Monday, October 26, 2009

Brockport Doggies Bite Danes, 34-21

Albany, NY- The Brockport Doggies defeated the UAlbany Great Danes, 34-21, in the final 2009 New York State Rugby Conference match for both teams. The victory puts Brockport into the top 3 and on to the national collegiate tournament while the Danes remained in 5th place above only Binghamton and Cortland.

Both teams had to contend with a steady rain, at times torrential, and slippery field conditions. Missed tackles proved to be the downfall for the Albany side. Brockport’s shifty runners reeked havoc amongst the Albany defense. Albany would continue to fight but could not slow the Brockport offense. Ambery, T, Schafsteck, Santander and Leahy all scored for the Danes.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Danes Out Run Cortland, 39-17

October 17, 2009
Albany, NY – Albany got back in the win column this week with a 39-17 win over SUNY Cortland. Albany opened up with a sluggish first half but would regroup and pour it on in the second forty. Albany was led by co-captain Jack Reisman’s 14 points on a try, penalty kick and 3 converisons. Fullback Rob Schafsteck had 2 trys on kick and chases scores. Alex Trataros, subbing in at wing for Tyler Fritz, scored two tries on the wing. Lock Anthony Russo rounded out the Albany scoring.

Danes Fall to St Bonaventure, 40-24

October 10, 2009
Albany, NY – Albany falls to St Bonaventure 40-24 to damper Albany’s homecoming. St Bonaventure got on the board first when Dennis Mulligan punched one in. 14 minutes later Albany prop Mike Falatyn took off the base of a ruck to plunge in for an unconverted score. St Bonaventure’s Darren Kmicinski would answer when he picked off a 22 meter drop out between two Albany players to scamper in untouched. Albany would bounce back again with center Tom Ambery’s score and a Jack Reisman conversion to bring the Danes within 2.

St Bonaventure would then gain momentum with a penalty kick by Sparks and try by Kmicinski. The Dane’s attempt at a comeback would start and end with a try each by hooker Ryan Wunder and his replacement Matt Shea sandwiched around St Bonaventure’s Will Atkinson try. Final 40-24. Poor tackling proved to be Albany’s down fall where 3 of the tries came right up the middle.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Danes Fall at Buffalo, 12-10

Buffalo, NY- As Willie Nelson sung” On the road againLike a band of gypsies we go down the highway” Albany rugby took to the highway for the 4th game in a row , this time a 10 hour round trip to the University at Buffalo, and lost a heartbreaker, 12-10. Buffalo struck early when Tom Ambery’s clearing kick was blocked and Bufflao’s Steve Jones fell on it in the try zone. Albany would knot the score at 5 with a Dave Santander score in which he touched down off of a driving maul.

Albany would strike first in the second half with lock Anthony Russo getting on the board with a score off of ruck ball. Play would continue back in forth with Albany keeping defensive pressure up but not being able to clear the ball deep enough to get out of their own end. Buffalo fly half Pat McCallum would finally find pay dirt off of a dummy scissors to slice through the line to bring the score to 12-10, conversion made. After a 30min delay for a passing thunder storm both teams took the field well rested for the final 19 min. With back and forth play continuing for some 10 minutes Albany got the momentum off defensive pressure. Albany was able to keep it on with 4 scrum downs and a penalty inside the UB 22 but unable to score. Numerous efforts fell just short against a superb 9 min defensive stand by UB.

Albany will get a nice dose of home cooking with a three game home stand, starting this Saturday against St Bonaventure on UAlbany’s home coming weekend.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Busy weekend for Danes

The Danes, in memory of Alivia L, took to hanging banners, blowing up baloons, directing traffic and offering support to the Light the Night Walk held at the Crossings Park in Colonie, NY. Some 30+ ruggers spent the evening in support of the event before the All "B"lacks game Vs Albany Law on Saturday. The event supports Luekemia research.

The Danes in the second match against Law was a much closer battle than the first match losing to the visitors, 19-17, The Danes fell into a hole after Law capitalized on a couple of long runs to take a big lead. The Danes, Consisting of mainly freshman and sophmores began to get into the groove with an uptempo style that Law had some trouble adjusting to. 8 man Anthony Russo took a number of quick tap penalties to gains significant ground and set up wide side ball for flyhalf Josh Clevenger.

