Season finale
April 18, 2026 - CM
Our Santos played the familiar Brujos last Saturday in a Playoff match at Tempe Sports Complex in AZ in the Semifinal for the D3 Southwest Rugby Championship. The Santos came in as the 4 seed, matching up with the 1 seed Brujos. Scottsdale and Pheonix Camelback were in the other Semi. I interviewed players Jeremy Lithgow and Jason Osborn for a recap of the match as I was unable to attend.
The Santos came out strong; it was a Herculean effort in the first place to even make the playoffs this season with somewhat of a rebuild in effect. New coaches, very new players, UTEP transfers, all away games, unable to use our home pitch for trainings sessions; all these things were hurdles for our Santos to overcome, but somehow, they did it, they made it to the Playoffs. Early in my Santo career, all I wanted was a playoff berth. Things were different back then, we were a D1 side and only the top team in the Union moved on. I just wanted to play an important match outside of the usual suspects in our Union. It took many years, but we finally made it to Playoffs, and everything just notches up another level, especially the physicality. This match was no exception; Hits were being made, by both sides. Our Santos were familiar with this Brujo side, this being the third meeting in less than 6 months, 1 win a piece, and the winner of this one moves on…
The Brujos opened the scoring in the first half but our Kadyn Erickson from El Paso?? scored our first try. An influx of UTEP transfers has been with our team the past 3 matches, brought along from past player Brandon Rey “Monster” whom I have had the pleasure of playing with, solid dude. Monster lives in El Paso, coaches UTEP, but prefers to roll with the Santos when he gets the rugby itch. He has brought along a handful of ex / current UTEP players to fill out our much-needed side. I was told these El Paso men have gotten significantly better from week to week and balled out this game. You must understand our current side lives in LA, SF, Albq, Socorro, Taos, LV and El Paso. I’m sure I’m missing a couple city’s but you get the idea… not exactly 20 guys at training twice a week. That is why I give these guys so much credit. The Brujos, however, have had an influx of players (some talented ex-Aardvarks moved over) and I hear they are deep in numbers, full training sessions, etc.
Once again, my reporting accuracy is lacking but at halftime, we are down 17 – 8. The Brujos scored again in the second half, and it’s an up-hill battle. And battle we did, our boys never let down, never gave up, supposedly never lost a scrum. However, our lineouts were less than acceptable, we credit this to lack of training sessions together, the timing of the lineout is crucial, and our boys just never got the reps in throughout the season. Defense was stout, allowing the Brujos only one score in the second half, Bravo Santos.. Our savior from the south, Monster, squeezed in a try and all the sudden things were a little more in reach. I believe a penalty is slotted by us. Then our Lock man Jason Osborn dotted down (giving credit to captain Ryan Weir) as Weir did the hard part but Osborn got the stat. I think this puts us down 23 -24 but we were unable to convert on the rickety PVC pipe posts on the dirt field. With no time on the clock, upon kick off, our forwards march down 60 meters and put us just inside their 22. A drop goal attempt is made by Cardiel, but it is just wide. What a match… 1 point loss.
Our Santos did not hang their heads, they were proud, exhausted, everything was left on the pitch. Subs included, impact Subs, the likes of KC Martin and Jaime Tarrazas, these guys helped win the second half. A betting man could have guessed this I suppose, 3 matches this year with the Brujos and only 4 points in it. If there was an official man of the match, Izzy could have easily received it, or possibly Dane Robergs. But this was the ultimate team effort I was told. A 1 seed vs. 4 seed and one point in it… I’m very proud of these guys and the season they put together against all odds. Nice work Boys, first beers on me..
1 Mauricio Arriaga
2 Brandon Rey “Monster”
3 Jeremy Lithgow
4 Enrique Salazar “KiKi” “QuiQui”?
5 Jason Osborn
6 Roberto Griffith
7 Jaden Misfud
8 Dane Robergs
9 Mateo Cardiel
10 Rainer Ball (Coach)
11 Eleazar Guevara
12 Ryan Weir (Captain)
13 Milaan Van Wyk
14 Kadyn Erickson
15 Isaiah "Izzy" Sanchez
Subs: KC Martin, Kol Fuierer, Tyler Gomez, Justin Stallworth “J Money”, Jaime Terrazas, Christopher Sepulveda, Taylor Pomeroy – (Asst. Coach, Communications, Organizer)
Look at this list of GENEROUS OLD BASTARDS, I MEAN SANTOS (Bad asses, Legends, Santos for Life Baby!!).
