to a random girl wearing a rugby shirt at a Dairy Queen is always a good idea.
Then there was the day Jenn Fenzel picked up former USA Eagle Carmen Farmer on the side of the road while driving through Cambridge on her way to practice.
Not a bad pickup.
“It was random. I got a text from Mere to pick this girl up on my way to practice at a seafood restaurant. Glad she wasn’t a serial killer…or worse, a talker.”
— Jenn Fenzel
These stories capture something important about what made the Honey Badgers special.
Players came from everywhere.
Some were recruited through colleges. Some were found at Dairy Queens. Some were picked up on the side of the road. Some were convinced to leave boats for rugby. And somehow, they all became part of the same family.
There was no master recruiting plan. There was no carefully designed pipeline.
There was just a bunch of women who loved rugby, loved having fun, and kept finding ways to bring more people into the fold. So many talented women have worn the Honey Badger jersey.
The team wasn't built overnight.
It was built player by player, season by season, friendship by friendship.
And somewhere along the way, all those random encounters, recruiting adventures, long practices, road trips, bruises, beers, and battles on the pitch became something much bigger than a rugby team.
They became the Honey Badgers.
A Legacy of Community and Success
Today, Severn River Rugby Club is a thriving organization with more than 200 members, including men’s, women’s, alumni, and youth teams. Over the years, the club has earned numerous championships and accolades, but perhaps its greatest achievement is the strong sense of community it has built around the sport of rugby.
The club continues to inspire, connect, and unite people through the power of sport, carrying forward the traditions and values established by those who came before.
The Severn River Honey Badgers have gone on to achieve remarkable success on the national stage, earning 2nd place in the nation in Division 2 in both 2012 and 2023. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, talent, resilience, and enduring spirit of the women who have proudly represented Severn River Rugby Club.
But the story of the Honey Badgers cannot be told without recognizing the role played by the entire Severn River family.
In those earliest years, the women’s program faced many of the challenges that threaten new women’s rugby programs: limited numbers, limited resources, and the uncertainty that comes with building something from the ground up.
What made Severn River different was that the women were never truly left to build it alone.
The men’s program believed in what the Honey Badgers could become.
They shared the fields, resources, knowledge, and, most importantly, the belief that the women’s program belonged at Severn River and had a future there.
That support gave the fledgling team the opportunity to grow instead of becoming another promising women’s program that ultimately folded because of a lack of resources or support.
That partnership became an essential part of the Honey Badgers’ foundation. The success that followed—from those first 15s matches in 2006 to national Division 2 runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2023—was built not only by the women who took the field, but by a club that chose to invest in them, stand behind them, and believe in their potential.
And that is what makes the story bigger than rugby.
It is a story about people who showed up for one another.
It is about the badgers who were willing to build something from nothing, the teammates who kept coming back, the players who recruited the next generation, and the club that gave them a place to do it.
The Honey Badgers are a testament to what can happen when people come together, support one another, and believe in something before they can see what it will become.
From a handful of women practicing alongside the men in 2006, to a nationally recognized Division 2 program, the Honey Badgers have grown into something those early pioneers could only have imagined.
Cheers to…
The women built the program.
The club helped it endure.
And together, the legacy they built.
WE ARE… ONE CLUB!
Summer 7's
Severn Selects 7s
This summer was essentially a test run for the Severn Selects. We had never fielded a truly competitive 7s side before, as the program had primarily been social. The goal this summer was to see if we could build a competitive Selects team with the potential to compete at the Premier level next year.
We brought together a talented group of young players and got off to a strong start at our first tournament, Rites of Summer, where we went 3–1 and finished third out of 12 teams. By our second tournament, the group had really begun to come together, and we went 4–0, finishing the summer with an impressive 7–1 overall record.
The season showed us that the concept works. Going 7–1 in our first summer gave us a strong foundation to build on, and now the goal is to continue developing the program and make the jump to Premier-level competition next year.
