This past Tuesday, me, my wife, my brother, and a close friend attended the first annual Scream It Like You Mean It tour. It was held at the recently opened Summit Music Hall, right on 19th and Blake a block west of Coors field. It was a great show, great venue, and great company. For me it was awesome to finally see We Came As Romans, and on top of that, Emery is one of my all time favorites so it was great to see them again as well. Here is a little sample of some of the bands that were performing!!
I stumbled across these photos and was seriously amazed. I have always had those crazy conversations about what the coolest pet would be, etc. But to see these pictures made me have a whole new appreciation and desire to own a wild beast! And for the record, and to cut through the hate mail, i do not condone putting massive wild snakes, or hyenas around small children…
As most of you know, I am a huge Brock Lesnar fan, but this Saturdays match against Colorado’s own Shane Carwin is making it a very hard decision to choose who I am rooting for. But no matter who you are rooting for, you can join us this Saturday – June 3rd, at Mings Dynasty for our Official Ruckus UFC Party!!
Official Event will start at 8:00 with prizes and giveaways going on throughout the night!! Know that space is EXTREMELY limited, so you will want to get there early.
Make sure you check our facebook page for updates and more info as well as RSVP for the event and enter the to win VIP seating during the entire fight.
Sorry i am so late getting this up! I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who came to the party and helped us welcome summer in right. A very special thanks to Caleb VanVorst and Franky Bushell for providing us with killer tunes all day, well, at least until the cops showed up! I also want to thank Amanda Schmitz and Jeremy Schmitz for overseeing the party while i was out coaching. Here are some pics from the party – and thanks again for making it such an awesome day!!
*for more pictures and info on upcoming events, click here
Join us ***SATURDAY JUNE 19th*** for our first anual Summer Pool Party!!! There will be Live DJs, food, volleyball, drinks, and competitions to win free gear!
There will also be a MASSIVE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY @1:00 SO DONT BE LATE!!
Become a fan of our facebook page for all the details!!
to RSVP for the event for a chance to get on the VIP list click HERE!
This month we had the amazing opportunity to work with O’Brien Rugby and USA Rugby. We were in charge of doing the tournament shirts for the Men’s Club Championship as well as the USA Collegiate All-Star Tournament. I have participated in both of these events as a player, so it was really cool to be able to give back and still be involved in the tournaments. For the Men’s Club shirts, we did more of a classic look with an american flag and more timeless feel, and for the Collegiate All-Stars, we went with more of an old school boxing poster look. I think both shirts turned out amazing.
Click HERE to buy yours now!
Dressed in Black on Black, and meeting in an underground room, Ruckus Apparel along with O’Brien Rugby and the International Youth Rugby Foundation named their exclusive All-Colorado team at an honorary dinner held last night in Denver. Along with the players selected, each player was able to bring an influential male figure in their life. The night was filled with Dads, Brothers, Grandfathers, food, laughter, and some great commentary from the likes of School of Mines former Captian Forrest Buckner, and former USA Eagles Captain Andre Bachelet. Player of the Year, Senior Tyler Black from Colorado Spring, was also given a very special trophy as well as received a 500.00 dollar scholarship, which will pay off his first installment at the Crusaders High Performance Camp in Canterbury, New Zealand this October. Below is a short write up on each player named to the Ruckus Elite All-Colorado team, listed by position:
Lareto Vialpando – Only a junior at Wheat Ridge HS, Lareto could be the most well versed and unsung hero named to this year’s team. He is a bit undersized for a prop, but more than makes up for it with unmatched fitness in the front row. Lareto has the best technique that I have seen in a high school prop when it comes to scrum time. His devastating technique combined with his superior fitness make him a valuable weapon on the field. He is never seen scoring hat tricks, or having long breaks, as he is normally picking himself up from the ruck he just blew up to get quick ball. That’s not to say he can’t handle the ball, when it comes to high school forwards this guy can pass as good as the next guy. Look for Lareto next year to be a dominate presence at the High School and Select Side level.
Taylor Charron – A senior at East High School, Taylor is the most talented Hooker we have seen in the state in a while. His play at set piece is unmatched in the high school level. He can throw in at the lineout as well as hook in the scrums better than most D1 College and Mens hookers. But where Taylor really sets himself apart is his presence in loose play, where he plays like more of a Flanker. Taylor is a ball hawk and a work horse. Look for Taylor to no doubt be a huge presence at the next level.
Brock Hogan – Brock is a powerhouse, who spent all year dominating whoever was across from him. Every time I saw Brock play this year I was amazed at the sheer power the he displayed phase after phase. Brock is not only an anchor in the scrum, but he is also a solid lifter in the lineouts, and has no hesitation in the ruck. Brock is also very active on offense as well. He has great hands, and is a boat to bring down.
Ryan Werner – Ryan spent most of his time this year at 7 but is more than comfortable anywhere in the forwards. Ryan’s real strength lies in his devastating tackles. Ryan was the defensive monster all year for Glendale when injuries didn’t have him on the sidelines. Despite his shoulder injury he came back to play in their first playoff game against East. Half way through the first half his shoulder again became dislocated. He went off and yelled for the trainer, telling her to put it back in because he had to play the second half. Well, they couldn’t get it in and he was forced to go to the hospital, where it took them another 6 hours to finally get it in. This guy is up there for the toughest guy named this year, and all I know, is that I wouldn’t want to play against him.
Zach Zeigler – Zach is maybe the most versatile forward named this year. Zach spends most of his time at 2, 6, 7, and 8, but is more than comfortable playing in the locks. He can literally play anywhere 1-8 and even 12 if the game plan calls for it. Zach is a work horse on and off the field as his presence in the contact zone will not go un-noticed. Look for Zach to probably end up playing 2 or 6 at the next level. CSU or whoever ends up getting Zach will not be disappointed.
