40th Anniversary of Carolina Rugby - Celebrated November 3, 2007

2007 COB ReCAP 

The Annual Carolina Olde Boys Weekend was held November 2-4, 2007, in Columbia, SC. The event was extra special as we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the rugby club at USC. Nearly 70 C.O.B. showed up for the festivities which included a Friday night reception, the annual C.O.B/USC Match on Saturday, along with a Saturday night post-match/game-viewing party at Jillian's in the Vista.

Friday night's reception at the McCutchen House was highlighted by a few awards presentations. Jeff Smolka, class of '88, received a plaque in appreciation for his efforts in successfully establishing high school rugby in the state of South Carolina last spring and for his assistance and vision in getting Columbia as the host site for the USA Rugby National Championships.  Jim Elder, class of '72,  was honored with a plaque from USC and Olde Grey R.F.C. for co-founding the Columbia Olde Grey club along with Bob Grondahl in the 1970's. Frank Walton, '68 was also presented a jersey from the president of Olde Grey. Walton had bought the original set of jerseys for the club when it was founded, even though he did not play for Olde Grey!

Saturday's C.O.B./USC match was well played on both sides. USC coach Geoff Mason has certainly done an excellent job in coaching the team, and turning a large group of under-sized, yet talented students into a very competitive team. The match ended in 29-29 tie, which is only appropriate since the first COB/USC match held in 1989 also ended in a draw!

Mike "Redneck" Artlip, '95, and Michael "Don't call me Mike" Cook, '00, received C.O.B.'s Most Valuable Back and Forward awards, respectively, after both scored two tries in the match. Brad Kieber and Josh "Medic" Skaggs earned Most Valuable Back and Forward awards, respectively, for USC. There were many other fine performances by C.O.B. of all ages in the match, but what was even more impressive was that more than 40 Olde Boys actually laced up their boots and played in the match!

Saturday night's post-match football game viewing party was a big hit with C.O.B. and current USC ruggers enjoying stories, songs, beverages, and of course an easy on the eye's waitress staff!

Thanks to all who made 2007 C.O.B. Weekend such a success. Please continue to monitor the web site for updates throughout the year, and keep those donations checks coming!

Cheers!

Brad Muller, Class of '92