Four UAlbany players garner all-conference honors

10/6/13, Albany,NY- Four UAlbany Rugby players were named to the East Coast Rugby Conference.  Henriquez first team and Gyimesi,Smith and Grant to the second team.

Raphael Henriquez:

Henriquez anchored the back line with excellent defense and explosive offense.  His unselfish style created many opportunities for fellow team members

Gavin Gyimesi:

Gyimesi alternated between lock and 8  man which allowed Albany great flexibility in the pack.  His breaks were pivotal in Albany's attack and he threw in for lineouts.  Great overall play

Herno Smith:

Smith made the switch from flanker to stand off and did an exceptional job.  He led the team in trys scored and proved to be an excellent decision maker.  His timely kicks put tremendous pressure on the opposition.

Ryan Grant:

Grant's outstanding play at fullback allowed Albany to cover and counter attack opposition kick.  Grant's tremendous offensive skills provided Albany with excellent offensive opportunities in the open field.

Danes take early lead but fall to Northeastern U

10/26/13 Albany,NY- Untypical of the Danes, they came out strong in the first half building a 17-5 advantage with 4 minutes left in the first half against Northeastern U.  However the tide would shift with 1 min remaining in the first with a NU try for a 17 -10 score at the half.  

NU would take momentum and the game in the second with Albany only able to get 3 points on the board.  NU would counter with two penalties and two tries for the 30-20 final. 

The Danes got scores from Kimmins, Barends and Henriquez.  Mandel added a penalty and conversion.

Insider notes:  Danes travel to Boston to take on BC.  Day and game time TBA

Danes B upend Union College B

10/23/13. Schenectady,NY- The Danes' B side took on Union College B at Historic Nott Field.   The Danes took the well played match 17-5.  The game was tied late in the first half with a Mike Wolf score set up by a long break by Pat King.   The second half was taken over by the Danes with scores by Cliff Scanlon and Pat King.  Francis Dougherty added a conversion off a drop kick. 

Insider notes:  Danes get back to the ECRC schedule Saturday when they host Northeastern U.

Danes ripped by Middlebury

10/19/13 Albany,NY - ECRC leader Middlebury traveled to Albany to face the Danes on homecoming where they spoiled the festivities with a 78-22 rout.  The strong running of Middlebury's Jake Fluery scored 5 tries and made 6 conversions.  Albany had scores from Smith, Henriquez, Dombrowski and Kimmins.

Insider notes- Albany B's travel to Schenectady Wednesday to take on Union College. The Danes host Northeastern U Saturday for the last home game of the season.  

Danes stung by AIC Yellowjackets

10/12/13 Albany,NY- The AIC Yellowjackets defeated UAlbany,39-27 in an East Coast Rugby Conference match.  AIC took full advantage of poor tacking by the Danes.  AIC center Ben Roach scored 4 tries.  Albany stayed within reach but mistakes would do them in each time they mounted attacks.  Albany would get scores from Smith(2), Henriquez and Grant.  

Albany Insider notes: Danes host Middlebury for homecoming, 1:00 kick off State Quad Club Sports Field.  

10/05/13, Mainsfield, CT- The Danes traveled to UConn’s Depot Campus and came out with a win to even their ECRC record to 1-1-0. The Danes were able to garner 4 points for the win and a bonus point for + 4 tries scored. It was a nip and tuck game throughout with both teams trading scores. The Albany backline played extremely well this week with both centers scoring tries. Austin Wolf [1] and Ralph Henriquez [2] , along with #10 Herno Smith played tremendous defense bottlenecking the UConn attack. Flanker Sean Kimmins added to Albany scores with a try and Joe Mandel converted three of four.

Albany Notes:

Albany hosts ECRC league leading AIC [tied with Middlebury] this coming Saturday, 10/12/13 at 1:00pm. It will also be Capital District Youth Rugby Day. Coaches will be on hand from Vassar College, AIC , Albany Men and Women to talk to recruits. Prizes, including rugby balls, t-shirts + stickers will be awarded to youth rugby raffle winners. Save the date: 10/26/13 Homecoming Vs Middlebury College -1:00pm kick off.

