The Calgary Touch Rugby Association Archives

March 15th 2010... St. Paddy's tournament a chilly hit!.

The St. Patricks Touch Tournament at the Irish Rugby Club
It was quite a sight here Saturday in this city by the bow, where touch rugby is played with a fervour not unlike the sacking of Rome. With skill and daring almost a hundred brave souls gathered under a weak March sun, gusted by a strong north wind which managed to pull the temperature to a balmy 5 degrees. The touch group bolstered by The Chieftains who play Gaelic football brought our number to 11. Some outstanding play managed to occur this day with once again our man of the match was a woman. Lisa was stellar and scored most of our trys. Of course Lisa was not alone in that we had great support from our other women who had seen rugby on telly but had not touched a ball till today... Our men made up for our lack of experience with a fantastic effort and we even eked out one win out of the four games we played. I must say we were able to put away a few brews, during our twenty minutes between games. All in all I'd say fun was had, new friends made and our long tradition of supporting the Irish at their annual St. Paddy’s tournament is unblemished. Until next time. Adieu

2010 Indoor touch popular .

1 - All spots are now taken.

2 - If we cannot fill all 24 spots the balance of unsold spots will become "Drop In Spots". The drop in fee will be $10.00 for a 2 hour session.

3 - If there is a need for "Drop In Spots" I will be sending out an E-Mail message each Friday before the weekend advising how many Drop In Spots are available for that weekend. On a first come first serve basis

     I will require an E-Mail response confirming your attendance so that we do not exceed the 24 player cap for any one session.

We regret having to cap the sessions but we need the numbers to remain manageable and insure everyone gets their fair share of playing time and value for their fees paid.

MAP

See you out soon.

December 18th, 2009... Indoor touch a success.

2009 Indoor Touch is on at MRC.

Below are the indoor dates. Please note:

1 - Offer went to everyone re : the $75.00 Fall Season Pass (FSP) to play all 10 games. The first 24 players to confirm and pay their fee will be guaranteed a spot this Fall. All spots are now taken.

2 - If we cannot fill all 24 (FSP) spots the balance of unsold spots will become "Drop In Spots". The drop in fee will be $10.00 for a single session.

3 - If there is a need for "Drop In Spots" I will be sending out an E-Mail message each Friday before the weekend advising how many Drop In Spots are available for that weekend. On a first come first serve basis

     I will require an E-Mail response confirming your attendance so that we do not exceed the 24 player cap for any one session.

We regret having to cap the sessions but we need the numbers to remain manageable and insure everyone gets their fair share of playing time and value for their fees paid.

MAP

See you out soon.

December 24th, 2008... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009 Indoor Touch Schedule begins Sunday Jan 11th 1:30 in Triple gym at MRC MAP I'll have rest of dates up soon...

I do have a date set for January just not sure on the start time yet... Stay tuned to this channel

Please support touch.

Drop-in is available $13 for the two hours. This is a great facility with full showers and gym.
I hope you will join us. Very informal games with fast play.

All games are at Mount Royal college in two gyms, one is called Stanley North, one is called Main East.

E.

October 21st, 2008... Fall is here... Big News !

2008 Indoor Touch Schedule began Oct 18 at MRC MAP

Thanks a really good turn out for our first of ten sessions.

Do drop in next time

Sept 29rd, 2008... Fall is here... Big News !

Our Annual tournament went Sept 27th. Pictures here Big fun and lots of quick action were the order of the day. Scintillating runs and staunch defense let to a massive grand final between The Geri's and The 2X4's, with the 2x4's winning the hardware in 2008. Great efforts all around. Needless to says the after party was well received.
Winning team - 2x4's
2x4's MVP - Jude
Geri's MVP - James
Low Hangers MVP - Kate
Tourney MVP - Simon

MVP were awarded items donated by Boston Pizza and of course Big Rock Beer. Thanks to Mike, George, Gary, Eric, Mark for extra assistance to make this annual event a success. See you next year.

We are still outdoors at Stanley Park every Tuesday at 6:00pm and Saturdays at noon untill the snow flies. Map

March , 2008... St Paddy's Day Tournament at the Irish!.

See Link to photos here:

January 2nd, 2008... Happy New Year!.

We are indoors at Mount Royal College.

Thanks everybody that showed for touch Oct to Dec. Had great games and fun times.

See new schedule below: Hope to see you out soon.

Eric

Indoor Touch Schedule at MRC

Drop-in is available $12.50 for the two hours. This is a great facility with full showers and gym.
I hope you will join us. Very informal games with fast play .

All games are at Mount Royal in two gyms, one is called Stanley, one is called Main.

November 2nd, 2007... High of 3 celcius today.

We are indoors at Mount Royal College.

It will be our third session indoors this Sunday at 9:30. Bit early I know but then the other times will have a 1:30 start. Check below for full indoors dates. There has been a great turnout. Thanks. It's really a lot of fun, try it out.

