Chicago Blaze Rugby
Match center
Preseason match at Illinois State University
1:00 pm on 03/20/10 in Normal, IL.
vs
Chicago Blaze Illinois State
Chicago Blaze are the 2009 Midwest
Western Conference Champions!
Blaze brotherhood
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Club is a brotherhood with committment to excellence. We are one of the few United States teams with its own facilities. We currently compete in the United States Senior Men's Division II and are a member of the Midwest Rugby Union. The Blaze community is comprised of our mens side, our old boys - the Fossils, our building corporation, associated youth teams, and our fans.
Sponsors
CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.
Blaze top story
CLICK HERE to donate for the 2010 playoff run.
Goal is $10,000 with raised to date at $1,275.
CLICK HERE to support Blazettes' scoreboard fundraiser.
Goal is $1,500 with raised to date at $971.
CLICK HERE for the 2010 Chicago Blaze Match Schedule.
CLICK HERE to pay Spring 2010 dues and get CIPP'd.
Upcoming events
CLICK HERE for on-line schedule of events.
02/19. FOSSIL Poker Tournament and Fish Fry CLICK HERE for details on party.
Team news
Congratulations to Chris Cobb and Bryant Scharenbroch our new Captain and Vice-Captain, respectively.
The mighty Chicago Blaze have secured the Midwest Western Conference #1 seed with a victory over Clinton Muddy River on 10/31/09 in Des Moines, IA, with a score of 38-19. The Blaze will now face the East #4 - Toledo.
Chicago Blaze defeat the Northwest Woodsmen on 10/21/09 in Lemont, IL, by a score of 22-10.
Chicago Blaze defeat the Chicago Westside Condors on 10/17/09 in Lemont, IL, by a score of 54-17.
Chicago Blaze beat Toledo on 10/10/09 in Toledo, OH by a
score of 41-13.
Chicago Blaze win against Detroit on 10/03/09 in Lemont, IL by a score of 84-0.
Chicago Blaze defeated Clinton Muddy River on 09/26/09 in Clinton, IA by a score of 21-15.
Chicago Blaze opened league competition with a victory, 32-24, over Southside Irish in Oak Forest, IL on 09/19/09.
Chicago Blaze finish non-league competition beating the Chicago Lions by a score of 27-15 in Chicago on 09/12/09.
Chicago Blaze fall in a tight contest with the Chicago Griffins by a score of 29-26 in Lemont, IL on 09/03/09.
Chicago Blaze defeat Milwaukee Black & White by a score of 37-24 in Milwaukee, WI. on 08/29/09.
The Blaze take 1st place the Gladiator games.
Congratulations to the Blaze players selected to represent CARFU and the Midwest Thunderbirds.
Chicago Blaze featured in RugbyMag.com.
Player notes
New players welcome, no experience necessary.
M and W (8:30-10:00 pm): Indoor training at YMCA. 711 59th St. Downers Grove, IL 60516. Please bring $5 per session. CLICK HERE for map.
Sat (1:00-2:00 pm): Stairs run at Swallow Cliff in Palos Heights. CLICK HERE for map.
Fossil, youth, and other news
CLICK HERE to pay your Fossil dues.
CLICK HERE to donate $25 for the 2010 Blaze Game Program.
HS Touch Rugby League. Learn fundamentals and play touch rugby. Naperville, IL; Sun 9-11 am; 11/15/09-12/27/09; $130. Go to playersindoor.com to register. Contact Graeme Leask at graeme.leask_charter.net for details.
Cheers to the Day family for their generous donation for the Sean Day Pavilion.
