Rugby Tour 2012

Calgary Italian Sportsmans’ Association Proud Sponsor of the Saint Francis Rugby Tour 1

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March 20, 2012 On behalf of Saint Francis High School, it gives me extreme pleasure to extend our best wishes to all members of the Saint Francis Browns Boys rugby team as they prepare to tour Victoria, British Columbia, April 18-21, 2012. Our boys are genuinely excited and all are anticipating a great weekend of rugby action in the “hotbed� of Canadian Rugby.

This trip will be an awesome start to our school rugby season and allows for numerous opportunities for players to bond together in the spirit of competition and fair play. A special thank you goes out to Mr. Gerry Audia, the Saint Francis head coach and coordinator of this trip. Mr. Audia has spent countless hours organizing this trip and he is a veteran of many rugby tours. Our boys are truly blessed to have a coach who is so committed to the growth of the sport in our school and community.

None of this is possible without the support of our parents. Saint Francis thanks you for your involvement and support of the Saint Francis rugby program. I also extend a sincere thanks to the many businesses and individuals who have made contributions to help make this trip possible.

To all players, parents and coaches we appreciate all your efforts in the planning and enabling of this trip. It surely will prove to be a fantastic learning experience for all involved and a source of many inspired memories for years to come.

Best of Luck To All.

Darren Dudar Vice-Principal, Saint Francis High School.

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The Calgary Canadian Irish Club wishes the Saint Francis Browns every success on tour.

Fred Irving Memorial Scholarship Award The Calgary Canadian Irish Club makes an annual scholarship award to an athlete participating in the sports of rugby or (Ladies) field hockey. This award is to provide financial assistance to an individual’s post-secondary education. The scholarship is presented to an athlete exhibiting qualities of leadership, determination and sportsmanship.

A surprising number of our past recipients are Saint Francis School Alumni.

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CALGARY CANADIAN IRISH ATHLETIC CLUB

MARCH, 2012

On behalf of the entire CCIAC I would like to wish you and the Saint Francis Rugby Team good luck on your upcoming tour to British Columbia.

I am sure a great time will be had by all. BC has a great Rugby tradition for playing and hosting incoming tours. The games will give your players many opportunities to meet new friends and establish relationships.

We would like to extend greetings and best wishes to all the schools you will be visiting and playing.

Touring is one of the best adventures players will ever encounter.

Play hard, play fair on this memorable occasion.

Best regards; Ron Lockhart President Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club

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Itinerary Wednesday, April 18 6:45 am Meet at Calgary International Airport 8:15 am Depart Calgary on Westjet 0209 to Victoria 8:44 am Arrive into Victoria Meet with Coach (Wilson Transportation) transfer to Hotel Arrive at Hotel (Huntingdon Hotel & Suites) Visit Harbour and have lunch on own 1:00 pm Check into the Hotel Depart for Claremont Secondary School 2:00 pm Game at 4:00 pm Dinner with Hosts Kangaroo Court at Hotel

Thursday, April 19 8:00 am Team Breakfast in Hotel Restaurant Transfer by bus to University of Victoria 10:00 am Hydro Session Lunch on your own 2:00 pm Team training session with Doug Tait University of Victoria Coach 6:00 pm Team Dinner @ Spaghetti Factory 9:00 pm Team Movie @ Movie Threatre

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Friday, April 20 7:00 am Team Breakfast in Hotel Restaurant 8:00 am Depart for Rugby Canada Training Facility, Langford B.C. 9:00 am Training with Rugby Canada Coaches and Players 11:00 am Depart for Shawnigan Lake on Coach 11:30 am Stop for lunch on your own 1:00 pm Arrive at Shawnigan Lake School 4:00 pm Game vs Shawnigan Lake School Dinner with hosts Overnight at school

Saturday, April 21 8am team Breakfast at school 9:00 am to 11:30 am Training Session with Shawnigan Lake Coaching Staff 11:30 am Lunch on your own 12:00 noon Bus picks you up 1:00 pm to 4:15pm Wallace Field watch UVic vs UBCOB Senior Men game 4:15 pm Depart by bus to the airport 6:00 pm Depart WestJet flight #0502 for Calgary 8:20 pm Arrive in Calgary

Contact Numbers Ramada Huntington and Suites (250) 381-3456 Shawnigan Lake School (250) 743-5516 Saint Francis High School (403) 500-2026 Rainbow Educational Tours (403) 210-1997

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To the 2012 Saint Francis Browns Rugby Team: Congratulations on being selected to travel to Victoria representing the Saint Francis Browns.

