Inaugural Class of the Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame Inducted

Pete Freeman, Mike Posko, and Henry Posko became the inaugural members of the Severn River Rugby Hall of Fame on October 27, 2018. With some remarkable words by teammate and lifelong friend Marty O’Neil, these three set a daunting precedent for future inductees. Marty’s remarks about each inductee are summarized below:

Pete Freeman

Pete began his rugby playing days in 1978 at what was then known as Frostburg State College. That same Frostburg side not only gave us Pete, it’s players formed the backbone of Maryland Old Boys (MOB) for years.   You may not know this but Pete is actually a biology major masquerading as a skilled craftsman and I have vivid memories of riding to matches in that old Toyota pickup and getting a play by play of the flora and fauna from Hagerstown to Morgantown.

Well, Pete brought his talents back home to Severna Park in 1979 and has continued to be an active player ever since.  Pete has also laced his boots up for the PRU Select Side, BASS or Baltimore Areas Select Side, ERU, Louisiana Exiles, Virginia Cardinals, Wilmington Old Boys, the CRABBS and of course the Severn Old Salts.

He was a multiple winner of Most Valuable Back and Unsung Hero.  He captained the club for 3 years, coached for 3 years, served as Secretary and of course was Mr. Field and Equipment forever.

Pete is drenched in rugby. He continues to referee, coach the Severna Park Green Hornets youth program, teach at coaching clinics, introduce his boys into the sport and stay in touch with scores of ruggers - old and new, international and domestic.

When we played, you wanted to be around him because he was always first to every breakdown. On the social side, you wanted to be around him because he made it so easy to just be yourself.

Mike Posko

Mike, along with his brother Henry founded Severn River Rugby in 1978 and Mike, in some form or fashion, has been roaming the Severn River pitch ever since.  Mike also suited up for the Old Salts, CRABS, UMBC Alumni, Virginia Cardinals, Chesapeake Old Boys, Wilmington Old Boys, Gorge Old Boys, PAC Old Boys … there is an OLD theme here …Poltroons, and Roosters.

Mike won the Most Valuable Forward (twice) and the Most Valuable Back award.  He was also a select side player on four different occasions, won the Leather Balls twice and impressively, had an Eagle tryout in 1986.

Mike also served as Captain, Selector, President, Vice President and Governor.   He coordinated a number of tours ranging from England in 1981 to Ireland in 2017.  He coached both the 15’s and 7 sides for a number of years but perhaps his unwavering affection for rugby reared it’s unrealistic head when at the age of 50, he challenged the props to get fit and as a result, Mike ended up playing A side.

Most of all, Mike was the difference maker in all of the key matches. Fearless at the back of a scrum and never afraid to stand toe-to-toe with any opponent, Mike leads by example and his passion for this club and the game have impacted countless ruggers along the way.

Henry Posko

Henry was the scrum half and outside center for Old Red Rugby from 1974-1978.  Wanting to play a bit closer to home, he co-founded this very club with his brother Michael in 1978.

Henry owns virtually all the ‘firsts’ with Severn River.  First Coach, First Captain, First Selector, First Scrum Half – until Pete later bailed him out.  It should not go unnoticed that Henry also was also the ‘first check book’ – getting the club off the ground takes union dues, money for jerseys (those funky brown things), parties,  and field expenses.

Off the field, Henry has served as President, Vice President, Governor, Match Secretary and Field and Equipment guy.  He was the Inaugural recipient of the “Leather Balls” award back in 1978 and won his derby for Most Valuable Back in 1979.  Henry also coached the first Coed youth rugby for the Green Hornets and sandwiched his virtually lifetime relationship with the Club with two international tours:  England in 1981 and Ireland in 2017.

Henry has always been the role model for this club.  A reserved, dignified and elegant man that was happy to see others be in the spot light, that wanted to make their dent in the universe. He set the initial direction for this club, has mentored leaders up close and from a distance and will always be our compass.

Severn River Men take down NOVA

Severn River came out of their bye week looking to make a statement against mid table rival, NOVA, on October 20th and their plans started with mixed results. While Severn were able to quickly grab the lead, through a quick-tap try from Fly-half Erik “Punchy” Dronberger, NOVA evened the score a few minutes later via an interception by their outside center. Dronberger again found the try zone immediately after this NOVA score and in the 33rd minute, Number 8 Mike Blimmel, put the visitors up, 17-7. But a fourth try was disallowed by the referee after it was initially called. This seemed to bolster the NOVA squad, as much as it deflated the boys from Annapolis. NOVA preceded to put another converted try and a penalty kick on the board, leaving the game knotted up at 17. At the stroke of halftime, Blimmel found the score sheet again, putting the green and blue up 24-17 at half. This back and forth nature of the match seemed to be put to bed by Head Coach Dave Egar’s halftime talk, as Severn came out flying in the 2nd half, with a brace of tries from veteran flanker Jim Benson, as well as a hard earned try from his open-side partner, Nick Stratchko. The final score came to 43-22, as Severn cemented a three game winning streak. Stratchko and Outside Center John Sage were awarded Man of the Match honors. Severn are home for their 40th Anniversary Alumni match on October 27th, kickoff is at 1pm.

