50th Anniversary of the CAN-AM Rugby Tournament
By: Katie Marshall
The Badgers teamed up with Frederick Rugby Club to tackle the 50th anniversary of CAN-AM Rugby’s tournament, competing as Severick. Severick had an impressive performance, finishing the tournament with a 3-1 record. On Saturday, they played three matches. They kicked off the tournament by defeating their familiar rivals, the DC Furies, with a hard-fought 31-26 win. After a long break, they returned to secure another victory in their 3 PM match against the Barracks Rangers, dominating with a score of 60-0. The day ended on a high note with a post-dinner win against South Buffalo, 40-0. The day was filled with laughs, lots of tries, and minimal puking on the sidelines.
With no curfew in sight, the celebrations continued long into the night. Sunday morning at 8 AM looked rather different for Severick compared to their opponent, the Rochester Renegades. The Renegades, who had a team curfew and did not experience firsthand that bars in New York do not close until 4 AM, arrived at the field with plenty of time to warm up—probably had some breakfast and even brushed their hair. Severick, despite showing up 15 minutes before kickoff without a ball to practice with, started strong, leading 12-0 in the match. However, the Rochester Renegades came back to win the match 28-12. Severick learned a valuable lesson that morning, which will likely be forgotten before next year's CAN-AM’s. It turns out chasing down a fast wing at 8 AM is much harder after a night of fun in Lake Placid. Severick never gave up though and smiled through the pain. It was a beautiful weekend of rugby and social events.
U23 Mid-Atlantic All-Stars
Honey Badgers Taylor McLean, Izzy Smith, Mack Putlowski, and Maddie Steele secured their places on the U23 Mid-Atlantic All-Star team after two tryouts in May, held in Philadelphia and at St. Mary's College. They competed in a tournament from June 28-30 at the MLR Free Jacks' stadium in Quincy, MA, where the Mid-Atlantic team took 3rd place against other regional U23 All-Star teams.
Maddie Steele- ‘U23 was a great experience especially as a growing player. It was cool to see players from all over the country as well as get a variety of different coaching. Our team was full of awesome, hilarious people and we all got really close over the weekend, our team group chat is still always buzzing which is super great. I’m thankful that Severn saw enough potential in me as a player and person to help send me to the U23 tournament, it’s a learning experience I’ll carry for the rest of my life.’
Mack Putlowski- ‘Having the opportunity to be a part of the U23 Select MidAtlantic Squad two years in a row was such an honor and privilege to be a part of. Meeting new people, traveling to new places, and getting to learn more and more everyday about the sport that I love with the selects program has given me memories I know I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Being a newer player in the sport I found Severn River after my first year playing rugby and found myself immersed in a community of talented and supportive players and coaches that I knew always had my back. Playing rugby in college and only being able to play as a Honey Badger during my school breaks gave me a sense of confidence in the sport as I grew into the player I am today. The Severn squad really took me under their wing and taught me skills I still use daily and pass on to newer players on other teams I am a part of. Thanks to Severn River pushing me to grow alongside players with more experience and learning to play at a higher level, I’ve been given the opportunity to continuously grow as a player on and off the field and play in a more competitive league.’
Taylor McLean- ‘U23 was such an amazing experience! I made lifelong friends and love seeing them at every rugby tournament. I learned and have grown so much as a player. Getting to play new positions was a great opportunity for me as a utility player to grow. The coaching was amazing! Such a great experience! Thank you, Severn, for helping me accomplish this achievement! I have learned so much and I know I can reach high levels and continue to work as hard as possible to reach the goals I want.’
Triumph on the Global Stage: U.S. Women’s Rugby Secures Olympic Bronze
Road to Victory
The journey to the bronze medal was anything but straightforward. The U.S. team faced formidable opponents throughout the tournament, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in every match. Their path included intense games against top-tier teams like New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, each contest pushing the American squad to their limits.
One of the standout moments came during the quarterfinals against Canada. In a nail-biting match, the U.S. team managed to edge out their North American rivals with a last-minute try, securing their place in the semifinals. Although they fell to New Zealand in a hard-fought semifinal match, the team’s spirit remained unbroken.
