Stampede Move to New England Union, Division IV

In their inaugural season, the Saratoga Stampede Rugby Club elected to be an at-large team, playing independently, something like Notre Dame. It left then Match Secretary Owen Maranville the freedom to schedule contests and tournaments at the whim and will of the team's membership and administration. While the team played some tough competition, including twice playing three-time defending Division III Champion Syracuse, it found itself locked out of any chance for a playoff. Unlike college football, independent teams are not eligible for any type of playoff or championship. While the team's record may have precluded them such a run anyhow, they most certainly would not have been playing the caliber of teams such as Syracuse, which was a point of consideration for administrators late this fall and early in the winter.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Stampede President Chuck Tempest announced that the club would join the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU), at the Division IV level. While there was some discussion, internally, that the team might join the New York State
Rugby Conference (NYSRC) or enter either association at the Division III level. Eventually, the club decided that travel for games and lack of a complete B side really precluded them from either possibility, and that it appeared that the most beneficial route for a club interested in vying for a title with the make-up of the Stampede was NERFU Division IV.

At the AGM, administrative positions were elected for the 2007 year. Chuck Tempest and Pete Mody, and Rick Babson were reelected as president, vice-president, public relations coordinator, respectively. Bill McClain was elected as treasurer and Paul Campbell as Match Secretary. The positions of equipment manager, field coordinator, webmaster, and social chair will be appointed when the new officer board convenes in early February.

The club also announced its pre-season informational meeting date at the AGM. This meeting is for any males 18 and over who have interest in playing rugby this spring. No experience is necessary for a member to join the club. The meeting is schedule for February 22nd, 2007 @ 7 P.M. at Peabody's Sports Bar and Grille on Phila Street in Saratoga Springs. The meeting will cover items such as the spring practice and match schedule, dues, CIPP information, & sponsorship updates. This meeting is also open to all people interested in becoming "social" members of the club, or those interested in following the team, attending functions and games, but do not wish to practice or play. Contact Chuck Tempest for details.