UMass dumps Danes, 30-17

9/28/13, Amherst, MA/ UMass used the strong play of prop Todd Theodat who scored three times to dump the Danes, 30-17.  Danes #10 Herno Smith scored twice, flanker Sean Kimmins once and Joe Mandel added a conversion.  Albany really came out with energy and piled up mistakes which is a true recipe for disaster.  

Albany Notes:  Albany travels to UConn for their 2nd ECRC match.  

Danes crushed by Kitztown, 81-0

9/21/13 Albany,NY- The Danes could not match Kutztown's experience, physical ability and size thus a huge margin of victory.  Kutztown's constant pressure forced the Dane's into mental and physical mistakes which Kutztown made Albany pay for with points on the board.  

Albany notes:  Albany travels to UMass Saturday for their first East Coast Conference game.  Kick off at 1:00pm on the UMass Amherst Campus.  UMass is 0-2 in their two ECRC games.

Danes closeout Columbia, 37- 25

9/7/13 NY,NY - The Danes came away with a 12 point victory Vs. Columbia U.  Scoring went back and between both sides with Albany holding the lead throughout.  Wingers Giordani and Scanlon scored for the Danes in the first half to give them a 10 -6 advantage.

The Danes would put the game away late in the second half with late scores by flanker Justin Barends and center Ralph Henriquez.  

Insider notes:

Albany scorers; Grant, Barends, Scanlon , Maxwell, Wolf and Giordani .  Special thanks to all the Alumni, Family and fiends who attended the game.  Special thanks to the Maxwell's for the post game barbecue. 

Brown dumps Danes, 17-12

8/31/13. Providence,RI - Brown U used good solid play to dump the Danes,17-12.  Brown took a 10-0 advantage before winger Joe Mandel scooped up a loose ball and dove in the corner to get Albany on the board mid way through the second half. Brown would storm back with a score 5 min later.  Albany would close the gap with a Gavin Gymesi try but time ran out out on the Danes.  

"The boys played a good game today, especially up front. We went away from our system a bit on offense and had a couple of breakdowns on defense that really cost us." Explained coach Durant. " I love playing Brown because they are a well coaches team and a quality opponent.  It's all about getting ready for conference play and these tests will get us ready."

Albany Insider notes:  Danes travel to Columbia U Saturday to take on a second Ivy League opponent.  Alumni, Family and friends are invited. We will be having the Big Apple Tailgate starting at 1:30pm in Columbia's Baker Athletic Complex parking lot.

Game stats:

Danes travel to Brown U Saturday

8/29/13, Albany,NY - the Danes travel to Providence,RI this Saturday to take on the Ivy League's Brown University.  The Danes are a little bumped up coming out of last Saturday's game vs. SU.  4 of the starting XV will be out due to injuries.  Depth is the key to surviving in D1 rugby and Albany has enough to be competitive. With an excellent Brown squad that gave DArtmouth U all they could handle last year.  "It is a good trip for us" state coach Durant.  The squad gets to compete on one of the best rugby fields in the country against a top side.   We learn a ton from this game at it is a great teat for what we look to see in the upcoming ECRC season".
Insider Notes:
Albany travels to NY,NY to take on another Ivy League foe, Columbia U.  The Big Apple Tailgate will take place at 1:30 pm in the Baker Athletic Complex.  Columbia U 's Soccer stadium will host the game which has a 3:00PM kick off.

Danes Squeeze Orange

8/24/13 Albany,NY-The UAlbany took on upstate rivals Syracuse University in a non conference preseason match at UA's brand new natural grass club sports field.  The Danes were able to pull in front in the last 20 min to secure victory, 43-22.  It was a tight game with both teams trading scores.  SU big pack was able control tempo offensively while Albany used an explosive back line and solid forward play to keep pressure on the well coached Orange.  

Insider Notes:Flanker Sean Kimmins had a standout game for the Danes.  Albany breaks preseason camp Sunday after a brief workout.  The Danes travel to Brown University for the first of two Ivy League opponents, Danes travel to Columbia U the following Saturday.

Danes Open 2013 Preseason Camp

Albany,NY- The UAlbany Rugby squad opened the 2013 season today with the start of preseason camp.  31 players took to the field at 8:00AM for testing and drills.  Afternoon session got all going on full contact drills. "Great turnout and this group is really into it.  We had two great sessions today and got a great deal accomplished." Stated Coach Durant.  Captain Herno Smith " looking forward to the season and pleased to see that the boys came back in good shape."   