Dave Wheelock, Seth Johnson, Joe Lennihan, Jon Connealy, Kano Fisher, Corn Diggity, Richard Stump, Carl Hawkins, Greg Smith, Derrick Gordon, Ivan Calhoun, John Kormanick, Nick Forman, James Wernicke, Adam Jobes, Jake Brinton, Todd Fabec, Joel Elliott, Sean French, Peter Schoenburg, Eric Schmierer,
Jaime Bustos
Thank you Santos Nation for helping these boys out. Monies donated by the Old Boys for this Playoff trip secured 5 hotel rooms in AZ and a shit ton of gas / diesel… OUCH.
It’s not too late Venmo us @Santos-Rugby
Our Brujos to the south move on to the next round as they defeated Pheonix Camleback the following day in the SW Final. Let’s cheer them on, next match April 25th in Vegas against the Portland Pigs.
A board meeting is set for next week to round out the season and secure summer activities, Banquet date, End of Season Party, other events, etc.
Signing off for this season, once again, thank you Coaches, thank you for the support Old Boys and nice work this season Santos.
Santos are IN, Santos are IN
April 06, 2026 - CM
With the Brujos finishing off the Scorps this weekend 67 - 17, your Santos squeaked into the Playoffs. The top 4 teams, Brujos, Scottsdale D3, Phoenix Camelback, SF are headed to the Playoffs this coming weekend. Somewhere in a back room, there are still some guys compiling points for the season (wins, losses, tries, bonus tries and negative points for forfeitures - booooo.) But for now, the SANTOS are IN. The team is preparing travel plans as we speak, I am sure our Old Boy community will step up and support our players as much as possible.
April 11, Saturday
Saturday 10 AM Kickoff Tempe AZ
Tempe sports complex
Santos v Brujos Saturday
The playoff location is Tempe Sports Complex (8401 S Hardy Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284). The schedule for our SWRU Playoffs is as follows:
10:00am on Field 5 = D3 Men SWRU Semi-Final
10:00am on Field 1 = D3 Men SWRU Semi-Final
12:30pm on Field 1 = D2 Women SWRU Championship: Las Vegas versus Phoenix
3:00pm on Field 1 = D2 Men SWRU Championship: Red Mountain versus Scottsdale D2
April 12, Sunday - D3 Men's Semi final winners play each other.
More details hopefully to come (will this be streamed on the computer) not sure yet, but once again if you have to get out of these winter doldrums of SF and head for warmer temps, here is your chance to support your Santos. Nice work Boys, I think this is at least 4 years in a row in the Playoffs
Santos vs the Witches
March 28, 2026 - CM
A Barn Burner
What is the definition of a barn burner? 40 plus points from both teams? 50? Old boy, friend and Santo semi-great prop Travis Hudson (also a long-time board member), might describe the term as “A DOUBLE SHIT TON OF POINTS.” Either way we can check all the above boxes, as this was a BARN BURNER. I compiled information for this write up from Captain Ryan Weir notes and Old Boy Ivan Calhoun, who sat the sidelines and documented highlights from the match, thank you both.
The Santos played this exact match one year ago (last game of the regular season against the Brujos). The difference was the Santos had already secured a Playoff spot last year and the Brujos had no chance of making the Playoffs. The Brujos beat us handedly last year, I have the scars to prove it. This time around the tables were turned, with the Santos fighting to stay in the mix of the Playoffs, they needed a win. Going into the match the Santos were sitting in 5th place with only the top 4 teams in the Southwest Union receiving a Playoff berth.
The match was held in Albuquerque. Newcomer, #14, UTEP transfer Eleazar Guevara, started the party off with a converted try. As far as I know, he probably owed a Zulu for this one, his second match with the Santos. Captain Ryan Weir lead a break for another Try, converted by Milaan Van Wyk (Tech assistant coach). Milan and / or Izzy came up with another Try shortly thereafter in the right corner. Up 19 – 0 in the first 10 minutes, Mateo Cardiel was not satisfied and added his own 5 points. Close to the 22-minute mark the Brujos finally dotted down with some points of their own after several penalties against the Santos. #14 added to his Try total for the Santos by chasing down a Milaan kick. SF with 5-meter lineout leads to another Try. A missed penalty from 40 meters from SF and it is halftime, score 38 – 5.
