December 7-11 2016 Atlantis in
Barbados
(Atlantis
tournament #160)
Amy Kingsbury and
Steve Bugh
with edits and comments by Emil Signes
videographers: Amy, Steve and Matt Szkotak
DECEMBER 24, 2016 (rev. January 23,
2017 20:23)
Atlantis Men, Women at Barbados
Sevens
to do: 23 Jan
2017: see below
1) NEED PIX (a) Wed.
night: any pix to fill the comments on Wed?
2) looking for positive comments about
this tour (appreciated and sometimes used to promote us)
3) ¿Anthony Alexander ht,wt?
Barbados is
not the Northeast US!
After a trip from mostly cold US
cities, the Atlantis men and women arrived to the sights
below. It snowed where I was (Bethlehem, PA) - I couldn't
attend for personal reasons -, and although I was pleased by
all the reports I got, I was also jealous. - Emil
2016-12-07-est-beach-at-dusk-1400w.jpg
Barbados: the beach at
sunset
2016-12-08-est-beach
scene by day-1600w.jpg
The beach by our hotel
We were warned about the
undertow
The tour is described from two different perspectives
below.
Amy Kingsbury AKA Beef wrote in detail on social parts of
the tour and a bit on the playing results; her text is
given in pink.
Steve "Bug Man" Bugh wrote up the
men's matches in detail with an occasional nod to the
off-field stuff; his text is given in blue.
I know, I know, it's all so
stereotypical... But it'll definitely help you
understand who's writing what.
My text is in boring black. - Emil
Barbados through its flag
Every few years I put together a compilation of flags
representing all the countries that we have visited.
This flag, of Barbados is, I think, one of the nicer ones. And
of course I think we should always know something about the
lands we visit.
From barbados.org: Blue represents the sea and sky of
Barbados, while gold represents the sand of the island's
beaches. The symbol at the center of the flag represents the
Trident of the mythical sea god, Neptune - the shaft of the
trident is broken symbolizing Barbados' break from Britain.
(The colonial flag contained a complete trident.)
Clicking on the flag image below will lead you to a map of
Barbados, and from that page clicking on the map will lead you
to several pages of facts about Barbados: briefly, it's
located NE of Venezuela in the Caribbean with an area only a
little more than double that of Washington, DC, and a
population of only about 250,000.
Barbados gained its freedom from Britain on November 30, 1966,
so Atlantis arrived just a week after the 50th anniversary of
Barbados' independence.
FLAG of Barbados.jpg
Flag of Barbados
Click on flag to see the map of Barbados,
then click on the map to see facts about Barbados
Rugby in Barbados goes back to 1964,
even before independence. Until 1995, however, there
was only one rugby club, called the Barbados Rugby
Union. Barbados became a member of the International
Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1995, simultaneously with
expansion to 3 clubs. Currently there are five
clubs. As of December 25, 2016, Barbados was ranked
77th in the world (out of 103 nations ranked).
Atlantis Staff
The staff for the Atlantis men
included a) the management team of Steve Bugh
(manager, also in charge of media and documentation) assisted
by Dan Whetzel and Matt
Szkotak and b) coaches Chris Ryan
and Marsh Pennington.
The staff for the Atlantis women included manager Stephie-Jo
Edwards, coaches Dana Creager and Billy
Nicholas, and Media & Documentation Manager Amy
Kingsbury.
Purvi Desai served as athletic trainer
for both teams.
The Emperor of Atlantis (that would be me [Emil
Signes]) is making up for his absence by trying to
compile a coherent article based on information given to me by
various sources on the Atlantis tour party.
In the tables below, "APN" = Atlantis Player No. and "#" =
Jersey No.
Atlantis
Players
Roster, Atlantis Men at 2016
Barbados Sevens
APN
|
First
Name
|
Last
Name
|
#
|
Club
|
Ht
in
|
Wt
lbs
|
|
Age on
12/10
|
Position(s)
7s
|
1260
|
Anthony
|
Alexander
|
VII
|
Little
Rock
|
?
|
?
|
|
30.9
|
2,4
|
1163
|
Blake
|
Blaylock
|
VI
|
Little
Rock
|
70
|
195
|
|
26.9
|
4,5,6,7
|
931
|
Walt
|
Elder
|
I
|
Kansas
City Blues
|
75
|
220
|
|
25.2
|
1,3,6
|
1261
|
Brett
|
Funderburk
|
III
|
U. Houston
|
79
|
235
|
|
23.8
|
1,3,7
|
933
|
Matt
|
Hughston
|
IX
|
Charlotte
|
75
|
220
|
|
27.4
|
1,3,6
|
1136
|
Corey
|
Jones
|
II
|
Little
Rock
|
76
|
215
|
|
23.3
|
1,6
|
934
|
Chris
|
Mattina
|
X
|
New York
AC
|
73
|
210
|
|
23.7
|
6,5,7
|
1262
|
Chris
|
Milledge
|
V
|
Charlotte
|
68
|
175
|
|
25.4
|
4,5
|
1025
|
Chris
|
Schade
|
VIII
|
Columbus
(OH)
|
70
|
235
|
|
26.6
|
2,6,7
|
1140
|
ConRoy
|
Smith
|
IV
|
[NOVA, most recent]
|
71
|
195
|
|
25.0
|
7,6
|
1263
|
Mikey
|
Te'o
|
XI
|
Belmont Shore |
69 |
205 |
|
23.4
|
4, 7 |
2016-12-10 Atlantis Men in Barbados.jpg
Atlantis Men at 2016 Flow Rugby Barbados World 7s
Top, L to R:
Walt Elder, ConRoy Smith, Chris Mattina, Blake Blaylock,
Brett Funderburk, Corey Jones, Chris Ryan, Matt Hughston,
Steve Bugh,Matt Szkotak
Bottom, L to R: Dan Whetzel, Mikey Te'o, Anthony Alexander,
Chris Milledge, Marsh Pennington, Chris Schade
Roster, Atlantis Women at 2016
Barbados Sevens
APN
|
First
Name
|
Last
Name
|
#
|
Club
|
Ht
in
|
Wt
lbs
|
|
Age on
12/10
|
Position(s)
7s
|
1027
|
Hannah
|
Gauthreaux |
VII
|
Lindenwood
U.
