Santos 2-1 at High Desert Classic
Albuquerque, NM
October 28, 2022 - DW
Santa Fe, New Mexico’s only intercity/interstate/international adult sports club, won two matches and conceded one in the High Desert Classic rugby tournament, hosted by Albuquerque Aardvarks RFC. Los Santos have participated since the event’s inception in 1972, capturing the championship on at least three occasions. Los Santos lost their opener to ARC, rebounded against University of New Mexico, and finished with a last-play, come-from-behind victory against El Paso’s Scorpions.
After many years at Bullhead Park near Kirtland Air Force Base, the tournament was moved in 2022 to north-central Albuquerque’s Vista del Norte Park. Judging from field conditions and players’ comments, this was a welcome change from the ravaged surfaces of the Bullhead years. Zero wind combined with an autumn sun to produce a day designed for rugby.
As with the Santa Fe Tens on Labor Day, out-of-state teams disappointed by not showing up, in this instance Air Force Academy and Provo Steelers. Somewhat bizarrely AFA blamed their absence on weather conditions, when in reality neither Friday nor Saturday produced hazardous driving conditions in either Colorado or New Mexico. Apparently Provo did not supply an alibi for their malfeasance. One would hope they prepaid their entry fee, however unlikely that may be.
The women’s competition seemed to go off with fewer hitches and included teams from El Paso, New Mexico State, University of New Mexico, and the home town Atomic Sisters. Of particular interest was the impressively strong, straight-ahead play displayed by relative newcomers El Paso. Indeed, with the Women’s World Cup currently highlighting incredible improvements in playing standards, the outdoor boat race between El Paso and Atomic Sisters suggested the females are definitely on the burst in the 2020s.
Originally and for decades a two-day event featuring as many as 16 men’s teams from Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and California, the 2022 High Desert Classic was completed on one pitch in a single day. The usual suspects in attendance – Aardvarks, Santa Fe, Brujos, El Paso, UNM – no doubt were disappointed by a lost opportunity to play someone different, but didn’t let it spoil their fun. A herd of at least 20 former Aardvarks (your humble reporter included) gathered to offer their team surplus advice, and all-day beer mugs went for $20 apiece on a day.
The Saturday night Halloween costume party at a downtown Central Avenue bar was scheduled to start some four hours after the completion of play, by which time most if not all Santos had returned to more familiar environs. Former and Forever teammate David Niven, returned from London for a quick stint of work, was feted later that night at SFRFC sponsors SF Brewing Company’s Headquarters location.
According to captain Ryan Weir, Santa Fe put in a good showing in their 9:00 am match against New Mexico / southwest Texas’s leading team, the Aardvarks. Weir attributed a close halftime score largely to strong defense. Shortened halves probably also helped hold down a team with deep reserves playing under the day’s rolling substitution rule. Hooker Adam Jobes and lock Enrique Salazar nabbed tries for the Santos, who nevertheless went down 31-10.
Things went predictably better for the capital city gang in the late morning match with UNM. The final score was unknown at press time but Santa Fe crossed seven times versus very few or none for the Lobos. A racing form would have been welcome in identifying some of those Santos in black or white shorts, evidence of the welcoming recruitment tactics currently in play. Regardless of tenure with the team, it sure looked like everyone had a good time, particularly long-distance runner Ben Schlappi of Ouray, Colorado, who scored two tries in each 20-minute half! “I probably hogged a bit” admitted the normally modest Mr. S.
When Ben Schlappi wasn’t scoring, three other Santos managed to squeeze into the try zone: the rangy Salazar, fellow lock Jeremy Lithgow (his first?), and tighthead prop Dylan Merrigan.
Santa Fe’s nightcap versus El Paso kicked off early in the afternoon. The Scorpions scored two tries in the first ten minutes and looked on course to a comfortable win. But Mateo Cardiel used his teammates’ diagonal running to his advantage with a sidestep to score and flanker John Bent tallied another try to keep things interesting. But El Paso kept the heat on with two more first-half tries to make it 26-12 at the break.
But whether through confidence imparted by the preceding Saturday’s lopsided win against Brujos or highly polished execution of an intricate game plan hatched late at night by coach Richard Morris (or possibly even something else), the Santos stayed in the match. First, Adam Jobes pin-balled off defenders with his customary committed fashion to score his second try early in the second half to make things more interesting for onlookers at EP 26, SF 19.