Bronze Medal Match
The bronze medal match against Australia was a testament to the team’s grit and strategic prowess. From the kickoff, the U.S. team played with unmatched intensity. Key players, such as captain Abby Gustaitis and speedster Alev Kelter, delivered exceptional performances, inspiring their teammates and fans alike.
The match saw several lead changes, with both teams displaying offensive and defensive brilliance. However, it was the U.S. team’s cohesive play and tactical acumen that ultimately secured their victory. A decisive try in the final minutes, followed by a successful conversion, sealed the 24-19 win, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and supporters.
Impact and Future Prospects
This bronze medal is more than just a piece of hardware; it signifies the rise of women’s rugby in the United States. The achievement has already inspired a new generation of athletes and garnered increased attention and support for the sport.
Coach Emilie Bydwell praised her team’s dedication and hard work, stating, “This victory is a testament to the incredible commitment of our players and the support staff. It’s a proud moment for us and for all the young girls who aspire to play rugby at the highest level.”
The U.S. Women’s Rugby team’s success at the Olympics also bodes well for the future of the sport. With increased funding and development programs, American rugby is poised for further growth. The team’s performance has set a benchmark, and with the talent pipeline continually expanding, the future looks promising.
The U.S. Women’s Rugby team’s bronze medal win at the Olympics is a landmark achievement that will be remembered for years to come. It highlights the team’s exceptional talent, dedication, and the growing prominence of rugby in the United States. As the sport continues to develop, this victory will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for future successes on the global stage.
SRRFC Operations & Team Boards
With the conclusion of their 2024 spring season, Severn met as teams and as a current club to vote in the officers for their Operations Board and Team Boards. Congratulations to the 2024-2025 officers!
Honey Badgers Team Board (listed left to right, top to bottom)
Katie Turner- Team Alumni Relations Chair
Madison Drum - Team Treasurer
Ava Dennis- Team Social Chair
Hannah Drilling - Team Field & Equipment
Jazmin Lawhorn- Team DEI Chair
Maria Russo- Team President
Lily Soliday- Team VP
Catherine Giordano- Team Social Media Chair
Samantha Bottorf- Team Match Secretary
Katie Marshall & Erin Gallagher Johnson- Team Captains
Men’s Team Board (listed left to right)
Jake Davis- Team Social Media Chair
Andrew Brewer - Team Field & Equipment Manager
Taylor Gavigan - Team Match Secretary
Daniel Wooddell - Team Captain
Zay Perry- Team President
Mike Divver- Team Social Chair
Brett Shoemaker- Team Governor
Nick Stratchko- Team Treasurer
(Not Pictured) Phillip Denton- Team Alumni Relations Chair
Operations Board (listed left to right)
Steve Long- Operations Treasurer
Joe Milluzo - Operations President
Samantha Bottorf- Operations VP
Katie Marshall- Operations Social Media
Jake Davis - Operations Secretary
(Not Pictured) Zay Perry - Men’s Team President
(Not Pictured) Maria Russo- Honey Badger Team President
SRRFC Board of Directors
The newly formed SRRFC Board of Directors held their first meeting in Glen Burnie on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The agenda included finalizing the 2024-2025 meeting schedule, setting staggered terms for the inaugural class, appointing officers, and selecting committee chairs. They also met with Operations Board, President Joe Milluzzo and Treasurer, Steve Long to review the operations goals and budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The inaugural meeting marked the beginning of an exciting chapter for the future success and growth of the club.
Schedule for the 2024-2025 BoD Meetings:
Tuesday, September 10th, 2024
Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025
Wednesday, March 12th, 2025
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025
BoD member terms:
Jenn Fenzel- 3 years- Alumni
Rachel Priddy- 3 years- Alumni
Lily Soliday- 3 years- Current Team
Milton Greenstreet- 3 years- Current Team
Kate Fitzgerald- 2 years- Alumni
Ruth Seerey- 2 years- Alumni
Katie Turner- 2 years - Current Team
Erik Dronberger- 2 years- Current Team
Henry Posko- 1 year- Alumni
Marty O’Neill- 1 year- Alumni
Charlee Bryan- 1 year - Current Team
Colin Gotimer- 1 year - Current Team
*** Members can serve up to two three-year terms, for a maximum of six years. To ensure continuity, we staggered the terms so that only four positions can be turnover at a time.