|
63
|
130
|
|
22.0
|
4,7
|
888
|
Megan
|
Hanson
|
II
|
NOVA
|
61
|
130
|
|
34.9
|
2,1,3
|
| 1264 |
Summer |
Harris-Jones |
XI
|
U.
Virginia |
68 |
170 |
|
20.5 |
6,7 |
941
|
Ariel
|
Johnson
|
IV
|
NOVA
|
65
|
140
|
|
26.8
|
1,2,3
|
1265
|
Peyton
|
Larus
|
IX
|
James
River
|
69
|
170
|
|
23.5
|
1,2,3,7
|
997
|
Kaelene
|
Lundstrum
|
I
|
Twin
Cities Amazons
|
72
|
165
|
|
28.9
|
1,2,3,7
|
1266
|
Kim
|
Semiglia
|
V
|
Life
University
|
66
|
130
|
|
24.2
|
5,6,7
|
1267
|
Christina
|
Swift
|
XII
|
Life
University
|
65
|
137
|
|
23.0
|
1,2,4,7
|
1268
|
Davon
|
Thomas
|
X
|
Lindenwood
U.
|
66
|
158
|
|
22.1
|
1,6,7
|
956
|
Jessica
|
Turner
|
III
|
Berkeley
All Blues
|
62
|
179
|
|
34.3
|
3,1,2
|
1269
|
Abby
|
Vestal
|
VIII
|
ARPTC
|
69
|
170
|
|
27.7
|
1,3
|
914
|
Josie
|
Ziluca
|
VI
|
San Diego
Surfers
|
65
|
155
|
|
27.6
|
1,2,6,7
|
2016-12-10 Atlantis
Women in Barbados-1400w.jpg
Atlantis
Women at 2016 Flow Rugby Barbados World 7s
Top, L to R:
Stephie-Jo Edwards, Dana Creager, Christina Swift, Jessica
Turner, Kaelene Lundstrum, Summer Harris-Jones, Abby Vestal,
Peyton Larus, Billy Nicholas, Amy Kingsbury
Bottom, L to
R: Ariel Johnson, Hannah Gauthreaux, Megan Hanson, Kim
Semiglia, Davon Thomas, Josie Ziluca
These were the tournament groupings:
Men's
Group A
|
Men's
Group B
|
...
|
Women's
Group A
|
Women's
Group B
|
Atlantis
|
Defense
Force (T&T)
|
|
Aptoella
Angels (CAN)
|
Dog River
Howlers (CAN)
|
Barbados
|
Northeast
Academy (USA)
|
|
Barbados
|
Northeast
Academy (USA)
|
Esher
Lions (England)
|
Border
Reivers (Scotland)
|
|
Atlantis
|
Phoenix
(FL ODA, USA)
|
USA Rugby
South Panthers
|
Upright
Rugby Rogues (CAN)
|
|
Scion
Sirens (USA)
|
Police
(T&T)
|
Xhosa
(T&T/Guyana)
|
Warriors
(Caribbean combined)
|
|
Rugby
Ecosse (Scotland/
Holland)
|
Toronto
Saracens (CAN)
|
Most of the rest of this article is in the words of people
that were actually there.
Amy called her logs the "Emperor's Logs" as they were to keep
me informed. I have renamed each - to represent its author -,
a "Beef's Log." - Emil
Beef's Log Day 1 (Wednesday, 12/7/16)
< PICTURES OF WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
>
< are there any that include things talked
about below >
Stephie-Jo, Dana and Beef arrived at the Bridgetown Airport
and swiftly made their way through customs with Atlantis
newbie Kim Semiglia in tow. The process was quick and easy for
most, very much unlike the Trinidad airport of yesteryear.
We checked into the sparkling Dover Beach Hotel (DBH) and were
immediately taken by the breathtaking qualities of the sights
and sounds of the ocean. Most of our rooms had two views, one
over the palm shrouded pool and the other overlooked an empty
lot… that led to the crashing waves.
