Santos Lose Southwest Union Championship Match
Scottsdale, AZ - April 29th, 2023
April 29, 2023 - DW
Los Santos of the Santa Fe Rugby Club lost the championship match of the Southwest Rugby Union championships in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday night, bowing to the Tucson Magpies 63 points to 19.
After an energetic 57-36 victory over the Scottsdale Blues on Friday evening, the Santos attack sputtered against Tucson’s smothering defense. The Magpies built a 32-17 halftime lead and slammed the door on a brief Santa Fe comeback in the second stanza to win the right to represent the Southwest Rugby Union in USA Rugby’s Division Three Final Four in Las Vegas, Nevada May 13-14.
With the completion of their most successful season since the COVID outbreak, Los Santos will play an independent summer schedule and conduct touch rugby sessions at the Municipal Recreation Complex throughout the summer.
Santa Fe Santos Advance to Southwest Rugby Union Finals
Scottsdale, AZ - April 28th, 2023
April 28, 2023 - DW
The Santa Fe Rugby Club Santos claimed a 57–36 victory over hosts Scottsdale Blues Friday evening in the semifinal round of the Southwest Rugby Union championships in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Santos scored three five-point tries in the first half and added six more in the final 40 minutes. Jason Espana, Elijah Naranjo, Jaime Terrazas, and Milaan Van Wyk all scored two tries for Los Santos, while Isaiah Sanchez added one. Van Wyk added six two-point conversion kicks along the way.
Los Santos will take on the Tucson Magpies, winners over Old Pueblo Lions in their semifinal match, on Saturday April 29 to decide who will advance to the USA Rugby regional championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, the weekend of May 6and 7.
Santa Fe Santos Advance to Southwest Rugby Union Playoffs
April 16th, 2023
April 16, 2023 - DW
Saturday’s third consecutive win in Rio Grande Union competition assured the Santa Fe Rugby Club a berth in the Southwest Rugby Union playoffs in Phoenix, AZ April 29-30. The Santos traveled to El Paso, TX for their second lopsided win over the Scorpions in as many weeks, 62 to 27. On April 8 in Santa Fe it was Santos 50, Scorpions 20, and prior to that the Santos downed arch arch-rival Albuquerque Aardvarks 60-36 on April 1.
Los Santos rebounded from the COVID pandemic to kick off their 51st year with the addition of several talented graduates of New Mexico colleges, transfers from other men’s clubs, and local athletes new to the game of rugby. Coach Richard Morris and his men will prepare for the Southwest playoffs the next two Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Municipal Recreation rugby field at 6:00 pm.
Santa Fe Rugby Continues Winning Ways
April 8th, 2023
April 08, 2023 - DW
Santa Fe Rugby Club’s Santos built upon last week’s 60-36 shellacking of Rio Grande Rugby league-leaders Albuquerque Aardvarks with a 50-20 defeat of the El Paso Scorpions Saturday at Santa Fe’s Municipal Recreation Complex. A win in a return match in El Paso April 15 would ensure Santa Fe a berth in the Southwest Rugby Union playoffs, featuring the top teams in Arizona and New Mexico.
Santa Fe got off to a hot start, scoring 31 unanswered points in the first 40-minute half. Five-point ties were touched down by Elijah Naranjo, a small college All-American from New Mexico Tech; Jared Skillman, Ryan Means, Leon Wilson, plus a second by Naranjo. Leon Wilson, a South Africa native, added three two-point conversion kicks.
The Scorpions lived up to their reputation for mental toughness by scoring the first three tries of the second half. But the Scorps couldn’t buy a conversion kick, and successive tries by Milaan Van Wyk, also an NMT All-American, gave the home side a comfortable 45-15 lead following Wilson’s successful conversions.
Perennial standout Cory Micander scored a well-deserved try to close Santa Fe’s scoring binge at 50, making a late try by the Scorpions a moot point.