The Selects also welcomed several new faces and collegiate players to the squad this summer. Charlie Farrell (Marine) played his first-ever rugby matches and made an immediate impact, scoring twice. Zach Longfellow (Catholic University) and Michael Stone (Mount St. Mary’s) also joined the team, along with key contributors Colin Clark (Boston College), Pat Fenn (Salisbury University), and Ryan Keaton (Salisbury University).
The future is bright for Severn Selects 7s, and this summer was just the beginning.
— Cam Neilon
Honey Badgers 7s
This summer, the Honey badgers fearlessly answered the call for 7s! With consistent numbers throughout the summer, the team trained hard, competed hard, and remained committed to improving both individually and as a group.
We had a great time building team chemistry at the Social Tournament of Cape Fear, won Rites of Summer for the first time, and even had the opportunity to play a doubleheader against Navy Selects.
The experience, new faces, and skills developed throughout the summer will only strengthen the Honey badgers as we head into the Fall 15s season.
Here’s to a great summer with the Honey badgers!
— Coach Jeff
SRRFC BOD, Operations & Team Boards 2026-2027
Severn met as teams and as a current club to vote in the officers for the BOD, Operations Board and Team Boards. Congratulations to the 2026-2027 officers!
Board of Directors
Operations Board
Honey Badger Team Board
Men’s Team Board
BOD Upcoming meeting dates:
9/09/2026
11/04/2026
1/13/2027
3/10/2027
5/12/2027
7/14/2027
The Lighting Project is Complete
The lighting project for the field is now complete. This was a major effort, and there are many people who deserve recognition for helping make it a success.
First and foremost, Mike Johansen and Phil Denton. This project would not have been possible without Mike's long-standing relationships in Annapolis and his tireless work guiding us through the process of securing state funding. Phil's expertise in project management and patience in dealing with government bureaucracy made a very difficult job appear easy as he handled multiple bids from contractors and guided the decision-making process with vendors.
I also want to thank Henry Posko, Katie Fitzgerald, and the rest of the BoD Infrastructure Committee for working closely with the Legion and Mike Johansen to ensure we followed the proper procedures and submitted all required documentation.
Appreciation as well to Phil’s implementation subcommittee—Dan Wooddell, Joe Milluzo, Jazmin Lawhorn, Mike Posko, Henry Posko, Chris Posko and Brian Wasson (Legion Representative)—for their advice and hands-on contributions.
Thanks to everyone who joined me in building support along the way. Mike Posko, Mike Johansen, and I attended a meet-and-greet in Annapolis, and several Severna Park District members showed up at Senator Dawn Giles’ reception at Café Mezzanotte last year, including Charlee Bryan, Mark Farmer, Ruth Seerey, Marty O’Neill, Mike Posko, Mike Johansen and myself. Phil Denton, Dee Crovo, Ruth & Jim Seerey and Mike Johansen also attended a second event for the Senator’s campaign efforts this past May.
And finally, a special thanks to Coach William Delsing for his tremendous help clearing trees at the Legion to make way for the new lights.
This truly was a team effort, and I’m grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing it to completion.
Cheers!
Rachel Priddy
BOD Chair
Annual Banquet and HOF Induction
Severn River Rugby Club’s annual banquet on January 17 was nothing short of dazzling. With a Kentucky Derby theme, the Byzantium in Annapolis was transformed into a spectacular venue that perfectly set the tone for the evening. The event was a true reflection of the dedication and creativity of social chairs Nykyla Malinosky and Alex King, whose hard work brought every detail to life.
The night featured several standout moments, including the recognition of both the men’s and Honey Badger teams receiving well-deserved honors. The Unsung Hero Awards were presented to Ryan Kivitz and Nykyla Malinosky this year. Ryan took on the monumental task of leading the club’s Ravens fundraiser, while Nykyla—on top of planning the banquet—continues to be a constant source of encouragement and leadership, setting the standard both on and off the pitch.
