The Rick Foley Award
The game of rugby cannot be simplified into just a sport. Though your rugby career may start from interest in playing the game, it is a fundamental truth that you will more than likely make this game a lifelong passion. Whether it be on or off the pitch, rugby needs people who can not only play the game but understand the purpose from every aspect. It is more than a game at your local field with local friends. This game is about travelling to different parts of the world with those friends and being part of the rugby influence in our communities as a whole. There are many traditions to this sport, learning those and sharing them is a fulfilling part of life and those who have had that experience will continue to contribute to our rugby society. One year, you may start a rugby club in the middle of the mountains like Breckenridge CO. The next, you may find yourself on a rugby tour with friends from 10 different clubs in 10 different countries. You may also learn that every club needs people who can hold the framework together and help bring people together for common interests on and off the pitch. There are game time, social, technical, and political parts that need to be managed every day.
These are just some of the many attributes that Rick Foley has been able to exemplify throughout his rugby career and still contributing to this sport today. The truth is we can probably write a book on this subject and what Rick Foley has done for so many rugby players throughout the world.
The Rick Foley Award is sometimes considered a lifetime achievement award though there is new recipient every year who may have this opportunity. It is to be won by one person who has given their best efforts helping keep the Rick Foley tradition and legacy alive. The recipient should be someone who can follow and share similar experiences of what Rick Foley has accomplished. This is the highest award any member of the Seacoast men or women’s club can earn. Your commitment is not measured in years alone but overall accomplishments that have helped the time honored traditions of Rugby grow within the Seacoast Rugby Club. If you have a chance, take the time to speak with Rick Foley himself and you will have the privilege to learn first-hand from his experiences.
Pillar & Post Award
The game of rugby cannot be won without a strong defensive post and pillar. During a game, any player can find themselves in that position as they prevent the opposing offense from making ground on the fringes. Our club has many responsibilities and if any of the many things that need to be done fall short, the line collapses and our structure is weakened. Some examples of those responsibilities may be field prep, equipment management, infrastructure integrity, or simply supplying water during a game. This award is given to those who have taken that same defensive position off the field and helped keep the many responsibilities running smoothly. While there will be players that have contributed to multiple efforts, we want to honor one person each year that has stood out and performed above and beyond all expectations.
16th Man Award
The game of rugby requires 15 players on the field to make a full team. There are also a handful of additional players that are ready to come in and substitute any of the first 15 with fresh legs. However, we cannot define a team by this alone. The tradition of rugby requires players who are selfless and put the team before their own interests. There will be players who are here for more than just their time on the pitch. They come to every practice and every game and they may be young or old. More important than anything else, they stand as examples of what every rugby player should strive for in their dedication. No matter when they play or if they play at all, they are the biggest asset to our club and will continue to support the entire rugby club for our efforts on the pitch. While there will be many players who deserve this, we want to honor one person each year that has stood out and performed above and beyond all expectations.
Forwards MVP Award
If you ask anyone what part of the rugby team wins the games, they will tell you it’s the forwards. They are the backbone and workforce that keeps the foundation of the game in order. They are the most important players and manage the set pieces and move the ball forward. Whether it be a scrum or a lineout, our forwards are the game makers. Trying to pick a forwards MVP is difficult. They all have such unique roles that are essential to every part of the game. If one of them is not keeping up, another forward will lift him up to get to the breakdown. They depend on each other and work as one unit. They are no show ponies here, only the grunt, willing, and able that play as many minutes as possible with one major goal, possession! Earning this award is an honor and all forwards are true winners but we must pick one. The MVP is judged based on their efforts for the entire year being voted on.
Backs MVP Award
The backs are sometimes called names like light feet, fancy hands, or crazy legs. They may not be in scrums but they definitely do their part by keeping the wind in our sails and carrying the ball with speed. They are the try scorers out wide, the center crashers, the ball handlers, and the defensive players that hold the opposing team on their heels. Without them, there would be less of the desired pace needed in the game of rugby. It is sometimes hard to determine exactly who the most honored player in the backs may be since there are so many contenders with different responsibilities who have significant accomplishments. We want to honor one person each year that has stood out and performed above and beyond all expectations as the Backs Most Valuable Player.
Rookie of the Year Award
This award speaks for itself however, please keep in mind a few points. As it relates to this award, your judgment as a rookie will be viewed from the entire year being voted on. If you have a great spring and don’t show up for fall, no dice. If you weren’t here in the spring and only the fall season, you will have a big hill to climb to win this award over a full year player. What we are looking for here is a player that gives his best efforts and performs better than any other new player to the team. He is at every practice, every game, and every tour. You can be new to the game altogether or even be a old player that transferred to Seacoast as a new member to our team. Either way, you will have a lot of competition and must work hard to earn the status of being the Seacoast Rugby Rookie of the Year.