What the heck is going on? The Brujos are undefeated, leading the SW Union in points and a Home match for them. Were they taking this game lightly? I’m not sure. One thing for sure, the Santos believed they dropped one against the Brujos almost 2 months ago, losing by 2 points down in Socorro. Coach Rainer Ball told me at the 6 Nations watch party 2 weeks ago “I think we have the Brujo’s number, we should have won the first one.” Almost certainly the weather played a role, with wind in our favor the first half and a slight downhill slope. But wind only helps if your kicking skills can take advantage of it. Milaan Van Wyk was that Guy, pulling the strings and pinning the opposition deep in their territory with accurate kicks and slotting conversions.
Brujos basically scored right off the second half kickoff. Weak SF defense and penalties give up another Try. The Santos bounced back with #10 Elijah Naranjo making a big break and off loading to #9 Mateo for the Try. Another big break leads to a SF penalty. Brujos Try off the kickoff again. Score 48 – 26. Brujos score. Milan penalty kick. The physical play knocked out a few of our guys and both teams were making 60 minute substitutions. Multiple SF penalties in front of the posts gave the Brujos another Try. Another. What? Was this going to slip away after such a good start? 51 – 38 with 7 minutes to go. The Santos were up in Socorro 2 months ago with 2 minutes left, they lost… From the restart the Brujos score again, aided by yet another penalty. The Santos trying to kill the clock elect to kick for points off a penalty, missed attempt. Brujos score another and convert. What? 51 – 50. But who’s got the 50 and who has the 51? Your SANTOS do. Winner, Winner.
1 Gabriel Beltran. 2 Monster. 3 Dylan Merrigan. 4 Enrique Salazar “KiKi” “Sore Bum”. 5 Jason Osborn. 6 Mauricio Arriaga. 7 Roberto Griffith
8 William Bennett. 9 Mateo Cardiael (VC). 10 Elijah Naranjo. 11 Jaden Misfud. 12 Ryan Weir (C). 13 Milaan Van Wyk ( penalties, conversions )
14 Eleazar Guevara. 15 Isaiah "Izzy" Sanchez. Conor Hicks. Justin Stallworth “J Money”. Tyler Gomez. Jeremy Lithgow. Coben Branch. KC Martin
Scotty Piper. Sam Schwyter. Theo Rankin. Louis Pennings. Dane Robergs.
Rainer Ball Coach
By the foreskin, your Santos squeeze into the #4 Playoff spot…. For now. Santos are done with regular season but good Ol El Paso and the Brujos square off this weekend to finalize Playoff spots, we are rooting for the Albuquerque boys on this one, no disrespect El Paso. The little birdy told me our lineout percentage was HIGH, and scrum was functioning well, nice work forwards. Mateo, Osborn punched above their weight and like most write ups, Izzy tackled his ass off. Thanks to the UTEP guys that Monster has brought along and the old techies and the first year Santos. Great Win.
Remaining Schedule:
Apr 11th SWRU Playoffs in AZ
Training Sess… still Tuesdays & Thursdays at Fort Marcy, 5:30 PM
Santos Update
Spring 2026
March 9, 2026 - DW
I finally made it to a Santos training session at an undisclosed location last Saturday, March 7. Las Vegas Irish RFC’s maiden voyage to Santa Fe had been forfeited by that club earlier in the week, leaving our team and their hordes of local fans understandably frustrated. That frustration is compounded by the City’s protective winter fields policy, which prohibits field use by organized clubs until ? The responsible posture is to support the judgment of the pros. Beyond that one has to wonder where we would’ve hosted the Irish had they come. This is the dilemma we find ourselves in as the only Southwest club besides Flagstaff operating at 7,000 feet. And the head-scratching continues . . .
Saturday would have been a glorious day for a 15s match with plenty of sun, temps in the 60s, and almost no wind. As announced by ringleader Rainer Ball, the business of the day was to be touch rugby. Participants included Rainer, team captain Ryan Weir, Dylan Merrigan (w/ Max and Madeleine in tow), Coben Branch, and seven new team members.
Soon after the opening kickoff it became evident the average level of rugby experience was pretty low. Although one or two had played more than the others, most were feeling their way along.