The touchline set definitely got engaged when, with seconds remaining, equally committed and always-entertaining wing Frank Marchi leveled the scores at 26 with an assist from his longtime Vato teammate Gadi. The next team to score would end their day with a hard-earned“walk off” win.
For the dramatic conclusion of the match we turn to eyewitness-participant John Bent:
“Somehow we had a ruck (or scrum?) inside our 22 on the left side of the field and somehow the ball came out and went weak-side. I think Frankie (Marchi) was involved. Somehow this kid (Tiger, UNM) got it and was up around our 40 and maybe heading out of bounds. He threw about a 10 meter football pass to Jeremy Armstrong. Jeremy pretty much immediately had someone in front of him so he wasn’t able to make a break. Somehow it was awkward for him because when he passed it to me, he passed it like an offload and not a normal pass. But it was a perfect pass; right in stride and right in my hands. I had been far away still at the previous breakdown I think which was inside 22 but in middle of field. But Mateo, before the game, had given me two suggestions for flanking. One suggestion was to get to every breakdown. So, inspired by Mateo and reminding myself of the refrain that was popular with the santos when I first joined, “I got on my horse”. I had the honor of finishing the play but my job was easy. I just had to catch a ball and run in a straight line. That try was the result of tremendous heroic team play by many to get the ball into space.”
The crowd erupted into loud applause and there were giggles of joy in the Santo camp. The value of winning the day's last match:
The beer tasted better. The knocks didn’t hurt as much. Well done, Santos.
Short-handed Santos Overpowered in Denver (Copy)
Pets Wreak Havoc in Heavy Loss
Denver, CO
October 01, 2022 - JB
A rare opportunity to play a team outside the Usual Suspects came up, and so Los Santos traveled to Denver for a friendly versus the always-formidable Highlanders RFC on October 1. At least some of them did!
There is a backstory involved, the theme being player shortage. The word around the MRC is that one player could not locate a dog-sitter and another player’s pooch required emergency attention that forced him (the player) out of the picture. With best wishes to those pets, I guess we can say this match went to the dogs. Ta-da (w/cymbal crash).
Here’s to Mr. B for stepping up to fill the captain’s position in the absence of a certain NEW FATHER*.
They loaned us 2 of their players and we played close in the first half. The score was 17-7 at the half. A great crashing 5 meter try from Little John off a penalty brought us our only points on the day. Kudos to them for having great athletes at almost every position and for having a large enough roster and rolling subs that kept them fresh. We lost Angel, Jason, and Frankie to injury and played the second half with 5 of them filling us in. We had a couple of decent series but could never quite connect the dots and they had a ton of long break-away tries. Final score was 80 to 7.
The field was beautiful and most of us were happy just for the chance to play the game we love. The first half was competitive and the second half just got silly but the camaraderie and hospitality were fantastic. They had a keg for us on the field which many of their players started hitting in the second half. We knew because we could smell it in the scrum when they filled in our numbers. Great time at the bar afterwards: fantastic typical rugby camaraderie: fight as hard as you can on the field and then appreciate each other in the drink up.
We would have won the boat race with a fantastic start from Jeremy but Gatti has apparently never drank a beer before and took about 30 seconds to finish his. At anchor, I cheated as hard and as subtly as I possibly could but it was for naught since the race was already lost by the time it got to me.
The game was lost but I am happy that we showed those four college kids a great time and am optimistic they will join the Santos for their post-college rugby.
Thanks to all who made the drive.
