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.