Officers were confirmed:
Chair: Rachel Priddy
Vice Chair: Milton Greenstreet
Treasurer: Katie Turner
Secretary: Jenn Fenzel
***Officers were confirmed for a one-year term.
Committees and Chairs:
Alumni Committee Chair- Rachel Priddy
Recruitment Committee Chair- Erik Dronberger
Infrastructure Committee Chair- Henry Posko
Fundraising Committee Chair- Lily Soliday and Marty O’Neil
Youth Development Committee Chair- Ruth Seerey and Lily Soliday
Systems & Structure Committee Chair- Charlee Bryan
Finance Committee Chair- Katie Turner
BoD Development Committee Chair- Milton Greenstreet
Alumni Charter: To create an alumni organization dedicated to supporting and furthering the legacy of SRRFC rugby club. As former members of the club, we understand the importance of maintaining connections and fostering camaraderie beyond our playing days.
Recruitment Charter: The recruitment committee shall assist the Severn River Rugby Club in maintaining a consistent influx of new players, both established and developing, as well as alumni participation membership.
Infrastructure Charter: Supporting growth of the club through the current resources and future resources/partnering with AA County.
Fundraising Charter: Build a financial infrastructure for the club to support both day-to-day operation and future investments.
Youth Development Charter: Take a leadership role in the recruitment, education, engagement, and interest cultivation of children and families regarding the sport of rugby.
Systems and Structure Charter: Anticipate, analyze, mitigate, and document potential legal, player welfare, PR, and digital risks that could impact the club and its stakeholders.
Finance Charter: Develop the future financial structure of the club.
BoD Development Charter: We are committed to creating a pipeline for future leadership within the Board of Directors.
***The BoD is always looking for committee members. If you are a member ‘in good standing’, alumni or current player and interested in participating on a committee please reach out to the BoD @ bodsrrfc@gmail.com and we will have the chair of that committee get in touch.
SRRFC Board of Directors Officers (Listed left to right)
Rachel Priddy- BoD Chair
Milton Greenstreet- BoD Vice Chair
Katie Turner- BoD Treasurer
Jenn Fenzel- BoD Secretary
SRRFC Board of Directors Members at Large (Listed left to right, top to bottom)
Charlee Bryan
Erik Dronberger
Katie Fitzgerald
Colin Gotimer
Marty O’Neill
Henry Posko
Ruth Seerey
Lily Soliday
Annual Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction
Severn River Rugby Club pulled out all the stops for its annual banquet, blending a nostalgic 1920s speakeasy theme with a touch of rugby flair at The Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville. With ruggers donning their finest, the ambiance was electric, with the secret password "1978" unlocking the festivities, a nod to the club's founding year.
The event was catered by Nick's Pizza and Subs, with Crafts 2 Much providing elegant centerpieces. Special thanks were extended to social chairs Mike "Butters" Gibson and Victoria Zito for orchestrating the affair.
Highlighting the evening were the accolades bestowed upon a new class of players, with both men's and Honey Badger teams shining bright. Notable mentions included Sophie Clendenin clinching Most Valuable Forward for D2 and Caroline Heimerl receiving the esteemed Steel Tits award. Dan Wooddell was celebrated as D3 Back of the Year, while Adam Corder claimed the title of Rookie of the Year, promising a bright future for the club.
The coveted YAD award found its rightful place in the hands of Old Boy, Ed Deming, a fitting acknowledgment of his enduring YAD legacy. Severn River leadership has made several attempts to piece together its long 46 years of history. During the 40th Anniversary celebration we encouraged alumni to indicate where they had won past awards. Mike Posko trusting where the alumni had marked, engraved the plaque only to later discover that Ed Deming was now officially 'Rookie of the Year' for 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2014.