Of note: Young Stephen, one of the new guys that came out this summer over extended his right arm and compressed it when trying to apply a touch. The arm dislocated from the shoulder. There was a city paramedic at MRC that checked him out. We spent just over 90 minutes in Emergency before they set the arm back into place. He said he'll be back soon.

See you out soon.

September 29th 2007...

Summer Touch winding down. Indoors coming.

We have suspended playing Tuesday's and Friday's at Stanley Park. We will run Saturday Noon to 2:00pm Map

What a great summer of touch. Thanks to everyone that showed up. Really good games. See info on our indoors schedule: We have moved our games to Saturday noon to 2 due to lack of light in the evenings. This is Canada after all, almost arctic some days. Hah! Anyway we have been enjoying the World Cup action at Limericks pub. Poor old Canada tries it's guts out but comes up short. Some great moments though. Thanks!

We had our 2007 Touch Tournament on September 8th. Once again the high spot in our year, produced some great touch. A strong body of players turned up, we are not sure what happened to the ladies. Anyway those that showed exhibited some fine touch action. See photo gallery above.

See you out soon.

Indoor Touch Schedule at MRC

Indoors will cost $80 for the nine sessions (You get one free). You can pay in installments the first few sessions. Drop-in is available $12.50 for the two hours. This is a great facility with full showers and gym.
I hope you will join us. Very informal games with some fast play . Eric

E.

August 28th 2007... ahhhh Fall touch is here, yeah but it's August!

Summer Touch winding down but we are still playing Tuesdays and Fridays at Stanley Park 6:00pm. Map

What a great summer of touch. Thanks to everyone that showed up. Really good games. See info on our indoors schedule: We are still at Stanley park Tuesday and Friday evenings till the snow flies, we lose light or it's tooooo cold. Stay tuned on this.

We our having our 2007 Touch Tournament on September 8th. Once again the high spot in our year, is our annual tournament which will produce some great touch. Stop by for a game, beer and some grub. Saturday September 8th at Stanley Park. Registration 9:30am. Kick Off at 10am. We should be done by 2pm... Prizes, trophy, and fun. Cost is $10 a player. you get food, beverage and great touch. Don't worry if you have no team. Just show and we'll set you up...

See you out soon.

E.

April 30th 2007... ahhhh Spring has sprung!

Summer Touch. We are back at Stanley Park
Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:00pm. Map

That's right touchees, our regular touch started on Friday April 28th. With a keen but small contingent we kicked off our summer touch sessions. On a dry and fast surface some rusty but dazzling touch was exhibited. Hope to see you all out soon.

Also thanks everybody for a great indoor season. We welcomed quite a few new players this winter which should make this summer a fun touch season. Be sure to check out the St. Paddy's day tournament page. Above.

See you out soon.

E.

January 4th 2007... Indoor Rugby Picks up Steam...

Best of the New Year to ya's. Wow! who would have thunk it. The Indoor touch is absolutely fantastic. Great moves and hard fought try's abound. Thanks to everybody who came out last year. Very talented bunch. See the new schedule below $80 gets ya 10 sessions or $10 drop in. Well worth it in a great location at Mount Royal College, with our local pub nearby if a post game bevy is needed. And it is...

See you out soon.

E.

- We have secured space at Mount Royal College.
See Map to MRC

September 26th 2006... Outdoors winding down...

- We have secured space at Mount Royal College.
See Map

We are once again bringing touch indoors. It all starts Oct 29th and runs to Dec. 17th. Please see dates above. It wiil be $10 drop in for each two hour session or buy all eight for $50.
Note: All dates are Sundays.
Please plan to attend, we really need you. Thanks.

April 7 2006... Outdoors is on...
- Summer Touch. We are back at Stanley Park
Fridays at 6:00pm. Map
That's right touchees, our regular touch started on Friday April 7th. With a keen but small contingent we kicked off our summer touch sessions. On a dry and fast surface some rusty but dazzling touch was exhibited. Hope to see you all out soon.

January 6 2006... Indoor time is booked...
- We have secured space at Mount Royal College.

We are once again bringing touch indoors. It all starts January 7th and runs to March 3rd. Please see dates below. It wiil be $10 drop in for each two hour session.
Note: Some days are Saturdays and one is Sunday.
Please plan to attend, we really need you. Thanks.

See Map

September 14 2005... Indoor time is booked...indoor_2005.htm
- We have secured space at Mount Royal College.

We are (at great expense) once again bringing touch indoors. It all start September 25th - Sunday and runs to December 3rd. Please see dates below. It wiil be $10 drop in for each two hour session.
Note: Some days are Saturdays and some are Sundays.
Please plan to attend, we really need you. Thanks.

See Map

April 16 2005... Outdoors is on...
- Summer Touch. We are back at Stanley Park
Fridays at 6:00pm. Map
That's right touchees, our regular touch started on Friday April 15th. With a keen but small contingent we kicked off our summer touch sessions. On a dry and fast surface some rusty but dazzling touch was exhibited. Hope to see you all out soon.