The Danes entire squad travels to Buffalo Saturday for a key New York State Rugby Conference tilt Vs, U Buffalo. UB Just defeated front runner Brockport in a big stadium game in Rochester, NY.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

SU Hammers Danes,76-36



Syracuse, NY- SU put the hammer to the Danes this Saturday 76-36 in the second NYS Rugby Conferenced match for both teams. "Bajadita" , the Argentinian scrum technique, implemented by Syracuse proved to be the dominating factor in the match. Syracuse used the scrum effectively to set up weak side winger Sam Cunningham thruough the wide side to blast in for 2 scores. Any turn over Albany created was negated by the SU scrum. Albany managed to close the half still in striking distance with scores by Touhey and Tom Ambery.

The wheels fell of for Albany in the second half when SU went to the high ball which Albany misplayed three times directly resulting in 3 SU scores. Albany would fight offensively scoring on tries by Touhey, Wunder, Berry and Falatyn but could not contain the explosive SU attack.


Albany has a non-conference game Vs. Albany Law School in the 2nd game of a home and home and home series. Albany looks to heal up from a slew of shoulder injuries in the next 2 weeks before heading out to play UBuffalo.




















Sunday, September 13, 2009

Danes Bounce Binghamton, 24-7




Binghamton,NY- The UAlbany Great Danes bounce U Binghamton in the first New York State Rugby Conference Game for both teams , 24-7. It was a beautiful day for rugby in UB stadium field as the Danes came out determined. Albany started the scoring with Ryan Wunder driving in off of a maul for the try. Binghamton would answer after capitalizing on a misplayed Gary Own as Lock Evan Haber rumbled in off the ensuing ruck. The rest of the half was dominated by UAlbany with Albany scoring twice to take the half time lead of 19-7.
The second half saw Binghamton gain momentum with some spirited play and stretching the Albany defense with quick ball to the backs. Albany's defense showd to be up to the task by shutting the door on Binghamton numerous times. Albany would play a man down, due to yellow card, for 10minutes and was able to muster up a second score by hooker Ryan Wunder.
Albany travels to Syracuse U. on 9/20 to take on a tough SU squad looking to rebound from an opening day loss to SUNY Brockport.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Danes Rookies Fought the Law

UAlbany, NY- Danes Rookies fought the law [Albany Law] and the law one, 17-6. The Danes put out a side of players playing in their first or second game for the university and put forth great effort and determination to play tough against an older more experienced law side. the Danes controlled play for the majority of the first half with scrum half Brian Stonaker distributing the ball nicely between the crashing forwards and backs. Law got on the board first with former UAlbany center Mike Tedesco scoring for Law off a long break from a Dane turnover. Max Shelton would add another score for the law when he tighroped down the left sideline from a break just inside the half way line.

The second half saw the Danes backline get more into the mix. Neal Plummer and Moses Aisi found a good connection that provided them with some good forward movement. Aisi would slot 2 penalty kicks to bring the Danes within 6 points. Law would answer with a big forward charge resulting in a score in the corner by winger Justin Savage.

The entire Dane's squad travels for the first New York State Rugby Conference match with Binghamton University in the on campus stadium.

Danes volunteer for TOPSoccer

The Danes spent the morning before no league "B"s match vs Albany Law volunteering at the Latham Circle Soccer Club's TOPsoccer program in Latham, NY. Some 25 ruggers served as buddies for disabled soccer players from ages 7-19 years old.

The Tops program has some 30+ players and come out for 6 weeks each fall. The Danes were invited today as one of a select group that volunteers throughout the season, which includes the area high school varsity teams [Shaker High School] and the UAlbany Women's soccer team.
for Danes' coach John Durant stated " I am extremely proud of these gentlemen to take the time to volunteer early Saturday morning before a game for some and an off day for the others. They should great spirit and compassion in their efforts today."

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Albany rally falls short at UMass, 30-34

9/5/09, Amherst, MA- The UAlbany Great Danes traveled to UMass Amherst for a non-league opener against the traditional NERFU powerhouse. The Danes backline showed the ability to score from anywhere on the field with long scores by the Ambery Brothers [Tom and Bryan], Dave Santander [2] and scrum half Jake Touhey. It was a sees saw battle in which UMass scrumhalf Peter Jones capatalized on the 14 Albany penalties to slot 5 penalty kicks and converted 2 tries.

Albany "B"s take on Albany Law at UAlbany on Saturday and the entire squad travels to Binghamton on Sunday for the first New York State Rugby Conference Game.