Tries: E. Dronberger (2-5), M. Blimmel (2-4), N. Stratchko (1-2), J. Benson (2)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (4 of 7; 16 of 21)

Honey Badgers are 5-0!

Wrapping up the fall season at 5-0, the Honey Badgers are feeling good. The leadership from the Captains as well as the quiet leadership exhibited by players who are willing to try new positions and support each other has been the key to each victory this season. Against the Furies D-2 side on Saturday, the team showcased their hard work and commitment to each other’s success.

The line-up for Saturday included Kerry and Mikey at prop supporting Gabby at hooker. Seconds were Captain Lenni and Burris (in her last match for SR before moving to Germany with her fiancee!). In the loose, Chafin, Scrappy, and Todo took their spots with Tina at the 9. Connecting to the backs was simple with Charlee at fly, and Captain Casey, Aly, Tiffany, and Marshall rounding out the strong side. For the first time, Shelly started at wing where her speed and agility led to an outstanding first full match. With a strong bench that included Lara, Sammi, Soup, Niki, and some old girls who still think they can run, the team was poised to finish the season strong.

From kickoff, the Honey Badgers took control. Todo had two tries in the first six minutes of the match and by minute thirty-four, Severn River was up 64-0. The second half allowed the subs some room to gain good game time experience and proved that they will be gunning for those starting spots in the spring. By the end of the match, the Furies continued to play with heart and tenacity, a true testament to their commitment to the sport and each other. After wrapping up the day with a 103-0 victory, both teams celebrated at Stan and Joe’s over some pasta and more than a few pitchers of the finest brew.

Scrappy earned Forward of the Match for her remarkable tackling, scoring, and supporting efforts, while Tiffany earned Back of the Match for shutting down the outside and chasing every ball.

Tries: K. Todorovich (3), M. Williams (3), H. Whiteley (2), A. McCarty (3), S. Bottorf (2), K. Schafer (1), L. Ferreira (1), K. Marshall (1), A. Hiken (1)

Conversions: C. Bryan (7 out of 11), A. McCarty (2 out of 2), K. Marshall (0 out of 1), K. Todorovich (0 out of 1), T. Paul (0 out of 1), H. Whiteley (0 out of 1)

#1-Williams, Michal, #2-Hiken, Allison, #3-Lammers, Kerry, #4-Burris, Lauren, #5-Ferreira, Lena, #6-Chafin, Ashley, #7-Whiteley, Hannah, #8-Todorovich, Kathryn, #9-Schafer, Kristina, #10-Bryan, Charlee, #11-Freeman, Shelly, #12-Hartzell, Casey, #13-McCarty, Alyson, #14-Paul, Tiffany, #15-Marshall, Kaitlyn, #16-Bryan, Lara, #17-Bottorf, Samantha, #18-Wachtel,Candice, #19-Suprun, Darian, #20- Fitzgerald, Kathryn, #21- Priddy, Rachel

Severn River Women Defeat James River

Last Saturday the Severn River Women took to their home pitch to face James River. With both teams undefeated heading into the match, tensions were high from the start. The quiet warm-up made the coaches a little uneasy, but it turns-out the honey badgers were just harnessing their energy.

The Severn River Fly-half, Charlee, took control from the first whistle. With strong, striking runs that lasted throughout the match, she put up the first points in the first four minutes. With a strong conversion kicking game as well, her performance helped guide the team to the win. THe first-half was a strong team effort from all the starters with quick, supported rucks that kept the ball in play. Scrappy, Todo, Tina, Mikey, and Tiffany all scored in the first half and showcased the versatility of the entire offense. Late in the first half, James River’s wing broke through the defensive line for a try, reminding the honey badgers to keep their focus.

Unfortunately, play in the second half was a bit sloppy as humidity and fitness seemed to get the best of both squads. Severn River added two tries in the second half and James River added another just at the end of regulation, but play was not nearly as dynamic as in the first half. Severn River faced a number of penalties in the second half that prevented them from playing multiple phases and returning to the groove they established in the first forty minutes. With the score at the end of regulation 46-10 in favor of Severn River, the honey badgers maintain their undefeated record in the South!

