It is that time of year again, and we have exciting summer camps for both high-school aged boys and girls on the UCSB campus this year. Please click here for more details!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Rest In Peace Barbie!
In January 2007, another Gaucho was taken too soon. Jonathan "Barbie" Kendall died tragically in a car accident in the Bay Area with his girlfriend Angela Nguyen. His youth team, the Pleasanton Cavaliers have just presented an award in his honor.
"Congratulations to CJ on being selected by his peers to receive the first Jonathan Kendall Award. The award was given for the individual who demonstrated the most heart, desire and espirit de corp; traits we feel are more important than physical ability.
The memorial award was presented by Jonathan's parents. A transcript of Mr. Kendall's speech is here:
“My fondest memory of Kendall was watching him play his first rugby game. Coach Giles and I were afraid that you would get hurt because you were so small; however, you showed us your true nature by hitting a player twice your size, and getting up for more. After the game you came out all smiles because you found the sport that matched your personality. You are a model for what desire and tenacity can make up for.”
About Jonathan and why he liked Rugby –
Jonathan was adventurous, and had a huge appetite for life. He was interested in doing unusual things and refused to let limitations such as age, size and the opinions of others get in the way. He got our entire family to learn Scuba, and as a result we went diving off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and the Great Barrier Reef. When we biked through the Cotswolds in the U.K., often 30 plus miles a day, Jonathan, age 12, refused to bring up the rear. As a teenager, he saved his allowance and worked summer jobs to buy a motorcycle and pay for his insurance. He even went skydiving, though he didn’t tell his family until after the fact.
Jonathan also believed in quality: he wanted to do well at whatever he attempted, whether it was academically, socially, or in sports. He trained rigorously with plyometrics, sprints and weights to improve his agility, speed and strength. He took Rugby very seriously. I think he was interested in Rugby because it is an unusual and manly game that combines speed, strategy and physics. Also, Rugby emphasizes good sportsmanship.
Jonathan continued to play rugby at U.C. Santa Barbara, whose team reached the national championship play-offs both years he attended. Owing to his thin and lanky build, his Tri-Valley Vikings teammates had nicknamed him “Gumby.” At UCSB he earned a new nickname at the season-opener team meeting. He introduced himself as “Kendall,” which his teammates heard as “Ken Doll,” as in “Barbie Doll” and “Ken Doll.” His teammates had a laugh and in that good-natured rugby fashion, he was christened “Barbie.” He loved the fellowship of the team, the tough physical conditioning, the thrill of playing on a winning team and, of course, the social life unique to rugby players. He pushed his limits: after a long day at practice he’d study a bit then hit the gym for a demanding weight training session. He built muscle and bulked-up. He ended the day with a twilight plunge in the icy Pacific waters -- his remedy for sore muscles and banged-up elbows. Jonathan toured New Zealand with the UCSB team and played several exhibition matches there. To his great delight, he met a few players from the revered New Zealand All Blacks.
"Barbie" with USA Captain Mike Hercus
We, Jonathan’s family, were and continue to be inspired by him. If he were here tonight, I think he would tell you that you will attain your goals when you put your pure heart, your enthusiasm and effort into whatever it is you want to accomplish. We hope you will all live your dreams, and we know Jonathan is watching over you.
"Congratulations to CJ on being selected by his peers to receive the first Jonathan Kendall Award. The award was given for the individual who demonstrated the most heart, desire and espirit de corp; traits we feel are more important than physical ability.
The memorial award was presented by Jonathan's parents. A transcript of Mr. Kendall's speech is here:
“My fondest memory of Kendall was watching him play his first rugby game. Coach Giles and I were afraid that you would get hurt because you were so small; however, you showed us your true nature by hitting a player twice your size, and getting up for more. After the game you came out all smiles because you found the sport that matched your personality. You are a model for what desire and tenacity can make up for.”
About Jonathan and why he liked Rugby –
Jonathan was adventurous, and had a huge appetite for life. He was interested in doing unusual things and refused to let limitations such as age, size and the opinions of others get in the way. He got our entire family to learn Scuba, and as a result we went diving off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and the Great Barrier Reef. When we biked through the Cotswolds in the U.K., often 30 plus miles a day, Jonathan, age 12, refused to bring up the rear. As a teenager, he saved his allowance and worked summer jobs to buy a motorcycle and pay for his insurance. He even went skydiving, though he didn’t tell his family until after the fact.
Jonathan also believed in quality: he wanted to do well at whatever he attempted, whether it was academically, socially, or in sports. He trained rigorously with plyometrics, sprints and weights to improve his agility, speed and strength. He took Rugby very seriously. I think he was interested in Rugby because it is an unusual and manly game that combines speed, strategy and physics. Also, Rugby emphasizes good sportsmanship.
Jonathan continued to play rugby at U.C. Santa Barbara, whose team reached the national championship play-offs both years he attended. Owing to his thin and lanky build, his Tri-Valley Vikings teammates had nicknamed him “Gumby.” At UCSB he earned a new nickname at the season-opener team meeting. He introduced himself as “Kendall,” which his teammates heard as “Ken Doll,” as in “Barbie Doll” and “Ken Doll.” His teammates had a laugh and in that good-natured rugby fashion, he was christened “Barbie.” He loved the fellowship of the team, the tough physical conditioning, the thrill of playing on a winning team and, of course, the social life unique to rugby players. He pushed his limits: after a long day at practice he’d study a bit then hit the gym for a demanding weight training session. He built muscle and bulked-up. He ended the day with a twilight plunge in the icy Pacific waters -- his remedy for sore muscles and banged-up elbows. Jonathan toured New Zealand with the UCSB team and played several exhibition matches there. To his great delight, he met a few players from the revered New Zealand All Blacks.