The Danes have two more sessions tomorrow before hosting a preseason round robin Saturday with Syracuse U and RPI.  

 

Moth ECRC All-Academic Team Honors

6/25/13, Albany,NY- Graduated Senior Andrew Moth had been named to the East Coast Rugby Conference Academic All-Conference Team. Moth is also on the All-Conference Team.  

Danes 2-1-0 at JoJo

6/22/13, Cornwall-On The -Hudson,NY- The University at Albany Summer Squad got together for some summer work at th JoJo Moore Tournament.  The Dane's SS came together slowly but picked up in the second half to defeat New Rochelle and cruised to an easy win vs Rockland.  North Jersey was a real test which Albany was not up for.  NoJo used their tough straight ahead attack to keep the Danes on their back foot.  NoJo racked up a 14 point lead and then traded scores with Albany the rest of the way.

"This Work put in urging the summer should pay dividends this fall." stated Coach Durant.  "We got to play some rugby in a setting the players are not used to and they had to figure things out for themselves both on and off the field.  I think they did a good job pulling together as a unit."  The JoJo is on behalf of White Plains Rugby Player. ,JoJo Moore ,who was injured years ago and is confined to a wheel chair.  

2013 Schedule Released

6/14/13, Albany,NY- The 2013 UAlbany Men's Rugby schedule had been released.  The Danes take on nationally ranked Northeastern, Middlebury, Boston  College and Kutztown. We will break out the Big Apple Tailgate for Columbia and face Middlebury on homecoming.  

Strength and Conditioning

5/6/13, Albany,NY- Members of the 2013-2014 Great Danes Rugby Club met with the UAlbany Football Team's Strength and Conditioning coach, Connor Hughes. Coach Hughes spoke to the club regarding the program Adrian Newell, rugby player and S+C intern, developed.
The squad will have a detailed workout program that will be monitored by the coaching staff. The club uses the services of Athleon, a web based application for sports team management.

2013 Rugby Alumni Game

5/4/13, Albany,NY- Great day of rugby on the UAlbany Campus. The Alumni and Danes christened the new club sports field on State Quad. That's a wrap on the 2012-2013 season.
Insider notes:
Danes next action comes in June at the JoJo Moore Tournament.

Danes out run Vassar,58-24

4/27/13, Poughkeepsie,NY- Albany capped off the spring season with a 58-24 victory against Vassar College. Albany scored off the opening kick off and never looked back. Anthony Russo took a spin pass from Andy Moth, split the defenders and was off to the races. Aisi, Moth, Gyimesi and Mandel would also notch scores to put the Danes up 29-5 at half.
The Danes defensive intensity fell off a bit on the second half and Vassar deliverer play began to pay dividends for them. Vassar would put up 19 second half points but the Danes would answer each time ,and more, with 29. Mandel,Roth, Coyle, Nick and Wolf had 2nd half scores.

The 2nds played well and have consistently improved through the season but could not finish when they drove down near the Vassar line. Brian Cordero made a nice break off a ruck for Albany's lone score. Vassar 29 Albany 5.
Insider notes:
coming up this weekend on the Albany campus is the annual Alumni Game. Legends from 39 years will suit up to take on the undergrads. Golf and reception Friday- game and post game fun on Saturday.

Danes Travel to Vassar

4/26/13, Albany,NY-The Danes (2-1-0) travel 86 miles south to Poughkeepsie Saturday for a contest with D2 Vassar College (2-7-1). Vassar, a perennial D2 power has not put up great results this spring but has played some tough competition (D1 Fordham, Columbia,and a tour to Spain).

Albany, coming off a big win at RPI, looks to finish off the spring season on a roll. "We planned bringing a split squad to this game but the Northeastern U Sevens was cancelled so we will have the full squad. "stated Coach Durant. "Vassar is an extremely well coached side that delivers on the field. We sure have taken our share of lumps at The Farm." Since 2007 Vassar leads the series, 5-2.