The global rugby family celebrates the announcement that Rugby Sevens will be included at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Standings and scores
2010 Midwest Championship Round of Eight:
Toledo Celtics (E4) at Chicago Blaze (W1)
Lexington Blackstones (E3) at Lincoln Park (W2)
Clinton Muddy River (W3) at Scioto Valley (E2)
Southside Irish (W4) at Pittsburgh (E1)
Midwest DII Western Conference Fall 2009:
Team
Chicago Blaze
Clinton Muddy River
Eastside Banshees
Lincoln Park
Southside Irish
Milwaukee Black & White
Wisconsin
Bremer County Bucks
Des Moines
Chicago Condors
Northwest Woodsmen
W-L-D
6-0-0
5-1-0
4-2-0
4-1-1
3-2-1
3-3-0
1-5-0
0-5-0
Points
29
25
22
18
17
15
7
5
0
Contact us
New players are always welcome, regardless of skill level or experience.Please direct your inquiries to:General questionsPresident: Nick Gambino (630) 674-8236 Captain: Adam Scheidler (512) 825-7725New playersRecruiting: Mike Heitzler (630) 201-3127heitzlerm_yahoo.comWeb-related questions Webmaster: Bryant Scharenbroch bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com
New players are always welcome,
regardless of skill level or experience.
Please direct your inquiries to:
General questions
President: Nick Gambino (630) 674-8236
Captain: Adam Scheidler (512) 825-7725
New players
Recruiting: Mike Heitzler (630) 201-3127
heitzlerm_yahoo.com
Web-related questions
Webmaster: Bryant Scharenbroch bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com
On-line response center
Name
Email
Phone
Message
Find us
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is located at:13011 W Smith Road, Lemont IL 60439.
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is located at:
13011 W Smith Road, Lemont IL 60439.
2010 Blaze Activities
CLICK HERE for the online calendar of events for 2010 Chicago Blaze. Please contact bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com to add your event to the calendar.
Spring 2010 Match Schedule
03/20 at Illinois State University - preseason match in Normal, IL
03/27 at Grand Rapids and Davenport University - preseason match in Grand Rapids, MI
04/03 at Wisconsin RFC - CARFU Cup League match in Madison, WI
04/10 Toledo Celtics - Midwest Quaterfinal match in Lemont, IL
04/17 Chicago Lions - CARFU Cup League match and Grey Lions at Blaze Fossils in Lemont, IL
04/24 at Chicago Griffins - CARFU Cup League match in Chicago, IL
05/01 at Midwest Semifinal match (Scioto Valley or Clinton MR) in St. Charles, IL
05/02 at Midwest Championship match (Pittsburgh, Lincoln Park, Lexington, or Southside Irish) in St. Charles, IL
05/08 Lincoln Park - CARFU Cup League and LP Barons vs. Blaze Fossils at Lemont, IL
05/15 CARFU Cup Semifinal match - location to be determined
05/22 USA Rugby Eastern Region Final 8 match - location to be determined
05/23 USA Rugby Eastern Region Final 4 match - location to be determined
05/29 CARFU Cup Final match - location to be determined
06/05 USA Rugby National Championships in Glendale, CO
06/19 Firehouse 7s Midwest Qualifier hosted by the Chicago Blaze in Lemont, IL
Note: all match times are 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted.
Chicago Blaze 2010 Spring Schedule
Fall 2009
The Chicago Blaze finished the Fall 2009 season with a 12-1 record and won the Midwest Western Conference. Open the pdf to read the season recap.
Chicago Blaze Fall 2009 Season Review
History
Since 1982, the Chicago Blaze has been playing competitive Rugby in the Chicagoland area and throughout the United States. The Chicago Blaze was formed in 1982 by merging the Windy City Nomads with the Amoco Rugby Club. The merger was consummated after a couple of beers and meetings in the basement of Pete Thornley house. The key to success was to form an entirely new club. The Blaze retained the colors Blue for Amoco and Red for Nomads. The first Blaze jerseys had the red and blue hoops. Peter Thornley, one of the founding members, was instrumental to The Blazes future by transforming an idea into reality, making the Blaze the first Rugby club in the United States of America to have a Rugby Facility.
Before this transformation the Blaze played on the forest preserve fields at 75th St and Rt 53 in Naperville for a few years, but were constantly harassed by rangers, getting fined for having cans of beer on the sideline and things of that nature. That led to the purchase, by Pete Thornley, of the 9 acre farm on Smith Rd in 1984 for $89,000, but it was six years before the opening match in 1990. In the meantime we played near Midway airport at a school on Narragansett. Today the Blaze own 15 acres of land that supports three fields, with the main pitch having lights, locker room facilities, with showers, and a clubhouse with a bar for post-match socials, parties and events. Development continues with a play area for kids, spectator stands, horseshoe pit, and an ever-improving Rugby facility.
