Saint Mary's Rugby alumni, family and friends are looking forward to the 13th Annual Tucci Golf Party at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek, CA on Friday, September 27.  The annual golf tournament and fundraiser was established in memory of alumnus Frank Tucci and other departed Gael Rugby friends Tom Murin, Mike Cooney and Jim Paine.  All proceeds of the event go towards the Frank Tucci Endowed scholarship, which has raised over $165,000 for SMC Rugby.  

Registration will commence at 11:30 a.m. and the shotgun start is slated for 12 p.m.  The

Four-person scramble and four-person blind bogey scramble - See more at: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/13th-annual-frank-tucci-golf-party#sthash.NiietGDC.dpuf  Four-person scramble and four-person blind bogey scramble -See more at: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/13th-annual-frank-tucci-golf-party#sthash.NiietGDC.dpuf

Four-person scramble and four-person blind bogey scramble tournament will include a closest-to-the-pin, men and women's longest drive and first and second place foursome contests with prizes.  The individual golfer fee (including lunch, dinner and golf cart) is $150.  Even if you don't golf, the dinner party and auction is sure to be a great timeand the cost is only $50 per person.

Sign up today at stmarys-ca.edu/tucci !

To learn more about sponsorship and auction donation opportunities please contact Karrie Hagedorn Pingle '08 at kjh7@stmarys-ca.edu or 925-631-8670.

Closest-to-the-Pin, Men's and Women's Longest Drive and 1st and 2nd Place foursomes for each format -See more at: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/13th-annual-frank-tucci-golf-party#sthash.NiietGDC.dpufClosest-to-the-Pin, Men's and Women's Longest Drive and 1st and 2nd Place foursomes for each format -See more at: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/13th-annual-frank-tucci-golf-party#sthash.NiietGDC.dpufClosest-to-the-Pin, Men's and Women's Longest Drive and 1st and 2nd Place foursomes for each format -See more at: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/13th-annual-frank-tucci-golf-party#sthash.NiietGDC.dpuf

Gaels Dominance of First Half, Not enough

May 18, 2013 - Greensboro, North Carolina - The stage was set for the USA Rugby Division 1A National Championship. Greensboro government officials were there. The military was honored and were present. The fans were excited. The teams were ready and prepared for what proved to be an epic battle. The preceding days were filled with anticipation and excitement. The weather was beautiful, although took a turn for the worse in the second half, and the College students participated in community service activities, had training sessions, and took time out for their studies. 

The match itself was a tale of two halves. The Gaels dominated Life in the first 40 minutes, and showed their offensive skills by scoring two well manufactured trys. With that said, the most impressive moment of the match was the defensive stand by the Gaels in the closing ten minutes of the first half. Life University has a great team made up of big, strong, athletic rugby players who have out muscled their opponents when within reaching distance of the try zone. For those ten minutes the Gaels stood strong and tackled hard. Life's forwards attacked with the ball in hand at a ferocious pace and with rugged determination. Their efforts were in vain, as the Gaels took every challenge head on and denied Life entry into the try zone. The defensive stand was as impressive as any in rugby, and will be remembered by everyone who witnessed the Gaels impressive showing. The half was over, and the Gaels lead was 14 to 3. 

The second half was quite different, although not without controversy. The rain started and intensified throughout the half, creating much different playing conditions than the first half. The high octane Gael offense struggled with maintaining possession and their turnovers lead to Life's scores. Life more than proved that they belonged adjusting their game plan to control the ball and keep most of their attacks within the forwards. A very conservative and effective tactic, with the end result, Life 16 - Saint Mary's 14. 

To read more on this match go to http://www.d1arugby.com/conferences/mid-south/life/news/item/life-is-good

National Championship to be Broadcast on ESPN

In April, ESPN announced they will be teaming with USA Rugby to produce and broadcast the D1-A National Collegiate Chamionship across the country, so make sure to follow the Gaels on your TV, tablet, or computer! For all the details, check out http://www.d1arugby.com/news/item/usa-college-rugby-espn.

Gaels Control Cal Poly to punch their ticket to the National Championship Game

Saint Mary's College scored early trys to get the upper hand on Cal Poly, and never relinquished the lead. A tough Cal Poly team didn't have enough answers for the athletic and powerful Gaels. With the lead, the Gaels ensured the tactical advantage with well placed kicks, and bursts through the line, by their elusive backs. After halftime the Gaels increased their commitment, and scored a series of trys that put the game out of reach. The final score was 58 to 24, and the celebration erupted by the Gael fans, who showed up in droves. The Gaels hosted Cal Poly with a post match BBQ, managed by parents and alumni, but the celebration soon turned to preparation, as the Gaels head to North Carolina in search of a National Championship. 

Gaels Prove Too Much For Colorado, Advance to Semi-FinalsMoraga, California : On a sun soaked beautiful day, Pat Vincent Field was the stage for a powerful test of rugby between Saint Mary's College and Colorado. The Gaels started early with their athleticism by scoring two early trys. Colorado answered with a penalty kick, but soon followed with a try of their own to make the score 14 to 8. Two more trys for the Gaels followed, putting the Gaels on top 24 to 8. After the two teams traded trys, with Colorado converting theirs, the score at halftime was SMC 29 and Colorado 15. During the second half, the Gaels imposed their will scoring serveral dynamic trys. Colorado was passionate and stout for the remainder of the match, but the Gaels were victorious with the final score line showing 62 for the Gaels and 25 for Colorado. 

