Syracuse Silver Hawks Girls Rugby

Today we reveal our last @landsend bear - known only as the original rugby bear, or the authentic rugby bear. He is the bear we know the least about, yet he was everywhere. What do we know? We know he was a key member of the 1926 championship team that beat the New York Gnus 74-19 after being down 19-0 at halftime. (By the way, that game was played on October 7, 1926 at the New York Polo Grounds in front of 100,000 screaming fans; and although it’s hard to believe, the... New York crowd gave the visiting bears a respectful round of applause for their win.) We also know he was part of the world tour that followed, where the Chicago team outplayed every international side the met. But, that’s all we know. So, what else can we learn from the box photo? Hmmm. Long stride. Ball tucked under arm. Fend arm extended. Finally, and most importantly, clean jersey and no obvious injuries. That seals it: winger. The cutest of the @landsend bears is a fleet-footed 11 or 14. We can imagine him scoring more than a few tries with the benefit of strong pack play from Brownie, Grizzly and Kid, and quick ball from Ping. Can’t you see Grizzly picking up at the back of the scrum and going weak side. Grizzly draws the weak side winger. He then passes inside to a screaming Ping. Then Ping, marked by a scrambling fullback, pops a pass to his outside. Can’t you then see Rugby Bear, still calling for the ball, run into Ping’s perfectly weighted pass, gather it, and fly down the sideline, untouched. He dots it down center posts. It’s fun to imagine. Tomorrow - our finale.

Four days in and we bring you a bear that can only be described in hemispheric terms - Kid Kodiak. After distinguishing himself in the Alaskan Amateur Rugby League, Kid was approached by an unscrupulous agent and convinced to sign a contract to play for Coach Bear in Chicago and (unfortunately) a pie company endorsement deal. With unlimited access to pie, Kid arrived in the Windy City a bit out of shape. Kid had to run stadium steps for quite a while to become game ready.... He eventually did because he is a winner and never gives up. With his height and trimmer physique, Kid looked every bit the imposing lock he was in Alaska and resumed his destructive ways on the field. Like Sears (now Willis) Tower, Kid became part of the Chicago Skyline, casting a massive shadow over Lake Michigan. What a legend! We have three bears left and then a finale on 12/24.

On day three, we bring you an iconic @landsend rugby bear. His name is Grizzly Grabinski, and he is every bit the fearless leader he appears. You can find quite a bit of lore about him with a quick search. He was a tremendous force as a player. But, not free of challenges. At a key moment in his career he apparently was cheated out of a game-winning try by a crooked ref, fell into a funk and briefly quit the game, only to emerge from the stands when his team was injury-dep...leted, picking up right where he left off. What we haven’t confirmed, but just has to be true, is that he plays at the back of the scrum. He is a huge specimen and has No. 8 written all over him. He is loved by all - check out the signatures on his cast in the plush version (slide). He must have been fun to play with. See you tomorrow.

With our second @landsend rugby beer, we salute all rugby coaches by presenting Coach Paul Bear Bear. Legend has it Coach Bear was recruited by a philanthropic team owner and then repaid the invitation by bringing the team to glory. Stoic and calm in ornament form, we can see from the box (slide) that Coach Bear can get animated at times, like all good and committed coaches. We think he’d be fun to play for.... Bear three tomorrow.

Happy Holidays from @cnyrugby. Watch this space for a fun holiday countdown, starting tomorrow.

Dear Rugby Community - Thank you for showing up strong today. You donated a ton of food for the Samaritan Center. Scroll through to see just what a haul we had. Wow. Thank you.

Touch rugby continues. 2020 wear a mask. Bring a friend. Weather looks great!

HS & MS girls and boys non contact rugby Sundays 1-3pm. No experience necessary. No fall sports, no worries...rugby’s got you covered. Covid-19 precautions in place. Please wear a mask.

Keep an eye out for our flag rugby plans for this September. Tell your football, volleyball, and cheerleading friends! https://www.syracuse.com//new-york-state-moves-high-school

George! We didn’t forget about you. Just like when you didn’t forget about rugby even when you went abroad for a semester. George has been with us since middle school and @universityofrochester_bcc is lucky to have him in the fall!

Shout out to an amazing last Game and Win!

A former NFL punter has been roasted by rugby players around the world after he tweeted that he'd 'dominate' rugby https://bit.ly/2Nj46Co

Tough to bring Margo Kmetz down! Off to the Mile High City this fall. Silver Hawk Senior 2020

CNY Youth Rugby Seniors. @syracuse_silverbacks_rugby @cnyyouthrugby #classof2020

Forwards Captain and 5 year player Dylan Williams! Rugby is looking up at Alfred State next year. Silverback Seniors 2020

Silverback Senior 2020: CJ Roziock no pictures of this guy place kicking. But he was our guy!

Silver Hawk Seniors2020: Samantha George!

Liam Nugent. No action photos..but don’t be deceived plenty of rugby then and plenty of rugby to come.

Our fearless leader. Captain Maddy Thomas. Seniors 2020