Representing Players:
Jason Lithgow
Jeremy Lithgow
Jason Osbourn
Adam Jobes
Dan Allinder
Angel Villa
John Bent
Jared Skillman (Captain)
John (UNM) who we promptly christened Little John because we already have a big John
Justin J-Money (NMHU)
Frankie (NMHU)
Gatti (NMHU)
Mark (NMHU)
Santos Blow Out Brujos on 50th Birthday
Home 57 (or 28)
Visitors 0 (or 0)
Santa Fe, NM
October 24, 2022 - DW
The Brujos were short of Southwest RFU’s mandated 15 players for Saturday’s match in Santa Fe, but to their credit showed up to honor the occasion of our 50th Golden Anniversary match and banquet. With a 28-0 forfeit win thus secured, the Santos loaned their loyal opposition a few players and the match commenced. It turned out to be a lopsided affair, as the apparently dispirited Brujos went down in flames, 57-nil.The Santos crossed for five tries in the first 40 minutes and four in the second half. Standoff Mateo Cardiel led the parade with a hat trick and slotted six conversions. Isaiah Sanchez bagged a try in each half, Jonathan Lithgow was rewarded for his all-out effort with a long scoring run, and halfback John Bent and wing Justin Stallworth also each touched down. Small doubt the forwards would have named board president Seth Johnson’s triumphant dive between the sticks as the day’s most popular try.The ole Labor Day pig showed its worth once again, a few brews were drained, and it was off to gussy up for the evening’s 50th anniversary banquet. Special thanks! to our own Whores For a Day, without whose contribution Saturdaymay not have been a Rugby Day!
50th Year Celebration Dinner and Gala!
September 26, 2022
We have made it to 50! That’s right, Santa Fe RFC, born in 1972, is now half a century old. To commemorate this we are hosting a match versus the Brujos followed by our Golden Anniversary Banquet that evening.
Saturday, Oct 22: Golden Anniversary Gala Day and Banquet at the Santa Fe Country Club
Banquet will be located at the Santa Fe Country Club
Dinner will consist of dinner salad, entrée choice, dessert, and cash bar.
RSVP for the Gala dinner with Google Form, click here or email santaferugby@gmail.com for a fillable form.
Dinner tickets $50 per person (Last day to RSVP October 12)
To pay for Gala dinner tickets use these links:
Venmo payment: @santos-rugby
Paypal payment: @sfrugby
For other payment options email santaferugby@gmail.com
Questions, comments, and other info
Please contact the Board via email, contact@santafelossantos.com
Santos head to Denver!
October 1, 2022
The Santos will travel to Denver for an October 1 friendly with longtime inter-union rivals Highlanders RFC. With the majority of autumn free of Southwest RFU-sanctioned “cup” matches, the match represents a rare opportunity for the Santos to taste some of the variety that exists beyond the usual suspects. Should be a good tussle at the low altitude of 5,000 feet.
Santa Fe RFC Fiesta Tens and 50th Anniversary Old Boys Match
September 04, 2022
Santa Fe Fiesta 10s Rugby Tournament
(Sept. 4, 2022)
For the 49th time in 50 years (we’ll just ignore the pandemic here), Santa Fe RFC served up the best-run tournament in New Mexico on September 4. When Santo legend Rocky Aragon organized a little 7s tournament up at St. John’s College in 1973 – our club’s second year – he probably didn’t suspect it would still be thriving 49 years later. Or maybe he did. Rocky’s crafty like that.
Twenty years later, in 1993, Fiesta 7s became Fiesta 10s, as the traditional Labor Day running fell so close to the fall 15s season. Club leaders reasoned that it would be better for the preparation of participating clubs for their bigger men to play, and the addition of those three extra players made scrums and lineouts more realistic.
As visiting teams have come to expect, in addition to excellent playing conditions on Santa Fe’s immaculately-prepared pitches, food and concessions were made available by the hardest-working group of volunteers around (and their wives) (and kids). Immediately after the day’s competition an ancient Santos tradition was renewed as six women’s, six men’s, and two old boys teams dined on mounds of lovingly-prepared BBQ pork. Then, it was off to SFRFC sponsor Santa Fe Brewing Co’s Headquarters for the presentation of custom-made trophies and free refreshments.
FIESTA 10s - WOMEN’S DIVISION
The women’s division shone in 2022 with six teams contesting, possibly the most ever in Fiesta 10s history. In addition to University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University sides, Albuquerque’s Atomic Sisters entered two ten-women sides and both Arizona and Colorado were represented, by Old Pueblo and Pike’s Peak respectively.
The championship match pitted ten players from Albuquerque’s powerful Atomic Sisters against Old Pueblo WRFC from Tucson. Although the final tally remains a mystery to your humble reporter, UNM coach and longtime Sister Joy Hernandez outlined the outcome. “I know the score was tied at half with the Sisters surging to victory with the help of a couple of tries from Julie Ngo in the second half.”