According to Rainer some of these brave lads had actually stepped into the breach a week earlier against Aardvarks, when for unspecified reasons the Santos had turned up short on numbers.
The result was a seesaw, one-point victory against a team significantly weaker on paper than the Santos when at full strength. The takeaways from that game has to be gratitude to the Newbies and a recognition of our shared responsibility to expedite their progress. And of course, as always: recruit, recruit, recruit.
Saturday’s touch match reminded me of an opening day from my previous life as a college coach, except most of these players appeared north of 30 years old. To his credit Mr. Ball let the usual booboos of new players pass without comment in favor of using natural breaks in the action as opportunities to reinforce fundamentals.
Happily, what the rookies lacked in sophistication they more than made up for in enthusiasm. Dropped balls, forward passes, and wrong options abounded. Uneducated running lines meant heaving lungs, yet everyone visibly enjoyed just going for it without feeling inhibited by a bunch of veterans witnessing their miscues. What began as a collection of tentative hiccups by two groups of individuals transformed over 90 minutes into a spirited match of 5s featuring some tasty moments of team play.
It was a pleasure to meet and watch Annie Regan on Saturday. Rumors of a group of aspiring women ruggers have been circulating these past few months and if her colleagues are as determined and hard-working as Annie, Santa Fe may soon join the rest of the world in rugby’s biggest revolution since professionalism.
Over the course of 50 years in and around rugby, the vast majority of games have receded from my memory. In their place are multitudes of unique experiences I will always remember. Thanks to our newer members for making Saturday’s visit one of these.
Annie Regan - Sam Schwyter - Andrew ---- (sorry!) - Conor Hicks – Louis Pennings – Chris Noble (played a bit in Auckland) – Enrique Salazar (former Vato)
Hope to see everyone - including Anasazi - at our downtown location, The Boxcar, for this Saturday’s Six Nations viewing party. Watch for updates. A reminder also that next Tuesday is St. Patrick’s Day!
Mas Numbers
Santos vs. Landsharks
Loss 38 – 29
February 28TH, 2026
February 28, 2026 - CM
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
The Santos, all though short on numbers, made their obligatory trip to Arizona to take on Northern Arizona (NAU / Landsharks), a mixed University / Men’s side I take it. The Santos have been very good about traveling West to take on out-of-state sides the past few years, not reciprocal however, Las Vegas canceling at the last-minute last weekend and Pheonix 2 years ago. The Santos owed the Terrestrial Sharks, surprisingly the last visiting team from outside the Rio Grande Union to make a non-Playoff visit to SF. Almost exactly 2 years ago, NAU visited us and it was a good match with our Santos prevailing. So, our Santos loaded up and hit the road to Flagstaff with 15 eager ruggers.
Forgive my lack of details once again, I was not on the sideline. The Santos with a very inexperienced side battled on the road and kept it within 10 points. Izzy and Rainer scored along with two other Santos. The match was within reach however on the road with no Impact Subs or any Subs to speak of….. well, we have all been there a time or two. The Santos ended the match with 14 players, as rookie, Scotty Piper went down with an ankle injury at the 50-minute mark. Good times were had at the social I’m told. Cheers to these lads for making the trip and representing the Santa Fe Santos.
1 Sam Schwyter
2 Coben Branch
3 Gabriel Beltran
4 Dylan Merrigan
5 Jeremy Lithgow
6 Scotty Piper
7 Jason Osborn
8 Ryan Weir captain
9 Rainer Ball coach
10 Isaiah "Izzy" Sanchez
11 Tyler Gomez
12 Dane Robergs
13 Bill Bennett
14 Justin Stallworth otherwise know as "J Money
15 KC Martin
Remaining Schedule:
March 14th HOME - 6 Nations Watch Party at Boxcar in Santa Fe, 11am - 3pm.
Mar 21st Away Santos at El Paso
Mar 28th Santos vs Brujos tbd
Apr 11th SWRU Playoffs in AZ
Thanks to the Board, old and new, for developing a relationship with Boxcar (they have significantly supported the Santos financially and opened their doors to us for get-togethers). Let’s try to give back to Boxcar this weekend, while helping ourselves… Some proceeds will go to the team. A great opportunity for old boys to meet some of the young bucks plus 6 Nations will be on the teli. No spoilers… Actual Match times are slightly earlier in Europe, so we will be watching recorded games throughout the afternoon. All are invited, some of the new SF Women’s players will be on hand, bring family, friends, Old Boys, lets GOOO. Did I mention some of the proceeds from the afternoon will go to YOUR CLUB. As it stands, 3 teams are still in the 6 nations fight, with this Saturday determining the winner.