This tour is going to give you the opportunity to really connect with one another on and off the field. By the end of the tour you will hopefully know all your teammates a lot better. This will help you be successful throughout the rugby season. Some of you may be new to rugby and others may have some experience but now all of you will be given the chance to be fully emerged in Canadian rugby culture. This will be like nothing you have seen before; these boys eat, sleep, and breathe rugby.

I personally have been given the chance to play with team Alberta and try out with team Canada and I can honestly say that it was this tour in my grade 10 year that allowed me to do this. I was given a newfound love for rugby in Victoria. To me it was amazing how two teams could play against each other so aggressively, hit each other so hard and when it was all over be able to sit next to each other and enjoy a meal as friends. But this is the rugby culture and all over the world as long as you can find a fellow rugby player, you’ve found a friend.

During this tour you must always remember you’re there for rugby. You will get the chance to have fun and joke but when you’re on the field for a game or with a coach you must be fully attentive and focused. Saint Francis has built a reputation in Victoria; a reputation of playing aggressive, hard hitting, smart rugby but also of being a team that you would be happy to invite back because of their respect on and off the field. It is your job to uphold and continue this reputation. You all must also remember how much planning and work has gone into this tour. Take every opportunity to help out, treat all your coaches with respect, and thank Mr. Audia for all his hard work and extra effort.

Remember to work hard, have fun, and bring back glory for all other Saint Francis Browns who have worn the brown, orange, and white jersey before you.

Peter Piedimonte Team Captain, 2011

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To the 2012 Saint Francis Rugby Team, As the snow starts to melt, it can only mean that rugby season is right around the corner. A time to build friendship, get stronger, faster, and if your lucky maybe score a few tries in the process. This April you are fortunate enough to be travelling to Victoria to compete against some of the best talent in all of Canada. This trip should not be seen as just a chance to play rugby abroad, but an opportunity to grow and thrive as a team. Rugby is a game that relies heavily on teamwork to make even the smallest of gains on the pitch, if one of the 15 players fails to make his play the whole team suffers. A great rugby team, rucks, scores and wins as a team. In Victoria you will be given the opportunity to strive towards this each and every day.

I was lucky enough in my grade 10 year to make the travel team and journey to Victoria. Being my first year ever playing the sport, it all seemed overwhelming arriving at Shawnigan Lake School for our first game. The castle-esque buildings, the professional grade pitches, and the anticipation of that first play. But when the whistle blows, the anxiety vanishes and it’s just between you and the win. But that’s the best part of the tour; there are no standings to play for, just your teammates and the desire to improve. A stress free environment, to go play rugby and gain some of the best experience you will ever receive.

Having played 3 years of rugby for Coach Audia, this was by far the highlight of my high school experience. Apart from the games and training sessions, spending the time in Victoria helped us bond and come together as a team. The one thing I will never forget is the kangaroo court.

Never before did it occur to me that the coaches held the power to command someone on the team to shout the time every 15 minutes for an entire night. Or worse, delegate water bottle duty for days on end. Though through all the laughs, the trip achieves something special.

Turning acquaintances into teammates, teammates into friends, and in the end, everyone to a close-knit family.

I wish you all the best on your trip, already knowing that it will be nothing less then spectacular. And when you’re on the island never forget that you’re are not only playing for your team, but the legacy of Saint Francis Rugby. So when you have 5 more meters till the tri line, don’t slow down, but reach deep and pull out everything you’ve got. Letting everyone know, that’s how we play Saint Francis Rugby.