Ms. Ngo and a few Sisters teammates played in the Southwest Rugby Union’s (NM and AZ) thrilling win over Rocky Mountain (Colorado) in Albuquerque last December.
Coach Joy went on to say “I would also like to mention the strong numbers brought by both collegiate sides, over 20 players each side. Numbers had been dwindling since the pandemic, so it was reassuring to see so many participants at the tournament, both mens and womens.
“Both collegiate sides were hesitant to play the more experienced women's sides due to the high number of inexperienced players on both sides. But we needed not worry because the women's sides were very understanding of the situation and instead of exploiting their advantage they used it as a means to mentor the newbies. The camaraderie displayed was top notch and I am so elated my team was able to experience our rugby culture and its values.”
Well said, Joy! If you’d like to check on the collegiate women’s progress, see UNM play Colorado College at 11:00 am on Oct. 1 at UNM’s Johnson Field (ancestral home of all NM rugby), and/or both teams at once when UNM visits New Mexico State on the NMSU intramural field at 11:00 am on October 15.
FIESTA 10s – MEN’S DIVISION
Albuquerque RFC threw an early-season challenge to other Rio Grande clubs as both Aardvark teams advanced to the championship match. Their club leaders considered staging the friendliest of matches as the final, but in the end decided against it.
Hosts Santa Fe Santos, led by captain Ryan Weir and backs division selector Mateo Cardiel, eased past University of New Mexico 26-12, slumped against Aardvarks One 43-12, and finished on a high note versus El Paso, 31-19. The points totals were 100 for and 74 against.
Long after the masses had gobbled their fill of Fiesta Tens pig fare and hobbled off to Headquarters, Eric Schmierer and Co. were seen scrubbing pots, regathering field gear, picking up litter, and generally doing what it takes to be and remain a first-class rugby club. Thank you; let’s do it again next year.
50th ANNIVERSARY OLD BOYS MATCH
It became apparent immediately upon kickoff of the Over 40s match between Santa Fe Anasazi & Friends RFC and Old Southwest of Arizona that my romantic vision of a chivalrous affair was actually more of a romantic fantasy. When we set the match up in June I had suggested to OSW chieftain Adam Schwartz that we might start out gracefully (i.e. gingerly) with a short period geared to the two club’s oldest boys, before letting the 40- and 50-somethings carry on however they desired. Of course, there would be rolling subs, and maybe that first period could feature unopposed scrums for safety’s sake.
In the event Adam, at 55, was the only OSW player anywhere close to true geezerdom, the rest turning out to be strapping lads of perhaps 40 years, 1 month. That left Mike Lewis, Chuck Romero, Danny Torrez, Peter Dunn, and myself as the only fools near or over 60, and my call for dignity dead on the drawing board.
My other fantasy, that of softening up OSW at SF Brewing Company Headquarters the night before, seemed to have little effect. If anything the remaining ethanol in our guests’ blood may have driven them to an even fiercer level of play than had they been less fortified. Coming to the touchline for a break after the first 10 minutes of play, I heard Mr. Lewis, who started for us at prop, muttering “those guys are really &*%@* pushing!” An outrage, indeed.
The format turned out to be three, twenty-minute periods, and I sat out the first 10 or so. The Anasazi team had not only been out of action for over a decade but lacked clear cohesion in terms of comradeship. To be honest we fell short of a full team of old Santos and relied upon the good graces of veterans from the Brujos and Aardvarks. Those gentlemen happily joined in but there was not a man in our team who knew all his teammates.
Speaking as the oldest of the old, making up the numbers for Santos touch games over the summer and hitting a few shields the week before Fiesta 10s was no substitute for match experience under different breakdown guidelines than I’d experienced. Plus, I’m old!
Old Southwest, who play together several times each year, dominated possession and got over the gainline fairly often in the first two periods. Towering Anasazi lock Chris Bonahoom took one for the team in the very first lineout (right in the shoulder!) and we were forced into “short lineouts” for the remainder. I think OSW may have scored three tries in the first two periods, and another in the final twenty.
