Cincinnati Wolfhounds
Contents |
[edit] The Early Days
The Wolfhounds were founded in 1974 with a core of college alumni players from the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Miami (Ohio) University. Since its founding, the team has enjoyed great success, being in the Mid-America Championships 17 times, winning the Ohio XVs more than a dozen times, and appearing in the Men's National Club Championships Sweet 16 in 1996, 1999,2002,2005 and 2007, this includes trips to the Eliete 8 in 2005, 2007, and a Final Four Apperence in 2007.
[edit] Building a Club
In 1996, the Cincinnati Wolfhounds acquired 10 acres of property and began the slow process of developing a premier, International-class, rugby facility. Labor Day Weekend 1998 saw the fruit of many years of hard work and generous funding blossom with the club's Inaugural Match at the Brimelow Fields Rugby Grounds at Stockton Road, Fairfield, OH. Hundreds of players (current and former) and their families, club supporters, and media were present for the match and post-game gala party. Today Brimlow Fields stands a the centerpiece of a fast growing Cincinnati Rugby scene. Brimlow Fields host Mens Club, College as well as high school matches. Creating a rugby and a family friendly athomesphere that channels the feelings that many get when playing overseas.
[edit] Hard Work Paying Off
The Cincinnati Wolfhounds pride themselves on excellent Rugby fundamentals, high overall fitness, mental and physical stamina, and teamwork. These essentials form the basic elements for Wolfhound coaching techniques. As a result, Wolfhound coaching has produced U.S. Eagles, Junior Eagles, Midwest Territory players, and Ohio Select Side players. Luke Gross, the most capped Eagle ever, began as a Wolfhound.
[edit] Social Side and Touring
The Wolfhounds typically take a major tour every other year or so, with a smaller regional tour almost every year. Past tours have ranged from Washington D.C. to Washington State; from Missoula, Montana to Savannah, Georgia; from British Columbia and Banff to the Bahamas; and two special tours to Ireland in 1975 and 1989.
The Wolfhounds are also gracious hosts and have welcomed many touring sides including the Garda RFC (Irish Police Side), University College Galway RFC, Greystones RFC, Monkstown RFC, North Kildare RFC, Dublin University RFC, (all previous teams from Ireland) and the British Royal Engineers.
