Great links to read up on rugby and your very own Valkyries...

Rugby in the 2016 Olympics?

The International Rugby Board (IRB) is delighted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has recommended Rugby Sevens as one of two sports for inclusion in the Olympic Games. Following a vote by the 15-member I.O.C. executive board, Rugby Sevens and golf were named as the two sports still under consideration for the 2016 Summer Games. Five other sports – baseball, softball, roller sports, squash and karate were rejected.  The final vote will come in October when they meet again.

Check out Rugby Sevens new ‘Reaching Out’ video here (see if you can spot Valkyrie Christy Ringgenberg): http://www.irb.com/mm/Video/Home/0/IRB02_512x288_500kbits_8444.wmv. For more information on the push for Rugby Sevens’ inclusion in the Olympic Games, please visit www.irb.com

Follow the USA Women Eagles, read Valkyrie's Blogs

www.usarugby.org/goto/Womens_Tour_Journal

You can also find the Eagles on Twitter and Facebook

Take a look at the rankings

http://www.erugbynews.com/champions/womensd1.html

Happy summer everyone!  Wow, seemed like this time of year flew by so fast.  With the completion of the spring season, having cheered on the Midwest Thunderbirds at NASCs, and supporting the USA Eagles in the CanAm tournament, we find ourselves towards the end of summer.  Now, where did that off-season workout go??

As we wind down and enjoy the long days of summer, I hope all of you can take some time to meet with family and friends.  Maybe you can get out on the lake or take a fun camping trip.  Wherever your travel leads you this summer, I hope you make the most of it.  Remember, no matter where you go, you can check up with your Valkyries on our website: www.valkyriesrugby.org. We will keep you updated on information like the USA's perfomance at the CanAm games, new team members, and game times.  Plus, many more opportunities to join us during what will surely be a highly competitive and exciting season for the Valkyries.

Have a great summer everyone!  It will go by fast…

Your President,

-Trie!

As the new Women's Premier League schedule approaches, the Valkyries have been training hard and anticipating a full schedule of great rugby...we haven't forgotten to set aside time for socializing and community building though!  Mark your calendars now for Valkyrie events this summer and fall and check the website for final location announcements.

Valkyries Season Kick-Off vs. #1 Ranked Berkeley All-Blues

Everyone's invited to help the Valkyries kick-off their season following the 11:00am rugby match vs. the Berkley All-Blues on Sunday, September 6th at Columbia Heights park.  Watch our first premier league game and meet us at Mayslacks for food and music after the game!

Vintage Valks Homecoming Weekend

Heading into town this fall?  Make it Sunday, September 27th to see the Valks take on the Twin Cities Amazons.  Check the website for forthcoming info on Old Girls Events.  

Complete Home Game Schedule!

• September 6th - Valkyries vs. #1 ranked Berkeley All Blues
• September 27th - Valkyries vs. Twin Cities Amazons
• October 18th - Valkyries vs. ORSU
• October 25th - Valkyries vs. Twin Cities Amazons
• Away games - September 13th (ORSU), October 4th (Berkeley)

WISH US LUCK AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ON NOVEMBER 6TH-8TH!

There are now eight more reasons to catch a Valkyrie's rugby game this fall season.  With the return of key players like Gabe Fidelman, Angie Heifort, and Kat Vater from knee and ankle injuries, and the addition of five exciting athletes to the roster, the Valkyries plan to take their performance to another level.

All five new players come with impressive rugby experience and talent.  Mel Kanuk (fly-half/center), Jillian Potter (lock/eight-man), and Sarah Walsh (lock) are all members of the current USA eagles squad.  Kanuk comes to the Valkyries from the Maryland Stingers and has been with the national program since 2004.  Potter, a recent graduate of University of New Mexico, was recently named to the USA Rugby Collegiate All-American Team and will be traveling to compete in Nations Cup in August. Walsh comes to the Valkyries from Chicago Northshore RWFC.  She is expected to bring strength and many years of second-row experience to the tight-five.  Sarah Chobot makes her return to the Valkyries as flanker this fall after a three-year hiatus.  Chobot holds two international caps, one as a seven's player and one as a member of the U-23 Eagles squad.  Sarah "Veg" Reuter (wing) brings four years of competitive collegiate experience as a player under Martha Daines and the University of Minnesota Women's Rugby Club. She brings her speed and excellent decision making to the Valkyries open-field game.

With the success of "hooker school" and "touch-rugby nights", the Valks have nabbed Kasey Grams, Heather King, Corina "Cha-Cha", Justina "The Hockey Player", and Rachel "The Kid" McGabe.  The team also welcomes several practice players to the squad, most notably return Valkyrie Sarah Wiley.  Wiley, along with many other non-traveling players will be invaluable as the club prepares for a more competitive game structure.  The Valkyries wish a speedy recovery to prop, Lena Gardner, who underwent knee surgery this past week and a big congratulations to Grace Olstad who is expecting her first "Valkyrie Team-Baby" in January.