On the flip side, NUMBERS are looking better for the Santos trip south to El Paso on March 21st. This is a major match for the Santos with hopes of Playoffs still in the mix.
Training Sess… still Tuesdays & Thursdays at Fort Marcy, 5:30 PM
Santos vs. the Witches
March 28, 2026 - CM
A Barn Burner
What is the definition of a barn burner? 40 plus points from both teams? 50? Old boy, friend and Santo semi-great prop Travis Hudson (also a long-time board member), might describe the term as “A DOUBLE SHIT TON OF POINTS.” Either way we can check all the above boxes, as this was a BARN BURNER. I compiled information for this write up from Captain Ryan Weir notes and Old Boy Ivan Calhoun, who sat the sidelines and documented highlights from the match, thank you both.
The Santos played this exact match one year ago (last game of the regular season against the Brujos). The difference was the Santos had already secured a Playoff spot last year and the Brujos had no chance of making the Playoffs. The Brujos beat us handedly last year, I have the scars to prove it. This time around the tables were turned, with the Santos fighting to stay in the mix of the Playoffs, they needed a win. Going into the match the Santos were sitting in 5th place with only the top 4 teams in the Southwest Union receiving a Playoff berth.
The match was held in Albuquerque. Newcomer, #14, UTEP transfer Eleazar Guevara, started the party off with a converted try. As far as I know, he probably owed a Zulu for this one, his second match with the Santos. Captain Ryan Weir lead a break for another Try, converted by Milaan Van Wyk (Tech assistant coach). Milan and / or Izzy came up with another Try shortly thereafter in the right corner. Up 19 – 0 in the first 10 minutes, Mateo Cardiel was not satisfied and added his own 5 points. Close to the 22-minute mark the Brujos finally dotted down with some points of their own after several penalties against the Santos. #14 added to his Try total for the Santos by chasing down a Milaan kick. SF with 5-meter lineout leads to another Try. A missed penalty from 40 meters from SF and it is halftime, score 38 – 5.
What the heck is going on? The Brujos are undefeated, leading the SW Union in points and a Home match for them. Were they taking this game lightly? I’m not sure. One thing for sure, the Santos believed they dropped one against the Brujos almost 2 months ago, losing by 2 points down in Socorro. Coach Rainer Ball told me at the 6 Nations watch party 2 weeks ago “I think we have the Brujo’s number, we should have won the first one.” Almost certainly the weather played a role, with wind in our favor the first half and a slight downhill slope. But wind only helps if your kicking skills can take advantage of it. Milaan Van Wyk was that Guy, pulling the strings and pinning the opposition deep in their territory with accurate kicks and slotting conversions.
Brujos basically scored right off the second half kickoff. Weak SF defense and penalties give up another Try. The Santos bounced back with #10 Elijah Naranjo making a big break and off loading to #9 Mateo for the Try. Another big break leads to a SF penalty. Brujos Try off the kickoff again. Score 48 – 26. Brujos score. Milan penalty kick. The physical play knocked out a few of our guys and both teams were making 60 minute substitutions. Multiple SF penalties in front of the posts gave the Brujos another Try. Another. What? Was this going to slip away after such a good start? 51 – 38 with 7 minutes to go. The Santos were up in Socorro 2 months ago with 2 minutes left, they lost… From the restart the Brujos score again, aided by yet another penalty. The Santos trying to kill the clock elect to kick for points off a penalty, missed attempt. Brujos score another and convert. What? 51 – 50. But who’s got the 50 and who has the 51? Your SANTOS do. Winner, Winner. “Suck in Nerds!!!”
1 Gabriel Beltran.
2 Monster.
3 Dylan Merrigan.
4 Enrique Salazar “KiKi” “Sore Bum”.
5 Jason Osborn.
6 Mauricio Arriaga.
7 Roberto Griffith
8 William Bennett.
9 Mateo Cardiael (VC).
10 Elijah Naranjo.
11 Jaden Misfud. 12 Ryan Weir (C).
13 Milaan Van Wyk (penalties/conversions)
14 Eleazar Guevara.
15 Isaiah "Izzy" Sanchez.
Conor Hicks. Justin Stallworth “J Money”. Tyler Gomez. Jeremy Lithgow. Coben Branch. KC Martin
Scotty Piper. Sam Schwyter. Theo Rankin. Louis Pennings. Dane Robergs.