January 14 2005... Winter Fun Indoors...

2005 Indoor season heats up...
We have booked the main gym at Mount Royal College to play touch
It will cost $10 per date to play.
There are 7 two hour dates:
Sat 15-Jan-05 01:15 PM 15-Jan-05 03:15 PM
Sat 22-Jan-05 01:15 PM 22-Jan-05 03:15 PM
Sat 05-Feb-05 01:15 PM 05-Feb-05 03:15 PM
Sat 12-Feb-05 01:15 PM 12-Feb-05 03:15 PM
Sat 19-Feb-05 01:15 PM 19-Feb-05 03:15 PM
Sat 26-Feb-05 01:15 PM 26-Feb-05 03:15 PM
Sat 05-Mar-05 01:15 PM 05-Mar-05 03:15 PM
Park on west side of campus. See Map

Big Rock Party with Calgary Touch..
What can I say, wasn't that a party. Phew, the Big Rock do this year was spectacular! with many touch players and supporters showing up to this star studded affair. The beer was magnificent and those appies rocked all night long. Thanks to Tom Stuart and all the good folks at Big Rock.

November 11 2004... Remember the fallen.

2004 Touch Tourney Big hit ...
Our summer social touch tourney was a big hit this year, all the teams were treated to some great touch competition. A great day on hand and good bbq and beers on the sunny deck in Stanley Park .Thanks to everyone involved and of course big rock beers.

U of C and Stanley Park Touch.
Map to Stanley Park , Map to University
Summer touch was pretty good this year. We had a shaky start at Stanley Park in April/may with crowding, we were pushed over to a very small area early on Tuesdays... However we had arranged to play at the Uof C in September on Tuesday evenings so no worries right, just had Friday eves to fix up. Anyway we have a reasonable turnout all year, enough to pay for it anyway. We had hoped for more UofC students to turn out but we were not in the host campus website early enough, perhaps in 2005 we can have a better turn out.

Friday evening's at Stanley was mostly on all summer, with a good regular game turning out. We were treated to a few cool Big Rocks thanks to Peter and Eric. We played into October and eventually had to stop due to it getting dark at 6:00 pm.

Thanks to everyone that showed and supported touch in Calgary in 2004.

Big Rock Party with Calgary Touch..
What can I say, wasn't that a party. Phew, the Big Rock do this year was spectacular! with many touch players and supporters showing up to this star studded affair. The beer was magnificent and those appies rocked all night long. Thanks to Tom Stuart and all the good folks at Big Rock.

Winter Touch woes...
Still looking for a common, reasonable time to book indoor touch. Calgary sucks to find indoor space for a sport like touch. If you know of an open spot at 6:00pm or later weekdays at a reasonable price we will pay!. Call me 920-7866. Shag Sunday mornings may even work.... let me know.

See you all soon at Touch in 2005, happy holidays and best of luck in 2005!

E.

July 27 2004... Touch ON now.

2004 Touch Tourney in the works, Sunday, August 29th..
Our annual tourney is once again on the radar (4weeks), stay tuned for details.

We are now playing at the U of C ($5 drop-in) and Stanley Park (Free).
Map to Stanley Park , Map to University
It is going very well. A good game on a superior field had the players bustin some moves, The excitement led to some hotly contested ball. All in all a great night of touch.
If you want to come out to UofC you must fill in this waiver. Tell your friends...

Big Rock Party with Calgary Touch..
We will be having our fund raiser pub night at Big Rock again this year on September 11th. Stay tuned for more details soon. Thanks to Tom Stuart and all the good folks at Big Rock.

See you all soon at Touch

E.

June 8 2004... Touch ON now.
We are now playing at the U of C ($5) and Stanley Park (Free).
Map to Stanley Park , Map to University
It is going very well. A good game on a superior field had the players bustin some moves, The excitement led to some hotly contested ball. All in all a great night of touch.
If you want to come out to UofC you must fill in this waiver. Tell your friends...

Churchill Cup Touch Tourney In Edmonton?
Sorry no tourney in Edmonton!. Unfortunately this touch op was poorly handled and no touch is in the cards at this venue. Email Rugby Canada to discuss your disappointment.

Visit the official site here:

Big Rock on board with Calgary Touch..
Good news, the Mighty Big Rock Brewing Company has once again seen the value of supporting Touch in Calgary and is our official sponsor. Thanks to Tom Stuart and all the good folks at Big Rock.

2004 Touch Tourney in the works..
Our annual tourney is once again on the radar, stay tuned for details.

See you all soon at Touch

E.

April 24 2004... Touch ON now.
Summer Touch. We are back at Stanley Park
Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:30pm. Map
That's right touchees, our regular touch started on Friday April 23rd. With a keen but small contingent (14) we kicked off our summer touch sessions. On a dry and fast surface some rusty but dazzling touch was exhibited. Hope to see you all out soon.