Early in the second act I bumped noggins with an OSW forward in a ruck. The impact had a sickeningly familiar feel and when I felt my forehead, sure enough, I got the red palm. I didn’t quite get the Arizonan’s plate number but he was evidently all right. I, on the other hand was done for the day. And so passed a month or so of dedicated “old boy training”.
Daylight emerged in the third and final period, as the Anasazi began to adjust to one another and string together several really nice drives. Old SW were forced into making or missing a majority of the tackles and now it was our guys hitting the gaps and recycling the ball, with maestro Cory Micander pulling the strings at #10. Our 40-something young bucks did their jobs and some of our older guys made some really fine plays. I believe we scored three tries or so in that last 20, but I’m not sure. At least one of my hopes for the day had evidently held: no one seemed concerned with keeping score.
Santo-Anasazi:
John Bent, Jack Lastovka, Andy Avery, Rob Harrison, Travis Hudson, Adam Jobes, David Jondreau, Mark Kelly, Seth Johnson, Ivan Calhoun, Calvin Ihoun, Eldon Pennington, Cory Micander, Danny Torrez, Chris Bonahoom, Chuck Romero, Mike Lewis, Dave Wheelock
Rio Grande-Anasazi:
Jim Domina, Aaron Spaulding, Jeremy Thomas, Pat McBride, Sean Callahan, Brian Miskimen, David Hopper, Tige Bailey, Joel Luevano, Brandon Bortoli, and Paul Street
Annual Santa Fe Fiesta 10’s
September 04, 2022
Santa Fe Fiesta 10s Rugby Tournament (Sept. 4, 2022)
Santa Fe Los Santos are hosting our annual Labor Day weekend 10s Tournament. This year, during an intermission, features an old boys over 40s match Anasazi RFC vs. Phoenix area Old Southwest RFC.
Traditional SFRFC Feed at the magnificent Santa Fe Rugby Complex
After tournament social will continue on 2nd floor of SFRFC sponsor Santa Fe Brewing Co’s impressive HQ complex.
Registration and Payment of Entry Fee
Register your team by emailing contact@santafelossantos.com
Payment through Venmo or Paypal (which are preferred) or for other means email santaferugby@gmail.com. Southwest Rugby Football Union teams = $300 OR if out of state entry Fee = $125
Venmo payment @santos-rugby
Paypal payment santaferugby@gmail.com
General questions, comments, and other info
Please contact Los Santos Board via email, contact@santafelossantos.com
7s Tournament Results
Zia 7’s Tournament
Albuquerque, NM
July 23, 2022 - DW
Los Santos sent a numerically-slim side to the Zia Sevens in Albuquerque Saturday, and as temperatures rose toward 100 F most of the guys probably lost a few pounds of body weight as well. According to team captain Ryan Weir the lack of substitutes caused by forced absences of a couple Santos who hoped to play was probably the difference in an early 27-22 loss to Brujos RFC. In the second round Santa Fe fell 25-7 to Albuquerque’s Aardvarks in a second half many in attendance agreed was the day’s best rugby on show. Organized by the Atomic Sisters WRFC, the Zia Sevens featured six female teams: Tempe, Phoenix, Rocky Mountain Magic, two Atomic Sisters teams, and a “motley” team of available players. Santos captain Ryan Weir was able to catch the Tempe v Phoenix match, won by Tempe, and surmised by the quality of play that Tempe was the eventual tournament winners.
At press time it was unknown whether recent Santa Fe resident Libby Treu, formerly of Humboldt University, played on Saturday. Libby has been contributing to the fitness and fun at recent Thursday evening touch matches (6 pm @ MRC).
The men’s bracket was composed of the usual local suspects – Brujos, Aardvarks, and Santos, plus a team of whores. Although the Aardvarks also beat the Brujos 29-14, it was the whores who finished undefeated!
At the conclusion of tournament play the men’s pool was split into two fifteens teams and two 15-minute halves were played. Sounds like a concept worthy of consideration in future local get-togethers!
RUGBY RUMOURS
Reports of a potential all-comers match in Pagosa Springs, CO this coming Saturday (7/30) could not be confirmed as this story was being prepared. Watch for further information as available.