Rainer Ball Coach
By the foreskin, your Santos squeeze into the #4 Playoff spot…. For now. Santos are done with regular season but good Ol El Paso and the Brujos square off this weekend to finalize Playoff spots, we are rooting for the Albuquerque boys on this one, no disrespect El Paso. The little birdy told me our lineout percentage was HIGH, and scrum was functioning well, nice work forwards. Mateo, Osborn punched above their weight and like most write ups, Izzy tackled his ass off. Thanks to the UTEP guys that Monster has brought along and the old techies and the first year Santos. Great Win.
Remaining Schedule:
Apr 11th SWRU Playoffs in AZ
Training Sess… still Tuesdays & Thursdays at Fort Marcy, 5:30 PM
A nail-biter
February 12, 2026 - CM
The Santos opened their Spring Schedule against the Brujos last weekend, Feb 7th, the two teams on top of our division as it stands. It was a Home match for the Santos, however that home is called Socorro, you might have heard of it (Garden Spot of NM) I believe Wheelock refers to it as. This brutal winter we are having does not allow us on our fields as you know...until about March.. hopefully.
I interviewed coach Rainer Ball and captain Ryan Weir post-match, I was unable to attend in person. I will be paraphrasing a bit and doing my best but specific details you will NOT be getting out of this Match Report. The first half of the first game started as always captain Weir says, "Chaos". The Santos have really just had a handful of training sessions with less than sufficient numbers, more like get togethers in Fort Marcy Park the past month or so and the set pieces showed per coach Ball. "Basically, we could not win a line out" and the Santos were down 2 - 3 tries from the get go. Then the chitter chatter stated with the Sir, former Santo, Brujo and Techie of all teams, Mr. Mark Kelley. I was told Sir Kelley called a very good match. The one bright spot of the first half was good defensive effort.
Redeem thy self. That's what second halves and beer drinking are for, right? After a "talking to" at halftime and perhaps some playing time together (now 40 minutes) the Santos were ready to make this a match. Phase play started to take hold and all the sudden the Santos were not only back in this game with a few tries but a small lead as well. The Brujos fought back however and dotted down once again, but it cost them a Red Card. Here come the Santos again, wanting the lead back and they got it. At this point the Santos are up by just a couple of points but there is only 5 minutes left in the game. The Santos had possession with about 2 minutes on the clock but were unable to maintain the rock and it resulted in a turn over try for the Brujos. Final whistle. Heart Breaking.
Vincent Beltran
Diego Cardiel - Try
Dylan Merrigan
Jeremy Lithgow
Billy - Man of the Match
Jason Osborn
Enrique "KiKi" - Try
Ryan Weir
Elijah Naranjo
Milan Van Wyk - Try, 4 conversions
Dane Robergs
Rainer Ball
KC Martin
Justin Stallworth
Izzy Sanchez -Try
Connor
Tanner
Scottie
Sam
Tyler
Jaime Terrazas
Coach mentioned KiKi, Dane, Weir, Merrigan, Diego all played well but Billy took Man of the Match honors. Alot of new names here, yeah you're telling me, but captain Weir says "he was totally proud of the effort, especially for the first match of the season against a very good opponent, the Heart is there, small changes will result in big things, very promising and we have a high ceiling." Weir is excited at the buy in from the boys and the culture is growing." This interview took place at training 3 days after the match, I saw men, women and highschoolers attending practice, very promising as a new women's team is starting up here in Santa Fe, the Diablas I believe. Message me if you want additional Women's team info.
In other news: On a sad note, some of us will be attending a memorial service for Old Boy Jim Mokres this Saturday, Wheelock has been sending out info on this, check your email for details or reach out to me if needed. A couple of our forwards are turning 40 this week, Dylan Merrigan and Jeremy Lithgow, buy them a 40-ounce beer. And some new Cardiel's; Mateo & Margaret just introduced Louisa Mae in January and I hear Diego's wife is close to popping here soon, Congrats.
Remaining Spring Schedule:
Feb. 21 @ Aardvarks - Albq.
