Each of Kenmore's teams concluded their seasons this past week, showing promise for next year. On Wednesday, the high school boys played Canisius in their final league match. Saturday saw the middle school teams play the first games on the new field at Paddock Park, as they hosted the final middle school 7s tournament. On Sunday, the high school girls traveled to St. Bonaventure for the last round robin 7s of the season. Each side demonstrated the club's values of courage, growth, empathy, and passion, laying a foundation to build on and marking a new era of Kenmore Rugby.
Last Wednesday, the high school boys finished their season at Canisius. Due to injuries, the team had to forfeit the league match, but combined with Canisius to play a friendly. The boys played with class, showing their growth and leaving the coaches optimistic for next season. Owen Ryan led the team into the match for the final time, and played with the passion that earned him the captaincy. Peyton Barry continued to punch above his weight class. Jacob Amato played his most complete game. Chase Hirschfelt stepped into a new position and kept the continuity, even with the lack of chemistry between the teams. Cole Hirschfelt demonstrated his growth in the 15 jersey and why he'll be a fixture in our backline for the next several years. MJ Ramos played his most physical game, showing off his instincts in the No.8 jersey, and Emerson Stinner, the steady voice all season, consistently kept everyone's attitudes positive in the vice captaincy role.
"Despite the injury bug and thin numbers, the game went forward with the same passion and commitment we've come to expect from the young side. That was best exemplified by Gavin Mayfield who earned man of the match for his embodiment of the club values from the first minute to the last. " - Kenmore Rugby HS Boys Head Coach Mackenzie Doolittle
On Saturday, the middle school teams opened up the all new grass field at Paddock Park with the last 7s tournament of the year. It was an energetic day, as plenty of spectators came out to see the first games played at our new home. The players responded, putting up try after try on the scoreboard. The boys team went 1-0-2, led by hat tricks from Sean Krawczyk and Liam Conrad. Lucas Melish-Rinne found the try zone twice, and Matthew Harris added another. The girls combined with City Honors one last time and went 3-0-0. Natalie Marzullo had four tries, and Briella Macleod and Sophie O'Connor each scored once. Last, but far from least, the 5th and 6th grade boys went 2-0-0, winning both matches in a shutout and scoring 80 total points on the day. Zeke Schutt scored five tries, Conrad scored four, Melish-Rinne had three, Parker Bernosky-Smith added two, and Liam Barry and Harris each chipped in one. The offensive outburst had coaches excited about next season.
"What a way to finish the year! At home, with a huge crowd, going out there and playing our best rugby of the season. The kids played with a ton of energy, and were clearly pumped up to be playing in front of everyone. Not to mention how excited they were about the new field. I'm already looking forward to next season!" - Kenmore Rugby MS Head Coach John Bressette
On Sunday, the high school girls wrapped up their season with a pair of 7s matches, facing off against Syracuse and Fairport one last time. They went 1-0-1, beating Syracuse 44-0 and falling to Fairport 17-15. Rosie Miller led the way with four tries, Taylor Stevens, Maddy Greene, and Aislyn O'Malley each scored twice, and Marleigh Szymendera added one more. Emily Pytlewski connected on two conversions to round out the scoring.
"These are some of the hardest working girls I know. They show up every day with so much passion for this sport. They continue to work hard and they've been seeing the results of that effort. They had a great season, and it's been amazing being able to coach them." - Kenmore Rugby HS Girls Asst. Coach Reese Vogt
It was a season of growth for the club at every level, with many players taking steps forward in their game. There is room to improve next season, but plenty to hang their hats on as well. Players of all ages embraced the culture being built at Kenmore, and will carry that into next year, both on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead, the teams will celebrate their seasons with a potluck on July 8th. There's no stoppage in rugby though, as the Summer Youth and Flag Rugby program kicks off on Monday June 10th! The season is open to players in grades K-8, and each practice will run from 6-8pm at Paddock Park. See you on the pitch!
Founded in 2004, the Kenmore Rugby Club is WNY's oldest and largest youth & high school rugby club with over 100 active players in grades K-12.
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