The Valkyries have returned from tour with the USA Women's Team in Toronto, Canada.  Mel Kanuk, Jenny Menke, Jillion Potter, Hannah Stolba, Kristin Zdanczewicz, and Christy Ringgenberg represented the US in the Nations-Cup tournament between the US, Canada, England, France, and South Africa.  With a loss to England, a shut-out victory against South Africa, a 15-10 win over Canada, and a tie to France, the US grabbed the second place finish, a standing that will leave them confident heading into World-Cup preparations for 2010.

USArugby.org article
 
MARKHAM, Ontario – The USA Women’s National Team battled through soggy conditions at Fletchers Field to hang onto an overall second place Nations Cup finish, following a 15-15 draw versus France on Saturday afternoon. (Due to technical difficulties, the originally scheduled live webcast of the match will be shown on tape delay on USTREAM).

With the tie, the Eagles earned two points in the Nations Cup standings to finish in second place, behind defending champions England, and narrowly escape the grasp of cross-border rivals Canada (4th).  In their debut Nations Cup showings, France and South Africa finished third and fifth place, respectively.

“Overall, I’m happy with our performance over the course of the tournament and impressed by the progress we’ve made as a team,” USA Women’s National Team Head Coach Kathy Flores said. “We came here hoping to win at least two of our games and after achieving that goal, we would have been thrilled to earn a third win today.”

Both sides looked hungry to finish their 2009 Nations Cup campaigns with a victory and launched into a physical battle from the beginning.  The Eagles put up a strong fight against an aggressive French side, but as playing conditions continued to decline in the second half, slight skill breakdowns were magnified.

“I think France was much more physical and played a more heads up game at the breakdown. We didn’t take full advantage of our opportunities and did not capitalize on what could have been game changing chances right inside the 22,” Flores added.

France was first to strike inside the ninth minute, as flying winger Celine Allainmat scored the first of her pair of tries, sneaking into the corner to shoot the French ahead 5-0.

The U.S. caught a few breaks deep into French territory, but did not fit all of the pieces in the puzzle together until the 22^ndminute. In a fluid team effort, the Eagles skipped the ball out wide, where Victoria Folayan stood waiting in the wings.

With some fancy stepping, Folayan juked the France defense to bring the Eagles to a level tally, 5-5, where it would hold until the break, thanks to the stiff U.S. defense. France took its chances on a 40-meter penalty kick attempt just before the break, but it was not to be.

The skies opened up to welcome both side back for a waterlogged second half. Despite the slick field conditions, the French backline worked through the U.S. defense and with less than five minutes gone, had pressed in past the U.S. 22 meter line.  The Eagles defending their line tenaciously, but again France #11 Allainmat could not be contained, dotting down for her second try and giving France a 10-5 advantage following the wide conversion.

Not ready to go down without a fight, a fire ignited in the Eagles offense and the U.S. soon stormed downfield to retaliate. Inside minute 11, center Lynelle Kugler broke several tackles to find space on the outside and even the score at 10-10.

Less than two minutes later, Mel Denham found some running room and charged the Eagles back into French territory. The ball cycled through the backs until finding Christy Ringgenberg, who slid in to give the Eagles the 15-10 lead.

France continued to apply pressure as toward the USA try line as the half wound to a close, and the Eagles got a needed boost from key substitutions in the pack.

A back and forth battle waged for the game-clinching try and at the 80 minute mark, the French were within striking distance. The U.S. line put up an impressive showing to keep their opponents at bay until a knock on by France meant the final whistle, with both teams stuck at 15 points.

For more information on the USA Women’s Team, including daily blogs from the Nations Cup, visit www.usarugby.org/goto/women_eagles.



For More Nations Cup Information:
- To see tournament standings Click Here 
- To complete substitutions and scoring boxscores - Click Here

- For tournament scoring leaders - Click Here

USA 15, France 15 (Halftime USA 5, France 5)

USA
Tries: Folayan, Kugler, Ringgenberg

1. Farrah Douglas (repl. by Baker), 2. Kittery Wagner (repl. by Lisa Butts), 3. Jamie Burke, 4. Stacey Bridges, 5. Beckett Royce, 6. Mel Denham, 7. Kristin Zdanczewicz (repl. by Phaidra Knight), 8. Blair Groefsema, 9. Kim Magrini, 10. Stephanie Bruce (repl. Amy Daniels), 11. Victoria Folayan (repl. by Ashley English), 12. Mel Kanuk, 13. Lynelle Kugler, 14. Ashley Kmiecik, 15. Christy Ringgenberg

To view the insightful and revealing team journal visit www.usarugby.org and click on National Teams, Women Eagles, and Tour Journal

by Jenny Menke

When nine of the Minnesota Valkyries traveled to Colorado in June to compete against Canada, they played in Glendale’s Infinity Stadium.  Getting ready in a locker room and catching replays on the JumboTron while an announcer gives the play-by-play is not typical of women’s club side matches.  Traditionally, field space is hard to come by and necessity often leads the players themselves to line and clean the field.