Observations of a Retired Coach
The Path to Success
April 9th, 2023
April 09, 2023 - DW
In 19 years at New Mexico Tech, I must have coached a few hundred rugby players, both young women and men. One would have to be a blithering idiot not to have learned a few things over such a span, and although I may blither from time to time I don’t think I’m an idiot. With the understanding that everyone involved in a rugby club has an obligation to contribute, I’d like to share an insight or two that may help.
First, it’s important for players to realize a coach cannot and will not see the totality of anyone’s game. Although your teammates will note much of what you do (and don’t do) you will best know your successes and shortcomings. In my experience those who became the most valuable players in the team were those who noted their and their team’s weaknesses and consciously set out to make improvements. Besides individual fitness, weekly training sessions are your opportunity to make the improvements you want to see.
This may all seem pretty simplistic and maybe even superfluous, but consider this: to this day I’ve never run nor attended a practice session in which I couldn’t immediately tell who understands this truth and who did/does not. Practice activities rarely if ever produce actual game conditions, but the best players habitually use their memories and imagination to get the most benefit for themselves and their teammates out of each activity.
This is the kind of thing I look for when I come out and watch you guys rehearse. Some sessions are better than others for a variety of reasons, yet some players consistently stand out for their effort. So if you haven’t already, take honest stock of your last game, awaken your imagination, and let’s get it on!
Injury – Avoidance, Denial vs. Truth, and Recovery
The Second point I’d like to share – wishing I had done so earlier – is how to recover as fully as possible from injury. It’s pretty mind-boggling to consider the number of participants in – let’s be honest, a pretty hazardous game - who don’t know the basic fundamentals of how to deal with an injury.
Here I need to make the disclaimer that the below comes from what I’ve read and experienced. I have no formal medical training but have had countless encounters and discussions with injured athletes. Learn what you can – reading is still best – but if your injury is serious or the nature unclear, see a doctor, preferably one who appreciates sport.
Do yourself and your teammates a favor and educate yourself on sport injuries. As you’d imagine, there are many books out there. Make sure to read about the author, their experience and philosophy, before you dive in. If the book was written in the 1900s you should probably give it a miss.
The First Step - overcoming Denial. I would have to say that of all the players I’ve consulted with about an injury (which is to say every player I have known) only a minority have accepted that they couldn’t “play through” the actual situation. This is understandable for a variety of reasons, including the obvious disappointment your injury brings to teammates. And so I was surprised yet impressed with the maturity of one of our newly-acquired young studs when he told me yesterday his injury will keep him out of games for a matter of weeks, not days.
Step Two is determining what the hell is wrong, and not pushing it until you know. Minor injuries like bruises and sprains (which are actually minor muscle tears) will heal on their own, but this usually requires you to STAY OFF IT. Finding out what’s wrong can be a real pain in the arse, involving time and expense. That’s why it’s best to read up on injuries so you’ll know when you need to seek out a professional’s diagnosis. In my opinion every rugby player should learn the facts about common injuries and how to put them in the rear view mirror ASAP.
If you learn your injury will require substantial recovery time and therapy (the more therapy, the less time) that old demon Denial will roar back with a vengeance. Teammates will voice understanding when you say you can’t play for X weeks, but deep inside that little voice will tell you that overnight they’ve decided you are a pansy. Just remember they won’t have to live with your f---ed up leg, arm, hand, or noggin – but you will. Remember, The Game will be there when you are ready to resume.
GENERAL SOFT TISSUE TREATMENT (muscles & ligaments)
RICE = Rest, ICE, Compression, and Elevation. Of these, I’ve long considered the first two, and sometimes the last, the most important over the first 48 hours. Incredible it is how many rugby players will go home and put a heating pad on a soft tissue injury within the first 48 hours. Don’t do it!!! Also avoid ointments that have a warming effect. You can usually start heat treatments the third day.
MUSCLE PULLS
A very unfortunate term that’s caused a world of heartache. Even a minor muscle pull is actually a tearing of muscle fiber, not some insignificant “pull”. Treat these injuries with the respect they deserve.