"Barbie" with USA Captain Mike HercusWe, Jonathan’s family, were and continue to be inspired by him. If he were here tonight, I think he would tell you that you will attain your goals when you put your pure heart, your enthusiasm and effort into whatever it is you want to accomplish. We hope you will all live your dreams, and we know Jonathan is watching over you.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Alumni Weekend update!
Hi Everyone!
We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend of rugby in Santa Barbara.
FRIDAY NIGHT:
8:00 pm - Beachside Bar-Cafe:
"Meet and Greet" UCSB Current Players, Alumni and Friends
9:00 pm-midnight - Sharkeez:
Back patio sectioned off for UCSB Rugby Alumni and Grunion
UCSB Rugby Alumni/Grunion 2 for 1 drinks
SATURDAY:
12 noon: Women's Alumni Game- Rob Field, UCSB Campus
2:00 pm: Social in IV- location to be announced at the game
5:30 pm: Men's Alumni Game- Harder Stadium, UCSB Campus
SATURDAY NIGHT:
10:00 pm- sunrise - IV Social, all are welcome!
6599 Madrid #2 (Isla Vista)
9:00 pm-midnight - Sharkeez:
Back patio sectioned off for UCSB Rugby Alumni and Gru nion
UCSB Rugby Alumni/Grunion 2 for 1 drinks
10:30- midnight - Madison's:
$2 well drinks (back bar only)
Please feel free to contact Kate Kiebala or myself if you have any questions or concerns.
See you soon!
D and Kate
We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend of rugby in Santa Barbara.
8:00 pm - Beachside Bar-Cafe:
"Meet and Greet" UCSB Current Players, Alumni and Friends
9:00 pm-midnight - Sharkeez:
Back patio sectioned off for UCSB Rugby Alumni and Grunion
UCSB Rugby Alumni/Grunion 2 for 1 drinks
SATURDAY:
12 noon: Women's Alumni Game- Rob Field, UCSB Campus
2:00 pm: Social in IV- location to be announced at the game
5:30 pm: Men's Alumni Game- Harder Stadium, UCSB Campus
SATURDAY NIGHT:
10:00 pm- sunrise - IV Social, all are welcome!
6599 Madrid #2 (Isla Vista)
9:00 pm-midnight - Sharkeez:
Back patio sectioned off for UCSB Rugby Alumni and Gru nion
UCSB Rugby Alumni/Grunion 2 for 1 drinks
10:30- midnight - Madison's:
$2 well drinks (back bar only)
Please feel free to contact Kate Kiebala or myself if you have any questions or concerns.
See you soon!
D and Kate
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How Sweet it is!
This past weekend saw our men's & women's teams host the Prestigious Collegiate Sweet 16 and Elite Eight at Harder Stadium. Over 400 ruggers and a few thousand fans were in attendance. Although our teams were not represented on the pitch, we did manage to score big with a deal for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand...more details to follow!
Silvia Soto (Camarillo Youth Rugby), Kevin Prendergast (UCSB Rugby Administrator) John Panahoe (Tourisim New Zealand) Drew Wakefield (SB Ramada Limited) John Lane (Great Atlantic Travel)
University of Arizona
Silvia Soto (Camarillo Youth Rugby), Kevin Prendergast (UCSB Rugby Administrator) John Panahoe (Tourisim New Zealand) Drew Wakefield (SB Ramada Limited) John Lane (Great Atlantic Travel)
Kevin Predergast, Marni Vath, Kevin Battle and Drew Wakefield
University of ArizonaThursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday March 27th (Wellington)
Our last full day in New Zealand presented itself with a full agenda of activities and things to do. Beginning at 9:30am, the men participated in the Old Boys 10-a-side tournament where they were scheduled for three twenty minute games. We lost our first game by a close margin, but won our next two and made it through to the semi-finals. The semi-final match was a close game and the guys played their hearts out, but came up just short. Regardless of the result, they definitely earned the respect of everyone watching and even had some of the local New Zealanders chanting “Go Barbara!”
The women also had a game today and it took place at the lunch break of the tournament. So while everyone was resting and eating in between matches, our ladies took the field against OBU (Old Boys University). They lost their game by a close score, but played with much determination and heart as well. The score didn’t tell the tale as our ladies additionally earned the respect of everyone watching. It was a great game to witness and a memorable one for the seniors on the team. When all was said and done with the rugby games today, both of our teams represented UCSB and more importantly the United States so well!
At night we all headed to Westpac stadium to watch the Hurricanes play the Sharks in a Super 14 match. It was a great game and was actually decided by a penalty kick by one of the Sharks players as the clock expired. After the game we got to head onto the pitch and get autographs from all the Hurricane stars, which was a great experience as well.
We all got dolled up after the game and painted Wellington for one last time. All the guys got to skip the lines at all the clubs as we poised ourselves as the United States Rugby team. Photographers in the clubs even caught on and were snapping photos of us; it was a great way to end our memorable trip.
Our flight is scheduled to leave Wellington tomorrow at 3:30pm, which is sad, but this trip has been an experience for everyone involved and will be remembered for the rest of our lives.
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