Daniel Hickaway Co-Captian 2011

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Center/Scrum Half Chantz brings a relentless drive to succeed to Browns rugby. Chantz is a threat at any position from nine to fifteen, and his dedication to improve is formidable. Chantz has thrown himself into developing his kicking skills, undaunted by snow, ice, or the shattering of his frozen tee.

Prop Matt cites his brother as the biggest influence on his sporting life, and Matt, in turn, is an inspiring player himself. Unsurpassed commitment to win made Matt an invaluable force for the Brown Junior Squad last year and resulted in Matt being awarded the top forward award. Matt’s enthusiasm for playing rugby is matched only by his enjoyment of buying dragons.

Flanker A black-belt in karate, Jordan brings martial dedication and discipline to Saint Francis rugby. The will to compete and succeed is unmistakable in this young man. Not satisfied with the silver medal taken by the Browns Junior team last season, Jordan is keen to win gold with the seniors this season.

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Center Evan's rugby skills have improved steadily since he picked up the game, due in no short measure to his high work rate in training. An elusive runner and effortless passer, Evan is a balanced player: both a smooth attacker and a staunch defender.

Lock Andrew has recently come back from a two month trip to Africa working in an orphanage. In his spare time to get fit for the rugby season, Andrew wrestled with lions and tigers. He plays go forward rugby in the best tradition of second row forwards and incites his teammates to follow him over or through the opposition. Andrew's willingness to push himself is rarely matched.

Lock Alex is a dedicated scholar, aspiring to attend medical school at UBC. His versatility and enthusiasm make Alex a valued asset to the Saint Francis rugby program. Alex states that he would like to be remembered as a good friend. Here’s hoping that was a typo, especially when playing against the teams on tour!

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Prop With a seldom-seen combination of size and athletic ability, Robby is a welcome addition to Browns Rugby. The prospect of Robby representing the Browns two years from now is dizzying, so the material for his jersey has already been ordered. A Browns Junior Football captain, Robby would like to be a teacher.

Fullback Mike is a natural rugby player, bringing a relaxed confidence to his team. Quick, powerful and skilled, Mike can tip the balance of a game in an instant. His uncanny ability to anticipate developing play allows Mike to unleash his unforgiving tackling at any spot in an opposing back-line.

Wing/Center A true Renaissance man, Jimmy is a talented musician, dedicated student and remarkable athlete. Jim has been a science fair gold and silver medalist, plays in the band, and he is a force to be reckoned with on the sports field. Terrifying in the tackle or with the ball in hand, Jim lives by his belief that one "has to be willing to do the things you don’t want to do to get the things you want."

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Wing/Center Blake has been an honour student throughout his time at Saint Francis, and intends to study engineering after graduation. Blake has played baseball, football and dabbled with the forbidden round ball.

Possessed of deceptive agility, Blake is looking forward to vying for the Rugby City Championship this year.

Lock/Prop Aaron is a dedicated student-athlete, attaining academic Honours and playing football for the Browns.

New to rugby, Aaron has played Lacrosse for Team Calgary and is a fierce, physical sportsman. An eager and quick learner, he is sure to return from this tour a rugby player.

Lock/Center Jacob is a well rounded student and athlete. This aspirating firefighter is a multisport athlete who especially excels in the swimming pool. Recently, he scored 90% on the Chemistry 30 diploma exam. The Browns are looking forward to lead the pack with his brute strength.

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Center/Scrum Half Relaxed in training, Preston is all business between the touch-lines on match day. Improving steadily, Preston has become a dazzling half-back. An Honor Roll Incentive student, Preston is an ideal representative for Saint Francis.

8 man Lucas is another of our top AP students who has had a positive impact on our school and rugby pitch.

Kidnapped from the football gridiron, Lucas is a big man who can move. He is noted for his field strident breaks.

Center/Flanker This converted soccer player can kick match winning goals when called upon and has the innate ability to find the open space to score game winning trys.

Delano has received early acceptance into the faculty of engineering at the U of C. A promising future lies ahead for this speedy Center.

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Prop The senior team is fortunate to have Quinton’s strength and speed. Although on the light side for a prop, he more than makes up for it with his fitness, desire, and work ethic. Quinton also excels on the squash court, competing at the National and Provincial levels.

