ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2011

Dear McGill RFC Alumni,

Gentlemen, the future is looking incredibly bright for McGill RFC. Veterans and rookies alike have high expectations for the upcoming QSSF season, and our sights are firmly set on a sixth straight provincial title. We are continuously looking to expand our club while maintaining the highest possible standards for our First XV. Our bumper crop of new talent has furthered our discussion of fielding a U20 squad to compete against the local CEGEP teams in order to get our developing players as much playing time as possible.

We are also pleased to announce that McGill RFC has acquired a new scrum machine in addition to having hired a strength and conditioning coach. These two developments would not have been possible without the generous and continued support of you, our alumni. We hope to utilise both the new scrum machine and coaching personnel to continue McGill RFC’s dominance of Quebec university rugby, and compete in the coming years with the other top-flight rugby schools in Ontario and British Columbia.

Preseason

After a summer which saw many players represent their regions or provinces in the senior men’s, U20, and U18 categories, McGill RFC assembled for its habitually onerous two-week training camp. In the last days of a Montreal summer, players old and new matched wits as the club prepared to embark on yet another highly rewarding QSSF season. This year’s preseason ‘Classic’—hosted by Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH—saw the Redmen test their mettle against both the Ivy-League home side and the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy at West Point. A combined four matches were played by the Varsity and Club sides over the course of the weekend. Dartmouth and Army proved to be formidable opponents, and unfortunately the Redmen emerged victorious in a sole contest, that of the Club squad vs. Dartmouth’s 2nds. Rather than view this as a disappointment, we have taken this outcome as a base upon which to build. It has not only strengthened our resolve to be a dominant force in the QSSF, but also to be a top contender in Canadian university rugby as a whole.

Regular season and personnel

Our ever-dangerous Varsity squad looks to take on one of the most talented QSSF conferences in recent years as Concordia, Bishop’s, and Sherbrooke all have their sights set toppling the mighty Redmen. McGill RFC is returning four of six 2010 QSSF all-stars, as hooker Keelan Chapman, centre Sam Skulsky, flanker Jon Lee, and lock Roderick MacKenzie are all back for this year’s campaign. The infallible Balloch brothers—Gideon and Josh—are dedicated leaders on and off the pitch, manifesting the ideals of McGill RFC with their perseverance, commitment, can-do attitudes, and indefatigable drop-goal kicking after practice. We are also proud to announce that prop Jonathan Minz is starting his second year in McGill medicine, joining fellow front-rower Nicholas Park—a theoretical physicist—in their quests for their doctorates. As we continue to strive for success, it is paramount that we have the full support of our alumni, our school, and the Montreal rugby community as a whole as we push to maximise our potential in representing McGill RFC and McGill University.

McGill RFC executive council

McGill RFC is looking to expand our executive council in the upcoming academic year. We want to get as many club members involved as possible and to expand our club’s presence in the McGill and Montreal communities. We will be interacting with local high schools and CEGEPs in the area to help develop basic skills and fundamentals in La Belle Province.

Alumni events

We are pleased to announce that this year’s McGill RFC alumni weekend is tentatively scheduled to coincide with McGill University’s Homecoming, during the weekend of October 14-16, 2011. Our alumni are readily encouraged to attend and reconnect with club and their former teammates. With an abundant supply of rugby and social events, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to relive the magic of, what we hope, are some of the most memorable years of your life.

Pending field availability, Friday, October 14 will feature an intra-squad sevens tournament, an event that has quickly become a staple at alumni weekend over the past several years, and one that allows our alumni the opportunity to face off against the latest and greatest that McGill RFC has to offer. Any alumni interested in fielding a sevens team this year should contact the club for additional information.

On Saturday, October 15, McGill Rugby will field three sides in what are sure to be three sensational games. Beginning at noon, the Club A and B sides will square off against two visiting Queen’s University squads, battling against what has historically been their strongest competition of the year. Subsequently at 3:15pm, the Varsity side will lock horns with their veritable rivals Bishop’s in a regular season match-up that is sure to be anything but. Come out to McEwen Field at MacDonald Campus and cheer on the mighty Redmen. Times and locations are subject to change.

Afterwards, join all three sides for a club social. Starting at 8pm, drop by our new sponsor Ye Olde Orchard—centrally located at 20 Prince Arthur West (corner of St-Laurent)—for a convivial night featuring pints and some good old-fashioned bonhomie. Even if you are unable to make any of the other festivities, a strong alumni turnout at this event would certainly be an outstanding way to cap off the weekend.

Merchandise

Many opportunities exist for our alumni to purchase McGill RFC apparel and kit. In addition to the current stock of McGill Rugby branded polos and t-shirts, we are exploring several possibilities to make additional items available for purchase. These include jerseys, practice shirts, shorts, and most notably, club neckties. Neckties would not only immeasurably contribute to the club’s professional image, but would also allow our alumni to proudly represent a sporting tradition that has existed since 1863. Please contact the club for more information regarding current stock or with any suggestions in respect to merchandise you would like to see offered.

Fundraising efforts

The QSSF is becoming increasingly competitive; therein it is crucial that we do not get overtaken by other teams simply because of the monetary advantage they possess. McGill RFC is actively looking to diversify our fundraising tactics for the upcoming year. Potential plans include a team calendar, soirees of entertainment, and a spring golf tournament. Looking to the future, our goals include a trip to British Columbia for the annual Canadian Interuniversity 7s tournament, as well as continuing and furthering our already established ventures, such as the annual fall ‘Classic’ and the spring fixture against Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Excursions such as these are crucial for team development and bonding, in an effort to make our current players’ experiences hopefully as memorable as the ones you hold.

Closing remarks

To conclude, on behalf of McGill RFC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Even if you simply read this letter, it means that you still hold fond memories of McGill Rugby and you are supporting the squad in spirit. Personally, I urge you to make a donation to the team, whatever the amount. You may do so by returning the enclosed pledge card, or by visiting www.mcgill.ca/give. Consider it an investment, both to this club’s tradition, and to the future of these fine young gentlemen’s lives. It is without a doubt that their experience with McGill RFC has indelibly marked their university experience. We extend our sincere thanks for your continued financial support and encourage you to consider getting involved with the McGill Rugby Alumni Council.

Aleks Vujicic
VP Alumni Relations, McGill RFC | aleksandar.vujicic@mail.mcgill.ca

• McGill Rugby Alumni Facebook Group: Simply facebook search ‘McGill Rugby Alumni’ to join.
• McGill RFC Alumni Forum: http://groups.google.com/group/mcgill-rugby-alumni-forum *
• Rugby Day In Canada Issue 3 (See pgs. 20-23!): http://rugbydayincanada.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/rugbydayincanada_issueno1_may2010.pdf

Twice every year, the McGill Rugby Football Club mails and emails a club newsletter to its alumni to keep alumni updated about the club.

We encourage all alumni to join a mailing or email list! To do so, please contact our President, or join the Alumni Forum!

Any suggestions? Please contact any of our executive!

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