REFLECTIONS FROM 2021 SUMMER 7’S

As I slumped into my couch Sunday night after back to back, emotionally draining, hold your breath type of 7’s weekend, it was remarkable to me how our club turned up after a full year away from the pitch. In order to return to play, our front office (that’s the new term for our executive council) had to churn through mountains of Covid paperwork before we could even take the pitch. Our players were forced to regain their rugby form, fitness and return to the mentality of self sacrifice … “whatever the team needs”.

And it was all worth it.

CLUB NATIONAL 7’S - SEATTLE WASHINGTON - 3RD PLACE

This team wanted Gold, but fought like hell to make the medal stand. We will regroup and spend the winter contemplating how to take 1st in 2022.

Of course we wanted gold. Of course we expected to win. But as Barbos greats who have played with our 7’s program before know, championships are not easy to come by. The 13 lads who were selected to represent the Green & White did every bit of their duty over the two day tournament. They left their hearts and souls on the pitch, falling to Westside Ronin in the semi-final, but rallying with a complete performance for the bronze medal in the 3rd place game against (a Lindenwood stacked) St. Louis Bombers outfit.

Captains Eric Sykes Jr. and Mickey Bateman stepped up into their roles as co-captains. With Mickey leading the pace on attack, and Sykes applying the soul-snatching defense, the team got up for their young leaders and rose up to each challenge presented. Good leadership is not something you can fake. Our captains, our players, and everyone associated with the 2021 summer 7’s season was extremely lucky to witness the leadership of long time Barbo 7’s coach, Barbo national champion (slotting at Inside Center for the clubs first ship in 1990) and USA Eagle Steve LaPorta. Steve’s calm demeanor, unflappable patience, and passion for player development makes for a phenomenal leader. We thank him for his time and efforts this summer.

Eric Sykes Jr’s leadership abilities soared to new heights this summer as he and Mickey Bateman led the team from the front all season

What’s a good 7’s tournament without some accolades? The team of the tournament featured Colorado Native (no he doesn’t have the bumper sticker) Alex Wormer. Alex (better known as Worm) plays with an utmost respect for the basic fundamentals. Whether it’s a crisp 15 meter spin pass, a perfect single man jump kick receive, or just straightening his running line to suck in a defender… Worm can do it all, and looks the furthest thing from flashy when he does it.

Also making the first team honors was DJ Stewart. This was DJ’s first summer with the Barbos and his first summer ever playing 7’s. Imagine learning a new sport overnight … and excelling right out of the gate. DJ showed a mix of power, tenacity, toughness, elegance, explosiveness, and creativity in Seattle and his efforts all summer were made clear as his continual rate of improvement ratcheted up each and every training session.

Looking back to all of the emotions and effort that was thrown into the season, I couldn’t be more proud of the group that represented in Seattle. After the jubilation of victory, and the crushing blow of defeat, it’s all the more clear to me that the core of this Barbo 7’s team will be back next year to finish what we started in the summer of 2021.

RUGBYTOWN 7’S - GLENDALE COLORADO - 12TH PLACE

After months of smoke and searing heat, the Front Range cleared up for a beautiful three days of elite invitational7’s. The Green & White were well represented across the tournament. Former Barbo 7’s player Jack Wendling captained the USA U23’s to victory in one of the best matches of the tournament seeing the USA U-23s defeat SaberCat 7s 26-19 in the bowl final early Sunday afternoon. The U-23 squad also featured former Barbo 7’s player Coleson Warner (who wasrecently drafted by Rugby ATL in the 2021 MLR draft).

Coleson Warner (right)and Jack Wendling (far left) crafted their 7’s game playing with the Denver Barbo’s 7’s in 2019. Now they are representing their country with the U-23’s …. and tearing it up too!

n the shield final, Denver 7s Selects defeated Gorilla Rugby 34-12. 12 place wasn’t our goal, but finishing the tournament strong is always important to a 7’s rugby team’s mentality. The team featured a core of previously mentioned Denver Barbarians, with a mix of experienced MLR players from around the country. Lance Williams was a standout all weekend, delivering a strong performance with plenty of the go forward ball carrying we are used to seeing each week from him with the Utah Warriors. Malik Bryant found his form in the final day, scoring multiple full field tries with his blistering pace and can do attitude.

Looking back on the 2021 Summer 7’s season, I couldn’t be more proud of each and every person who made sacrifices this summer in order to help us take the field with a competitive squad. It wasn’t just the first side players and coaching staff … It includes EVERY SINGLE PLAYER that came out to train this summer. It’s the strength of the pack that makes the individuals better each week, so thanks again to everyone who helped raise the level of competition this summer. As we move straight into the XV’s fall season, be sure to keep your eyes out for more of these 7’s players to be taking the field in 2021. It’s a great time to be a Barbo, and our club is on an exciting trajectory.  

Stay posted for more exciting content to come this season. Whether it’s your social feed, email inbox, or just a browser on our website … we want to keep you informed with where the Green & White are headed. Thanks for reading, and as always …. Bleed Green!

Your friendly DBRFC Club Guy,

Bt Shea