We ventured out into St. Lawrence Gap to find snacks and
drinks, and to do some research and development for the team
dinner. We stumbled into Irie Foods and were smitten with the
owner Curtis and his family’s establishment. We talked a great
length about business, num nums, and fresh squeezed juices and
their many health benefits. As we sipped on our complimentary
juice flights, we knew this was the place to bring the
Atlantis family. Finishing up, we caught a few glimpses of the
Northeast ODA teams, who were staying at the apartments behind
Irie, and we told Curtis to load them up with as much rum
punch as possible.
The locals loved talking to us about president-elect Trump,
which was hilarious, especially given the fact that we'd had a
couple of beers on top of the very little food that was in us.
Many laughs ensued, but Curtis, the smart man he is, plied us
with homemade Jamaican banana bread and of course, some more
Banks beer.
We parted ways with our new found friends and headed back to
DBH. En route we decided that we might need more than
23,392,671 beers and one slice of banana bread, so we stopped
at a local eatery, Rude Boyz (though Dana swears it is Lucky’s
from Tobago transported to Barbados) for a snick-snack. Boy,
were we pleased! The Bajan delights, Jam Bites, and hot, yes
we want them hot!
After a rousing discussion of local foods, anti-biotic
protocol, water to beer intake ratio, island dancing, Tobago
2015, Lucky, and alcohol content in island beer.
Jaunting downstairs, we stopped real quick for some groceries
and then walked our cute lil’ faces on home, groceries in tow.
Upon arrival, we convened with Puddin and decided that Irie
Foods was THE PLACE to have team num nums. After some emailing
and familial chats with new faces and old, we decided that we
should enjoy the outdoor balcony adjacent to our room. Try as
we might, we could not open the sliding door! We pushed,
pulled, poked, and prodded to no avail. Finally, after
exhausting our tiny nubbins, we decided to have the player
liaison reach out and attempt their tricks of the trade on the
door. We banged on several of the girls’ doors… no answer.
Finally, Abby Vestal, of Kansas City and ARPTC, burst out of
her room, eager to press pause on Grownups 2 to help some
sisters out. After approximately seven and a half minutes.
Abby V realized that we had ALL been attempting to open a
sliding door that was screwed shut… on one side. Finally,
success on the OTHER side of the door and found our way
outside to some rainy, rainy chairs.
We bid adieu to Sharese and Eugene our lovely bartenders, who
were pretty busy closing up and jamming out to the sweet,
sweet island beats.
Beef’s Log Day 2 (Thursday, 12/8/16)
The first morning sessions went off without a hitch. The gang
met around the pool for introductions and a quick game of
“Colors” led by social chairs Ariel Johnson and Walt Elder.
Chris Schade ended the pre-practice sesh by explaining the
ongoing game of Shark Attack, after which we all had to find a
place, other than the ground, to stand. Stephie-Jo was the
first victim, RIP.
2016-12-08-est-meet-at-pool-1500w.jpg
Team Meeting at Pool ... Looks
like Walt has a point he needs to get across
2016-12-08 AM practice faciliy-2000w.jpg
This is the facility where our Thursday morning
practice took place
2016-12-08_
MW-practice-Stephie-Jo.jpg
Both teams organize their practice: the women
are in the foreground, men behind.
Obstructing the view of half the men's team -
while showing off her muscular build - is Stephie Jo
Practice went very smoothly, beginning with a nice game of
touch with the two squads intermingling. As the men and women
split, smiles and sweat were abound and spirits even higher.
After getting their legs stretched out after traveling and
discussing the team strategy for the weekend, the athletes
gathered around Schade once again to pull their “Animals”.
These adorable little trinkets would serve two tour purposes.
First, they had a matching animal with the other sex, and your
“pair” was who was to nickname you. Our animal couples sidled
up to one another and ventured into the wild streets of
Barbados for snacks, groceries and post-workout recovery. Upon
reconvening for the second practice it was discovered that
Puddin and US Eagle Mikey Te’o were “Ocean Pals” and walked
together into the sea for a refreshing dip following the first
practice. Such a precious pairing.
The second practice was located a short jaunt from our lodging
and coincidentally was also the location of the young Bajan
track and field meet held earlier in the day. With the
immaculate black lines streaking the field, the Atlantis crew
warmed up together with a 10 on 10 youngest versus oldest game
of touch**. The Bajan kids,
lolling about in the background, played their own games
simultaneously. The Atlantis game was made even more
entertaining, at least to the staff, when the teams were
required to play with two balls at the same time. Most were
confused, which was thoroughly enjoyable. After practice the
athletes scampered off to get started on caroling practice and
hose down slash recover. The coaches and staff headed to The
Gap Bar for Banks and chalk talk before scooting over to
the managers meeting.
**
[Emil's note: the tradition of this "Coke-Pepsi" game began in
the late 80s: since the 60s, Pepsi had been marketing itself as
the drink of the new, younger, generation - which they called
"The Pepsi Generation" - and as I recall, some friendly banter
among the players on the US Eagles team I coached then resulted
in the concept and the names. From that time - with both
the Eagles and Atlantis, we had regular touch games between the
Cokes {the older half of the team} and the Pepsis {the young
'uns} on several squads, men and women and co-ed, and the
tradition still continues.]