Representing Los Santos:
Ryan Weir, captain
Mateo Cardiel
Jared Skillman
Jason Osborn
Jaime Terrazas
Justin Stallworth
Ben Schlapi
Armando Herrera
Santos Win 2, Lose 1 in Celtic Heat
Celtic 7’s Tournament
Albuquerque, NM
June 04, 2022 - DW
A slapdash Santa Fe side surprised themselves by winning two of three matches in the 2022 Celtic Sevens last Saturday, June 4. Having exactly seven Santos show up to play didn’t turn out to be the disaster one might suspect; in fact, we made some fine new friends. Several if not most teams entered in the tournament required auxiliary players (otherwise known as whores) to get through their brackets. But as we found out, even that time-honored strategy has its limits.
Los Santos got started at 9 am on Field One against tournament hosts Brujos. Our boys dominated field position through efficient rucking in the first half but couldn’t seem to get over the line. At least one sure-looking try went begging through “unselfish play” – a last unnecessary pass near the line. It was up to captain Ryan Weir to pin his ears back and beat two would-be tacklers to get over the line. Which he did. Somebody missed the mandated drop-kick conversion.
The Brujos converted their try (probably in either the first or second half) before hard-working SF irregular Kyle Grinold (alias Stitch) settled matters with our second try. Somebody’s brother, Someone, missed the drop-kick conversion but it was enough for a 10-7 Santos win.
Temperatures rose steadily into the nineties, but at least we were spared the winds that have tormented New Mexico all spring. The atmosphere was greatly added to with the happy return of the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival right next door. Tartaned dancers, sailing hay bales, tumbling cabers, bagpipe music, and of course a multitude of old friends-seldom-seen made this reporter feel at times like we’d all not been away for two years. Or was it three?
After a comprehensive 90-second warmup & stretch the boys were ready for their next test against a team simply named Las Cruces, apparently a mix of university and club players. Jaime Terrazas, NMT-bound in the fall, scored our first try, which Stitch converted. Ryan got his second but again someone missed the conversion. Again, Los Santos were out-rucking their opponents, moving the ball efficiently, and butchering the occasional opportunity. The Chiles/Black Hog/Aggies scored against the run of play and converted a try, 12-7.
That guy Stitch scored yet another try but missed the conversion before Jared Skillman scored on a lengthy effort, the conversion of which the third brother, Sin Nombre, missed. LC got the last say but lost, 22-14.
On the subject of rugby courtesans, Santa Fe also benefited from the play of Frank, like Stitch, a member of the Aardvarks, and St. Pius High standout Cian Jones, bound for New Mexico Tech next fall on one of two of their rugby scholarships. Young Mr. Jones scored nine points for us on a try and two conversions, wearing the reporter’s red shorts. Cian’s dad told me between matches that Tech’s national small college sevens championship-winning coach, Gearoid Dunbar, is moving on to a new challenge at a college in Virginia.
Next up was a team of former UNM players self-billed as the GOATS (greatest of all time). What-EVER! To their credit the opposition played a sound brand and had beaten their previous opponents handily. A spirited, back-and-forth match ensued, the details of which I couldn’t jot down due to being called to run a touchline. I suppose I could use my memory – but no.
I do recall being impressed by the Santos’ liveliness and determination. Apparently, everyone had been training diligently at home. In the end we lost a close one, 29-26, a decent showing considering the lack of group rehearsals.
Returning thankfully to the shade of Jeremy’s canopy, no one seemed convincingly upset when word came that chronic shortages among most teams meant the guys had played their last game. From across the green expanse, the beer tent beckoned. Sudden word that a fourth match remained to be played turned out to be a hoax, and everyone disappeared to the oasis. Except for loose forward Jason Osborn, who soon ran out in the time-honored role discussed earlier. The man loves his rugby.
I stuck around Pitch One to watch the championship, Aardvarks vs. GOATS. A tight contest, with each team showing their scoring capabilities. Just before halftime, an Aardvark player looked certain to score but was cut down from behind by the diving tackle of a defender wearing red shorts. You guessed it, Jason Osborn. Good on ya, lad!
Representing Los Santos:
Jared Skillman
Dylan Merrigan
Jason Osborn
Jeremy Lithgow
Angel Villa
Jaime Terrazas
Ryan Weir (Captain)
Richard Morris (Coach)