The SRRFC Hall of Fame welcomed four distinguished gentlemen among its ranks: Scott "Scotty B" Brusnighan, Bobby "Bobby D" DeStefano, Wendell Harsanyi, and Chris Posko, each leaving an indelible mark on the club's legacy.
As the NFL ProBowl continues to fade in comparison, the allure of Severn River Rugby's annual banquet grows stronger, drawing current, former, and legendary players alike. With sights set on the impending 50th anniversary milestone, the club aims to surpass the resounding success of this year's celebration, paving the way for a future filled with camaraderie, excellence, and unforgettable memories.
Award Summary:
Honey Badger Awards:
Most Valuable Back D2- Katelynn “McRib” Barkell
Most Valuable Forward D2- Sophie Clendenin
Most Valuable Back D3- Cat Giordano
Most Valuable Forward D3- Victoria Giampaolo
Steel Tits- Caroline Heimerl
Rookie of the Year- Jaz Lawhorn
Unsung Hero- Katie Turner
MVP- Hope Wasserman
Men’s Awards:
Most Valuable Back D3- Dan Wooddell
Most Valuable Forward D3- Taylor Gavigan
Most Valuable Back D4 – Austin Bradley
Most Valuable Forward D4 – Mike Schaefer
Rookie of the Year- Adam Corder
Unsung Hero- Joe Milluzzo
YAD:
Ed Deming
Hall of Fame Class of 2023-2024:
Scott "Scotty B" Brusnighan
Bobby "Bobby D" DeStefano
Wendell Harsanyi
Chris Posko
Honey Badgers Winners
Most Valuable Back D3: Daniel Wooddell
Most Valuable Forward D3: Taylor Gavigan
Most Valuable Back D4: Austin Bradley
Most Valuable Forward D4: Mike Schaefer
Rookie of the Year: Adam Corder
Unsung Hero: Joe “Spaceman” Milluzzo
YAD Award: Ed Demming
SRRFC Hall of Fame: (Left to Right) Bobby "Bobby D" DeStefano, Wendell Harsanyi, Chris Posko, & Scott "Scotty B" Brusnighan
BINGO!
Severn River Rugby's 2nd BINGO night at the American Legion Post 175 the past December was a roaring success, raising several hundred dollars for the club! With approximately 50 enthusiastic players in attendance, we're eager to boost attendance back to our initial 75-100 players for the next event.
A huge shoutout to the Legion for their warm hospitality and for serving up a delightful array of drinks for purchase. Special thanks to our talented grill masters - Maria Russo, Hope Wasserman, Victoria Zito, and Masha Romanchak - for keeping everyone fueled with delicious burgers and hotdogs while the dobbers were dobbing. And let's not forget Katie Marshall, whose expert number-calling skills kept the excitement levels high.
We're immensely grateful to the businesses that supported our fundraising efforts and contributed to the baskets for our winners: Charm City Integrative Health, Studio 304, Fairwinds Brewing, Texas Roadhouse, Wawa, Fishpaws Liquor, Varuna Spa and Wellness, Tina Coleman AKA Clementine the Clown, Iron Bridge Wine Co & Restaurant, Vida Tacos, Brian Boru, The Point Crab house, Always Ice Cream, Change Your Pace Massage, Ministry of Brewing, Charm City Mead, Guilford Hall Brewing, Bread and Butter Kitchen, Tuscan Prime, Total Wine
Keep your calendars marked for our upcoming BINGO nights, where prizes worth $50-$250 await lucky winners. We can't wait to see you there!
The Ravens Rundown
Left to Right: Picture # 1: Nicole Wenger, Maria Russo, Sarah Patterson, Michael Schaefer Picture # 2: Gareth Owen, Nick Stratchko, Ryan Kivitz Picture # 3: Jaz Lawhorn, Marisa Hernandez, Maggi Riggin, Maria Russo
By: Bri Leonard
A heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of the Baltimore Ravens fundraiser this season. Your commitment and enthusiasm truly made a difference.