2016-12-08-practice-PM.jpg
Co-ed touch game (probably the Coke-Pepsi game)
The Managers meeting was rich with
backslaps. Per tradition, Dana questioned the refs like a
drill sergeant, and of course, had them retracting some of
their statements within moments. No one knows the rules like
Dana Creager. As the meeting wrapped up, the sky lit up with
lightning and soon opened with some heavy downpours.
With high hopes that caroling would take place, the kids
bopped back to DBH to don their gay apparel, which they did,
very nicely. “Sunburnt Santas” filled the lobby with the
jingle jangle of bells and snorkels and sunglasses galore. As
they headed towards the fields for caroling, the skies yet
again opened and mad dashes for cover were valiantly made. The
kids made it to the stage and sang their little hearts out!
More rain drove the crowds indoor (or back to the hotel) where
more carousing and general revelry ensued. To our delight,
Esher missed the caroling and were demanded to perform
impromptu in The Sporting Pig to a cheering crowd.
They sang a traditional English tune (which many of us did not
know) and totally crushed the costume game.
Bug Man
re Thursday Night Caroling –
Events Summary
(from a male manager’s perspective)
This event was held at the Time Out Hotel Bar. It
was pouring out most of the evening which held the crowd
down…luckily the bar was open and had enough room to
accommodate the teams that were there. The
referees sang first, followed by Atlantis.
Everyone was in costume and the team put three songs
together. I have mentally blocked out most
of our singing, but we WERE entertaining!
Northeast followed and opened with an inspired version
of the song Atlantis closed with…Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer. Their hip-hop
performance earned them first place. They were
followed by the Howlers and Phoenix. Esher showed
up VERY late (I had gone to bed), but still performed
well enough to pick up third place.
2016-12-08-Atlantis-song-practice-1400w.jpg
Atlantis practicing for its
participation in the Christmas Caroling
festivities
Click on the image to see the performance
Beef’s Log Day 3 (Friday, 12/9/16)
What a whirlwind of a day. Teams headed to the horse track for
the last training session and got some solid reps in. Feeling
fresh and looking good, the teams enjoyed a leisurely
afternoon of recovery, dry needling courtesy of the wonderful
trainer Purvi Desai, some loving touches and massage therapy
from Stephie-Jo as well as some mental exercises and technique
work with a scrumhalf session with Dana and Pudge.
IMG_1668-bus-from-practice.jpg
Heading back from practice
In the front row: Purvi, Kim, 5-Oh, Abby
After a nice, relaxing afternoon, the gang headed to team
dinner at Irie Foods, which was tasty and slow cooked to
perfection. Following dinner, the team announced nicknames, a heartwarming jersey ceremony and a rousing
fine session. A team picture capped off the night, before
athletes were sent to bed following a last chance chalk talk
and team bonding.
2016-12-16 Team Meal at Irie-1500w.jpg
Friday night: Joint Team Meal at Irie Foods
I love this picture (even though I'm
not in it 
)
Bug Man
re Friday Night – Team Dinner
Friday dinner was held at the Irie Restaurant, a
traditional Caribbean joint just a short walk from our
hotel. Accommodations were tight, but we had the
place to ourselves for the evening. Dinner was
followed by the Nickname Ceremony**,
and then both teams were presented with their
jerseys.
2016-12-09 ariel jersey-1000s.jpg //
2016-12-09 Jersey ceremony-1500w.jpg
Left: Ariel receives jersey from
coaches Billy and Dana
Ariel was returning to the playing field following a
bout with cancer - wonderful to see!!!!!
Right: Players and their jerseys at Irie
Foods
** [Emil's note: I was sent
a list of nicknames. Browsing it, I concluded
immediately that this was a tough group. Rather than
present nicknames with given names, I will simply
list the nicknames in no particular order... Sumo,
Butterfly, Ramen, Shit Pants, Extra, Xanadu, Piss
Pants, RooRoo, Walt, Dasher, Josie Cat, McLovin,
Guwop, Ddubs, Bay Watch, St. Baby Face, Mighty
Mouse, Dr. Honky Tonk, Frozen, Magic Mike, Chef,
200, Delta Farce.]
Beef’s Log Day 4 (Saturday, 12/10/16)
What day is it?? Game day woooooooo!
IMG_3431-both teams.jpg
The two teams gather, with their new jerseys, ready
to play
Top, Left to Right: Dana Creager
(coach), Steve Bugh (manager; media & documentation), Amy
Kingsbury (media & documentation), ConRoy Smith, Brett
Funderburk, Megan Hanson, Summer Harris-Jones, Walt Elder,
Peyton Larus, Matt Hughston, Chris Schade, Mike Te'o, Ariel Johnson, Chris
Mattina, Corey Jones, Abby Vestal, Chris Ryan (coach), Billy
Nicholas (coach), Marsh Pennington (coach), Stephie-Jo Edwards
(manager), Matt Szkotak (asst.
mgr; video)
Bottom, Left to right: Kaelene Lundstrum,
Dan Whetzel (asst. mgr), Chris Milledge, Anthony
Alexander, Hannah Gauthreaux, Christina Swift, Kim
Semiglia, Jessica Turner, Josie Ziluca, Blake Blaylock,
Davon Thomas, Purvi Desai, Trainer
Emil's note: even
with 21st century technology, cameras can represent color
wrong. The picture above shows these jerseys as some
kind of royal blue color, which they weren't (see the pictures
below - Ariel's and all the action pix -, which are pretty
close to accurate). In my original 1986 request for a
team jersey I requested that the Atlantis color be
"turquoise." The nearest our supplier back then could
get was a dark teal, which I didn't particularly like but was
the best we could do. I'm still working on my "perfect"
color... .