The women have a bye this weekend, but will return to their home pitch on the 20th to face the Furies for the second time this season. The return of London and continued impressive play from new teammates Shelly, Eggs, Laura, Dallas, Tiffany, and Niki, the future is bright for Severn River.

Tries: C.Bryan (2), K.Todorovich (1), H.Whiteley (1), T.Schafer (1), T.Paul (1), M.Williams (2)

Conversions: C.Bryan (3 out of 7)

A.McCarty (0 out of 1)

Severn River Men Over North Bay

Severn River faced off against North Bay Rugby last Saturday, in what has been a playoff implicating, hard-hitting affair since both clubs dropped down to Division Three. Severn River was able to secure their first win over North Bay in matrix play since arriving in D3, upending North Bay 24-15. Early on, it looked to be a snake bitten afternoon for the men from Annapolis, as Inside Center Matt Baxter came off with a groin injury in the 10th minute. Baxter has been battling to stay fit all season and while River was disappointed to lose him, Jeremiah Batucan came on as a substitute and immediately made an impact, sticking his nose in with the forwards and scoring on a pick and go just minutes after subbing on. Number 8 Mike Blimmel, doubled Severn’s lead with a trot into the try zone in the 35th minute. North Bay got off to a rough start in the second half, when their strong side wing Nick Webb was cautioned by the referee for tackling Fly-Half Erik Dronberger well after a tactical kick. Severn took the opportunity by the scruff of the neck, quickly scoring twice via set plays with the man advantage. Fullback Colin Gotimer and Wing Zach Lammers both found the corner flag inside 60 minutes. Severn looked like they were coasting to an easy shutout win, but North Bay had a few answers late on, scoring 3 unanswered (and unconverted) tries to finish the match. Severn held on for the win, making it two in a row for the green and blues. Man of the Match honors were taken home by Mike Blimmel and Zach Lammers, for the forwards and backs respectively, both were a force to be reckoned with on offense all day long. Severn look to travel to Northern Virginia after their bye, to take on NOVA and make it three wins on the trot, kickoff is at 1pm on 10/20.

Tries: J. Batucan (1), M. Blimmel (1-2), Z. Lammers (1), C.Gotimer (1-3)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (2 of 4; 12 of 14)

Roster:

#1- Taylor, Dustin, #2- Kirk, Brandon, #3- Maldonado, Richard, #4- Paul, William, #5- McCarty, John, #6- Stratchko, Nicholas, #7- Benson, James, #8- Blimmel, Michael, #9- Dondero, Adam, #10- Dronberger, Erik, #11- Lammers, Zach, #12- Gotimer, Harry, #13- Baxter, Matthew, #14- Wygal, William, #15- Gotimer, Colin, #16- Greenstreet, Jr. Milton, #17- Denton, Philip, #18- Reece, Logan, #19- Swayze, Derek, #20- Gavigan, Taylor, #21- Bilger, Cullen, #22- Long, Stephen, #23- Batucan, Jeremiah

Redemption! Honey Badgers Defeat Chesapeake

Redemption. It was the only word on the minds of the Honey Badgers as they prepped for the contest against Baltimore Chesapeake. After a disappointing loss to the long time rival last fall, Severn River knew they had to focus to not let their nerves get the better of them this past Saturday. While missing Captain Lenni and long time player Sweet Dee in the forwards and with Rayne, one of their key backs, out with a knee injury, the Honey Badgers were a little apprehensive heading into Saturday’s match. You wouldn’t know it, however, from the way they played.

The first half began with a strong start from the forwards with Todo once again leading the charge and scoring early off of a penalty. The Honey Badgers added two more tries before Chesapeake would answer in the 35th minute while Tiffany stood in the sin bin for the team after multiple offsides infractions. Severn River answered with a strong series of back line passes that ended in the hands of Scrappy for a try to finish the first half of play. Going into the half up 28-7, the Honey Badgers may have been feeling a little too confident when they retook the field for the second half.

Chesapeake had two quick tries to start the half as the Severn coaching staff started to pace. The team gathered themselves and refocused their rucking and defensive lines to regain control of the ball. Todo added two more tries to the board, one off another penalty and the other from solid offloads. Charlee continued to kick well and Severn began to pull away. Chesapeake added one more try off of a 5 meter scrum and converted to bring the score to 40-24, but that was the last of their offense. With two tries in the final ten minutes from Burris, the Honey Badgers secured their 3 - 0 record.