Churchill Cup Touch Tourney In Edmonton.
A big summer of touch is shaping up. The much anticipated Churchill Cup will roll it's show into calgary and Edmonton this June 12th and 19th respectively. Edmonton looks to be the site for the touch tournament run in conjunction with a bevy of other rugby spectacles not the least of those's being world class rugby union action. Stay tuned. Visit the official site here:

Outdoor touch in the works.
This summer touch will begin at Stanley Park. After MAy 25 long weekend we plan to go to the UofC on Tuesdays and Stanley Park on Fridays (still). Plans are in the works to run a Tuesday evening at the fair campus on the hill. In partner with the UofC and the widely respected Dave Lougheed of Rugby Canada fame, Touch will be played. Our Friday evening game will continue down at Stanley Park right after work, come down for a run and a bevy. You can still make the late show afterwards, showers not included. Although the famous Bow river is within shouting distance for the brave few. Map and times coming soon.

Well, there you have it. The highlevel look at whats down in the city touchwise.

March 25 2004... Spring is in the air.
St. Patrick Touch Rugby at The Irish a Big Hit.
That's right touchees, this very well attended event was absolutely fantastic. A great affair with loads of sides and stiff competion the order of the day. Yours truly took the field with keen anticipation and even though we were rusty from no indoor winter touch were able to put on a good show for the many obviously impressed onlookers. Slippery footing all about equalized the teams and we finished off the day three and two. Have a look at the photos. Look at the satisfied smiles on these individuals. Never a happier bunch to be found. Guess who I am.

Churchill Cup Touch Tourney In Edmonton.
A big summer of touch is shaping up. The much anticipated Churchill Cup will roll it's show into calgary and Edmonton this June 12th and 19th respectively. Edmonton looks to be the site for the touch tournament run in conjunction with a bevy of other Rugby spectacles not the least of those's being world class rugby union action. Stay tuned. Visit the official site here:

Outdoor touch in the works.
This summer touch will be at the UofC and Stanley Park. True! With the grass still recovering from yet another spectacular Calgary winter we find ourselves eagerly awaiting the summer. Plans are in the works to run a Tuesday evening at the fair campus on the hill. In partner with the UofC and the widely respected Dave Lougheed of Rugby Canada fame, Touch will be played. Also our traditional Friday evening game down at Stanley Park. Right after work, come down for a run and a bevy. You can still make the late show afterwards, showers not included. Although the famous Bow river is within shouting distance for the brave few. Map and times coming soon.

The Pub Night at Big Rock a Massive Success.
Thanks to everyone involved in this fun night out. A samplin of Big Rocks finest ales and ciders was on hand for the merry making masses that turned out for this big time. The Touch coffers are busting at the seams with the influx of funds that will help offset Touch costs in Edmonton this June.

Well, there you have it. The highlevel look at whats down in the city touchwise.

See you all soon at Touch

E.

December 22 2003...Merry Christmas to all.
Party on soon...
Our Pub Night is slated for January 17th
at The Big Rock Brewery, 5555 - 76th Ave. S.E. Calgary.
With all the fun getting way at 7:00pm
Tickets are $15 each, this price includes beer and cider.
Please email tickets@calgarytouchrugby.ca to to buy

No more news on the Churchill Cup Touch Tourney ....yet.

No indoor touch scheduled ...yet

Summer Tournament was fun time for all involved...

E.

May 16 2003
Summer is here! Game is on!
That's right touchees. Great fun touch is being had Tuesday and Friday evenings at Stanley Park. We will continue at Stanley Park all summer. (Map). Drop down at 6:30pm for some fun touch action.

Big Rock Supports Touch!
Big Rock Brewery's supports Touch. Once again we are plased to have BigRock on board. Thanks to Big Rock and Tom Stuart. Buy Big Rock products and get those receipts in to me. When you buy big rock products you do us all a favor.. Really...save those receipts. It offsets our indoor costs .(Note: Don't buy another beer on the same receipt, Big Rock only).

Snow on the May long weekend... yep...!
It's true. We did play Friday the 16th, Rain+snow won't dampen touch spirit. Arriving at 6:32, greeted by Mark, Rinus and Masa. Slim pickins, but well aware the game is on. It's fresh, cold and 1/4" slush on the ground, partly cloudy, ..blue bits. Got a ball? No, Petes got the gear. (Handed off last week). Henlo and his brother Vickers drive in. They have the gear. Mark Price, Rob, Scott, Steve, soon show and the game was on. Just goes to show, we DO go rain or shine.

Churchill Cup?
We are trying to attend the Churchill Cup, they are having a Touch tourney, a Sevens tourny and the Canada/England/USA Internationals June 14... more to follow.
E.

April 28 2003
Summer is here! Play has begun!
That's right touchees. We have begun our season of outdoor touch. We are at Stanley Park Tuesday evenings (Map). Drop down at 6:00pm for some fun touch action.