Purple Haze at Saratoga


8/29/09: The Purple Haze [UAlbany Rugby Alumni] teamed up with the University side to take on the Saratoga Rugby Club at Shenentaha Park in Balston Spa, NY on a super sloppy day. The Club side started things off with the A side coming up on top with a 7-0 score. The club's B side dropped the second half by a score of 12-0 and the Alumni finished things off with a 7-0 final.


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Bulldogs in national media

The Albany Bulldogs are the featured club on RugbyRugby.com this week. The Bulldogs are enjoying a fine season in their third year of play. The Bulldogs travel to Kingston for an important Capital District Youth Rugby League contest. The Bulldogs suffered their first loss on the 15th to Berkshire United.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Rookie Rugby Kicks off at UAlbany

Capital District Youth Rugby, in conjunction with the University at Albany Men’s rugby Team, kicked off the inaugural season of Rookie Rugby for the Albany, NY area. The program, designed for grades 1-8, attracted 20+ participants. The young ruggers went through a series of game like drills culminating in touch scrimmages. When asked about the program, Ada’s Mother Margaret replied “Ada loved it & can't wait for next week!”.


Volunteer coaches are UAlbany players and coaches. The program runs for 6 weeks on Saturdays from 10:00am – 11:15am. Cost is $30.00 per player and includes Game shirt, and participation award. If you would like more information on the program please contact John Durant at youthrugby@ymail.com .

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Danes Upend Union, 25-5

The Danes traveled to Schenectady, NY for the final test of the year in a Wednesday afternoon contest at Union’s historic pitch. The Danes started out with good pace and execution but fell in to disorganization as Union got on the board first with a long run down the sideline by #14 Jason Either. Union would continually knock on the door but stingy defense kept them out. Union pressure kept up inside the ten meter line but an overzealous forward was whistled up for over the top. Cono Cirone took a quick tap penalty and two passes later fullback Alex Wilman was off for 90 meters and paydirt.

The second half showed Albany at it’s best. They were able to stretch the defense by spinning ball to the wing and took advantage of keeping Union on the back foot. Mike Cyr [center] would score next under the left post. Lock James Wrynn would add a score as the result of a truck and trail inside the Union 15. Winger Jack Reissman took a score in from another quick tap penalty and James Richards would finish it off with a scamper down the right sideline ,from just past the 50 , to seal the deal and ending with a four game win streak

The Albany All ”B”lacks tied Union, 5-5. Albany again gave up the first try as Union winger Paul Earp sprinted in to the far corner to down the ball. Albany would counter when Lock Matt Zappala would score off the base of a ruck. Per coach’s orders ryan Sweet attempted a drop kick, instead of place kick, and it sailed wide. The Albany second side showed great improvement over the course of the spring and look to supply the first side with plenty of talent for the fall New York State Rugby Conference season.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Alumni Down Danes




The UAlbany Legends downed the Danes in the 2009 version of the annual alumni game. The Danes proved to be a tough opponent. The older and wiser alum were able to keep the ball tight and utilize their strength to control the game's tempo.


Alumni Legend Joe"Crab" Szalay, scorfed a bunch of tries. Rob Dapaah flew in from Sweden to play on the wing. Coaches John Durant, Pete Zilgme and Dave Farison all doned the boots to take their lumps and heckles from the young lads. Roughly 40 alum spectated or took part in the day's main event.


Special thanks go out to all the alumni and friends who make the yearly pilgramage to Albany. Always the first weekend in May, former UA ruggers flock to the city like concert goers flocked to Woodstock. If you hold it they will come and they do every year. With these dedicated gentlemen , who play the hooligan game, the club has reached the 35 year plateau and is stronger than ever with close to 60 players on the current roster and playing D1 rugby.

Danes 24 - Paul Smiths College 14

The Danes took on Paul Smiths College in a friendly at UAlbany. PSC came out tough and used their strengtht to control much of the tempo in the first half. Albany began posting plays off inside center Mike Cyr and running the forwards off rucks to wear down the big PSC side. UA flyhalf, Josh Clevenger, kept a methodical approach by pounding the center with his forward and working the wings into the game and spreading PSC thin. UA 's Jake Touhey would score off of a nifty play down in the PSC zone.