The team win was speckled with an outstanding try from Aly who kicked the ball to herself, twice and managed to touch it down in the zone. Captain Casey had some excellent defensive plays and Marshall maintained excellent defensive control and communication with her wings. Many forwards stepped up to play the full 80 minutes (and made sure everyone knew it at the end of the match) and without their commitment, this match could have gone a very different way. With composure, camaraderie, and kick ass mentality, the Honey Badgers are making a statement this season.

Tries:

K.Todorovich (3), T.Paul (1), A.McCarty (1), H.Whiteley (1), L.Burris (2)

Conversions: C.Bryan (5 for 8)

Severn Men take down Frederick in Home Opener

Severn River Men finally had their home opener, after starting the season on a two week road trip. And what a difference home field advantage makes. Severn hosted a familiar foe; Frederick RFC and were able to secure their first win of the young season, prevailing 47-10. Severn’s forwards got the scoring started, with some gritty pick and go tries, inside 5 meters from Prop, Rich Maldonado and Number 8, Mike Blimmel. Frederick fought back and answered with two tries of their own, with one a particularly impressive 65 meter run from Frederick outside center Jacob Fields. Those would be the last points scored by Frederick on the day, with Severn following up to score 35 unanswered points. The boys from Annapolis spread the ball around all match long, with 6 different starters finding the try zone. Hooker, Brandon Kirk and Outside Center, Jon Sage scored their first tries in 15’s for Severn, as both had industrious, 80 minute shifts on Saturday. Erik “Punchy” Dronberger kept Frederick in the distance, converting 6 of 7 conversions during the match. Severn’s pack continued their dominance in the second half with tries from Flanker, Nick Stratchko, Maldonado and Kirk.  For his brace of tries, Maldonado took home man of the match honors for the forwards, while returning veteran scrum-half, Adam Dondero, received it for the backs.  Severn are on a bye this week, but look to make it two in around against North Bay at home on October 6th at 1pm.

Tries: R. Maldonado (2), M. Blimmel (1), J. Sage (1), C.Gotimer (1-2), N. Stratchko (1), B. Kirk (1)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (6 of 7)

Severn River Men vs Western Suburbs

Severn River Men traveled to Fairfax, VA this past weekend, to match up with last year’s D3 central division champions, Western Suburbs. It was another nail biter for the gentlemen from Annapolis, as they kept the match tight all day, but fell in the end, 28-22. Western Suburbs started off the match with a good bit of possession, finished off by a try from their number 8, Phillip Walter. Severn answered right back with some quick hands in the backline leading to Captain Colin Gotimer dotting it down in the 15th minute. The momentum for the match swung with a yellow card in 35th minute for Suburbs’ inside center, Bassam Estwani. And although Erik Dronberger was able to convert the resulting penalty to bring the score to 14-8, Suburbs were the beneficiaries of the swing, as they turned on their engines while down a man and did not relinquish the ball for the majority of their center’s 10 minutes in the bin. Two second half tries by Wing Robbie Wygal and Dronberger weren’t enough to turn the tide, as Suburbs matched river score for score in the second half through 2 tries from Wing Gary Jackson. Cullen “The Bulge” Bilger took home the backs man of the match honors in his first start of the season, Nick Stratchko grabbed it for the forwards.  Severn will look to get their 1st win of the season at home against Frederick RFC this Saturday at 1pm.

Tries: C. Gotimer (1), R. Wygal (1), E. Dronberger (1 - 3)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (2 of 3; 4 of 5)

Penalties: E. Dronberger (1 of 1)

Severn River’s B side saw their first action of season against Western Suburbs’s D4 side on Saturday and they faired a little better than their 1st side did against the outfit from Northern Virginia. Although Severn had several men in the starting lineup playing in their very first rugby match, they won in a romp, 53-19. River’s Killer B’s spread the ball all of over the pitch as 8 different players found the try zone. In particular, the backline of Tommy Sitar, Brandon Kirk and Logan Reece proved a large problem for Suburbs, as the trio scored 4 tries on the day. The forwards had a great day as well, with Lock Derek Swayze and Flanker Matt “Farva” Sabol both scoring their first career tries in the match. Swayze and Logan Reece took home men of the match for the forwards and backs, respectively. The Bs look to continue winning ways against Frederick at home this Saturday at 3pm.

Tries: B. Kirk (1), L. Reece (2), M. Sabol (1), T. Sitar (1), R. Wygal (1), R. Maldonado (1), D. Swayze (1), C. Gotimer (1)

Conversions: M. Greenstreet (2 of 5), R. Maldonado (1 of 1), C. Gotimer (1 of 2)

Honey Badgers Maintain Shut-Out Record Against Furies

Another Saturday, another impressive performance from the Severn River Honey badgers. Improving their record to 2-0 for the 2018-2019 season, the ladies secured another shut out against the D.C. Furies Division II side.