Alumni Weekend a Huge Success!!!

More than a hundred alums participated in the annual Rugby Alumni Day at Saint Mary's College on Saturday April 20, 2013. The day saw several brave, and some not so young, alums lace up their boots to play a friendly against the Saint Mary's Third XV. The SMC Third XV were gracious in their opposition allowing the alums to freely substitute and have some fun. As a casual hockey fan, I've always wondered why they substituted so often. The more astute hockey fan would say that they work so hard they need to come off the ice. That was not the case on Saturday. The alums were unfit and begging to come off the field, only to find their request thwarted by the alums who were on the sideline gasping for air. Truth be told, the alums had many former Gael stars and presented themselves well on the pitch. The result was a great day of rugby followed by good food and tall tales of yesterday. Some things never change.

Saint Mary's "Friendly" vs. Cal Proves Valuable

The takeaway from the match vs. Cal has proven to be full of insight and great lessons. The first half dominance showed very well on film as the Gaels controlled most of the first half. Our mistakes were limited and our defense was strong. The film showed how powerful and dynamic the Gaels can be. The second half saw both teams substitute with the Gaels younger players earning valuable minutes on such a big stage. The second half played differently on film, showing how the tables can turn quickly when we make mistakes and don't follow our set pattern of play. Cal is a formidable opponent, and seeking revenge from last year's loss to the Gaels, showed their worth by taking advantage of our mistakes and turning them into points. The review of the game proved why playing a quality opponent is critical in your preparation for post-season competition. The Gaels will take the lessons they learned onto the pitch Saturday April 27th against Colorado in the quarterfinals of the USA Division I-A National Championships. We wish Cal the best of luck in the Varsity Cup Invitational Tournament. 

First Round of D1-A Quarterfinal Matches Announced!

USA Rugby has just created a new D1-A Rugby website, which features match reports, conference standings and schedules, and play off schedules, when they are established, as well as a great picture of senior Garrett Brewer featured on the left side of the homepage! Check out the website here. Also, the first round of quarter-final matches has been announced, with our Gaels playing on the Pat Vincent Field on April 27 against Colorado. Stay tuned for more information about the game, and read a great article just posted about our Gaels' superb performance this season, with a picture featuring senior Lloyd Evans! Check out the article here.

Men's Rugby Tramples over the Mustangs in San Luis Obispo

The Gaels had a triumphant 42-31 win over Cal Poly this Saturday. Bob Schnetz comments, "a sunny, but cold and windy day at Cal Poly was the backdrop for the most anxious game day this season, for Gael Rugby fans, and coaches, I’m sure. Our Gaels prevailed with a strong second half comeback, but Cal Poly gave them the best collegiate match our boys have experienced this year".  Come cheer the Gaels on this weekend as they play San Diego State at 1PM on the Pat Vincent Field.

Gaels Buck the Broncos For a Solid Win!

Yesterday was a great day for rugby as the team continued their winning streak through the weekend with a win over the Santa Clara Broncos. The Gaels defeated the Broncos on the Pat Vincent Field with a 74-8 score. The Gaels travel to San Luis Obispo next weekend to take on Cal Poly, stay tune for updates!

Gaels Take Over Penn State 59-10 in SMC Win, in Moraga

3/1/2013-- A beautiful warm spring day greeted Penn State and the Gaels on Friday afternoon.  A few minutes into the match, Garrett Brewer kicked a penalty kick, and the Gaels led 3-0, and never looked back.  Led by Tim Maupin's 4 tries and Garrett Brewer's 19 points on the penalty kick and a perfect 8 for 8 in conversions, the St. Mary's Gaels defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 59-10. 

Saint Mary's Tops Santa Barbara 66-3
2/23/2013- In a 66-3 victory over UC Santa Barbara, the Gaels faced a very competitive scrum pack and a solid defense from the Gauchos. Santa Barbara scored first with a penalty kick at the 16th minute. They also reached the red zone two or three times, but the Gaels’ defense kept them out.  At the 25th minute, Garrett Brewer broke thru for a 30 meter run and our first try. The Gaels ended the first half 17-3. Augie Heath, Mike O’Neill, Tim Maupin, Gerrett Brewer, Huluholo Moungaloa, and Dylan Audsley would also put up points for the Gaels for a final score: Gaels 66 - Gauchos 3.

The Gaels Defeat Sacramento State 83-0
2/16/2013-This league match up has always proved to be a very physical game. The offense for the Gael's looked great with the return of Garrett Brewer, a Rio Americano alumni, who made an immediate impact to the overall team play.  Michael Haley scored twice along with teammate Tim Maupin.  Saint Mary's kept the tempo fast in the second half as they added another 38 points to end the game 83-0.

Gaels Too Strong for UC Davis, 81-0
2/2/2013- Saint Mary’s opened its California Conference campaign Saturday with an 81-0 defeat of UC Davis in Moraga, Calif. Standing out for the Gaels were some newcomers – prop Dino Waldren and wings Nick Schlobohm and Chase Herring. They combined for numerous tries and displayed the depth of the Saint Mary’s roster. Read more from rugbymag.com.

Gaels Gallop over Olympic Club 53-11
1/28/2013-Yesterday our gallant Gaels warmed up a sunny but chilly afternoon at Pat Vincent Field with an impressive offensive and defensive  victory over an experienced Olympic Club A Side, 53 to 11.