March 17, 2023

Victory vs #4 Cal!

NRAA Newsletter Men's Schedule Men's Roster NRAA Women's Roster Women's schedule Navy Beats #4 Ranked Cal-Berkeley! M - Cal Recap Game Highlights Victory vs Cal! The #1 ranked Navy Men beat the #4 ranked Cal Bears in a tightly contested match. The environment at Prusmack Rugby Center was electric for Cal's first ever visit to Annapolis. The Navy men went up big in the second half and then held off a late Cal comeback push to win 33-28. First NRAA Tailgate!  It was amazing to be able to celebrate the victory versus Cal with our fellow alumni. We'd love to know about your game day experience. This was the first time we had a tailgate at a home game and there were a number of lessons learned. We are actively looking for ways to make the game day experience more special for our alumni and their guests. 📸: Thomas Kim 🎥: The Rugby Network Navy-Cal Game Stream Link Matthew Thibodaux Post Match Interview From the NRAA President The Varsity Difference The principle of 'aggregate marginal gains', is the idea that if you improve by just 1% consistently, those small gains will add up to remarkable improvement. For decades Navy Rugby has enjoyed success. Our teams have been nationally relevant, respected, and feared but consistently fell just a little short of our ultimate goals. The women have proven they are a powerhouse in their division as repeat CRAA National Champions. The men achieved a Navy Rugby first in the fall, earning a #1 ranking, but this last week was perhaps their biggest test, as they hosted our long-time nemesis, Cal. Coach Gavin Hickie called it 'one of the greatest wins at Navy.' We spent decades just falling short, and the Men in jersey now have finally exercised those demons. The margins between winning and losing in top-level sports (and when conducting military operations) are razor-thin. Throughout our careers, we know that attention to detail and relentless pursuit of the highest standards yields excellence and is the bedrock of victory. This application is possible at the highest level only with our teams' varsity status. The seemingly small changes: Teams tables, dedicated buses to practice, gym access, and summer training blockers are those areas we gained those 1% improvements. In my opinion, our teams being varsity was the difference between losing by 5 again and winning by 5. We also know it is not only about the win. When senior tight head prop Matthew Thibodaux was asked where #1 Navy's 33-28 win over #4 California ranks for him: "Number one. ... It was very important to me to go out there and play really well, and to do well for the legacy that all Navy rugby players have left for us, that have built up this varsity team. It was very important to come out here and beat Cal." On behalf of the entire Navy Rugby Alumni Association, I thank you for your generosity and urge you to keep giving to support future generations of Navy Rugby. With You, Ryan Curry President, Navy Rugby Alumni Association Preview PSU Preview Women with a Bye, Men versus Penn State at Segra Field! The women are on bye and busy training for their match versus Army on March 25th (also a curtain raiser for Old Glory). The men return to action next week as the curtain raiser for a Major League Rugby match. They play at Segra Field at 4:30pm ET. The men will be looking to avenge last year's loss to Penn State at Segra Field. Navy Mens Rugby vs Penn St. 3/18/23 Kickoff at 4:30 pm in the ECS Shield Series at Segra Stadium, Home of the Major League Rugby team Old Glory. Old Glory will be hosting a post-game 'tailgate' following the Navy vs Penn St. match. This tailgate is open to alumni and guests attending the match. There will be a number of games for the day. To attend the games, you must buy a ticket. Go to https://fevo.me/3JmE2Tp  After the game, Old Glory will be feeding the teams in the VIP area at Segra Stadium. The teams will eat prior to the kickoff of the Old Glory game and stay and watch them face off against the Toronto Arrows.  We did this last year and it was a really great time. The food spread was amazing including a great dessert table. All Navy fans (family, friends, and Alumni) are welcomed to join the tailgate meal at a cost of $25 per person. There will be food and drink provided. If interested, please contact Bill MacLaney at drmaclaney@gmail.com or (732) 763-9573 to let him know. Please specify how many people will be attending in your group.  The day's events. All times are Eastern Time. Curtain Raiser 1:30pm - U-19 Vienna Girls vs. Mississauga 3:00pm - U-19 Loudoun Boys vs. Mississauga 4:30pm - ECS Shield Series - Penn State University vs. Navy Major League Rugby – Nationally Televised Fox Sports 2 7:00pm – Old Glory DC vs. Toronto Segra Field Address: 42095 Loudoun United Dr, Leesburg, VA 20175 Women's Alumni Call to Action! We need your help covering Navy Women's games! Your participation is critical to the support and growth of the Navy Women's program. Pictures, game write-ups, announcing, newsletter support...ALL of it is welcome! Send an email to NavyRugbyAlumniOutreach@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out! Navy Rugby in the media Blow up social media about all the Navy Varsity Rugby happening! Goff Rugby Match Report - Navy vs Cal Matthew Thibodaux named NAAA Co-Athlete of the week Goff Rugby D1A rankings Lots of other recent content on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. The Hall of Fame induction video is up on the NRAA YouTube Channel. Like and repost!  Please like and repost Navy Rugby posts from the following social media accounts: Navy Athletics Twitter - @NavyAthletics Navy Rugby Twitter - @USNAMensRugby Navy Athletics Instagram - @NavyAthletics Navy Men's Rugby Instagram - @usnamensrugby Navy Women's Rugby Instagram - @usna_womens_rugby NRAA YouTube Channel Use these social media hashtags: #GoNavy #GoNavyRugby #NavyRugby The button below links to the USNA donation page and earmarks the donations directly to the rugby program. Donate Here Sign up for the Navy Athletics Rugby Newsletter! If you are interested in receiving information on the varsity Navy Rugby Teams, sign up for the Navy Sports Email list. You can sign up to receive information on rugby by clicking the box for 'Rugby - Men' or 'Rugby - Women.'  Navy Sports Email List Contribute to the Newsletter

JASON DAVENPORT Previous Previous March 24, 2023 Next Next March 16, 2023 Prusmack Rugby Center Brigade Sports Complex 64 Greenbury Point Road Annapolis, MD 21402