Every one of us has suffered muscle “pulls”, especially in the legs, and every one of us has made it worse by rushing them when we should have treated them and allowed healing time.
Both muscle and ligament tears are diagnosed as Grade 1, 2, or 3, which is a complete tear requiring surgery.
The best way to deal with muscle injuries is TO NOT GET ONE. Cold and windy conditions prevalent in our springs is a particularly dangerous time! WEAR YOUR SANTO SWEAT PANTS and when it’s really chilly, WIND PANTS with a layer beneath. Don’t wait for a team warmup; start yours early.
JOINTS - Ligaments and Cartilage
Learn the difference. Ligaments will heal because they contain blood vessels; not so with cartilage.
If you injure a ligament(s), DO NOT STRETCH IT. Get ice on it and immobilize the joint until you can HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. Many of us have funky fingers due to rushing ligament injuries but you certainly don’t want to do that with a knee, ankle, or other weight-bearing joint.
HEAD INJURIES
Refer to USA Rugby guidelines for Return to Play. Concussion | USA Rugby
MUSCLE BRUISES
RICE, as above. Really bad bruises can “organize” into a big wad of dead blood and crap and require extra attention.
BACK PAIN
Often back pain is a function of muscle strains or tears (sprains). The encouraging thing to realize is you can usually end back pain through improved posture, better movement mechanics, or morebalanced muscle groups (strengthening certain muscles). Everyone’s body is different and you shouldn’t fear experimenting with different techniques, such as chiropractic, massage, rolfing, or mumbo-jumbo. You might even find a new love interest (strike that last thought).
OTHER
If you play long enough, you may learn about stuff like fascia, tendons, nerves, and the like. Just know they are in you, and deserving of consideration. When in doubt, get a pro diagnosis.
The rest of the story
April 1st, 2023
April 1, 2023 - DW
By now the reader may have seen the account of yesterday’s Aardvarks match that’s neen submitted to the SF New Mexican for (doubtful) dissemination to la plebe. In case you haven’t, it’s at the bottom of this report, now including an exclusive match timeline. Here then, is the real story for real rugby people.
It’s been a while (how long?) since we beat the bloody Aardvarks. It’s a pleasure to write a story like this one.
Upon returning last week from a three-week journey this observer was excited to learn our long recruiting campaign, supplemented somewhat by our tax dollars, is finally bearing fruit. In spades.
From the storied rugby program at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, easier expressed as New Mexico Tech, come three notable graduates now employed with “the Labs”. Tadeo Herrera, a Taos native, is a former NMT captain while Elijah Naranjo (Albuquerque) and Willie Uhrle (American Samoa) teamed up to lead the Techies to national small-college championships in both sevens and 15s. Tadeo is a forward while Elijah and Willie ply their trade in the back line.
If you’ve been to many Santos v Aardvarks or Santos v Brujos matches in the past several years you know who Leon Wilson is. Born and mostly raised in Capetown, South Africa, Leon is that guy we formerly loved to hate but now love to love. (Funny how that works.) Seems Leon has taken up residence up north and says he’s always admired the Santos camaraderie, so why not? As a self-respecting South African, Leon comes with a treasure chest of well-developed rugby skills.
Derek Selvage and Isaiah Cisneros cut their rugby teeth at Los Alamos High. Isaiah becomes our second Marine rugger (joining Adam Jobes) and having been away from the game for a while will be getting up to speed in the next few weeks. Derek started Saturday at outside center, where he impressed with his passing skills and tackling.
Guadalupe “Lupe” Moron has appeared for the Santos on limited occasions but having settled into regular employment can hopefully become a mainstay with the Santos. Certainly one cannot watch his running skills without hoping so. I hope I’m correct in thinking Lupe got his start with New Mexico Highland Vatos.
Also answering our prayers is Jason España, who played high school rugby in Las Cruces. An impressively buff individual, Jason joins Lupe, Leon, Willie, Izzy, and perhaps one or two others you will rarely see tackled by one defender. If I was playing, I’d stick close to these guys – if I could!