The Ravens fundraiser stands as Severn River's cornerstone fundraiser each year, contributing significantly to nearly forty percent of its operating expenses. This year witnessed an extraordinary effort as Severn worked two additional home games, courtesy of the Ravens' soaring into the playoffs. Moreover, they seized the opportunity to boost their funds by participating in the Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks concert earlier in the year.
A special nod goes to Conor Cusick, dubbed our "Pretzel King," whose meticulous attention ensured that every pretzel served was seasoned to perfection. Gratitude extends to those who went above and beyond, working multiple games: Michael “Butters” Gibson, Ryan Kivitz, Marisa Hernandez, Margaret Riggin, Jazmin Lawhorn, Michael Schaefer, Maria Russo, Nick Strachko, and Ashley Gereli.
Beyond fundraising, volunteering with the Ravens cultivates camaraderie and offers firsthand immersion in the game's excitement. It's akin to securing a front-row ticket to the greatest show on turf, where fans bleed purple and “In Lamar We Trust.” The only thing more unpredictable than the weather is the Ravens playbook…and maybe how many beverages the club actually needed to stock for the games.
A special thanks to Maria Russo and Michael Divver for their tireless efforts in organizing and coordinating our club's involvement and for their exceptional work in navigating the complexities of Ravens scheduling. Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible. Cheers to a fantastic season!
Severn River Rugby: Ruck Cancer
On Saturday, October 28th, 2023, Severn River Rugby held a Cancer Awareness Match at their home pitch in Severna Park. Surrounded by family, friends, alumni, and cancer survivors, the atmosphere was charged with support and solidarity. Among the attendees was a representative from the Wellness House of Annapolis, an organization offering invaluable support to hundreds of cancer survivors and their loved ones.
Prior to the match, the club organized t-shirt sales and sign dedications to raise funds for the Wellness House, ensuring their crucial programs and services could continue. As the Honey Badgers stepped onto the pitch to face Roanoke once again, the sun illuminated the scene, and the pregame playlist energized the players and spectators alike.
With determination fueled by the knowledge that they were contributing to a cause greater than themselves, the Honey Badgers played with unwavering spirit. The seamless movement of the ball from player to player symbolized their unity and shared purpose.
Maria Russo and Nicole Wenger stood out as players of the match, showcasing their skill and dedication. In a remarkable display of teamwork, over eight different players scored a try, culminating in a resounding 70 to 17 victory over Roanoke.
However, the true victor of the day was the Wellness House of Annapolis, as the Honey Badgers' fundraising efforts yielded over $1,000. It was a day filled with camaraderie, athleticism, and most importantly, a profound sense of support for those affected by cancer. #withyou
Board of Directors: Planning
Greetings to the entire Severn River Family!
The purpose of this message is to provide some clarity around the formation of a club Board of Directors that was initiated after a vote by the current team to ratify new bylaws on June 29, 2023. The key concept to keep in mind is that the structure of this Board hasn't been established yet; it is a metaphorical plane being built while flying. The plan is to have an official launch of the Board of Directors in the summer of 2024.
You might be wondering…
What is the Board of Directors?
The purpose of the Board is to push the club forward and make decisions in the long-term best interests of the club. The vision is to unite the current team and alumni, and alleviate active players of some of the administrative tasks of running the club. Currently, the Board members are exploring “passion projects” and ideas for different committees that will enhance the life of Severn River. Moving forward, the Board will have elected members that continue committee and operations work.
How were the members of the Board selected?
Six alumni and six current team members were informally invited to volunteer to represent alumni and current players for the inaugural six months of the Board. They are tasked with building the structure and defining the operation procedures of the Board before its official launch in June 2024… basically these twelve folks will be working to get this thing off the ground! There will be a formal election in June (more details to follow) to secure the official twelve members of the Board, according to the procedure in the approved bylaws. There are one-, two-, and three-year terms for the Boards inaugural class.
Who are the 12 volunteers?
Current Team: Charlee Bryan, Erik Dronberger, Milton Greenstreet, Joseph Milluzzo, Lily Soliday, Katie Turner
Alumni: Jenn Fenzel, Katie Fitzgerald, Marty O’Neill, Henry Posko, Rachel Priddy, Ruth Seerey
How can I get involved?