Feb. 28 @ Landsharks - Flagstaff
Mar. 7 Home Vegas Irish
Mar 21 @ Scorpions El Paso
Mar 28 Home Brujos
Apr. 11 & 12 SWRU Playoffs, AZ
All game times are to be determined as we get closer. Practice is Tues. & Thurs. with some Saturdays mixed in at Fort Marcy right now, message me for more details. I will try my best to keep you Old Boys in the loop this season, bear with me on my wordsmithing and journalistic accuracy... hah, first beer is always on me. Cheers, Santos Nation.
I am Ironman
February 27, 2026 - CM
The subject line was between the above and "Nail biter, part Deux." I chose the former, as we did lose the great Ozzy Osborn recently so let's pay respect to the rock star / bird killer.. Imagine taking the pitch with the rock song blasting out of a boom box, you and your teammates getting pumped as the guitar ballad hits.. Anyways that is what I pictured going to into the match, as I was unable to attend in person. The chatter in the days leading up to the match was not exactly promising, I would say. We, the team, communicate these days on a phone App called "Team Reach". Think of it as a group text where you relay Time, Place, Schedule, etc. but also polls, like "Are you gonna make the game this week?" Yes or No? It kinda gives you real time info for players' availability, training session locations / times, travel plans, etc. Well Friday night before the match there were more "No's" than Yes's" resulting in Ironman Rugby talk.. When I went to bed Friday Night, I think we were up to 13, ouch. Not sure what was going on with the "No's" but regardless the challenge was accepted and possibly we were fortunate to be playing the rebuilding Aardvarks the following day. With the addition of Mateo coming off paternal leave Saturday morning, and our coach putting on the #10 jersey again, we had enough.... if 15 means enough.... I AM IRONMAN.
I don't have a lot of details, I was unable to get an interview but coach sent me the hard facts;
Opponent - Albuquerque Aardvarks at Bullhead Park, last Saturday 2-21-26.
Half time - 14 -14
Full Time - Santos WIN 36 - 35
1 Sam Schwyter first match
2 Scotty Piper
3 Dylan Merrigan
4 Jason Osborn
5 Coben Branch
6 Bill Bennett
7 Justin Stallworth otherwise know as "J Money"
8 Enrique Salazar "Quique" or "KiKi" not sure yet
9 Mateo Cardiel 2 tries, 3 conversions
10 Rainer Ball coach
11 Erik new 2 tries
12 Ryan Weir captain
13 Isaiah "Izzy" Sanchez 2 tries
14 Connor Hicks
15 Nate Goodlow new
As you can see, Izzy and Mateo got their quota as we would expect but Erik ?? 2 Tries. I gotta meet this guy... and get his last name tambien...
Alot of new guys I have not met in person at least 6 of these boys, I will be out soon though. Nice work Santos.
Remaining Schedule:
Feb 28th Away Santos at Flagstaff NAU Landsharks
Mar 7th Home Las Vegas (as in Nevada)
Mar 21st Away Santos at El Paso
Mar 28th Santos vs Brujos tbd
Apr 11th SWRU Playoffs in AZ
March 14th HOME - 6 Nations Watch Party at Boxcar in Santa Fe, 11am - 3pm. Team sponsor, some proceeds will go to the team. A great opportunity for old boys to meet some of the young bucks plus 6 Nations will be on the teli. Mark it on your calendar Old Boys, should be fun.. As always, first beer is on me.
2025 Santa Fe10s
September 04, 2025 -DW
As tree-huggers are wont to say, “Nature always bats last”. Participants and fans of the 2025 Santa Fe Fiesta Tens learned the truth of the saying Sunday afternoon when a sudden lightning storm moved in to interrupt an otherwise fine rugby day to force a premature end to the tournament, before the finals of either the women’s or men’s divisions could be fully completed. Read on to find out how these championships were determined.
Four women’s and six men’s teams representing three of New Mexico’s four bordering states pitched up to compete for their respective championship titles. The women’s division was diverse with New Mexico Tech’s freshly resurrected squad bravely jumping into a competition featuring Albuquerque’s vastly experienced Atomic Sisters, a strong Pike’s Peak side from Colorado Springs, and the game young ladies of El Paso. The men’s bracket consisted of defending champions Southwest Outlaws, an academy team from Arizona, the Grizzlies of Colorado Springs, El Paso’s Scorpions, the Brujos and Aardvarks from Albuquerque, and hosts Santa Fe.
