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BOYS

MVP Forward - Greg Rasmunson

MVP Back - Amos Keener

Best Defensive Forward - Matt Modderman

Best Defensive Back - Matt Salimbeni

Most Improved - Damian Tearny

Top Try Scorer - Brandon Dunn

Most Overall Point Scorer - Graham Heagy   

GIRLS

MVP Forward - Nicole Woerner

MVP Back/Top Try Scorer - Heidi Burkhart

Best Defensive Forward - Prisca Schneider 

Best Defensive Back - Paige Murray

Most Improved Back - Julia Hershey

Most Improved Forward - Kirsten Gamble

Coaches Award for Leadership - Emily Wolglemuth

Top Kicking Scorer - Ingrid Natale

Boys 2006 Rugby Scholarship Award 

Andy Becker - As a first year rugby club, we were hoping to get enough players on the team so that we could at least be competitive in our games.  We got that and more from all the boys who came out for the team. Most of the boys joined the team not knowing anything about the game but all were eager to learn. This gentleman was no exception. Being a football player most of his life, he lived for the physical toughness it takes to play a contact sport. Not being the fastest or quickest athlete he was wondering if he could play a fast moving game like rugby. All he really cared about though was, “will I get to hit people, Coach?” He soon found out that there were different skill positions for every player on the team and that he could be an asset to the squad, and, yes, he would be able to hit someone.

From his work ethic on the practice field to playing hard in each and every game this gentleman exemplifies what Hempfield Rugby is all about.  He never questioned…..much…. about what was asked of him from the coaches. He worked hard learning his position and the game. His intensity was second to none….except to Coach Frank. He was a one man wrecking crew. Our opponents found that out the hard way.  It was great watching him rumble down the field, after taking a ball from the scrumhalf, and barreling over the opposition. Or, making a great hit on a ball carrier. He never stopped play until he heard the whistle. He always gave it everything he had and left it all out on the field. He always had a smile on his face and was always joking around, even during Coach Pat’s core conditioning.

At school, work, or on the pitch, his integrity and character shine through.

It’s been a pleasure coaching him this season and we wish him the best of luck in the future.

After high school he plans on attending the University of Pittsburg ; majoring in Engineering. He’ll be a great asset to the school and, if he decides, their rugby program.

Girls 2006 Rugby Scholarship Award

Rebecca Iannone:   This player demonstrated qualities that enabled her to have a successful season this spring, She worked hard and had fun in practice even after doing what seemed to be countless sprints, (but never enough push-ups).

She played the games with spirit, and unselfishly, from the first whistle till the last. We hope she uses the lessons learned on the rugby pitch as part of the first knightmare girls rugby club, along with the valued education she received at Hempfield, to take her education, rugby, and career to the next level. Rebecca will be studying International Business at the University of North Carolina.