Severn River Men Look Ahead to Fall

(Pictured left to right, top to bottom): William Delsing, Mike Flanagan, Jon Holtzman, Mike Posko, Pete Freeman and Mark Slifer

By: Milton Greenstreet

Hope springs eternal every year in the fall for Severn River RFC. The men's team hopes to turn over a new leaf this coming season with a few new faces (friend and foe alike) looking to mix things up in the Capital Rugby Union Division 3 Central for the ‘24-‘25 season.

Severn River Hall of Famer Mike Posko stepped down from his head coaching duties, a role he has carried for the club since the return to play after COVID-19. Mike stepped up for the club (as he always has) to help as caretaker manager after the chaos of the pandemic and has done so a little longer than intended. He won’t be disappearing and will still be helping around the club in advisory roles and as an assistant coach. The club is thankful for his dedication and work with the men’s team over the past few years.

Stepping up to fill his shoes is former and now current Head Coach William Delsing. William has been helping Severn River dutifully for years now, most recently coaching the Honey Badgers to multiple playoff appearances, including an appearance in the D2 National Championship final in 2023. William had a long stint as the men’s head coach about a decade ago, also leading the men to several playoff appearances in Division 2. The South African is looking to bring back some heavy hitting and more fitness into the men’s side to take them to the next level. By his side will be an impressive coaching team featuring USA Rugby Hall of Famer Mike Flanagan, former USA Eagle and Severn River Hall of Famer Jon Holtzman, Severn River Hall of Famers Mike Posko and Pete Freeman, and veteran coach/player Mark Slifer.

Last year’s campaign for the men was lackluster—not necessarily poor, but not up to snuff with the lofty goals that Severn River sets for themselves. The past several seasons have been an arm wrestle between North Bay and Severn River for control of the D3 Central. The boys lost their first matrix match to North Bay the first week of the season, and it completely took the wind out of their sails. They managed to finish with a winning record but missed out on playoffs after losing to relative newcomer Loudoun Rugby. In 2024, North Bay has moved up to D2 and actually left the Capital, joining the EPRU. Severn will not get their revenge this year, but perhaps will come across North Bay in a friendly in the future. They have their hands full with Loudoun running high on their most successful D3 campaign to date, as well as newcomers Riverlands RFC joining the ranks of the D3 Central. Severn River looks to rebound from a tough ‘23-‘24 season with some new blood, including long-time stalwart Dan Wooddell taking over as Captain. Dan has been a stoic, no-nonsense leader on the team, running the show from scrum half for several years now. But in 2024 he is officially taking the wheel and looking to right the ship to get Severn River back where they belong, at the very top of Division 3 Central.

Honey Badgers: Summer 7's

By: Maria Russo

Imagine this: veterans and college students teaming up on the rugby field in the summer—an exhilarating blend of wisdom and wild enthusiasm. Switching from 15’s to 7’s is like going from a 32 oz ribeye to a petite, 6oz filet—same sport, just served up differently! It's akin to convincing a bulldozer to be a Ferrari.

At our first tournament, Baltimore 7s, the Honey Badgers fielded two teams: Honey Badgers and Honey Dawgs. Lineouts became slip-and-slides, and rucks felt like wrestling in a swamp. As injuries mounted, big shoutouts go to Veronica Krieger, who survived her first tournament with all ten fingers and just a couple of stitches, and Ally Dearing, who scored multiple tries with her speed. Katie Marshall also proved she’s a natural 7’s player. The Honey Badgers finished 4th, while the Honey Dawgs took home 2nd in a close final game. We ended the day at the Hampden Beer Social Garden, thanks to social chairs Ava Dennis and Michael Divver. Hannah Drilling earned "Bitch of the Pitch" for providing high-quality H2O without any mishaps, and Maria Russo received "Player of the Tournament" for showing that 15’s props can indeed survive multiple 60-meter runs for tries.

In our second tournament in Wilmington, the Honey Badgers showcased persistence and teamwork, finishing their bracket 2-1. In the quarterfinals, the Badgers tied against Wilmington. Erin Gallagher-Johnson set the pace with the first try, followed by strong performances from Lily Soliday, Katelynn Barkell, and Olivia Driver with their excellent tackles and runs. The Badgers tied for 3rd with the Stingers, and Gwendolynne Lindsey, scoring her first Severn try and debuting her scrum-half skills, was awarded "Player of the Tournament."

Our final tournament of the 7’s season was in Schuylkill. With the summer sun finally relenting, we faced cooler weather and tougher competition. Kale Carter dominated the tackles, while Kerry Froh led the backline with poise. Scrappy was named "Player of the Tournament" for their ferocious gameplay.

A huge shoutout to Erin Gallagher-Johnson and Katie Marshall, our newly appointed captains for 2024-2025, for organizing 7’s practices and bringing a positive attitude to our summer season. It’s rugby, dialed up to 'fast forward' mode, where the only thing thicker than the mud is the sunscreen you forgot to apply.

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