SUMMER 7’S SEASON HAS ARRIVED; A LOOK AHEAD
Dubbed “The Yoda of 7’s”, (Barbo legend) Steve Laporta leads the coaching charge
Spring has faded to summer and the grass is crisper than a nice 15 meter spin pass. After a XV’s championship run that came up just short, the Barbos player group is hungry to get back on the horse. Coach Steve Laporta (pictured above) leads the charge after helping the team return last summer from the pandemic break. Coach Steve demands two things from his players: top level physical fitness, and the highest standard of personal character.
When Coach Speaks, Players Listen.
Players have travelled far and wide to be here. The team is highly competitive. Players have learned that if you want to be the best, you have to train with the best. Our club has a rich history of propelling players into the national team. When players tell me their goal of receiving an invite to Chula Vista to compete for the Eagles, I let them know they’re in the right spot to make that leap. Look no further than the current Eagles 7s captain; Ke’Von Williams. A tenured Barbo who played all of his club 7s with the Barbos. We certainly have the talent capable of following in his footsteps, so long as they’re willing to put in the hard work.
Over the last 12 months, the Barbos have achieved a nationally ranked 3rd place finish (7s 2021) and a nationally ranked 2nd place finish (15s 2022)— so things are trending wonderfully towards a finish we dare not speak of out loud. “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious” ~Michael Scott.
Veteran coaches Jason Kelly and Jone Naciqa have returned to round out a top notch coaching staff
The BarboFam will have plenty to do in the coming weeks as the 7’s team gears up for a grueling summer.
Here’s a look at the next two weeks:
Team Scrimmage - Saturday, June 11th, 9am - Noon, Prospect Park, Wheat Ridge
It’s one thing to run and pass is the hot sun, but to make tackle after tackle and continually get back up… well that’s a different story. The players will test themselves against their peers in the heat this Saturday. Come by and watch!
Post Match Social - Saturday, June 11th, Noon - 3pm, Rugby House
Club culture is often a term that’s thrown around in rugby teams. Well this summer, we’re looking to do more than just lip service. We will be hosting the BarboFam after the scrimmage at the Rugby house where Rugby Rent Scholarships was born. We will have free food, drink & ice baths for the players. All family and friends are welcome to swing by and enjoy the club culture that we’re building this summer.
Golf Fundraiser - Friday, June 17th, 1pm - 5pm, Applewood Golf Course
Sneaking out of work early on the Friday before Denver 7’s to play a golf scramble with your Barbo buddies is a tradition as old as father time. Get signed up HERE to participate in another great golf event presented by TallyWacker!
Denver 7’s - Saturday June 18th, 8am - 2pm, Prospect Park, Wheat Ridge
The Barbos are looking to enter 2 (possibly 3) competitive sides in what will be sure to be a great day of 7’s. There will be local Denver teams looking to hoist the hardware, with a team from Utah also making the trip. Be sure to come out to Prospect Park to cheer on the men in Green & White!
A Fearsome Foursome. Pictured front to back; Charles Ajarrista, Bt Shea, Logan Collins & golf guru Devin Martling