JT refers elsewhere in this article to the "ocean blue" of
Atlantis; I sometimes think of it as "sea green." I
guess a little identity confusion is OK. The definition I
found on google.com when I searched for turquoise was "a
greenish-blue color: 'the turquoise waters of the bay'" ...
Our current jerseys are, I guess, pretty close.
1988-05-Benidorm+Gata
kids.jpg
Left, 1988:
Original Atlantis (cotton) teal jerseys in 1988 (at
Benidorm 7s, Spain)
Center, 2016: Atlantis jersey in
Barbados / Right: the sea at the
Barbados coast
SATURDAY
A breezy and scenic bus ride brought us to
Frederick Secondary School. The first set of games saw some
impressive debuts for rookies Brent Funderburk and Summer
Harris-Jones, who both put points on the board for their
respective sides. The men came up victorious 33-0 over the
tournament host team, Barbados, while the women, who struggled
to find their rhythm fell 15-5 to the Aptoella Angels (official score 17-5).
2016-12-10_Lunde-tackles-Aptoella-1400w.jpg
Lunde has made tackle on
Aptoella; Josie starts to organize defense
The second
round of matches left both Atlantis and squads with tough
faceoffs against notorious foes. The men had the fans on
the edge of their seats, with a nail-biter 12-7 loss to
Esher. Schade noted that finishing skills kept them from a
win. The ladies took on tough rival Scion. Unfortunately,
their young speedsters got the best of the squad and
Atlantis fell 17-7 (official score
22-7). Power forward, Five-Ohhh Hanson, left the
match prematurely: an ill-timed hit activated her chronic
“Sweaty-Balls” ailment, which in actually is some pretty
severe nerve damage that causes her to temporarily lose
feeling in her right arm. The ladies focused on regrouping
and improving their offensive game plan.
2016-12-10g2 Kim runs v Scion-1600w.jpg
Kim Semiglia runs vs Scion as Josie frees herself to
support
Game 3 was a real doozy all around. The men fell 17-15 to
Xhosa, a combined group of Trinidadians and Guyanans. The
women faced off against the tournament front-runner Ecosse.
The gals had some sweet moments that would for sure make the
ESPN highlight reel – including a kick reception from Jessica
“JT” Turner. Also, Kaelene “Lunde” Lundstrum had a smasher of
a kick into beautiful chase, but alas, she was egregiously and
rudely obstructed. Despite the 38-0 score line, the team had
some positive takeaways.
2016-12-10g3-Hannah tackles
Ecosse-1400w.jpg [stills from video]
Hannah takes down Ecosse ballcarrier
Steve Bugh
(AKA Bug Man) provided a more detailed description of the men's
matches. Less subjective and more factual, his comments
nonetheless miss some of the witty charm of Beef's perspective. It
was a perfect pair of authors. Like Jack Sprat and his wife, they
licked the subject clean.
First, Bug Man described the field and conditions for both squads
(the games were played at the Frederick Smith School and the Maple
Club, located next to one another in Holetown,
on the west coast of Barbados, in the parish of St. James).
Steve: There were two pitches separated by a small hill and a wooded area. Both pitches ran
north and south, with a strong wind out of the east at 15-25 mph
that blew throughout the weekend.
The lower pitch was closer to town, and was bordered at
the north end zone by a cricket clubhouse/stand that served as
the tournament HQ. The
upper pitch was bordered by an elementary school. Instead of tents,
each team was assigned a classroom in the building. While the rooms were
stuffy and not terribly comfortable, we all had nice views of
the upper pitch, access to bathrooms, and easy access to food
when needed.
The Men's
Brackets
Pool A – ATLANTIS, Barbados RFU, Esher RFC, Xhosa Select
(Trinidad/Guyana players), Rugby South U-20
Pool B – Northeast Academy, Police RFC (Trinidad), Rugby
Rogues (Canada), Border Reivers (Scotland), Defence
Force (Trinidad)
Format: the top 2 teams in each bracket moved to the
championship pool. They played each other in pool
play on Sunday, and finished with championship and 3/4
place matches.
Balance of teams were reseeded into two three team
pools. Top team in each bracket played for plate
championship.
SATURDAY – Pool A Game One --- Atlantis
33 Barbados 0 --- Field 1 (lower
pitch)
Starting lineup – Elder, Alexander, Blaylock;
Te’o, Milledge, Hughston, Smith
2016-12-10-est-huddle-IMG_3459-1500w.jpg
Team Huddle
Starting
at 1 O'Clock and going clockwise, they are:
Chris Schade, Anthony Alexander, Chris Milledge, Matt
Hughston, Chris Mattina, ConRoy Smith, Walt Elder, Blake
Blaylock, Mike Te'o
The game
opened with Barbados kicking. After
generating some initial pressure, Atlantis was able to
move deep into the Barbados end thanks to a break up the
left sideline by ConRoy Smith. Several phases
later, Chris Milledge was able to center our first
try. Mikey Te'o’s conversion put Atlantis up 7-0
three minutes into the match.
