It’s been quit a successful three months for the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club as it won the USA Rugby Senior Men’s Club Sevens Championships, the 41st Ruggerfest and defeated its first two Division 1 opponents before heading into its winter break.
Aspen Gentlemen, 7s National Champions
On Aug. 10, in San Francisco, Aspen defeated the Belmont Shore Tigers 26-24 to claim the club’s first national 7’s championship. Aspen prop Jessie Pekala capitalized on a blown lineout and raced 35 yards to score the game’s tying try. Gents’ flyhalf Teddy Omondi converted the winning drop goal with his heel as time expired and teammate Mike Palefau was named the tournament’s MVP.
The championship, however, did not come easily as the drop kick.
“In 7’s there are no short cuts and that level everyone had to commit themselves,” said Aspen 7’s coach Andy Katoa. “I ask a lot of all the players. You’ll get exposed if you’re not fit, experienced or prepared. We trained so hard and did all the extra things that when we got into the games that was the easy part.”
Mike Palefau getting rid of Ben Happapuro
Aspen obviously benefited from Katoa’s meat grinder workout as the club went 6-0 in the tournament defeating OMBAC 26-5, Chicago Griffins 45-7, defending champions Chicago Lions 17-12, Daytona Beach 26-0, and Nova 33-0.
The Gentlemen carried their championship momentum to this year’s Ruggerfest—winning the tournament by defeating rival Denver Barbarians 18-9 in the final.
Aspen won its pool with a 26-10 rout against the Albuquerque Aardvarks and a 10-7 nail bitter over the Barbarians. The Gents’ easily won their semifinal match against the Denver Highlanders 34-17.
In the finals, Aspen’s Merritt Johnson and Simon Dogbe each scored tries and teammate Spencer Scott, who was later named the tournament’s MVP, converted one conversion and to penalty kicks as the Gents’ captured their 18th Ruggerfest title.
Coach Fred Waititi explaining a new drill at Rio Grande Park
“It took more guts than anything,” Aspen 15’s coach Freddy Waititi said of winning Ruggerfest. “Our preparation wasn’t great and we didn’t play as well as could have. But luckily we got our some pretty skilled players and we got by on talent.”
Two weeks later, Aspen opened Division 1 play with a lopsided 76-5 win over Boulder. The Gents’ put down 11 tries in the match, highlighted by Ryan Nichols and Johnson who scored two tries apiece.
In its final match of the year against Glendale, Aspen lock Alec Parker, a former USA Eagle, scored twice and teammates Malakai Tabuvuya and Scott each added tries as the Gentlemen defeated the Raptors 21-24.
With the win, the Gentlemen head into their winter break atop the Division standings with a 2-0 record.
“I think the future promises to be good but the things we’ve done this year count for nothing once we start again,” Aspen 15’s coach Freddy Waititi said. “Our biggest challenge is ahead of us.”
By Kai Beech, Roaring Fork Staff Writer | kai@aspendailynews.com
