And in the blink of an eye, June has come and gone. Entering the “Dog Days” of summer is always a challenge … the heat, the long days and even the tree pollen (it was raining Cottonwood seed at our first team scrimmage) … can be exhausting. But exhaustion is just a term for when (we think) we’ve spent all of our resources. The tricky part of 7’s is constantly grappling with the imminent question … What is my level of exhaustion? How can I extend myself just one step, pass, tackle, or ruck further?

The men in Green & White have certainly pushed their limits over the course of the last month. From the first team training, to the first live scrimmage, to the first tournament, the bar is consistently being raised. This is in thanks to a strong and experienced coaching staff who know how to pull the best out of players. It’s also due to a strong player pool this summer that has continually vied with each other for selection.

Below are various pictures (and assorted quotes) of some good old fashioned Barbos vs. Barbos 7’s for your enjoyment and pleasure …

When you see an opportunity … don’t hesitate. The window may quickly close.

There have been other challenges. A lack of local 7’s competition, rising travel costs and geographic isolation have turned the days of 20+ team tournaments into a thing of the past. But all obstacles aren’t always negative. Instead, they are simply a momentary challenge. The Barbo 7’s players have looked inward to create as competitive of a training environment as possible. Not only is it fun to watch (from my humble view as the “Hydration Specialist”), but pressure creates diamonds.

When the Barbo teams assembled on June 18th for the right to the Sneath Cup, the players knew that victory on the day wasn’t just forecasted, it was demanded. All three teams (that’s right, 3 teams … Hoops, Green & White) stepped up to the challenge and vigorously defended our summer home turf at Prospect Park. Below are some awesome photographs from Dante Williams aka “Edit Junkie” of what turned out to be a great tournament played in hot summer conditions with the beautiful cliffs of Golden on the horizon …

Birds (Worms) of a feather flock together …

Pictured: Jack Miller, his sweet leg tatts and the best background scenery Wheat Ridge Colorado has to offer.

In the end, it was the Barbos Hoops team who defeated Barbos Green team in the championship game of the tournament. For now, the Sneath Cup stays with the men in Green & White. The summer will continually test this group’s fortitude. But if June was any inclination of where we want to go as a team, it was a month well spent forging relationships and team accountability. Iron sharpens iron, and we are Barbarians.

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