The kickoff resulted in Atlantis possession (common
theme). Some sloppy ball handling allowed Barbados
to gain some territory, but a poor pass off a lineout
was intercepted by Hughston. Some clean ball
handling and some patience led to a break by ConRoy up
the right side. That closed the half with the
score 12-0 Atlantis. Corey and Schade subbed in at
half.
Atlantis worked the opening kickoff to the left side
where ConRoy took the ball 80 meters to spot it between
the posts. Te'o’s conversion made it 19-0.
Funderburk in for ConRoy after the try.
An offside call on the KO gave the ball to
Barbados. Barbados ran a weave backwards before
Milledge stole a pass, offloaded to Schade who dished to
Funderburk for his try try with Atlantis. Te’o
conversion made the score 26-0. Mattina in the
game.
Walt Elder did some nice work on defense to make sure
Barbados could find the try zone. After some back
and forth, Brett Funderburk found space up the right
side to score his second try. Te’o closed out the
scoring to make the final
Left: 2016-12-10-purvi tapes
ConRoy.jpg ... Right:
2016-12-10-ConRoyvBarbados-3a.jpg
Left: Purvi tapes ConRoy back together
Right: Buoyed by the tape job, ConRoy sprints
by Barbados defender
SATURDAY – Pool A Game 2 – Atlantis 7 Esher 12
– Pitch #1 (lower pitch)
Starting lineup - Funderburk,
Mattina, Elder; Te’o, Milledge, Hughston,
Smith
In a rematch of a 5-5 draw in Tobago in 2015, Atlantis
drew Esher next in pool play. Esher kicked off to
Atlantis to open. A quick break by Te’o took
the ball deep in Esher territory. Esher threatened
to score mid first half but stepped out on a
break. (Schade in for Funderburk). Esher
used some nice tight offloading to create a break for
their #5 to score first. Conversion by #4 made it
7-0 Esher.
Atlantis controlled the KO. Solid tackling by
Esher kept Atlantis from exploiting potential gaps until
Mikey Te’o was able to juke some space and go 60 meters
for the equalizer. Te’o conversion and its 7-7 at
the half. (Corey Jones, Blaylock in at half)
Second half opened with Atlantis kick to Esher,
who quickly pinned Atlantis inside its 22. #7 for
Esher went in to put the bad guys up 12-7 (missed
conversion). Alexander and Funderburk in for Smith
and Hughston.
Atlantis appeared to be going in for a game winning try
when Corey Jones stole a lineout and broke 40 meters
into Esher’s end. A knock on by an open wing
whistled the end of the game.
2016-12-10 Scrum vs
Esher-1400w.jpg ... 2016-12-10g3 LO
win vs Xhosa-1400w.jpg [stills from video]
Left: Mike Te'o getting ready to put ball in
vs. Esher
Right: Brett Funderburk wins lineout vs. Xhosa (by about
an inch)
SATURDAY
– Pool A Game 3 – Atlantis 15 Xhosa
17 -
Field #2 – Upper pitch
Xhosa was a combined side made up
of players from Trinidad and Guyana.
Starting lineup – Milledge, Funderburk, C. Jones;
Te’o, Hughston, Elder, Smith
Atlantis KO. Atlantis lineout on right and quick
hands across the field led to break up left side.
ConRoy scored in left corner to make it 5-0 Atlantis
(conversion was short).
Deep kickoff and Xhosa error created more
pressure. Bad penalty and a quick tap by Xhosa led
to an 80 meter break and a 7-5 Xhosa advantage.
KO by Xhosa was misplayed by Funderburk, but Xhosa
penalty gave Atlantis a short lived advantage.
Another penalty gave the ball back to Xhosa and they
were able to convert. (12-5 Xhosa – conversion failed).
The half ended with Atlantis in control but unable to
score an equalizer.
Second half – Xhosa KO deep. We were able
to set up a break up the left side by ConRoy, who posted
his second try of the match in the right corner.
(12-10 Xhosa after missed conversion).
Atlantis KO was taken by Funderburk near the Xhosa 22 to
put more pressure in their end. Penalty to Xhosa
gave some relief. Scrum to Atlantis led to a run
up the right side by Funderburk. Clean second
phase ball was spun left and Te’o put Atlantis up
15-12. (Conversion missed)
Walt Elder fielded the ensuing Atlantis KO, but a wide
pass right was poached by Xhosa. Another penalty
deep in our end resulted in a Xhosa try. Some
questionable timekeeping made this the final play of the
game…17-15 Xhosa.
SATURDAY – Pool Game #4 – Atlantis 36 Rugby South
0 – Pitch #2
Rugby South was a U-20 select side.
Starting lineup – Elder, Hughston, Blaylock; Te’o,
Smith, Milledge, Alexander
Atlantis opening KO deep to South. Lineout to
South was kicked away and second phase possession by Atl
led to a try by ConRoy near the left post. 5-0
after missed conversion.
Atlantis KO deep led to lineout to South.
Converted try was scored but I don’t have notes/video on
details (12-0 Atlantis).