After several opportunities had gone begging for Santa Fe in their opening match versus the Aardvarks, Angel Villa scored Santa Fe’s first try of the fall season on an intercept and stroll, and Mateo Cardiel added the extra two. Rainer Ball scored in the second half to temporarily draw the match at 12, and Los Santos looked sure to ice it from sustained recycling deep in Albuquerque’s end with seconds remaining. But disaster struck in the form of a turnover just short of the line, ending in a length-of-the-pitch sprint creating a 19-12 victory for the visitors.
Santa Fe booted up a short hour later for a 38-12 whipping of perennial entrants Colorado Springs. That man Villa got things started with another intercept try and soon after K.C. Martin powered through a strong challenge to dot down for a second try. The Grizzlies next bagged an unconverted try before co-captain Mateo Cardiel snaked through defenders at his own end of the pitch before turning on the speed to make the halftime score 19 to 5 in favor of the Santos.
The Grizzlies took a try just on full time to raise their total to 12, but by then Santa Fe’s total tally had ballooned to 38 with tries taken by John Doe, Isaiah Sanchez, and Mateo Cardiel, who added two conversions. Izzy’s try will be remembered for his sprint to catch Mr. Villa’s trademark towering kickoff on a dead run to score untouched.
Making all this try-scoring fun possible were the rest of the hometown crew (w/ humble apologies to anyone ommitted):
Head captain Ryan Weir and fellow Santo stalwarts Jason Osborn, Tadeo Herrera, and Diego Cardiel.
Joseph Gallegos, a Santa Fe native and 2022 U.S. collegiate national champion prop forward with New Mexico Tech.
Ryan Means, an all-time Las Vegas Vato legend, returning to the fold following injury.
Dandy Dan Allinder, who with his family is contemplating a welcome return to New Mexico.
Coben Branch, also formerly with the Vatos, contributing his determined, gritty style.
Larry de la Garza, the rugby playing pastor.
Tyler Gomez, a few years behind Tadeo Herrera at Taos High School, getting his first taste of rugby.
And finally, in the decades-long tradition of pennies from heaven Leeds, England native Chris Noble, doing the hard graft every team requires.
Santa Fe needed to beat Arizona’s Outlaws to get to the final but fell short after equaling the defending champs in the first half. Unfortunately (or not) a final score for this match was unavailable at press time. Meanwhile the Brujos advanced to meet the Arizonans in the title match by dispatching Colorado Springs 26-15.
Advancing to the women’s final were Atomic Sisters and Pike’s Peak. It would prove significant later that the Sisters won the preliminary match between the two teams.
An entertaining prelude to the two championship matches was a fifteen-a-side exhibition between the New Mexico Tech men’s side and a team of volunteers from the other clubs in attendance. The Miners didn’t look physically imposing yet they put up three sparkling team tries before “the Motleys” got their hands on the ball. The old boys substituted wisely to score a couple of their own five-pointers to Tech’s additional one or two.
With the men’s championship to follow, Atomic Sisters led Pike’s Peak 24-7 in the women’s final when the numerous white cloud banks drifting around suddenly darkened and ominous thunder claps sounded in the near distance. Tournament officials wisely called a pause to survey the situation and shortly thereafter abandoned any further play when a lightning threat was confirmed.
With minimal if any whining, players packed up their kit and proceeded to the official post-tournament headquarters at Santa Fe Brewing Company, an SFRFC sponsor. The Pike’s Peak women ended any tensions by graciously conceding the title to the Atomic Sisters by virtue of the latters’ 24-7 lead at the time of the lightning storm. How’s that for sportswomanship?
Consistent with expectations about northern New Mexico weather, the sun beamed down on the SFBC patio in time for the decider of the men’s championship: a boat race between Southwest Outlaws and New Mexico Brujos. Unfortunately for the latter, one man chose to savor the flavor instead of throwing it down and the Outlaws were declared champions for the second year on the bounce.
The SFXs was a relatively bare-bones event this year with the conspicuous absence of a fully functioning kitchen and swag bar. The club has been uncharacteristically short on volunteers in recent months but looking back over the past five decades this is not a unique situation. For now we pause in appreciation of all the teams who traveled in, with extra thanks to those who bore the extra burden to produce a New Mexico rugby event unsurpassed in terms of competition and player enjoyment.