The second half saw replacement fullback from the UK, Alex Wilman, use his change of pace to bust through the PSC defense for long scores and nearly a third if it was not for a mishandle. PSC regrouped as flanker Chris Cafferty intercepted the UA scrum half /flyhalf exchange to score under the posts. Albany would counter with Touheys second try of the game to put it on ice,

Rugby Weekend - Friday

Scene of the Crime- Evergreen Country Club, Offense- horrilble golf, result - a lot of fun. Although the rugby contingent were unable to keep the strokes down the old addage, I got my money's worth was the rule of the day. 16 alumni ran rough shot over the course only to falter and plead mercy at the famed island green. The good walk ruined was saved since all took carts.

Hall of Fame Events /reception were relocated from the Across the Street Pub to the greener pastures of Loudonville, NY. The host, Rosemarie "Tiddles" Durant pulled the ultimate coup by blindsiding her husband for his suprise 50th birthday party. The shocked Durant was also inducted in the Club's Hall of Fame with fellow UAlbany players Andy Lee and Wences Rodriguez.

Wences Rodriguez, #8, was a huge force as an extremely tough runner and nearly unstoppable near the goal line. Rodriguez played for the Danes in the late 70's.

Andy Lee, #9, was the man who put razzle in razzle dazzle. Moving from offensive line on the football team to center on the rugby club showed tremendous versitility and was another member of the Danes late 70's juggernaut.

John Durant, #8, used his skill honed on the gridiron for the Danes moved to rugby in the spring and used the same run into 'em and knock 'em down style. Durant would also move on as coach of the rugby club shortly after his Dane's playing career ended in 1982 and is still at the helm.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Rugby Alumni Weekend, 5/1 +5/2 /09


It all started in 1974 and is going as strong as ever. The names have changed but the grit and attitude remains. That is rigbt, no mellow shit has been a way of life for UAlbany Rugby for 35 years now. It all comes together this weekend with the annual Rugby Weekend.


Friday starts with golf at Evergreen Country Club at 10:00am. A vast array of rugby alums take a swipe at this gentlemen's game that for most is a walk ruined. The few capable duffers keep the average score for the day below 150. Many a UAlbany Rugger has succomed to the Beast that lurks in the swamp next to the island green.


Friday night - we toast the town at the Across the Street Pub. Adult beverages food and general hootanany will take place. 1970's era scrumhalf Andy Lee and Eightman Wences Rodriguez will be the third and fourth members to the UAlbany Rugby Hall of Fame. Wences was a straight forward, pancake em, runner who was down right unstoppable inside the 22. Andy Lee put the Shake in shake in bake and the razzle in razzle dazzle .


Saturday the weekend culminates in the 2:00pm feature match of the UAlbany Legends vs. the Great Danes. The Danes "B"lack side takes on Paul Smith's College in the first match at 1:00pm. The boys will boys [alumni] will head back to the Across the Street Pub for some post game analysis.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Danes Rally Past UMass, 23-15

The Danes, playing their first "A" side game at home rallied to defeat UMass, 23-15. Both sides had to contend with sweltering mid-summer type heat on a field that is in dire need of rain. UMass scored first out of a cloud of dust when they attacked the center of UAlbany's defense and spun in to the wing who made a nice break to score in the corner. Albany mounted some offensive surges but could not muster any continuity. 7-0 at the half.

After and inspired disertation by ast coach Pete "Ziggy" Zilgme, Albany played with emotion and purpose for the final 40 minutes. Albany mixed fine inside play by the forwards and were able to spin the ball wide to the backs which started to open up space for Albany to attack. Fullback Alex Wilman dashed down the right side for a big score. Jake Touhey made a crafty move off ruck ball some 5 meters out to add a score and co-captain Jack Riessman slotted a 22 meter penalty goal to seal the victory.

Albany takes on Paul Smith College Alumni and the UAlbany Legends next Saturday starting at 1:00pm.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Danes Go 1-1 on Gettin' After It In D.C. Tour

The Danes made the long trip to College Park, MD Friday for a weekend stint at University of Maryland's College Park campus. The Danes started of the day on UM's Fraternity Row Field against the host University of Maryland. The Danes struck first when center Mike Cyr darted through space some 15 meters out to score a Jack Riessman converted try. The Danes would use excellent defense to keep UM scoreless but could not mount any kind of consistent offensive attack. UM was winning the set piece game and controlling tempo despite going against a big head wind.The second half saw UM use the set piece advantage to commit to playing the ball wide to their speedy wings or using the wind advantage to keep Albany on their back foot. These tactics proved to work magic for UM as they reeled off four scores against a spread Albany defense. Albany put up a late surge but was unable to punch it in as UM cleared poached ball deep inside their own territory to seal the victory.