KO short. Free kick to South. Good defense
by Alexander stopped South rush inside 22. Penalty
led to lineout inside our 22. Elder stole lineout, and
third phase ball led to 60 meter try by Te’o.
(Te'o conversion 19-0 Atlantis at the half).
Second half KO by South. Te’o with a nice
skip pass to ConRoy up the right side flipped territory
to Atl. Knock by South inside their 22 set up
scrum led to try by Hughston up the middle. Missed
conversion made it 24-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis was knocked by South. Te’o took
advantage with a nifty run to post near the left flag.
29-0 after failed conversion.
Penalty on Atlantis KO by South. Good hands on
multi-phase play resulted in a try under the posts by
Alexander. Conversion by Blaylock and the final is
36-0 Atlantis.
2016-12-10g4 Hughston
try-1600w.jpg [stills from video]
As he's tackled, Matt Hughston gets ball down
over the tryline vs. USA South.
Day one summary –
We finished with a 2-2 record and were third in Pool A
(despite a 91-29 scoring advantage for the day with two
shutouts!)
Through to Plate round robin on Sunday.
Beef provided a bit of additional
perspective on the last game.
Game 4 brought the
fellas to 2-2, with a resounding win over the USA
RUGBY SOUTH select side. Some nice tries made it
in by Mikey “Magic” Te’o and beautiful conversions
from Blake Blaylock. Chris Mattina moved the ball
so smoothly it could have been one of two things…
butter or ballet. Unfortunately, the Bajan turf
monsters claimed a casualty, Corey Jones, with a
high lateral ankle sprain. Purvi said we will
probably have to amputate with the only tool
available at the field… a dull butter knife. Jones
is expected to make a full recovery.
The women crushed
Barbados in their 4th game of the day, in what
they hoped
would be the start of a winning streak. Following the
game, there
was a joint picture
(I like joint pictures).
2016-12-10_Win-ball-vs-Barbados-1600w.jpg
Abby moves ball from tackle to
Hannah as Ariel secures ball
2016-12-10
Atlantis-&-Barbados
women.jpg
Following the
game our women got
together with the Bajan Women
for this picture
Top: Summer, Lundy, Hannah, Peyton, Kim,
Josie, Davon,
Swift
Bottom: JT, 5-Ohh, Ariel, Abby
On the bus trip
back to the hotel following Saturday's
games Atlantis
shared a bus back with the
Xhosa team, who broke
into song en route. It
reminds me of my
first-ever international
adventure, in Hong
Kong in early
1987. We
were on the bus
with the Fiji
team, and they
broke into
song. It was
my
first experience
with this amazing
aspect
of
international
rugby (several
notches above
- in quality
and content -
the singing
you, Dear
Reader,
may have heard
at the club
level).
The
video that
follows - and,
sadly I
wasn't there -
is a mini-version
of what I got
so emotional
about 30 years
ago, and you
can see some
of the
Atlantis
players enthralled
- at least it
seems that way
to me - by the
event on the
clip below.
I
can't help
but note that
no one in
the world
sings as well
as the Fijians
(well, maybe
the Welsh) - these
guys don't
come close -,
but this sure
seemed like a
lot of fun!
And I love
being part
of a bunch of
people singing
songs - across
a wide spectrum
of both people
and song.
2016-12-10-Happy-on-the-bus-1600w.jpg
[still from video]
Xhosa players (actually
a team of Trinis and
Guyanese) lead the
bus in song
Neither
chronicler provided any
information on Saturday night,
so it is likely that it was
full of rugby content - e.g.
video, a discussion - ¿what
did we do well and what can we
do better? - and an early
evening. My guess,
anyway. Based on almost all
Atlantis tours, from an
early
bedtime on
Friday through the last
whistle on Sunday, we're all
business. - Emil
SUNDAY
Beef’s Log Day 5 (Sunday, 12/11/16)
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, the
kids arrived at the pitch eager to put in WORK. The men
started off with a bang, giving Warriors a thorough lashing as
noted by Five-Ohh’s new friend “The Iceman”. Atlantis Women
answered in similar fashion with a 15-0 win over the Florida
ODA, Phoenix. [Emil's note: I continue to be confused
by this: I just figured out there's a University of Phoenix in
Florida but for me, Phoenix = Arizona (or maybe the 5th Harry
Potter book - can't anything be simple?) Just sayin' ... ]
Some spectacular moments from newcomer
Peyton Larus, including a try-saving, bloody nose inducing
tackle, as well as a beautiful strike line off of a Calypso
from Lunde for the opening try.
2016-12-11g5 pass-for-try-1000w
... 2016-12-11g6 JT vs Police-1000w.jpg [stills
from video]
Left: Christina Swift pass at tackle to Megan Hanson
resulted in a try vs. FL ODA Phoenix
Right: JT disarms the Police (she stiff-armed virtually the
entire team on this run)
The men had a little razzle dazzle up their own sleeves, with
Mikey Te’o leading a clinic featuring jaw dropping dummies and
stutter steps so hard, the crowd thought he might be seizing.
Chris Milledge and Anthony Alexander hit their own gorgeous
strike lines that might have brought the crowd to tears, they
were so beautiful.