The Blaze quickly became successful in the 80's, winning the Chicago Ball in 1986 projecting the club to its first Midwest Championship appearance. The club was crowned Champions of that tournament getting the invitation to the National Final Four. Players and supporters, totaling 67 people, traveled to Denver for the National Final Four. Unfortunately the club lost narrowly to Denver Barbos in the semi-final, drowned their sorrows then were defeated by Washington the next day. 1986 marked The Blazes first national stage appearance setting the bar for future players. Since then, the Blaze have won Midwest Division I and II Championships. The club rose to the occasion again in 1990 making it to the National Final Four Championships only to have the title; champions elude them once again. In 1996 the Blaze became the Midwest Champions and recently in 2007 the club made the National Sweet Sixteen. Today the club is working towards a National Division II Championship with goals set toward Division I competition.
The Blaze have also traveled abroad on several international tours to England (1989), Ireland (1994), Spain (1999) and New Zealand (2002), with future travel plans to Bermuda and England. The Blaze have also been host to many International sides and players alike. The Blaze welcomes all travelers from across the world.
Facility
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is one of the first and finest in the United States. We are indebted to the vision of Blaze Building Corporation. Pete Thornley, one of the founding members, was particularly instrumental to the club's future by transforming an idea of a rugby complex into reality. His purchase of a 9-acre farm on Smith Rd in 1984 for $89,000. From that times it took six years and the first games were played in 1990. Today the Blaze owns 15 acres of land that supports three lighted fields, locker rooms with showers, a pavilion, and a clubhouse with a bar for post-match socials, parties and events. Development continues with a play area for kids, spectator stands, horseshoe pits, and an ever-improving Rugby Complex. The Chicago Blaze Rugby Brotherhood is indebted to the Blaze Building Corporation and we are committed to ensuring our complex remains a premier rugby venue.
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is located at: 13011 W Smith Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Blaze executive board
President: Nick GambinoVice President: James DoerrMatch Secretary: Bill WecksteinSecretary: Dave ZdenovecTreasurer: Staci GambinoRecruiting Chair: Mike HeitzlerSocial Chair: Graham Johnson
President: Nick Gambino
Vice President: James Doerr
Match Secretary: Bill Weckstein
Secretary: Dave Zdenovec
Treasurer: Staci Gambino
Recruiting Chair: Mike Heitzler
Social Chair: Graham Johnson
Blaze roster
Our pack (# position) Frank Alferez (1,3)Jake Backhoff (8)Chuck Berra (2,9,11,14)Jason Brusa (6,7) Chris Cobb (1,3)Craig Clark (4,5)Eric Fleet (4,5)Mark Flores (6,9) Ruben Flores (6,7)Nick Gambino (1-3)Juan Granillo (1,3) Mike Heitzler (4,5) Jeff Lapka (4-8)Joe Malik (1,3)Matthew Mccann (1,3,8)Money Monroe (6-8)Kevin Murphy (1-3)Erik Otten (2) Bryant Scharenbroch (2,6,7,12) Scott Schiemann (2)Scott Smith (1-3) Michael Zdenovec (6-8)
Our pack (# position)
Frank Alferez (1,3)
Jake Backhoff (8)
Chuck Berra (2,9,11,14)
Jason Brusa (6,7)
Chris Cobb (1,3)
Craig Clark (4,5)
Eric Fleet (4,5)
Mark Flores (6,9)
Ruben Flores (6,7)
Nick Gambino (1-3)
Juan Granillo (1,3)
Mike Heitzler (4,5)
Jeff Lapka (4-8)
Joe Malik (1,3)
Matthew Mccann (1,3,8)
Money Monroe (6-8)
Kevin Murphy (1-3)
Erik Otten (2)
Bryant Scharenbroch (2,6,7,12)
Scott Schiemann (2)
Scott Smith (1-3)
Michael Zdenovec (6-8)