The Honey Badgers and the men’s team each presented their coaches with gifts as a small token of appreciation for all their hard work and dedication. Huge thanks to coaches Dolla Harmse, Johnethan Dumond, and Jeff “Tiny” for the Badgers, and Coach William Delsing, Jon Holtzman, Mike Posko, Mark Slifer, and Brett Shoemaker on the men’s side.
This year’s prestigious YAD Award was claimed by Maria Russo for the second time, further cementing her impact on the club. And fully leaning into the Kentucky Derby flair, Kate Schaefer walked away with the new BOD Best Dressed award.
The SRRFC Hall of Fame also welcomed four new inductees: Mike Anderson, Candace Coston, Dewey Meeter, and Ed Stump, each officially enshrined for their lasting contributions to the club’s rich history.
The celebration carried late into the night as players and alumni headed downtown to Stan and Joe’s for more drinks and camaraderie. With so many generations of Severn River Rugby represented in one place, it was the perfect setting to keep the party going.
As Severn River Rugby’s annual banquet continues to grow in importance—drawing current players, alumni, and club legends from near and far—anticipation is already building for next year. With the Honey Badgers celebrating 20 years this season and the club’s 50th anniversary right around the corner, expectations are high for another unforgettable celebration filled with camaraderie.
Award Summary:
Honey Badger Awards:
Most Valuable Back- Annie Lee
Most Valuable Forward- Annie Potter
Steel Tits- Fallon Migliorini
Rookie of the Year- Haley Addiss
Unsung Hero- Nykyla Malinosky
Most Improved- Courtney Rager
MVP- Kale Carter
Men’s Awards:
Most Valuable Back D3- Cameron Neilon
Most Valuable Forward D3- Ben McCathy
Most Valuable Back D4 – Thomas Casasola
Most Valuable Forward D4 – Robert Coombs
Rookie of the Year-River Quitslund
Unsung Hero- Ryan Kivitz
YAD:
Maria Russo
Hall of Fame Class of 2025-2026:
Mike “Moose” Anderson
Candace Coston
Dewey Meteer
Ed Stump
Board of Directors Best Dressed Award:
Kate Schaefer
Most Valuable Forward- Annie Potter
Most Valuable Back- Annie Lee
MVP- Kale Carter
Steel Tits- Fallon Migliorini
Rookie of the Year- Haley Addiss
Most Improved- Courtney Rager
Unsung Hero- Nykyla Malinosky
YAD- Maria Russo
Most Valuable Back D3- Cameron Neilon
Most Valuable Forward D3- Ben McCathy
Most Valuable Back D4- Thomas Casasola
Most Valuable Forward D4- Robert Coombs
Rookie of the Year- River Quitslund
Unsung Hero- Ryan Kivitz
YAD- Maria Russo
Hall of Fame- Mike ‘Moose’ Anderson
Hall of Fame- Candace Coston
Hall of Fame- Dewey Meeter
Hall of Fame- Ed Stump
BOD Best Dressed-Kate Schaefer
Player Spotlight: Katie Marshall and Jake Davis
Katie Marshall: Resilience and Leadership
Rugby has always been my anchor, guiding me back even during the toughest times. This year was no exception. Returning to the field after breaking my face and spending five weeks with my mouth wired shut was one of the most challenging moments of my life—physically and mentally. I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my Severn River Rugby family, my friends, and my own family.
Every match, I carry my “why” with me—my mom, Mama Marshall, a fierce rugby supporter who believed in the strength, toughness, and community of this sport. Her spirit is with me on the pitch every time I play.
My journey with Capital Selects began in 2016 and has taken me to unforgettable places: playing in the snow, facing international competition, and traveling to Medellín, Colombia in 2024. This season, after skills camps and tryouts, I was honored to be named backs captain, leading a team of incredible athletes at the Mary Graham All-Stars Texas tournament, where we achieved Capital Selects’ best-ever finish: second in the Cup.
