(4/30)- Joe "English" Aldridge and Grayson "Pig Pen" Guyer ascended to the rank of AHO Alumni at the Annual Spring Banquet. Joe, the scrumhalf, has played 5 years of AHO RUGBY and has been one of the most commitment players AHO has ever seen. Grayson was a one year hooker and two year medic, using his medical expertise to help wounded players.

(pictured here from left with their awards are Grayson Guyer, Brett Ezarsky, Matt Espy, Ryan Murphy, and Joe Aldridge)

The night also saw numerous awards given out to some of AHO's best this season. Winners were:

Pack MVP: Matt Espy

Back MVP: Joe Aldridge

Most Improved Player: Ryan Murphy

Rookie of The year and Most Eligibile Bachelor: Brett Ezarsky

Also in the semi-annual AHO Spoons tournament Mike "Ernie" Wargo avenged his crushing loss in the fall by defeating fellow Ohioan Alex "Bert" Mcrae in what may have been the highlight of the night.

(AHO Spoons, Mike Wargo on the right was victorious.)

Traveling to play a former coach, Aubin Hooker, AHO Men's Rugby traveled to Coastal Carolina with only half a team to play the final game of the season. Borrowing Coastal players and featuring first rugby games from Flanker Matt Espy's younger brother Kennan and ASU wrestler Brandon Brothers they managed to field a team and have a solid day of rugby. Matt Harrell made his first start at scrumhalf and the only downfalls of the game were a concussion for Matt Espy and a knee injury for Center Matt Suttoni. AHO concludes its season with wins against UNCC, Fort Bragg, NC State, UNC-Wilmington, Belmont, and UNCC a second time. Their only losses came against Wake Forest and ECU. A full season report will be coming out shortly.

Flanker Matt Espy (Pre-Concussion) brings down a Coastal Carolina second row while Nick "Bruschi" Bruce looks on.

          This years Alumni Match will be held Sunday October 5th, the homecoming football game will be on Saturday the 4th, all alumni are encouraged to plan now to be able to attend this weekend long festivity.

          Also 8th Annual Rucktoberfest will be held on Saturday October 18th, with the Championship rounds held on Sunday October 19th. The Social will be on Saturday. More information will be available as the time comes, for any teams interested in particpating in the South's Top Tournament contact our match secretary Matt Harrell (harrellmd@appstate.edu)

2007 Alumni Match Picture

Mike Wargo, one of AHO's newest officers

The AHO Mens Rugby team recently voted on its officers for the 2008-2009 season, after much confusion due to the butterfly ballots the results are in:

• President: Matt Espy
• Vice President/ Sponsorships: Wilder Clark
• Match Secretary: Matt Harrell
• Treasurer: Ben Llewellyn
• Alumni Affairs/Website Design: Sean Stanford
• Alumni/ Website Apprentice: Mike Wargo
• Social Chair: Ryan Murphy

Flanker Matt Espy in previous action delivers one of his many crushing blows


Flyhalf Ben Llewlelyn running the ball in last seasons matrix

Boone, NC
On November 3rd, Senior Flanker Matt Espy and Sophomore Fly Half Ben Llewellyn traveled to Columbus, Georgia to represent North Carolina on the All South Team. Matt, who is in his 4th year with AHO has played flanker and inside center for the team. Australian Native Llewellyn has been a solid flyhalf in his second year for AHO.

Scrumhalf Joe Aldridge, who played alongside his father
Neil in Charlotte in his fathers last rugby match

Boone, NC
After the cancellation of the NC State Tournament the Men of AHO finished their fall season with three victories and one loss in the final month. On October 20th the team defeated the Raleigh Vipers C-side. The team then suffered its only loss of the final month traveling to Chapel Hill on November 3rd to play UNC, without a few key memebers due to the All South Tournament. On November 10th AHO traveled to Charlotte to play the Charlotte Socialites. In the first half Senior Scrumhalf Joe Aldridge and the pack played alongside Joe's brothers, family friends, and father Neil Aldridge who was playing in his last ever rugby match. The team came out ahead after the first half. In the second half in what was the highlight of the match, after a long run scrumhalf Aldridge passed to Chase Casadonte for an AHO score. Also seeing time for AHO was alum Aaron Craft who is currently living in a nice apartment complex with his WIFE, Debbie. AHO finished off the season on November 17th with a trip to Elon, NC to play the university team. Bringing only 13 players and adding two Elon subs to get a full side AHO was still able to come away with a victory to close out their season

AHO veteran Corey Council and current player
Mike Chase during the Alumni Match

Boone, NC (October 7th)
In the 2nd consecutive Alumni Match, the Old Boys prevailed scoring a late try to win on October 8th of homecoming weekend. AHO got a try from sophomore Ryan Emerson and kicks from sophomore and fellow wing Zach "Amish" Newcomer. The game clinching try for the Old Boys was scored by Anthony "African" Kearey from about 5 meters out. The turn out was great with the alumni coming one person short of filling a full side, while also having a good crowd of Old Boys cheering on the sideline. Playing on the Alumni side were AHO veterans, Patrick Kearey "African", Thad Teague, Matt Penley, Jay, Max Webb, Tim Driscoll, Darren Betbeder "Dutchman", Max Webb, Greb Beavers, James Wilkes, Chris Keeling, Sean McMullen, Corey Council and Will Elder. It was a great weekend and one hell of a turnout for the match compared to last year.

Donald Nelson in previous action runs the ball with
fellow flanker Matt Espy supporting

Boone, NC (September 29th and 30th)
AHO Mens rugby ran through the competition on the first day of the tournament beating Coastal Carolina, Western Carolina, and a forfeit against the ECU B-side, with tries coming from Donald Nelson, Joe Aldridge, and Zach Newcomer among others. On the second day of the tourney however penalties cost AHO against Furman, as Furman was able to punch in a last second tri to win 13-10 and advance to the finals. Furman ended up losing to the tournament champions ECU. AHO now looks to work on discipline as they prepare for the Alumni Match and State Tournament at the end of October.