Our backline (# position) Nicholas Fischer (11,14,15) Kevin Garbis (12,13) Patrick Hartigan (11-14) Lance Houia (10)Steve Jerman (12,13)Graham Johnson (14,15) Brian Lubacz (10-15)Mike Leaks (11,15)Jamie Lugo (11,14,15) Jason Maruszak (11,15)Bob McNeel (10) Kevin Moeggenborg (11,14) Rolf Otten (11-15)Adam Scheidler (9) Norm Smyth (12)Mike Stack (11,14)Greg Swon (11,14,15) Brian Szwed (15) Tyler Vettraino (12,13) Bill Weckstein (14,15) Dave Zdenovec (11-15)
Our backline (# position)
Nicholas Fischer (11,14,15)
Kevin Garbis (12,13)
Patrick Hartigan (11-14)
Lance Houia (10)
Steve Jerman (12,13)
Graham Johnson (14,15)
Brian Lubacz (10-15)
Mike Leaks (11,15)
Jamie Lugo (11,14,15)
Jason Maruszak (11,15)
Bob McNeel (10)
Kevin Moeggenborg (11,14)
Rolf Otten (11-15)
Adam Scheidler (9)
Norm Smyth (12)
Mike Stack (11,14)
Greg Swon (11,14,15)
Brian Szwed (15)
Tyler Vettraino (12,13)
Bill Weckstein (14,15)
Dave Zdenovec (11-15)
Blaze building corporation
Pete ThornleyWalt RebensonChris CobbAl KlempMike Kanzler
Pete Thornley
Walt Rebenson
Chris Cobb
Al Klemp
Mike Kanzler
Blaze support staff
Head Coach: Lance HouiaTrainer: Rob WassilakCaptain: Chris CobbVice-Captain: Bryant Scharenbroch
Head Coach: Lance Houia
Trainer: Rob Wassilak
Captain: Chris Cobb
Vice-Captain: Bryant Scharenbroch
Blaze sponsorship
We offer multiple levels of sponsorship:
Our sponsors can advertise on: website, gameday program, billboards, jerseys, etc. We currently off the following sponsorship packages:
$1000 center fold on 2010 program and 1-yr link on www.chicagoblazerugby.com
$750 cover of 2010 program and 1-yr link on www.chicagoblazerugby.com
$500 full page on 2010 program and 1-yr link on www.chicagoblazerugby.com
$250 ½ page on 2010 program
$250 Plague on Blaze Shelter, displayed forever
$250 1-yr link on www.chicagoblazerugby.com
$125 ¼ page on 2010 program
$75 business card (1/8 page) on 2010 program
Other options are available. Please contact Bryant Scharenbroch at bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com if you are interested in sponsoring the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club.
Click here for sponsorship information for our gameday program.
Blaze 2009-2010 Sponsorship Program
Current sponsors
Thank you to our current sponsors.
Fossils Back the Blaze in the 2010 Program
Want to be included on the Fossils page of the 2010 Program. Please donate $25 using the paypal link below or send check to Bryant Scharenbroch, 6008 Lenox Court, Lisle, IL 60532.
Please indicate your name, position played, and years with the Blaze. Please send this information to bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com.
Buy Now
Donate $25
Merchandise
Chicago Blaze patches are available for $8 each. Please use this paypal link or contact Bryant Scharenbroch at bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com to purchase.
They are iron-on and mandatory for your blazer for anyone on the the 22.
Other items such as warm-ups, ties, t-shirts, shorts, socks, etc. are coming soon.
$8 per patch
2010 Playoff Travel Fundraiser
We have set a goal of $5,000 to help offset costs for players for the 2010 playoff run. The 2010 national tournament will be held in Glendale, CO and will be a substantial cost for these non-professional athletes. We need your help.
Details on specific fundraising events are coming soon. Contact Bryant Scharenbroch at bryantscharenbroch_yahoo.com for details.
Goal: $10,000 Raised to date: $1,275
Donate $500
Donate $1000
Donate $50
Donate $2500
Donate $100
Donate $5000
Donate $250
Blazettes Scoreboard Fundraiser
Thanks to the Blaze Family members that donated money for the scoreboard and the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. The party raised $971, after costs. Thanks goes to the Jermans for hosting the party and sacrificing their carpet for the betterment of Thornley Fields. Thank you for the Blaze girlfriends and wifes for putting on the fundraiser, bringing food, and organizing a great time. We are off to a great start on raising the funds needed for an electronic scoreboard but have not reached the finish line yet.