Now, we’re preparing for our next big challenge: representing Capital Selects in Cuiabá, Brazil, on February 15, 2026. Training has been tough, but every practice strengthens our resilience, skill, and teamwork.
This journey is about more than one player—it’s about community, growth, and the love of the game. If you’d like to support me as we head to Brazil, donations can be made here:
Every bit of support helps us carry this dream forward—onto the pitch, across borders, and into the next chapter.
Jake Davis: Growth and Dedication
To be selected for the 2025–2026 Capital Selects was an honor—a milestone that reflects the support, guidance, and encouragement of countless coaches, teammates, friends, and family. This was my first time trying out for the union’s selects side, and in just one season, I’ve gained an enormous wealth of rugby knowledge, connected with leaders working to elevate the sport across the Capital Region, and seen the impact of those who’ve invested in me.
Rugby, for me, is about growth—growing as an athlete, as a person, and helping others grow in turn. I aim to carry this philosophy into coaching with Archbishop Spalding and the Severna Park Green Hornets, as well as into the spring season with Severn River. I’m excited to continue developing my skills, deepening my rugby knowledge, and contributing to the growth of the sport at every level.
Offseason Schedule:
Nov 8, 2025– Capital Selects Initial Tryout
Nov 22, 2025– Capital Selects Invite Camp
Dec 6, 2025 – Stars/Stripes Match
Dec 13, 2025 – Selects vs Young Glory
Dec 20, 2025 – Selects vs Young Glory
Jan 10–11, 2026– High Performance Camp
Severn River D3 Men Head into Spring as Central North Top Seed
Fall 2025 Recap: A flying start to the season saw Severn River Men’s D3 sweep aside the Washington Renegades at home and Frederick on the road. Next up was a tricky away match at Loudoun, a fixture that has proven difficult in recent seasons. Loudoun’s pitch sits two hours south on a horse farm in the middle of nowhere—one of the largest fields in the region, complete with seemingly endless try zones.
Despite dominating possession throughout the match, Severn River struggled to execute in the final third. Loudoun, meanwhile, capitalized on some questionable calls and hard, direct running to open a gap on the scoreboard that proved too much to overcome. An encouraging late comeback by Severn River ultimately fell short.
Two weeks later, Severn River returned the favor, dismantling Loudoun and sending them home with their tails between their legs. The following week, Frederick visited the Legion in Severna Park, where another dominant Severn River performance set the stage for an intriguing final match of the season against the Renegades.
With both teams sitting at 3–1 in the Division, the winner would claim the top seed in the Central North and earn the right to host a playoff match in the spring. Memories lingered from Fall 2024, when Severn River stumbled vs the Renegades and fell 18–7. Questions surrounded Coach William Delsing’s men—but they answered emphatically. Severn River delivered their best performance of the season, rolling to a 55–0 victory and carrying significant momentum into the offseason.
SRRFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025-2026
It is our extreme pleasure to announce this year's Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame inductees. Congratulations to all the inductees and we are looking forward to celebrating with you on Saturday, January 17th, 2026.
2025-2026 Class
Mike "Moose" Anderson
Candace Coston
Dewey Meteer
Ed Stump
SRRFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025-2026: Michael "Moose" Anderson
Michael Anderson has been immersed in rugby for nearly three decades, and throughout that time he has become one of the most recognizable, committed, and influential figures in the Severn River Rugby community. A player since age eighteen, Michael has devoted well over twenty years to developing players, strengthening programs, and representing Severn River with unwavering loyalty. His coaching career spans 7–8 years with the high school program—where he not only taught the game but successfully funneled athletes into the Severn men’s side—and three additional years coaching college programs, guiding players to both the Severn women’s and men’s teams. His administrative contributions are equally significant, serving officially and unofficially in roles that have made him, in his own words, “synonymous with Severn River Rugby.” He has held positions including Vice President, Secretary, and Field & Equipment Director—where mowing fields and maintaining facilities became a point of pride and humor alike.