We are also playing Friday evenings at The Calgary Rugby Park (Map) beginning May 2nd. We have arranged once again to use this wonderful facility. It's hot showers, full bar and kitchen are just the trick to complement some hard, fun play on quality pitches.

We also have Big Rock Brewery once a gain as a sponsor. Thanks to Big Rock and Tom Stuart. So get those receipts in to me when you buy big rock products. Thanks

Just when we thought it okay to go play outdoors old ma nature has other plans, dropping a foot of snow all abouts these here parts. Stay tuned for updates via email or here...
E.

October 20 2002
Indoor Touch to begin November 21st at the Infield.
That's right touchees. We are at the Infield starting November 21st continuing through to February 18th. The Infield is located at: 707 Barlow Trail N.E. (See Map) It goes 7:30pm to 8:30pm. The cost is $10 drop-in or save a few bucks and buy your spot early for $8.00 a session
Nov. 21,28 All Thursdays
Dec. 5,12,19 All Thursdays
Jan. 7,14,21,28 All Tuesdays -7:30pm
Feb. 4,11,18 All Tuesdays - 7:30pm
So boys and girls, get your hinnies down for some fast paced action.
E.

September 1 2002 - Happy Labour Day, Go stamps.
2002 Touch still on.
Touch still on... see locations above.

Our September Longweekend Tournament is Cancelled.
The number of teams and committed players was such that we could hold a financial viable or meaningful tournament. We will take steps this year to ensure success for next years tourney.

July 1 2002 - Happy Canada Day
2002 Touch Heats up
We are now experiencing some great touch weather and play continues in earnest at the CRU fields. We've had a good early showing with many regulars and some great new players, who have really spiced up the mix.

So come on down Friday evenings at 6:00pm (See map).
$5 gets you the run, showers and a beverage at the beautiful clubhouse besides the fields. Fantastic mountain view bonus. Well worth the visit.

The party at Big Rock Facility!

The party held Big Rock Brewery June 15th was a great time and everyone who came out said they had a fun evening. Thanks to Shane, Bryan, Geoff, Mark, Reid, Graeme, Tina, Eric and Steve for their terrific volunteer efforts and to every body that donated to the Silent Auction. Of course Thanks to Tom Stuart and Big Rock Brewery for their continued support.

June 3 2002

2002 Touch Heats up
The summer has finally arrived. After a very wet spring, (which by the way has provided a soft velvety lush green emerald pitch) we are now experiencing some decent weather and touch play continues in earnest at the CRU fields. We've had a good early showing with many regulars and some great new players, who have really spiced up the mix. Although Cleats/sprigs/boots are recommended you can get by with runners although you may experience loose footing.

So come on down Tuesday and Friday evenings at 6:00pm (See map below).
$5 gets you the run, showers and a beverage at the beautiful clubhouse besides the fields. Well worth the visit.

We have had to delay the start of the league due to apparent other commitments... but hope to have a few teams committed for a hoped July start, play through August which would lead into the September tourney. I know some solid teams could exist and it'd be great to make it work.

The party at Big Rock Facility!

The party is on! at the Big Rock Brewery June 15th at 6:00pm.
5555-76th Avenue S.E.

This is a hot ticket, great fun to be had.

We will present Karaoki, dj in the house, dancing, a silent auction. Serve hot appetizers mystic, and an evening buffet. Beer and cider is included. You get all this for the amzingly low donation of $20 a ticket. Contact eric for tixs. I'll have them at touch Tuesdays and Fridays.

April 22 2002

2002 Touch League
· The league will official start May 7th at 6:00pm at CRU
· Each team is to supply a referee.
· Every league player must register and have insurance or sign a waiver stating they decline coverage and will not hold Calgary Rugby responsible for injury however caused.
· Costs will be $36 first 10 week go-round
· Costs will be $36 first 10 week 2nd go-round
Details coming.
· Dates the CRU will need the fields vacated no later than 8:00p.m. sharp are May 21, July 2,9,16.

Big Rock Sponsorship
We have accepted Big Rock as our sponsor
· Rebate on big rock product purchased (wholesale cost) at liquor stores only
· A $0.25 discount, per pint, on big rock products at the Calgary rugby union on Friday nights
· 20 big rock T-shirts
· The use of big rock's facility for the yearly fundraiser,

April 9 2002

Executive busy planning this summer season
We are currently finalizing plans for the summer which begins this month on the 23rd (weather permitting) We will start at CRU at 6:00pm which kicks off our first league competition. We hope to have six or seven teams which will play Tuesday evenings in competitive touch action. Please contact any executive member listed below if you would like to play. Fridays will remain as a drop-in evening for those who choose not to play in the competitive league. More to come later.

Big Rock on board again this year
Big Rock Brewery, makers of choice, quality beer and ciders are again this year sponsoring the Calgary Touch Association. Tom Stuart (Big Rock Rep) has seen the value of our association and has been very generous in a massive deal involving player trades and signing bonus's. Thanks to Big Rock and Tom.