Insider notes:
With cancellation of the Northeatern U Sevens Albany will be bringing a full side to Vassar. It will be the last official contest for a bunch of graduating seniors. Alumni game is next Saturday with Rugby Weekend Festivities starting with golf on Friday.

Six UAlbany players named to All Conference Team

4/25/13, Albany, NY- UAlbany 8/Lock Gavin Gyimesi was selected by East Coast Rugby Conference Coaches to the ECRC All Conference First Team.

Hooker Andy Moth, flanker Herno Smith, wing Ryan Grant, fly half Anthony Russo and Moses Aisi garnered 2nd team honors.

Danes Rip RPI, 67-15

4/19/13, Troy,NY- Albany took on local Rival, RPI, in Friday night lights action and came out on top with a score of 67-15. The Danes used strong forward play to set a great platform for the backs to operate. Sean Kimmins. Mo Aisi, Gavin Gyimesi and Anthony Russo all scored two try's a piece. RPI sustained quite a bit of pressure on the Albany defense but could not sustain the effort more than a couple of phases.
RPI B, consisting mainly of first side players, defeated the 2nds 22-5. Albany's second half performance was much better as they played within their means and managed a 5-5 draw for the half.
Insider notes: Albany XV travels to Vassar Saturday while the Sevens side is at Northeastern U.

Friday Night Lights!

4/18/13, Albany,NY- Albany travels to Capital District Rival, RPI, Friday. Kick off scheduled for 7:30pm.

UAlbany Sevens, 2-1-1 at Capital Cup

4/13/13, Latham,NY - UAlbany Sevens hosted the 2 Edition of The Capital Cup Collegiate Sevens this past Saturday where they finished with a 2-1-1 tournament record. Albany defeated Albany 2 and UMass, tied tournament champs AIC and lost to tournament finalists U New Hampshire.

Albany 2 tallied an 0-4 record but played well and improved throughout the day. The side was consisted primarily of players who were experiencing sevens rugby for the first time.

Insider Notes: UAlbany XV's travel to capital district rival RPI for a Friday evening contest. Kick off slated for 7:30PM. Next week XV's meet Vassar at the Farm and Sevens travels to Northeastern U for the final round of the Universal-Sports Collegiater Sevens Circuit. Rugby Alumno weekend is 5/4 - 5/4/13.

Capital Cup Sevens

4/13/13, Latham, NY -UAlbany hosted the second stop of the Universal-Sports Collegiate 7's Series at an off campus site in Latham. The Danes would start slow with a tough loss to U New Hampshire, but would regroup with wins vs Albany 2nd side, UMass and a draw against eventual tournament champion American International College.

Albany 2 lost all 4 games but gained a bunch of 7's experience that will help them in future events.

Insider notes: UAlbany faces capital district rival RPI this Friday Evening on the RPI campus.

Rugby Alumni Details 5/3-5/4/13

4/9/13, Albany,NY- The University at Albany Men's Rugby Club will be holding their annual Alumni Game and Festivities Friday, 5/3/13 - Saturday, 5/4/13. All are welcome to enjoy all or any of the events. Contact Coach John Durant: ualbanyrugby@hotmail.com for more info.

Friday, 5/3/13 11:00AM. Golf Tourny
Evergreen Country Club
92 Schuurman Rd
Castleton on the Hudson, NY
Contact ualbanyrugby@hotmail.com to reserve your spot. Skill not necessary!

Friday, 5/3/13 7:00PM UA Reception
Maggie's
1186 Western Ave
Albany,NY
Meet up with rugby alumni and friends. Food compliments of the university's alumni association. Buck up for beverages.

Saturday,5/4/13 1:00PM Alumni game
Rugby Field near Dutch Quad
Post game festivities TBA
Bring the boots or just watch.

Go Danes!

Alumni Support in the Bronx

4/6/13, Bronx,NY- The Danes dropped a tough one at Fordham's Murphy Field in the Bronx Saturday but the turnout of UA alumni, family and friends was tremendous. All of the team's East Coast Rugby Conference games are played in New England so when the squad gets a chance to play near the city it is great.
Go Danes!