As a player, Michael earned a derby and the Leather Balls Award in 2016 for his outstanding contributions to coaching, youth development, and club education. He has been recognized with additional honors such as the Steel Head award. But beyond titles, Michael’s impact has been felt most deeply through the players and programs he has shaped. He has sent athletes to elite women’s programs—including one who became a captain in Colorado—and brought numerous college graduates into the Severn family. He has inspired athletes to return to the sport, mentored entire families of players, and taken pride in watching the next generation grow into talented competitors for the Severn men’s and women’s squads.
Michael has played a key role in restoring and strengthening sponsor relationships, reestablishing ties with the Ravens, and serving as a constant ambassador for Severn River everywhere he has traveled. Even during stints with Chesapeake, Asheville, and teams in Florida, he proudly wore his Severn jacket, representing the club with loyalty that never wavered. His milestones are numerous—bringing UMBC and George Mason to their first Savannah tournaments.
Above all, Michael speaks openly about the deep personal bond he holds with the club. Severn River has been his constant through triumphs, hardships, and life-changing moments, including the passing of his mother. Influenced by mentors like Mike Posko, Pete Freeman, and lifelong friend Sean Madden, Michael has grown into a leader shaped by the values, history, and family spirit of Severn River Rugby. His greatest achievement, in his own words, is simply being able to say he played for Severn River Rugby—and his continued dedication, passion, and service embody exactly what the Hall of Fame was created to honor.
SRRFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025-2026: Candace Coston
Candace Coston is a player whose impact fundamentally elevated the culture and competitive standard of the Severn River Honey Badgers. Since joining the club in 2006, Candace helped transform the team from a group focused on friendly matches into a perennial playoff contender.
Over her nine-year Honey Badger career, Candace served as captain for four seasons and was among the first set of co-captain to lead Severn River to a National Tournament. She competed at Nationals in 2010, 2012, and 2015, and was part of the team that captured the Can-Am Tournament title in 2012. Candace was a standout 7s player every summer. Her excellence on the field was recognized with the Most Valuable Forward Award in 2012 and the Unsung Hero Award in 2011. At the time she joined, Candace was also the only Honey Badger with prior high school rugby experience, immediately raising the level of play and expectations within the squad.
In addition to her responsibilities as captain and selector, Candace consistently set the tone of matches. From her very first game with Severn River—where she scored four tries—she demonstrated a rare ability to play any position the team needed, maximizing her exceptional skill set. Known for her intense pre-game speeches, Candace backed her words with action, proving unstoppable on offense and formidable on defense. In one playoff match, with the Badgers down four tries, she scored a hat trick to fuel a dramatic comeback victory. On another occasion, she delivered a tackle so dominant it resulted in a broken collarbone—after which the opposing player expressed admiration rather than resentment.
Candace rarely missed a match and never took the pitch without giving 100 percent effort. Her competitiveness, grit, and ability to elevate the play of those around her left a lasting legacy. The standard she set continues to resonate within the Honey Badgers program today.
SRRFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025-2026: Dewey Meteer
Dewey Meteer arrived at Severn River Rugby Club with something rarer than credentials. He arrived with command of the entire game—and the ability to teach it in a way that permanently raised the standard of everyone around him.
By the time he came to Severn River in the early 1980s, Dewey’s rugby life had already crossed continents and competitive levels. He had begun playing in 1969 with the Annapolis Rugby Club, helped win a PRU Second Division title, moved through flight school rugby with the Pensacola Royals, and earned his place at the storied Old Mission Beach Athletic Club in San Diego. He had been selected for the Southern California Select Side and an Australian tour—missed only because naval service in Vietnam took precedence. From 1974 to 1976, he played in Germany with Hamburg Rugby Club, competing on their select side against touring teams, before returning to OMBAC and concluding his first-side playing career with Washington Rugby Club in 1979.