Goal $1,500 Raised to date: $971
Fossils
The Fossils are the established old boys team of the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club. The team is open to any ex-Blaze player over the age of 35. We also welcome any Old Boys new to the area to join us.
True to Old Boys style, we do not train, we just show up on game day (hopefully before kickoff), scrape the crusted dirt and mud off the boots, wash the cobwebs out of the mouth guard, assemble a starting 15, run some out-dated plays that used to work in our prime and were ready to go.
Old Boys games can range anywhere from 15-30 minute halves and one of the best features is the unlimited substitutions. So whatever your age or your physical ability, you can always get a run, whether its for 5 minutes or the full game.
The Fossils try to maintain a two game spring and a two game autumn schedule usually to coincide with the Blaze schedule. We have annual dues of $100 which includes new Fossil memorabilia for that year. The balance goes to the club to help out with annual expenses.
Of course the best part of being a Fossil is the continuation of the friendships weve made in the past and the new friends of the future. Theres camaraderie of a sport that has no borders. Last, but of course not least, win or loose, theres nothing like having a beer with your mates after walking, limping or even being carried off the field. Ill drink to that and I hope you will too.
For more info on playing for the Fossils contact Norm Smyth at 708-308-8997 or normsmyth_yahoo.com
Junior rugby
Naperville youth rugby is open to boys in 6th through 8th grade.
We register through the Naperville Park District, winter and spring programs. The outdoor season runs from April to May. We also hold indoor rugby clinics from November through March at various dates and times.
The team is coached by three Fossils: Graeme Jackson, John Bramlet and Dave Rosenberg.
Contact Graeme Jackson for more information at 630-904 8992 or nzgraeme_yahoo.com
See napervilleparks.org for registration.
High school rugby
Waubonsie Valley Warriors 2009 Illinois State High School Champions.
Bob McNeel
Email: rsmcneel_yahoo.com
Cell # 630-674-9067
Head Coach
Bryce Elliott
Eamil: KiwiNZ8_yahoo.com
Cell# 630-854-1050
Assistant coach
Information
Guide to Rugby
Chicago Blaze Bylaws
International Rugby Board Laws 2008
Blaze dues
All Chicago Blaze members must pay dues. Please use the PayPal link below, or pay Nick Gambino. All dues and current CIPP registration for the Spring 2010 season must be paid in full by 03/31/10. If you need a payment plan you will need to contact our treasurer, Staci Gambino 630-674-8232 prior to 01/15/10 for payment arrangements.
$100 per season for student or active military
$100 per season for new member
$200 per season for returning member
$100 per season for fossil
Blaze registration
All active Blaze players must be registered through USA Rugby.
Please click on link below to completed CIPP registration.
Blaze Fossil Poker Tournament and Fish Fry
Fundraising for the 2010 Chicago Blaze Rugby Club Championship run.
No limit Texas Hold 'em Tournament of Champions. Payouts are: 1st place 25% of buyin, 2nd place 15% of buyin, 3rd place 10% of buyin, and the remaining 50% of buyin towards the Blaze Fundraising. $35 gets you buy-in for 1000 chips and fish fry. Unlimited rebuys for $20 gets you 500 chips during the first three blind levels with an optional add-on at end of rebuy period. $15 fish fry. Drinks will be available for purchase. No carry-ins please. See pdf for details.
Friday, February 19 at 7 pm. Doors will open at 6 pm. Please arrive early for seat assignment and pre-game beverages. We intend on starting promptly at 7 pm.
Chicago Blaze Rugby Clubhouse
13011 W. Smith Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Blaze Fossil Poker and Fish Fry
Blaze match reports
Chicago Blaze Fall 2009 Match Reports
Blaze match photos
Chicago Blaze match photos have been moved to our Shutterfly site. CLCK HERE to see photos.
USA rugby
Chicago Area Rugby Union
Midwest Union
USA Rubgy
Midwest DII West
Bremer County
Scores
Rugby links
ESPN
Rugbymag.com
Planet rugby
Social networks
Youth rugby
WVRFC
High School
Copyright 2009 Chicago Blaze Rugby Club, Lemont, IL 60439
Please direct website related inquiries to: bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com