Danes Fall to Rams, 39-26

4/6/13, Bronx,NY- The Danes traveled from upstate to the Bronx for an Empire - East Coast Conference clash. On a super fast turf both teams tried using their running game and the team that made the fewest handling errors would come out on top.
The Danes, dealing with outside events, traveled with a streamlined side. "Big hand to our 2 young props who both had tremendous games against a large, well drilled Fordham Pack"- Coach Durant.
The under manned B side clawed and scrapped through a very well played game. Fordham ended up on top with a 24-5 score.
Insider notes: Albany had to regretfully drop out of the first leg of the Collegiate Sevens Series at UNH Saturday due to unforeseen events. Albany will host the second leg this Saturday with teams from AIC, UNH,UMass entered. Remainder of spring schedule; XVs - 4/19/13 @ RPI, 4/27@ Vassar College, 5/4 Vs Alumni Legends. Sevens; 4/13 Capital Cup 7s, 4/27 Northeastern U 7s Boston, MA.

Danes 51-SU 7

3/30/13, Albany,NY- The Danes got out of the blocks quick and never looked back rolling up 34 points in the first half. The Danes notched two scores 8and 15 minutes in by Barend and Sheehan. Outside center Russo tacked on two scores and Hooker Andy Moth would score at the end of the half.

The second half SU came out more determined and tightened up their defense. 10 minutes in Albany inside center Austin Wolf received a yellow card giving SU a man advantage. The advantage would continue for the rest of the game as Aisi was sent off. The Danes would hold firm and get on track when Ethan Grossman dove in for a score. SU would answer when John Wilson caught the Dane's defense sleeping and raced down the side line for a 75 meter score. That would be it for the Orange as The Danes answered with scores by fullback Sean Kimmins and center Austin Wolf.

Insider notes- B Side Danes lost to SU 12-5. good effort by both teams. 40 Albany players saw action today. A Strong showing for a holiday weekend. Albany is traveling to Fordahm U in the Bronx Saturday. 4:00PM kickoff. Field is located on the Fordham campus behind the varsity softball field.

Danes Host SU in Spring Opener

3/29/30, Albany,NY- The UAlbany Rugby Football Club opens their 2013 spring season against in state rival Syracuse University. SU is coming in after playing in the 4 Leafs Tournament in NYC where they went 1-2. They upended Quinipiac, 24-12, and lost to Kings Point, 7-0, and RPI,20-17.

The Danes are relying on a mixture of experienced seniors and up and coming underclass men. Jr captain Herno Smith will take over fly half duties and freshman Austin Wolf will start at inside center. Bob Sheehan will make his first start at 8 with back row mates; Justin Barend's and Mo Williams.

Insider info- Danes travel to another Empire Rugby Conference opponent Fordham U next Saturday.

CDYR Rookie Rugby Coach Certification Clinic

3/8/13-Latham,NY- Capital District Youth Rugby held a Rookie Rugby Coach Certification Clinic at Afrim's Sports. Coach John Durant conducted the training where 20 college players,parents and club players earned their Certification.

UAlbany players Sheehan, Peck, McNamara, Smith, Codero, Wolf, Hass, Sweezey and Burns all successfully completed the course.

RugbyNY HS Player Camp

Latham,NY-Staff and players from UAlbany Rugby assisted USA Rugby National Team Coaches Paule Barford and Joanne Kos at RugbyNY's HS Development Camp held at Afrim's Sports in Latham,NY.  UA Head Coach John Durant was one of four Leed coaches along with Joanne Kos, Claudia Braymer (USA National Team Player) and SUNY New Paltz Head Coach Gus Sasso.  UAlbany  Ast. Coach Dave Farison, with players; Dan McNamara, Herno Smith (co-captains), Bob Sheehan and Jessie Roth assisted.  The two day camp provided instruction in the contact area, support and continuity.   It was a large amount to cover but both the 40+ campers and staff kept a high energy level to the end.

UAlbany Rugby is in full support of the local rugby community.  Coach Durant "believes that events like these enable our players to give back to the community.  Plus the experience of teaching young players the fundamentals of the game and interacting with top coaches is invaluable."  

UAlbany hits the practice field Monday, March 4th to start the 2013 Spring season.  Friday, March 8th squad members will take part in Capital District Youth Rugby's Rookie Rugby Coaches Training.   First game is March 30th home Vs. Syracuse University.