E.

March 26 2002

Last indoor touch this Friday March 29th
Come on down to the last indoor touch session at the Infield this Friday evening at 4:30pm. After which we will attempt to organize into teams for our inaugural league which will commence April 23.

E.

March 4 2002

Indoor Touch still on
Irish Touch Tourney - March 16th
Come to the Irish Rugby Grounds March 16th and get in on some touch action. An informal pre-season touch round robin will take place Saturday. The Association will be forwarding a team or two. Stay tuned or contact your fave rep. An e-mail will circulate shortly with details.

E.

December 21 2001

All done for a great year in Touch
A full year review is coming... I would just like to thank everybody that participated this year and wish you well for the coming year. See you at the Infield for some cage touch.

October 10 2001

Another Summer's Over
Well, after an interesting, full touch summer which saw The Calgary Touch Association tour to Dallas, host an International Tournament and enjoy great attendance through-out the outdoor season. We turn our thoughts to another thrilling season of "Cage Touch" that's right baby we get between the pipes for some ring-a-ding-dong-daddy, malfunctions at the junctions!!! We will once again be back at the infield (See below for directions)We will be going Thursday evenings at 7:30 till 9:00 so get your money in as these hot tickets will go fast.

E.

August 22 2001

Tournament Plans Firm for Sunday Sept. 2nd
The Second Annual Calgary Touch Tournament is GO,GO,GO! Yes, our dedicated committee is pleased to report that it's full steam ahead for 2001. This promises to be a fun event for all involved, so lets get our significant others and the kids down for some fun, be carefull though, we may put you to work. It's all scheduled to start at 9:30am Sunday and will run to the championship game probably around 3:30pm. We'll crown the winners and present the Trophy. This year we'll also recognize the Most Outstanding Player Male and Female. The dinner will commence imediately after the awards. Of course libations will be on hand.

The addition of Tuesday evening touch is proving to be successful with many showing up both nights! This is very encouraging to see, we could work harder getting more of the fairer sex out though. Give it a go. INVITE A CHICK NIGHT, hey there's an idea, bring a lady to touch and drink for free that evening plus she plays free first time. Hmmm, might just work.

Cheers
E.

July 24 2001

Outdoor season in full swing
With the many new faces showing up on Friday evenings and the fact our membership asked for an additional evening due to difficulty commiting to Fridays, Tuesday has been selected as another evening. So begining July 24th until further notice Tuesday will be an additional touch evening.

The 2001 Tournament,(Sept. 2nd) plans are gelling well. We should be in for a very entertaining day with some hard, fast touch. 12 teams will play for the Newly coveted cup, which has been named the pringle cup! (joke). It's yet to be named but odds are it will be named after one dear to us all, certainly a builder, one who kept the faith and did the hard work needed to bring touch to where it is today. (gag, hah!).

I invite you to come on down to the fields, your all welcome for some some co-ed touch rugby.

MAy 18 2001

Dallas Trip May 2001

April 09 2001

Summer Plans Gel
Well my friends, and you know who you are. It's that time again where we go outdoors, enough of the infield, although it is quite an experience playing in the cage baby! Enough of putting the brakes on so as to avoid smashing into the chain link, enough of indoor air. Yep Its the big blue. Green grass, well none as of this writing, but that'll change. The full size pitch, the sun, the wind, the rain, yikes I'm getting moist. Anyway it'll all begin again in two weeks, April 20 at 6pm. So if you hav'nt started training you may be in for some stiffness, no pain no gain right. See you there eh.

Now the BIG news. We are going to Dallas USA. May 18 to play in an international touch tournament. http://www.dallastouchrugby.homestead.com/ The tickets are paid for, the kit is ordered and the teams selected. We are very excited about this chance to showcase our skills against some expected tough competition. I hear the temperature could be in the +30C. range and we'll play on a hard fast surface. So our fitness will surely be put to a test. Everybody that is going will have to double up on the workouts and spend extra time in the sauna! Stay tuned for more details on this.

February 27 2001

Summer Plans a High Priority
After a fabulous winter indoor season we take a break (No bookings available within our timeframe) and dream of going outdoors (mid April or as soon as the snow is off the field) The three established teams; Sphincters (still looking for a sponsor!), Axia Yellows and Hazco Blues had mucho fun competing against each other this indoor season and as much as I hate to say, I felt the Hazco Blues had the edge this year. The Axia Yellows were a strong second and the Mighty Sphincters a respectable third. (Personnel problems plagued us, some notable drop-outs and poor attendance). Anyway, I believe we all had fun.

October 11 2000

Calgary Touch Raises Profile
Well after a magnificent summer season, which was wrapped up with a BBQ at Colin Hills place. We prepare to go indoors. Again this year we have scheduled time at the Infield (See map)

Our group welcomes all, regardless of age, gender and previous experience. Touch is a non-contact form of rugby, which promotes ball handling and movement skills. It also provides a great workout. Enjoy some fast paced play and rediscover the simple joy of passing the ball at pace leaving a dazed defender holding his or her shorts. Oh the bliss.