But it was at Severn River Rugby Club, from 1983 to 1984, that the full measure of his influence became unmistakable.
Dewey was not a coach who simply organized drills or set lineups. He knew every position on the field—not abstractly, not theoretically, but functionally, instinctively. He understood the pressures on a prop, the timing of a scrum half, the spatial responsibility of a fullback, and the unseen work that allows a backline to flourish. More importantly, he could explain to each player how mastering their own role made the player beside them better—and how that chain of understanding transformed fifteen individuals into a single, cohesive unit.
Under his leadership, Severn River did more than improve. The club evolved. Players became students of the game. Individual skills sharpened because they were taught in context, always tied to the larger structure of the team. The result was measurable and historic: Severn River rose from the PRU Third Division to the First Division and captured the Preakness Tournament Championship...in just over two years. The club didn’t just climb divisions—it acquired an identity built on intelligence, accountability, and shared purpose.
That same philosophy defined Meteer’s broader coaching career. He led the Naval Academy Rugby Club to an ERU Collegiate Championship and a berth in the inaugural national collegiate Final Four in 1980. He coached Charleston Rugby Club to a state championship, guided collegiate programs at Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine to multiple division titles, contributed to the All-Navy Select Side in the Combined Services Tournament, and later helped Norwich University secure consecutive division championships in 2010 and 2011.
In 2017, Dewey was inducted into the Naval Academy Rugby Club Hall of Fame. His induction into the Severn River Rugby Club Hall of Fame recognizes something equally enduring: a coach whose deep positional knowledge, insistence on cohesion, and commitment to teaching the why behind the what permanently raised the level of play and the love of the game at Severn River Rugby Club. Dewey Meteer didn’t just coach our team. He helped build one.
SRRFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025–2026: Ed “Robo” Stump
Ed “Robo” Stump — A Game Dominator Enshrined in Severn River’s Hall of Fame
From the first time he donned the Severn River Blue and Green, players and coaches alike knew there was something special about the way Ed “Robo” Stump played the game. Whether bulldozing through multiple defenders on a long scoring run or delivering devastating tackles that demoralized opponents, Ed played every minute of every match with unmatched ferocity and an overpowering will to win. The doors of the Severn River Rugby Football Club Hall of Fame now open to welcome a player whose skill, intensity, and legacy will be remembered forever.
For more than a decade and a half, Ed wore the #6 and #7 jerseys as a fixture in the club’s First XV. His ability to influence the game on both sides of the ball, combined with his unwavering commitment, allowed him to transcend generations of teammates and opponents alike. Ed was not just a contributor—he was a constant.
From the outset of his Severn River career, Ed’s talent and determination marked him as a cornerstone of the club’s success. He earned multiple Derby Awards, including Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Forward, and was selected on numerous occasions to represent the Potomac Rugby Union and East Coast Select Sides. One of his most memorable performances came during the 1992 East Coast Championships, where his dominant play was instrumental in Severn River’s title run and earned him Most Valuable Player honors. Soon thereafter, Ed was recognized by USA Rugby as a highly sought-after prospect.
A relentless competitor, Ed consistently terrorized opposing ball carriers, often leaving a trail of vanquished foes in his wake. On offense, he was nearly impossible for a single defender to contain. Ed knew only one way to play the game—full throttle, all the time.
As the Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame proudly enshrines Ed “Robo” Stump, we celebrate a player defined by extraordinary passion, unshakable toughness, and an unwavering love of the game.
SRRFC Board of Directors Calls General Meeting
Severn River Rugby Club held a general meeting on Tuesday, September 30, at 8:15 p.m. at the American Legion Post 175 in Severna Park. The meeting was led by the SSRFC Board of Directors.