Both sides then took their “B”s across the street to UM’s beautiful regulation rugby pitch on the school’s Engineering Fields for the seconds match. The UM Seconds proved to be the squad with better form beating the tourists 37-0. Much of the scoring came on the outside Vs. the Dane’s inexperienced back three. Lessons were learned from the contest which would provide dividends later in the day.

Albany’s First XV would face America East rival, University of Maryland at Baltimore County [UMBC] in the second game on the Engineering Field. It was a contrast in styles with Albany relying on a strong game of crashing forwards while UMBC looked to use the speedy backs to counter Albany. Albany posted the only points of the half when prop Justin D’Addario scored from pick up ball off of an Albany ruck, 5-0 at the half.

Second half was a see saw battle with UMBC scoring on the wing and Albany’s fly half Jeff Lahens converted try off a crash ball. Scrum half Jake Touhey, with less that 8 minutes remaining, took a quick tap aand hit space for a dive into the try zone to put Albany up for good, 17-12.

Albany “B” learned from earlier mistakes to tie UMBC “B” 7-7 in the last game of the day. Inside center Collin DuSell scored on a 40 meter scamper up the middle to score just to the right of the posts. Albany’s back 3 clamped down on defense and held UMBC to 7 points.

Sunday, after much needed rest from Saturday’s heat, the Danes took off for the 20 minute bus ride to Washington, D.C. for sightseeing. Memorials, museums, monuments and exhibits were all visited as the Albany tourist tried to catch as much of the city as possible in the 5 hours allotted. The weary travelers would board the bus and not reach home until 12:30am as the bus encountered the famed I-95 gridlock. The Danes, satisfied from a successful tour look to keep momentum against a tough NERFU opponent in the University of Massachusetts this Saturday at noon.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Round 2: Danes All "B"lacks Side Wins


The Danes All "B"lacks used consistent froward play with som opportunistic half back play to top the visiting Albany Law School's second XV 24-12. Albany freshman winger James Gandia broke across the line for 2 scores. Hooker Matt Shea, scrum half Andy LaVallie, and Hooker CaseyBerry all scored for UA. UA's fitness showed as there forwards were able to control the breakdowns even after losing the set pieces to a much bigger Law side. UA' Ryan Sweet slotted a conversion and penalty kick to add to the scoring.


The game, for UA was a tune up for the second side as they full squad heads to Maryland to take on the University of Maryland and George Mason University. Check back here for live on the road photos from the "Gettin After It In DC 2009 Tour"

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

"B"lacks Level Law, 34-3

The UAlbany All "B"lacks took it to Albany Law "B" 34-3 on the eve of spring break on the Danes home pitch. The Danes used their more agile pack to spread the field against an extremely large Law side. Anthony Russo [8] started the scoring barrage for the Danes when he did an 8 pick up and knifed his way through the Law defense. Albany fullback Alex Wilman would then score in the corner to put the Danes up 12-0.
Law then picked up the heat and took advantage of UAlbany penalties to keep the ball in their attacking side. However UAlbany's stingy defense would hold Law to 3 points on 1 of 2 attempts at goal.
Second half action saw the UAlbany attack space in the Law back field for a number of breakaways. James Richards, Jake Touhey, were but a few of the scorers for UAlbany in the half.
The Danes have a seven day break in the action and will return to form with the UAlbany Thirds take on Law "B" for round two of the two part series as a warm up for their Washington DC trip to play UMaryland and George Mason University.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Danes Dumped on Vassar's Farm

The Danes traveled to Vassar College to play on Vassar's Beautiful pitch on "The Farm" and were defeated 18-10. The Danes started off quick and got on the board first when scrum half Cono Cirone quick tapped a penalty in which inside centere Mike Cyr crashed through the Vassar line from 15 meters out to score under the posts. Co-captain John Riessman added the conversion. From that point on Albany struggled the rest of the half despite a huge wind at their backs. Albany's zealous attack from the seven inexperieced first side players resulted in 10+ penalties in the half which kept the Danes struggling to get across the half way line.