Center Good quickness, superb ball handling, and quick hands are things that you can expect from this multisport athlete. Due to his superb leadership skills, Mark was the recipient of the Heart of the Champion football scholarship.

Center A force to be reckoned with when he is on the field, no doubt he will be featured on the score sheet. We are very confident that he has made a full recovery from his broken ankle, and continue to be an impact player for the Browns. Great hands and very coachable.

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Flanker/8 man Owen brings a considerable sporting acumen to the Saint Francis squad, having competed in club basketball and having played for the Alberta rugby team. A powerful runner and dynamic line-out competitor, Owen is capable of scintillating displays on the rugby field…when he remembers his kitbag.

Scrum Half/Wing Ferocious in defence and inspired in attack, John was the MVP of the junior team last season at Saint Francis. A talented hockey player, John takes inspiration from Sidney Crosby. The will to win is no less evident in this kid than in the Kid.

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Wing A recent newcomer to the sport of rugby, Thomas looks to make an impact in his 1st year with the Browns. Don’t let his size fool you, pound for pound he is one tough individual. Thomas is one of our best tacklers, and plays with a lot of passion.

Scrum Half Josh is an exciting attacker who honed his evasive skills with the forbidden round ball, advancing to the Provincial Soccer Championship. Having earned the distinction of Honor Roll with Excellence, Josh intends to ply his skills in engineering or medicine.

Josh’s willingness to leave his blood and tissue on the field leads us to say, "Physician, heal thyself."

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Prop Hooker Lucas comes from a long line of great rugby players in his family. What Lucas’s game lacks in finesse, it more than makes up for in brute strength and raw talent. Another key forward who led our junior browns to a City Final last year, he will be a welcome addition to our Senior Pack.

Prop/Hooker/Flanker Great Rugby pedigree can play every position in the Pack. His Dad played representative rugby for Nova Scotia. The team is looking forward to his leadership and his throwing compass like line-outs. Jake is another of our bright lights who consistently is on our excellence roll.

Wing A recent newcomer to the sport of rugby, Marcus is a rising star on the wing. He is very quick and intense. A man of few words. Don’t let his size fool you; pound for pound he is one tough individual.

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Prop A nose for the try line. Josh is a seasoned traveller as he has travelled the globe competing in the sport of Judo, finishing in the top 5 nationally and 5th in the Florida open. His future aspirations are to have his own TV series just like his hero, Jackie Chan.

Wing/Center A big man on the wing who runs like Jonah Lomau.

Has great hands and is very strong. Mike is also very intelligent, scoring 100% on the Math 30 Diploma exam. Another one of our bright lights who will also excel in the faculty of engineering.

Wing Eric is a talented hockey player; he should have an easy transition to rugby with his great hockey sense.

He is very coachable and is looking forward to leading the Junior Browns rugby team this year.

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Flanker Saint Francis’ top junior linebacker, Brandon is a player who inspires fear in the ball-carriers he hunts.

With agility and ferocity, Brandon is also terrible to behold in attack. An avid collector of gold sporting medals, Brandon likes to adorn himself in his prizes while he indulges another of his favorite activities, video-gaming.

Center An accomplished baseball player who has represented Alberta on the diamond, Sam’s capacity to inspire awe with his athletic ability is rivalled only by his capacity to inspire awe with his hair. As a Code 80 Honour Roll student and an athlete with a burning competitive drive, Sam is sure to continue to be successful in school and in his sporting endeavours.

Lock Peter is a multisport athlete. He has excelled in the sport of volleyball, his vertical is amazing, and he will be a true asset in the line-outs. Peter is a very humble, but very capable, athlete who will do great things on the rugby pitch this season.

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Flanker A returning player from last year’s City finalist senior team. Tyler is hoping to have a breakout season playing on the flank. He also is a multisport athlete excelling in baseball. Tyler plans on attending UBC in the fall. He may change his mind after visiting the University of Victoria.