Matt Mechtly – This guy is the definition of a Monster. Matt is easily the most powerful forward named this year. He is a freak of nature in the weight room, and it all transfers to the pitch. Matt is responsible for more devastating hits than I can even count. But what I really think sets this guy apart, is his running ability. Matt all year has been responsible for just purely devastating runs. He has great hands, is solid as a brick, and is near impossible to bring down. This guy has it all. Look for Matt to return next year as a senior and take the state by storm. We see him as a future hooker, 6, or possibly even 12, but where ever he ends up look for this guy to be a monster at any position.
Tyler Black – Mongrol, Beast, Thunder, Flash… everyone has their own word that describes this guy. Tyler is a true jack of all trades, he can run, kick, pass, tackle, ruck, scrum, jump, ball hawk, or anything else you want him to do. Hell – this guy will paint your fence if you tell him it will help the team. But, his true testament lies in his leadership on and off the field. Tyler is a role model, and has a heart for the game. Tyler leaves this summer to take part in a yearlong elite camp in New Zealand, soaking up the game and its culture. When and if Tyler returns, look for him to make a splash at the national level.
James DelBozque – Being a two-time state champion in football, James brings his winning attitude everywhere he goes. James spent most of his rugby career in the front row, but after he demonstrated his tackling and open field ability, he was quickly moved to 8 man. James has unbelievable technique at the back of the scrum, making him a dream to play behind as a scrumhalf. He is powerful enough to keep the scrum stable, and versed enough to always open up big and protect his 9. James also excels with ball in hand, where his low body weight and vision make him a nightmare to bring down. Maybe a bit undersized to stay in the back row at the next level, look for James to make a run at the starting 2 where ever he ends up.
Demian Malo-Smith – Demian has the smoothest pass to come out a high school player that we have seen in a long time. An amazing pass, a good box kick, combined with great field presence and vision make Demian the best 9 in the state. Demian is able to keep his head and play under pressure as well, which makes him a hard and tough 9 to play against. Look for Demian to start for the ERRFU U-19s, and be a serious presence for years to come at the number 9 position.
Joshua Barry – At only 18 years old, Josh is already well versed in playing up to his competition. Spending 2 seasons playing for the Glendale’s Men’s team, Josh stepped up and fit right in. A former wrestler gives Josh incredible tackle abilities as well as a motor that just won’t stop. At 10, he can kick, pass, and run (over or around) better than another 10 in the state. Josh is a natural leader, and has already enlisted in the Marines.
David Thomas – A former soccer convert who didn’t play rugby until spring of last year. He spent that season becoming accustomed to the game, but in the following fall when he played with the Raptors men’s team is when he really came into his own. Dave is a solid 6’1 – 200 pounds, and was the fastest member of the squad this year. His frame, combined with his speed and kicking ability make him a handful in the backs. Versed everywhere from 12, 13, 14, 11, to 15 make Davis easily one of the best backs in the state.
Joshua Brake – Playing linebacker for State Champions Wheat Ridge makes Josh one heck of a hitter. This guy was the center and the hammer for Glendale this year, and no matter who it was that he came up against he was putting in a highlight reel of hit after hit. Josh is also a formidable runner. He is so powerful through his core and is always keeping his hips square, most of the time he is the one delivering the hit on offense as well as defense. This guy does not shy away from contact, he looks forward to it. Did I mention that Josh is only 15 years old?!
Nick Markowski – Definitely the best all around back in the state of Colorado. Upon calling him to inform him he was selected, he simply said “Awesome! What position?” I was a bit taken back at first, until I realized that Nick has played 10, 12, 13, and 15 this year, and all amazingly well. Nick is the pitbull, who plays viscous for 80 minutes, no stop. He is a key element on the Grizzlies and he led his team to a state Championship this year. Look for Nick to excel very quickly at the next level.
Michael Black – At only a sophomore, this guy is a crazy athlete. He can play anywhere 1o—15, and with his size, strength, and kicking ability it makes him one of the best backs in the State. What really secured his spot on the team was his play in the State Championship this year. He played the game at 12 and played his best game of the year. His kicking was spot on, and also displayed something that he isn’t really known for – defense. Mike played great defense all game, and completely rendered ERRFUs player of the year useless. Look for Mike to find a home at 10 or 12 and be a huge force in Colorado rugby for a long time coming.
Sean Kilyoyle – Better known as Ginger in the Colorado rugby circle, Sean has become the face of East High Schools rugby program. Sean is a slippery runner, great kicker, and for his size Sean is a formidable tackler. He led East to the state Championship, and did everything in his power to get them a win. Sean has amazing field vision, and continually makes other teams defense look like Swiss cheese as he continually runs and stabs kicks through every weakness he finds. Sean’s vision, kicking, and elusiveness make him without a question the best fullback in the state. Look for Sean to have a great summer with the ERRFU selects, and make a name for himself at the next level.
We had the pleasure of teaming up with Rocky Mountain Rugbys U20 and U-17s All-Star teams. We designed and manufactured their training shirts and they turned out AMAZING. I couldn’t be happier with these shirts. Rocky Mountain Rugby is made up of all territories in the state of Colorado, and consists of the best talent around. The team assembles for some select practices before competing for a National Championship in June. If your under the age of twenty and think you have what it takes to play on the team, check out the practice times below and show up.
The ERRFU U17/U19 select side practices will be held at Infinity Park at the following times:
Wednesday, May 19 – 5:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 26 – 5:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, June 2 – 5:00-7:00 PM
Monday, June 7 – 5:30-7:30 PM
Monday, June 14 – 5:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, June 16 – 11:00 AM-3:00 PM for round robin with Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Tournament: June 19-20th. All day Saturday, 1/2 day Sunday.