These are only the new players who joined us in Albuquerque yesterday. There are others either on the fringe or on the radar, plus rumors of one blue chipper coming aboard soon and another rejoining next year. As Mr. Bent says, “the more the merrier” – so keep stuffing those messages into them bottles.
VISIBLE ANASAZI
Returning to the fold is Danny Torrez, aka The Scud, #1 hooker of the late 80-90s, ably abetted by wife Patty. P & D travel from Villanueva to lend their support. They’ve impeccably timed their return to witness our club’s renaissance. Anyone else want in on this?
ONE OLD MAN’S OPINION
It wouldn’t be right not to include a word or two about those players who have put in the hard yards before and since the COVID pandemic. You gents have kept this proud club alive against the odds, never better exemplified than through your travel to faraway ports with no guarantee of a full side, let alone substitute relief. Most if not all of you have played on through painful injury, unwilling (or unable) to let your mates down. You know through direct experience the thin margin between success and disappointment. Your coaches and captain deserve special accolades for their inestimable hours on and away from the pitch.
Regardless of each new man’s experience, our veterans’ role now expands to include mentoring new teammates in the Santo culture, with emphasis on personal responsibility, dedication to teammates, and a positive atmosphere. Vivan los Santos!
Rejuvenated Rugby Santos Drop Aardvarks
April 1st, 2023
April 1, 2023 - DW
SFRFC 60, Aardvarks 36
The Santa Fe Rugby Club may have turned a corner with their 60-36 win over Rio Grande area top dogs Aardvarks in Albuquerque Saturday. The injection of eight new players into the team of 15 helped produce the 24-point margin over a team that has run roughshod over Santa Fe in recent years.
Santa Fe’s eight forward players set the stage by dominating ball possession, and their seven fleet-footed teammates in the back line rewarded them with frequent five-point tries over the game’s 80 minutes. New team members accounted for seven of Santa Fe’s nine tries: Guadalupe Moron (2), Elijah Naranjo (2), Jason España (2), and Leon Wilson. Dependable veteran fullback Isaiah Sanchez carried for one try, as did hardworking loose forward Ryan Means. Wilson added six two-point conversion kicks and one penalty kick.
“We were largely able to achieve our goal of keeping the ball away from the Aardvarks” said a pleased Santos coach Richard Morris after the match.
Santa Fe hosts El Paso’s Scorpions at 1:00 pm Saturday April 8 at the Municipal Recreation Complex and will travel to the border city on April 15. Winning both matches will likely secure a playoff berth in the Southwest Rugby Union, comprising teams from New Mexico and Arizona.
Next few weeks
Words from the Captain
Santa Fe, NM
March 26, 2023 - RW
As we all come into the meat of our rugby season I just wanted to state the importance of being available on Saturdays. We have a strong “stew brewing “ but it’s only tasting great if we get all our ingredients. What I’m saying is we have potential- let’s not waste it by not committing to our team.
We have a game every Saturday until the end of April if we take care of business and make playoffs.
First round of playoffs is April 22 and second round is April 29. We are working diligently on getting confirmed answers on locations for these dates.
I’m excited about this team. Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Thank you all for your commitment .
Ryan
Santa Fe Santos fall to Aardvarks by One Point
March 11th, 2023
March 11, 2023 - RW
Santa Fe rugby had a wonderful Saturday battling their neighbors from the south in what turned out to be a tug of war match.
Santa Fe came up just short in their comeback losing 43-42, after scoring the final two tries of the day but failing to slot either conversion. The spring wind was angry and blowing against Santa Fe’s kickers best efforts.
Team spirits are high going into a crucial Division 3 game vs El Paso in two weeks time, as coach Richard Morris best said “ I think we found something that we can replicate going Forward” (in terms of style of play).
Man of the match backs - Mateo Cardiel #10 fly half
Man of the match forwards - Ryan Means #6 flanker
All Santa Fe supporters are encouraged to come to the match against El Paso March 25 at the MRC.
Thank you Aardvarks for a high quality, hard fought rugby Saturday.