Lock Don’t let his hairdo fool you. Colin is all business when it comes to playing the game of rugby. He is very strong and is a quick learner of the game. He is often seen in social classes checking out you tube videos of his hero, Richie McCaw.

Scrum Half Although only in grade ten, Matt brings a wealth of rugby experience from his time as a club player. A precise passer, we look forward to seeing the brown and orange nine jersey on Matt’s back for the next few seasons. Matt is an Honour Roll student and names his father as the biggest influence on his sporting life.

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Senior Boys Head Coach The key to the tour, Mr. Audia has coached rugby at the school for 15 seasons. He is keen to get back to the City and Provincial championships with the squad this season. We hope the boys take to heart his favourite quote, “it is better to give than receive�.

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Junior Boys Head Coach Mr. Elliott’s knowledge of the game is extensive. A long time member of the Calgary Irish Rugby Club, where he has extensive tour experience. The highlight of all his tours was when the Irish toured Ireland. Coach Elliott also coaches the Irish Junior program. His love for the game is evident each day he is around the boys.

Junior Boys Assistant Coach An alumnus of Saint Francis, he was captain of the Senior Browns team in 1998. Mike is heavily involved with local Irish Rugby Club and has helped many players transition to the club level of play. His passion and wealth of rugby knowledge are invaluable to the program.

Vice Principal Mr. Dudar is on loan from our gridiron football program. Mr. Dudar will provide the steady hand on the tour. He is also a Saint Francis Alumnus who bleeds Brown, Orange, and White. Mr. Dudar brings a wealth of knowledge in his leadership role. Very cool and inspiring leader!

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Rugby 101 The Basics

With 15 players per side, a rugby team is divided into forwards and backs. Forwards are usually the larger, stronger players on the team. Their main job is to win possession of the ball. The backs are often smaller, faster and more agile and typically exploit the ball possessions, which are won by the forwards.

Both the forwards and backs play at the same time. All 15 players assemble on the field, called a pitch, and the match starts with a kickoff. The receiving team generally tries to move the ball downfield to score. However, in attempting to score, the team cannot pass the ball forward. The defenders can only tackle the ball carrier.

After the ball carrier is tackled, there is a scramble for the ball. Hence, a tackle does not stop play in rugby. Once tackled, the player must release the ball immediately After the ball carrier is tackled, there is a scramble for the ball. Hence, a tackle does not stop play in rugby. Once tackled, the player must release the ball immediately so play may continue. The tackled ball carrier should attempt to release the ball advantageously toward his or her team.

Still alive, any player may pick up the ball. When players from both sides fight for the ball when it is on the ground, the situation is known as a "ruck. " This can be described as the most dynamic action of the game. The team that retains ball possession during tackles and ensuing rucks has an advantage over the other team. Sometimes the ball is buried during a tackle, or a player commits a minor infraction of the laws (a penalty).

If the team that has not offended doesn’t first gain an advantage from the continuance of play, the referee will stop play and call for a scrum to restart the match. The non-offending team has the advantage of putting the ball into the scrum and, therefore, will most often win possession.

During a scrum the ball must be worked backwards, and the player’s hand cannot touch the ball in the scrum. When the ball emerges, open play resumes. The remaining players who are not involved in the scrum must stay behind their respective offside line.

Once a team has worked the ball downfield and crossed the opposing team’s goal line, and forced the ball onto the ground with downward pressure, a try is scored. Each try is worth five points. After each try, the scoring team has the opportunity to score two more points with a conversion. Both teams play to score tries during two 40-minute halves.

The Pitch

The field that rugby is played on is called a pitch.

The pitch is expected to be 100 metres long by 69 metres wide. The sidelines are called touchlines and there are two in-goal areas, which are expected to be 10 to 22 metres deep with a tryline marking the front and a dead ball line at the back. The goal posts are located on the try line and are 5.6 metres apart with a crossbar set at 3 metres. The height of the posts varies according to the club's wishes.