Vassar winger Omar Fayyaz put through a penalty kick to get the home side on the board. Vassar would follow up with a score by Adam Steel who would score in the corner after a back row move off the scrum. Albany would fight back with solid movements by the forwards who wer able to control some rucks and frustrate the Vassar forwards into a couple of penalties. John Riessman took advantage of the final penalty of the half to convet a 22 meter penalty kick at half time. to put the Albany up 10-8.

Albany settled down after some adjsutments at half time. Albany had some strong play but mistakes and playing into the strong wind kept the Danes at bay. Vassar took advantage of the wind by clearing the ball and playing the field posistion game. Vassar's Tom Szymanski scored an insurance try when he powered up the middle for a score.

The Albany "B"lacks powered over Vassar's second XV. The "B"s had a number of typical first side players on the side and were no match for Vassar's lack of depth. James Wrynn, Anthony Russo ran rough shot while full back Alex Wilman added big strikes from the 15. Albany would tally 52 to Vassar's 7.

The Danes "B"lacks take on Albany Law Tuesday , April 7th at 5:00pm. The "B"lacks look to build on Saturday's strong showing.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Danes Drop Doubleheader to NYAC + Iona



Danes Drop Doubleheader to NYAC + Iona Saturday, 3/28/09. The Danes"B"lack side took on the first side of Iona College at noon before a big crowd at Iona's Mazella Field Stadium. The Danes experienced pack did not get much action as the Gaels spun the ball repeatedly against the very inexperienced Albany backline. Couple of phases and then off to the races as the Gails tallied 35 points by the half and piled on anther 30 in the second to blank the Danes 65-0. Arthur Guints and Mike Mah had strong games for the Danes.
The Danes would then hop on the bus and head to 2008 Super League Champions New York Athletic Club to play their seconds. Seconds is big time with NYAC as many of these players have played or are vying for spots on the first XV. Albany A's used it's physical play to create some decent movements off lineouts and mauled ball but could not contain the NYAC offense which was able to recycle ball through multiple phases. This would result in over loads which NYAC had no trouble exploiting. The Danes fought hard and mad some decent defensive adjustment in the second half but were no match for the far superior side.

Although they went through a tough day the Danes look to take what they learned and build upon this Saturday at the "Farm" at Met NY's Vassar College. The Danes did a lot of great things in the first side game at NYAC and look to utilize them against a tough but more realistic opponent. Game Time 2:30pm With "B"lacks to follow.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Danes Scrimmage Albany Knicks RFC


The Danes took on the Albany Knicks RFC in an early Saturday AM scrimmage on UAlbany's turf field. The Danes handled them selfs well against the stronger more experienced men's Div 1 Club. The Knicks made use of quick ball off UAlbany turnovers to score a couple of tries and dominate the first half. The Knicks featured recent UA grads, Mike Somma, Frank Adams, and Philip Ayoreh.
The second half saw the Danes settle down and create some offensive opportunites. Hooker Mike Shea broke out of a ruck and took off on a 35 meter scamper in which he was able to roll over for the lone UA score. Albany held up well on defense and got into a bit of a groove before game end.

The Dane's head to the Met NY Conference's Iona College Saturday.

Monday, March 16, 2009

UAlbany has first official practice of spring season

The Danes started preparing for the 2009 New York State Rugby Conference schedule today with their first official outdoor practice. 39 players ran a full out practice on the field hockey turf. Bumps, bruises and burns highlighted the spirited action. New captains Cairin O'Hara and John Reismann saw their first action at the helm.
The Danes have a total of 7 practices before they travel to Iona College for the first test of the spring. The Danes hope to bring up to speed a solid bunch of underclassman this spring to compete in the fall league season. The Danes will be losing 8 out of the top pool of 25 players to graduation this spring.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Albany releases spring 09 schedule

The University at Albany Men's Rugby Team has just released it's spring 2009 schedule. The Danes will open with 2 weeks on the road to Met NY clubs followed by a mini tour to Washington D.C. where they will face Univeresity of Maryland and George Mason. They will then come home to face UMasss and Paul Smith's College on consecutive weeks. The season will come to a close with the annual game at Union College,

The complete schedule to date:
3/28/09 @ Iona College
4/04/09 @ Vassar College
4/17/09 @ UMaryland and George Mason'
4/25/09 Vs. UMass
5/2/09 Vs. Paul Smith's College and UAlbany Alumni
5/6/09 @Union College