July 8 2000

Calgary Touch Raises Profile 2000 Tournament.
Calgary Touch has it first test under tournament conditions, and passed with flying colours. The Calgary Touch Association played this weekend in conjunction with The Calgary Rams RFC Stampede 7's Tournament which just happens to be largest seven a side rugby tournament in Canada. It featured 25 teams from as far away as Houston, Yellowknife and Victoria. Three sides played for the coveted Trophy. The English/Canadian side, the Aussie/Kiwi/South African side and a Scottish/Canadian side. After some scintillating play The English/Canadians put the in-experience Scottish away. The down-unders squeaked by the English/Canadians. The Scottish/Canadians lost to the Down-unders which left the English/Canadian vs. the down-unders for the Final. Under clear blue skys the Aussies started strong moving the ball masterfully, The English/Canadians defense were stretched thin and SCORE. From here the game went back and forth with the lead changing hands several time. Towards the end of the second half the English tried vainly to break a tight defense but there was no go. The Down-unders speed was overwhelming winning the game. After a rousing cheer from a very appreciative crowd the lads refreshed themselves and it was backslapping and hand shakes all around. Today had been a great day for Touch. This is sure to be the start of an annual event. Stay tuned for details on the first Touch Tournament coming September 2nd or contact us. Cheers.

May 8 2000

Well the news turned out to be true.
A massive deal had been in the works The Calgary Rugby Union and Big Rock Breweries approached us with a deal. We were invited to play out of the Union's new fields at Shepard road with full use of the facility i.e. showers, balls, cones, the pub would be made available to us and 'special prices' would be given. Big Rock offered support by way of donated product which we could sell at two events (Opener and Tournament). Big Rock (Stefan) will also give us a % on returned Big Rock reciept's (Big Rock to appear only, no other beer type on reciept). Stefan gave us a number of Big Rock T-shirts which we could give to 'man/woman on the day award'. So the membership met and agreed to this fine offer.

So stay tuned.

March 1 2000

Stay tuned for some exciting news! regarding The Calgary Touch Rugby Association and Big Rock Breweries. News leaked today suggest a massive deal is in the works. A source close to the lady close to the inside guy said today " Yeah, I think this will elevate the Association to new heights. This type of deal, hell partnership is unprecedented. Look there's Clothing, Kegs of beer, showers, hot showers a full bar, manicured pitches, mountain view, excercise video, not to mention the hinted at movie deal and possible hat give-away, sorry I guess I should,nt mention that,...Hey! is that a tape recorder...Stop!.....damn off...hey!........ At this point the interview was ended.

April 16^th 1999

See avi footage 3.9m movie of indoor play at ATCO.

Our last indoor game was held at the ATCO Park on Friday 16th April 1999. Once again it was an enjoyable festivity of forward passing and dropped balls interspersed with moments of pure rugby magic. As with all our indoor games throughout the winter everyone had a great time. Our average attendance was 16 players .We intend to organize a similar series next winter.

However we now have the summer to look forward to and playing outside on real turf.

A special vote of thanks is due to Geoff Jenkins for advancing the considerable sums of money needed to secure our time slots at ATCO and for pressuring the management there into providing us with space.

Best wishes to Curtis Wolstenholme who has been a stalwart of the club since we started 3 years ago. He's got a new job in FLORIDA!!!

The Association is pleased to announce the appointment of the following officers (our thanks to them in advance as they haven't been told yet).
Beer Supervisor: Colin (Sphincter) Hill
Treasurer: JP Bechtold
First Aid Supervisor: Geoff (El Matador) Jenkins
Guru: Paul Fanelli
Chief Whiner: John Croft
Honorary Barber: Garry
Coach and Chief Geriatric: Brian Leach
Prayer Leader: Derek (Hail Mary) Telford
Web Site Manipulator: Eric Willis
Hamstring Specialists: Brian (Jacques) Conway, Dave Kerr and Mike Du Toit Etc.

Tuesday February 16^th 1999

Our second touch rugby outing at the ATCO Park on Tuesday February 16^th 1999 was another resounding success, with a turn out of 17 able and other bodied players. A lot of energy was expended and some memorable (and some not so memorable) passages of play resulted.

The best try of the night was a scintillating spell of forward passing by the Golder contingent which went through ten pairs of hands before a bewildered Bryan Leach crossed for the touch. Dave Kerr was awarded a try for outstanding artistry with a highly illegal but hugely entertaining forward pass to himself. Our Australian mentor and guru Paul Fanelli provided highlights of skillful play throughout the evening until his nose came into violent contact with Curtis Wolstenholmes backside on a play of ball. An interesting maneuver which left Paul in severe distress for a time, Curtis begging for more, and the rest of us wondering whether this was a useful tactic that we should all master.