Other important lines on the pitch include the half way mark at 50 metres. A dashed 10 metre line set each side of the 50 metre line, which is used to judge kickoffs, and a solid 22 metre line marked 22 metres from each tryline. Other lines include two dashed lines set at 5 and 15 metres marked parallel to each touchline. These lines are used mostly to identify the zones for lineouts.

Rugby union is played in different variations depending on the number of players on the field for each team. The typical game is played with fifteen players per side and lasts 80 minutes, with 40 minutes being played in each half. An abridged version is also very popular but is played with seven players per team over two seven minute halves. A less often played version is called tens and is played with ten players per side.

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The Players Teams in a fifteens match will consist of two groups of players, the forwards and the backs. Each position has a specific number and responsibilities during the two 40 minutes halves of a match. The players are as follows:

FORWARDS - the group of players normally numbered 1 through 8 who bind together into scrums, lineup for lineouts, and commit themselves to most rucks and mauls.

#1 Prop - (loosehead) Responsibilities are to support the hooker during scrums and 2nd rows during lineouts. #2 Hooker - the frontrow forward wearing No. 2. The player is supported on either side in the scrum by props and is required to gain possession of the ball in the scrum by hooking or blocking the ball with one of his/her feet. The hooker will normally also be the forward throwing the ball into the lineout. #3 Prop - (tighthead) Responsibilities are to support the hooker during scrums and 2nd rows during lineouts. #4 & #5 - Lock - either of the two forwards normally wearing No. 4 and No. 5.Typically the largest players on the field, they have primary responsibility for being the power in scrums and securing the ball in lineouts. Due to their size, they are also normally powerful forces in all loose play, rucks, and mauls. Also known as Second Row. #6 & #7 - Flanker - either of the two forwards wearing No. 6 or No. 7. Also called wing forwards or breakaways they bind to the scrum outside of the locks just behind the outside hip of the props. They can play always on the same side of the scrum or can specialize on either the weakside or strongside. The players with the fewest set responsibilities, their job is to aggressively pursue the ball, gain possession, and take off running. Also known as Breakaway Forward. #8 Number 8 - the forward who wears the jersey with the No. 8. This player binds into the scrum normally at the very base between the two locks. His/her responsibility is to initiate attacks by the forwards from scrums or to provide a stable ball from the scrum for the scrumhalf.

BACKS - the group of players normally numbered 9 through 15 who do not participate in scrums and lineouts, except for the scrumhalf. #9 Scrumhalf - the back wearing No. 9 who normally feeds the ball into a scrum and retrieves the ball at the base of scrums, rucks, and mauls. Can also be called the halfback. #10 Flyhalf - the back wearing No. 10 who normally receives the ball from the scrumhalf. Also called the Outhalf, Outside half or 1st 5/8th, he/she will call plays for the backline, pass the ball to other backs, or provide most of the tactical kicks. Also known as First 5/8th. #11 & #14 - Wing - either of the two backs wearing No. 11 or No. 14. Each will normally stay on the same side of the back line they are on throughout the match and are typically expected to be the fastest sprinters in the side.Wingers also have key duties during defense helping the fullback cover kicks and counterattacking. #12 & #13 - Centre - either of the backs wearing No. 12 (inside) or No. 13 (outside).

Powerful runners who are the heart of the back running attack and defense.

The inside centre can also be called the 2nd 5/8th. #15 Fullback - the back wearing No. 15 who normally plays deep behind the backline.

In offense the fullback is a dangerous attacking position hitting holes unexpectedly at pace, in defense the fullback has primary responsibility for covering all tactical kicks down field by the opposition.

Adapted from www.rugbycanada.com

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Saint Francis High School In 1962, our school was built as a co-institutional (not co-educational) unit consisting of:  SAINT FRANCIS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, located in the “A” WING and taught by women; the Principal was a nun;and  SAINT FRANCIS BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, located in the “B” WING and taught by men, including three priests; the Principal was a layman.  The administrative offices, cafeteria, labs, and gym located in the “N” WING were shared.

In the 1950’s, high schools in Alberta were concerned primarily with preparing students for university entrance. In 1960, the University of Calgary, (then the University of Alberta in Calgary), opened with two buildings – The Faculty of Arts and The Faculty of Science. The site of our school was chosen because of its proximity to this establishment.