Members in good standing voted on several by-law changes, including the following additions:
Additional topics discussed included:
The LocalDeals fundraising app
Long-term financial planning and future goals with the SSRFC Board of Directors
A Breakthrough Year for the Board of Directors’ Youth Development Committee
Severna Park, MD — The Severn River Rugby Football Club Youth Development Committee (SRRFC-YDC) marked 2025 as a landmark year, expanding the club’s community presence and creating meaningful opportunities for youth players across Anne Arundel County. Guided by a dedicated team of current players, alumni, and volunteers, the committee delivered new initiatives that strengthened local rugby pathways and ignited excitement for the sport.
The SRRFC-YDC is led by members Andy Naylor, Cat Giordano, Jeff Donselar, Jenn Fenzel, Kerry Froh, Maria Russo, and Ruth Seerey, each of whom brings deep ties to both the club and youth rugby programs throughout the region.
A New Spring Tradition: The SR Youth Pitch Crew
One of the committee’s major achievements came during the spring season, when Andy Naylor launched the first-ever Severn River Youth Pitch Crew. Local youth players volunteered on match days to run water to SR athletes, deliver the kicking tee, and fuel the sidelines with energy and spirit.
By fall, the Pitch Crew was outfitted in bright neon green pinnies featuring the SR logo and “FIELD CREW” lettering, making them easily visible to referees and players. Beyond providing valuable on-field support, the initiative introduced families of youth athletes to the broader SRRFC community, strengthening future pipelines for the sport. The program quickly became a favorite among players, volunteers, and spectators alike.
Making an Impact at Maryland Rugby’s Summer Seven’s Tournament
At the end of July, the YDC took its outreach efforts to Maryland Rugby’s Youth Touch Sevens Tournament at Kinder Farm Park in Severna Park. With strong representation from SRRFC board of directors’ members Rachel Priddy, Jenn Fenzel, Kate Fitzgerald, and Ruth Seerey, as well as numerous club players—including Cat Giordano, Kerry Froh, Cullen Bilger, Mike “Butters” Gibson, Shay Hall and Maggie Riggin—the committee used the event to introduce families to SRRFC and promote the upcoming tackle clinic.
A rugby ball toss station and free raffle drew large crowds, with youth participants vying for SR gear prizes. More than 30 parents expressed interest in joining the club’s tackle clinic, demonstrating a growing appetite for expanded youth rugby opportunities. The YDC’s presence was described as “another big hit,” cementing SRRFC as a visible and welcoming force in the county.
A High-Quality August Tackle Clinic
In August, the committee hosted a half-day youth tackle clinic that offered hands-on instruction from some of Severn River’s most experienced players. Led by Kerry Froh, Cat Giordano, Andy Naylor, Maria Russo, and Jeff Donselar, with support from additional SR volunteers, the clinic ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and featured six specialized stations:
Going into contact
Kick and chase
Full-contact tackling on the dummy
One-on-one tackling
Scrum sled demonstration
Ruck progression and technique
The event ran flawlessly, giving young athletes a safe, structured introduction to full-contact rugby and reinforcing the club’s commitment to responsible athlete development.
Youth Rugby Takes Center Stage at Alumni Weekend
Alumni Weekend in October brought another breakthrough moment: the inaugural “Beltway Battle,” a friendly girls’ 7s showcase organized by Kerry Froh and Cat Giordano. Middle and high school players from the Valkyries and Firebirds programs filled the SRRFC home pitch for an afternoon of fast-paced matches, supported by families, alumni, and club players.
Two standout athletes—Grayson Richburg (Firebirds) and Aurora Allen(Valkyries)—earned “Players of the Match” honors, each receiving a vintage SR jersey as a symbol of dedication and future promise.
Looking Ahead
The work of the Youth Development Committee has solidified Severn River RFC’s role as a hub for youth rugby in Anne Arundel County. Through hands-on clinics, community outreach, and strong player-to-youth engagement, the committee has laid the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable youth pipeline.
With momentum continuing to build, SRRFC looks forward to expanding these initiatives and welcoming even more young athletes to the pitch in 2026.