Eric Willis and John Croft vied for the "most skillful player" and "the most time spent whining at the referee" awards. Both created excellent opportunities in a very constricted arena. They will not be allowed to play on the same team in future. Derek Telford ("Hail Mary") and Geoff Jenkins showed us that there is a place for fast, straight running from the first three downs to gain advantage before releasing the ball. Geoff's bolero maneuver, in which he enters the tackle with head down and arm crossed in front of his head, was interesting. We're thinking of renting him to a matador for training purposes. JP Bechtold scored a scintillating try after a knee wobbling deke that left defenders dazzled in awe. Nothing like it has ever been seen in North America before.

Rob Amey's superbly timed pass, which released the dazzlingly clad referee for a try in the corner, was a classic, which provided a moment of glory for the under-appreciated official. Colin Hill was generally impressive when off the pitch, we have yet to see the famous "Hill Pirouette" which is so effective at entertaining the opposition and damaging his kneecaps. I would like to find something negative to say about "Swirving" Irving Hingst but we need his yellow shirts for the next game. His play was, as always, dynamic. Ken Allan contributed great mobility to his side when he eventually turned up. Apparently the turf burn he picked last time out, when scoring a heroic diving try, should be cured in a year or two. Diving trys are now forbidden indoors.

Three years in the heartland of rugby, New Zealand, had done little for Nathan Schmidt when he first came to us last winter. He claimed he had never touched a rugby ball before and we had no doubt he was telling the truth. He has persevered and is now a master of the game. He contributes hard running and precise passing skills. Mike du Toit is built like a battleship, but constantly amazes with his ability to move like a torpedo boat. Definitely needs to be watched. We hope Allison will continue to allow him to play with the boys. Bob Patterson ("Swivel Hips") took off on some of his snaky runs and was very effective at not whining at the referee. Finally our latest recruit Patrick Jolicoeur, never played rugby before, got stuck in with some lancing runs and great defense. He only passed the ball forward once this week, but that was a classic!

All in all a first class evening!

September 13 1998

CTRA takes a Quantum Leap Forward.

We are currently winding down our outdoor season (April/June: August/September) and celebrated a successful year with a barbecue on September 17^th at Colin Hill's place in northwest Calgary.

During the first session (April/June) we were running two teams and during the second session (August/September) we have been running three and four teams. The great leap forward can be largely attributed to three factors:

• The Aussies (members of the Downunder Club (Contact Frank Coogan via
  Email: 41250305@3web.net
• Tel: 403-714-0088));
• People who have found our website before moving to Calgary (Erin from the Cayman Islands,
  and Alistair from Vancouver and the Aussies);
• Increased local recruitment.

We welcome the increasing number of the fairer sex who are turning up.

Weather during the first session was uncharacteristically wet for Calgary, but nonetheless, we played every Friday for 1.5 hours in Stanley Park, and then had a can or two of beer. The second sessions were characterized by excellent weather, a forgivingly soft field (courtesy of the wet summer), and the dedicated commitment of the Aussies. This has led to forming teams based on national backgrounds; Aussies, two Canadian teams, and a British/rest of the world team. Several players who play for Calgary Saracens (John Croft, Eric Willis and Garry Cherwaty) claim that the fast ball handling skills and coordination necessary for Touch were instrumental in their success during 15-aside rugby this summer.

Future Plans.

Now, as the shadows lengthen, the smell of apples is in the air, and the mosquitoes are dead, we are preparing for winter and our indoor sessions. We have finalized arrangements to have The Infield Arena (Atco Industrial Park 5115 Crowchild Trail S.W. see map) from FridayOctober 15^th to December 17^th, 7-9 p.m.

We will run the winter session from early January until April. (Precise dates will be posted on the webpage). So, the winter season looks great!

Our version of Touch is based somewhat loosely on Australian rules Touch Rugby (www.austouch.com.au). We have ordered a set of video training tapes from ATRA as well as a video of the 1999 World Touch Championship. We have benefited greatly over the last two years from guidance by Paul Fanelli (an ex-New South Wales player now farming in Cochrane). It will be interesting to see how our version of the game compares with the official game. At that stage we might obtain some insight into his frustrations over the last two years as a lone Aussie in a foreign land. (Imagine a Canadian trying to get an ice hockey team underway in Australia!).

More players wanted.

Male and female players required. No previous rugby experience necessary. We'll teach you the basics in less than five minutes. There is no tackling, kicking, scrums or line-outs. All you need to have is a desire for a good run around. If your rugby playing days have disappeared over the horizon this is an opportunity to safely relive your glory years. If you are a regular player who wants to keep the feel of the game during the winter, this is an opportunity to keep sharp. Don't worry about your fitness level, we allow unlimited substitutions. However, if you require oxygen, please bring your own tanks. Touch is a fabulous game. Try it, you'll love it.

  Back

If you would like to know more about touch rugby in Calgary call the following:

• Geoff Jenkins -
• Bryan Leach -
• Colin Beresford -