A change in the philosophy of secondary education in the 1960’s led to high schools accepting the broader responsibility of attempting to meet the needs of all students and commercial, technical, and general programs were planned. For the opening of the 1964-65 school year, Saint Francis Boys High School and Saint Francis Girls High School merged to form SAINT FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL, a co-educational institution under one Principal.

In 1965 federal government grants made possible the building of the “C” and “D” VOCATIONAL WINGS of the school. The new construction provided areas for automotives, beauty culture, carpentry, commercial art, data processing, drafting, electricity, electronics, home economics, hot metals, and machine shop.

The 1966 anticipated growth of the vocational programs did not occur, resulting in courses being reorganized and renamed, labs opened, closed, and reassigned each year.

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The next twenty years saw, several major renovations and the addition of eighteen portables. Our evolution into a liberal arts Roman Catholic High School serving over 1700 students in the communities of northwest Calgary, Alberta. Our dedicated and talented faculty and staff are pleased to offer one of the most comprehensive programs in Alberta. These include all academic disciplines, Advanced Placement, Extended French, Fine Arts, International Languages, Active Life Skills Physical Education Program, as well a very large offering in Career and Technology Studies.

Over the past 49 years, the school has built extraordinary extra-curricular programs in art, drama, music, and athletics.

In Calgary, Saint Francis is renowned for its prowess in football with a record of: Junior Boys: City Finalists 16 times and City Champions 15 times Senior Boys: City Finalists 7 times, City Champions 23 times, and Provinical Champions 4 times In Rugby our record of: Girls: City Finalists 5 times and City Champions 1 Junior Boys: City Finalists 2 Senior Boys: City Finalists 3 times, and City Champions 7 times

WE ARE HERE TO PLAY HARD AND TO LEARN ALL THAT WE CAN!

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Acknowledgements Saint Francis High School Boys Rugby is making a fourth trip to Victoria, B.C. in April 2012.

Our last three trips in 2005, 07, and 09 were a huge success. The trips have helped with the growth of this great sport at Saint Francis. The biggest part about this great game is the development of the spirit of comradeship. Enduring friendships are made that will open doors throughout the rugby playing world.

From April 18 to 21, 2012, the squad will embark on a two game tour of top rugby schools in Victoria and area. The team would like to thank our hosts Claremont High School and Shawnigan Lake School for being gracious hosts, and allowing our players experience such high rugby culture that exists in Victoria. In addition to going to the best rugby schools in Canada, the Saint Francis players will have the opportunity to train with best coaches and players in the sport. We thank Doug Tait, University of Victoria Coach, Tim Murdy, Shawnigan Lake Coach and Kieran Crowley, National team Coach.

This tour would not be possible without the tremendous support of the school administration. They have been super. Special mention goes to Mr. Darren Dudar, our school vice principal who has worked hard on our behalf. A special thank-you is also extended to Mr. Jeremy Cowan who has handled a lot of the administrative paper work that has gone into making this trip possible. Mrs. Debbie Berze our athletic director who has been very supportive of the Rugby team, Thank-you! The team would also like to thank Mr. John Schwengler for putting the tour program together.

To the parents, a special thank you for your support and confidence. It has been a hectic time of fundraising, school studies, and outside activities, this together with other family commitments have made for an extremely busy winter. We couldn’t have done it without you!

The Calgary Business Community has again been very supportive with their donations. The players and administration are grateful for your donations and would like acknowledge your support. The team would like to send a special thank-you to Mr. Kevin Drake for buying the players the playing kit for the tour.

A warm and heartfelt thank you goes out to the friends of Saint Francis High School and Rugby Union in particular, for your financial donation and good wishes for the success of this tour. The team will do us all proud both on and off the field.

Sincerely, Gerry Audia

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The Calgary Saracens RFC would like to wish the Saint Francis Rugby team good luck with their trip to Victoria

Calista Homes

www.calgarysaracens.com

BOX 86013 RPO Marda Loop Calgary, Alberta T2T 6B7

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