The twelve volunteers will be reaching out to determine what the priorities of the club are. While there is much to be done, not everything can be done at once. Committees will be formed for those priorities and we will need both alumni and current players to collaborate and offer expertise in respective areas. You can get involved by sharing what you feel is a priority and/or volunteering for a committee. We want to capitalize on the strengths of everyone in the whole club!
What are the responsibilities of the Board of Directors versus the Operations Board?
Board of Directors Operations Board (AKA E-board)
Focuses on the long-term strategy of the club Focuses on day-to-day operations of the teams
Chris Posko: A Rugby Odyssey Honored in Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame
In the tapestry of Severn River Rugby, where passion intertwines with history, Chris Posko emerges as a beacon of dedication, camaraderie, and unrivaled contributions to the sport. As the Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame opens its doors to the Class of 2023-2024, Chris Posko's name rightfully takes its place among legends - an induction that echoes four decades of commitment to the game.
Reflecting on the past 45+ years, Chris expresses pride in the club's success, with a special mention of the youth programs and the flourishing Honey Badgers teams. Chris credits numerous inspirations, especially watching his brothers play for Old Red and eventually Severn River and acknowledges the coaches and players who continue to influence not only his rugby career but also his personal life.
For Chris, the journey from a spectator to a player was a meticulous process. Kicking a rugby ball around at 13, when youth teams hadn’t been formed, he immersed himself in the sport, patiently waiting until he was of sufficient size to join the fray. A fortunate change in his work schedule, thanks to Pete, allowed him to play his first game in England, marking the commencement of a remarkable rugby odyssey.
Early on, Chris distinguished himself as one of the first three players, along with Scotty Brusnighan and Dave Chamberlain, selected to the Under 23 select side for the Potomac Rugby Union from Severn River Rugby Football Club.
Ascending from the Under 23 side, Chris continued to make his mark on the A-side, eventually assuming the mantle of captain. In an era where coaching responsibilities fell to the captain, Chris took the initiative to learn more about rugby by attending classes at the Potomac Rugby Union. His commitment extended to being a selector for six years.
The advent of sevens rugby brought a new dimension to Chris's playing career. Initially a means to stay in shape during the summer, sevens rugby evolved into something much more. Severn River competed and triumphed in several tournaments, with Chris himself earning the inaugural "Golden Sevens Award." The subsequent year, he surprised even himself by winning the Drop Kick competition.
Chris's versatility shone through as he played all back positions with great skill. Starting as a teenage second row, he seamlessly transitioned to the wing, center, and fly half, showcasing his adaptability, ball-handling prowess, ability to kick for goal, and precision in taking the majority of kicks for touch.
As captain, Chris led Severn River on their first tour to Ireland. Embodying the resilient spirit of rugby players by taking the field with a surgically repaired broken hand. The camaraderie, the shared triumphs, and the indomitable will overcome this adversity left an indelible mark on his memories.
Chris's contributions extended beyond his playing days. Just before the onset of Covid-19, he coached at Spalding High School, achieving an undefeated season. Off the field, he orchestrated gatherings of Old Boys, playing in tournaments and even facing off against the New Orleans Old Boys at the national stadium.
Among the many unforgettable moments, a triumph in Mobile, Alabama at the National and an underdog victory against Albany in the championship game stand out. In a moment of post-game bravado, Chris famously told the Potomac Rugby Union representative that he didn't deserve a ride back to DC—a testament to the tenacity and spirit that defines Severn River Rugby.
Chris's legacy is not just in the awards or victories, but in the laughter shared, the friendships forged, and the enduring spirit of a player who gave his all, whether on the field or the sidelines. As the Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame welcomes Chris Posko into its esteemed Class of 2023-2024, it celebrates not just an individual but a journey, a commitment, and the embodiment of what it means to be part of the rugby brotherhood.
SRRFC Hall of Fame Class of 2023-2024 Inductee: Chris Posko