"Playing in the stadium feels as if you are in a foreign country.  It is so great to get that experience while on American grass"

- Valkyrie Kristy Lear

The New York Times published an article on July 14, focusing on the city of Glendale and the risk it took in building a rugby stadium at the center of a town of 4,800.  The two-page article recounts the stimulus for the stadium as well as some of the struggles it faces.  One provision that’s sure to please players: the stadium will not host other sports.  Infinity Stadium was built as a rugby stadium and will maintain that monicker.

For the full article, please follow: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/sports/15rugby.html?pagewanted=1&hpw

First, I would like to acknowledge all the friends and family of the Minnesota Valkyries for all of your support. In the past few months you have  definitely been a valuable part of our club and its exciting to have more ways to stay connected.

If you are looking for even more ways to help out your favorite rugby team (ahem...Minnesota Valkyries) or player (Gabe Fidelman) consider volunteering your time at an upcoming fundraiser or community event!  When volunteering alongside other Valkyries, all of the money earned can go straight to the Valkyrie of your choice to cover dues, uniform costs, or travel expenses.

Also, if you are a person or business looking for some extra workers, or if you have a great fund raising idea, keep the Valkyries in mind! We would gladly help you move your stuff, paint your house, staff your event, or do any legal and respectable projects for additional funds!

Please contact Gabe Fidelman, Fundraising Coordintor, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (612) 423-5645 with any questions, ideas or interest in volunteers!

Thanks again for your continued support and for thinking of the Valkyries! Looking forward to seeing you at our games this fall.

Cheers,
Gabe Fidelman

Check out news from current members of the club:

Birth Announcement:

Austin David Hansen was born June 27, 2009 to Jenny (Jaspers) and Matt, currently of Oak Harbor, WA.  Jaspers played rugby at Iowa State University and joined the Valkyries in many matches during our 2005-2006 seasons. Photos at http://hansenfamilyzoo.com/www.hansenfamilyzoo.com/Austins_Page.html

Pregnancy Announcement:

Christy "Sparky" Starks is pregnant!  She and her partner, Stef, are expecting twin girls, due November 27, 2009. The girls will be the couple's first children/set of twins.  Sparky played with the Valkyries from 1999 through 2003.

Wedding Announcement:

Michaela "Mike" Ahern and Kyle Braveheart were married on June 27, 2009 in Bloomington, MN.  Their family also consists of Maxx, Kyle's 7 year old son, and hamster, Zim (no age given).  They honeymooned on a cruise to Canada. Michaela played with the Valkyries in 2005.

Winning Announcement:

Greta Simpson finished 1st out of 65 in her race category (women 25-29 y.o.) in the Life Time Fitness Triathlon - International Course!  Greta finished with a time of 2:30:13.1.  Overall, she finished 115th out of 1039, and her gender overall place was 7th out of 295.  Greta played with the Valkyries from Spring 2004 through Spring 2008.

Other Life Time competetors:

• Laura Hauser (rookie Fall 2009) completed the international course in 3:13:41.7.  Placing 3rd out of 3 in her category (women 16-19), 190th out of 295 overall gender, and 825th out of 1039 finishers.
• Katie Nelson (rookie Fall 2009) completed the international course in 3:04:57.2.  Placing 35th out of 65 in her category (women 25-29), 158th out of 295 overall gender, and 727th out of 1039 finishers.
• Jenny Goodfriend (Fall 1996 through Spring 2005) competed in the Short Course Coed Relay. Her team finished 3rd out of 35 coed relay finishers and 6th out of 55 all relay finishers.
• "JGF" completed the swim portion of the relay, finishing at 13:16.0; placing 11th in both coed category & overall gender and 18th overall for the swimmers.

Business Announcements:

• USA Rugby CIPP (player) registration is available for 2009-2010, join now!
• You can (SHOULD) pay your dues online! http://www.valkyriesrugby.org/players/memberships.html  Don't forget, social memberships are only $50 and a great way to support the team, find out about events, and receive great discounts!
• Our fall 2009 player handbook, "The Goose" is available to read/print from the Minnesota Valkyries Google Group home page, http://groups.google.com/group/MNValkyries.

Please share with the Valkyries important and exciting news in your life or keep us up to date on others' lives!  Send any information to Blaire at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !  I will attempt to ensure accuracy and/or permissions for all information shared.

It's sleek, stylish, and has people talking.  Since its debut at the beginning of the year, the Minnesota Valkyries' website has claimed fans from around the world by reporting on the local and national rugby news that matters.  This stunning website would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, and we encourage you to learn more about the three local business who are backing our team.  The right-hand sidebar on the main page circulates links to the webpages of our sponsors: Mayslacks Bar, Restaurant, and Music Lounge; Rugby Athletic; and Schell's and Grain Belt Premium Beer.  The next time you log on, click on the company logo and check out what these Minnesota companies have to offer.  We whole-heartedly thank these sponsors for allowing us to focus more on the game we love and less on paying the bills.  If you would like to see your business on the Valkyrie site and become a sponsor of our team, please contact Gabe Fidelman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  If you have general content comments or suggestions for the website, please forward your thoughts to Jenny Menke at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please support Mayslacks, Rugby Athletic, and Schell's Grain Belt Premium as they support your favorite team, the Minnesota Valkyries.