Unlike the previous weekend in the humidity and bright sun of Norfolk, VA, Saturday morning was the perfect day for a match. A little humid, but mostly cool from the overcast skies and consistent breeze, the weather helped the ladies keep their composure even as many people were asked to play in different positions to fill-out the roster. The scoring started early with Tiffany Paul touching down after solid hands through the backline followed by two forward tries courtesy of Captain Lenni and Todo off of a strong breakthrough run. At around the twenty-five minute mark, Shanna took a big hit and was helped off of the field looking a bit like Harry Potter after Professor Lockhart tried to fix his arm, she stayed to cheer before heading to set her broken wrist. The final try of the half was added by Marshall and five minutes before the whistle, Sweet Dee exhibited a bit too much strength in a tackle moment and was awarded a ten minute break.

The second half saw more creative offense from the honey badgers and a bit more work on defense as subs were brought on to the pitch. Returning to the pitch after her extended water break, Dee added a try off of a line-out maul, followed quickly by another score from Todo. As the Furies became a bit frustrated and the honey badgers became a bit sloppy, the match became chippy as the second half began to wind down. Keeping her cool, Charlee snuck the ball through the defensive line on a grubber only to be tackled without the ball in the try zone. A yellow card went to the Furies #13 and Charlee was awarded the penalty try. Two more tries added to the total late in the half and the honey badgers came away with a 51-0 win.

While the coaches highlighted the moments of brilliance, there is still work to be done in continuity and field awareness as the season continues. The Honey badgers have set their sights on their home opener against Chesapeake at 11 AM on September 22 and are ready to redeem themselves!

Tries:

T. Paul (2), L. Ferreira (1), K. Todorovich (2), K. Marshall (1), D. Crovo (1), C. Bryan (1), S. Freeman (1)

Conversions:

C. Bryan (3 for 7), A. Jost (0 for 1), K. Marshall (0 for 1)

Severn River Men Face Off Against Gorge

Severn River Men faced off against an old rival to open up their 2018 Mid Atlantic campaign, as they travelled to Columbia, MD to take on Rocky Gorge (D3). The boys in green and blue lost in heartbreaking fashion, as they gave up the lead in the 75th minute, when Gorge converted the final try of the game to go up 19-17. It was a dismal afternoon with intermittent showers throughout the match, but that didn’t stop either team from playing some very polished and hard hitting rugby. The intense tackling began from the first whistle and did not let up for the duration of the match. In particular, Severn center John Sage set the tone early and often in the first half with some bone rattling shots to the Gorge backline. Although, Sage may have been a little too eager in the tackle for the referee, as he was handed a yellow card in 35th minute for his exploits in defense. The scoring in the first half started with a converted penalty from Erik “Punchy” Dronberger from 27 yards out. Dronberger followed that up with a converted try in the corner after several phases of hard work from the Severn pack. Severn went into halftime up 10-7, but Gorge came out flying in the second half, scoring with in the first three minutes, to go up 12-10. Severn did not let up, with some great runs out of forwards Mike Blimmel and Nick Stratcko, Blimmel had a particularly stylish 40+ meter run straight through the heart of the Gorge defense. Severn went back up via a penalty quick tap try at the 5 meter line, Dronberger found the Gorge defense napping and darted in for the score. He converted the kick, to make it 17-12 Severn. Severn injected some much needed pace into the soggy second half via substitution, with wing Logan Reece and hooker Brandon Kirk coming on and providing an offensive boost to Severn’s attack. It was nip and tuck the whole second half, with both teams bending on defense, but not breaking. A probing kick by Gorge found space in the corner, they were able to recover and, through a few pick and go’s by the forwards, find the try zone with just a few minutes to go on the clock. Gorge was able to sneak the conversion kick just inside the left post to go on top, 19-17. Severn made a valiant effort to get some offense going quickly in the last seconds, but were stopped after a knock on in full time. Man of the match for River was a much contested award on Saturday, with several great performances on the day, but Fly-half Punchy Dronberger and Lock Brad McCarty found the top of the heap, splitting the distinction after the game, with Dronberger earning extra plaudits by providing all 17 of Severn’s points. This week, Severn travel to Northern Virginia to take on Western Suburbs RFC in their second league match of the season at 1pm on Saturday.

Tries: E. Dronberger (2)

Conversions: E. Dronberger (2 of 2)

Penalties: E. Dronberger (1 of 1)