Coach Creager was pleased not only with her team’s
performance, but also the fact that she got to have a bite of
macaroni pie and some fish bits, an uncommon occurrence on
game day, in between games. She was also pleased with the 32-0
win over the Police squad and felt that the girls did a great
job working the game plan, offensively controlling the ball to
ground and defensively putting the Po-Po under a great deal of
pressure.
Unfortunately, that same pressure could not be matched in
their Plate final re-match against the Aptoella Angels.
Succumbing to the heat and fatigue, the ladies gave it all
they had on the field, but could not muster enough to take the
Plate.
Left: 2016-12-11g7 Hannah
tackle.jpg ... Right: 2016-12-11g7
Summer attacks.jpg
Left: Hannah lines up the Aptoella wing
Right: Summer
on the attack
Left: 2016-12-11g7
5O-tackle-1.jpg ... Center:
2016-12-11g7 5O-tackle-2.jpg ...
2016-12-11g7 5O-tackle-3.jpg
Megan (5-Ohh) goes
way too high for a good-form tackle, but ... somehow
manages to get it done
The men however, brought the heat and
beat the Upright Rogues for the championship. This - Atlantis vs. Upright Rogues -
has become a regular rivalry match-up in girls,
boys, men's, women's tournament brackets over the
last two years. - Emil
2016-12-10-Conroy
on run v Rogues.jpg
ConRoy
gets loose for one of his two tries in the Plate
Final vs. Upright Rugby Rogues
Here is Bug Man Bugh's perspective on Sunday's men's games.
SUNDAY –
Plate Pool Game #1 – Atlantis 50 Warriors 0
– Field #1
Tournament organizer
Brian Stollmeyer had this to say about the Warriors:
"Warriors was a make-up team of players whose clubs
were not there but wanted to play and included
Bajans**, Grenadians (!) and I think, one Caymanian."
- Emil
** Bajan = a Barbadian,
a shortened corrupted form of Bar-Bajan, which itself is
a phonetically spelled form of Barbadian.
Starting lineup – Hughston, Millledge, Alexander;
Te’o, Elder, Smith, Mattina
Atlantis KO deep left. Poor penalty to Warriors
was mishandled. Scrum to Atlantis set up try by
Hughston. Missed conversion, 5-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis played by Elder to Blaylock. Give
and go with Alexander set up a Blaylock try in the left
corner. 10-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis was delayed while ConRoy took off an
earring (should have been fined). Knock on by Warriors
played by Te’o who dished to Alexander for a try between
the posts. Blaylock conversion made it 17-0.
KO by Atlantis not 10, played by Warriors, who were
given a free kick anyway. Scrum at our 40
misplayed by Warriors led to steal by Hughston.
Phase play freed ConRoy for a try up the right
side. Blaylock missed conversion; halftime score
22-0 Atlantis.
Second Half KO by Warriors. Some
patient handling sprung Funderburk for an 80-meter try
between the posts. Conversion by Mattina for a
29-0 score.
2016-12-11g5-Funderburk-v-Warriors-1500w.jpg
[still from video]
Brett Funderburk breaks loose for 80-m try
vs. Warriors
KO by Atlantis to Warrior 22. Funderburk picked up
errant pass for an easy try between the posts.
ConRoy made the conversion for a 36-0 Atlantis edge.
KO by Atlantis. Bad pass stolen by Schade. Second
phase sprung ConRoy who crossed the try line, then
dished to Mattina who scored between the posts.
Mattina converted his own try to make it 43-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis went directly out (it was windy!).
Warriors big #2 (300 pounds? ) did some damage taking
the ball inside our 22. Nice tackle by Blaylock
led to a quick lineout allowing Atlantis to get out of
danger. Schade earned a penalty on Warriors with
some excellent work in the ruck, leading to a try by
Elder, converted by Blaylock. Final score 50 – 0
Atlantis.
Plate Pool Game #2 – Atlantis 36 USA Rugby South
0 – Field #1
Rematch from yesterday. Atlantis players who had
played with Rugby South were asked to address their team
after yesterday’s game and talk about the opportunities
playing high level Sevens has given them. Nice of
the Rugby South staff to give our guys this chance.
Starting lineup – Elder, Hughston, Alexander;
Te’o, Funderburk, Milledge, Smith
Much tighter opening than yesterday. While
Atlantis controlled most of the early possession, solid
South defense kept scoreboard empty until Milledge found
a seam for a converted try by Te’o. 7-0
Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis (Te’o). Solid play by South
kept some possession but created no real threat.
Penalty for holding ball in South territory led to
another try by Milledge. Missed conversion and
it's 12-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis disrupted by Funderburk, leading to a
lineout to South deep in their end. Disciplined
defense kept South from creating much. Funderburk
stole an errant pass and knocked on what should have
been a try between the posts to close out the half.
Second half KO by South taken deep by Te’o…
Milledge broke up right side, dishing to Mattina setting
up a ruck deep in South end. Second phase sprang
Mattina for a try. Mattina converted his score for
a 19-0 Atlantis lead.
KO by Atlantis. Counter ruck by Te’o who found a
seam up the middle. He converted; 26-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis. Again, strong counter play created
space, this time for Funderburk. His try which he
failed to convert himself, made the score 31-0 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis. ConRoy disrupted the kick but was called
for a knock. Scrum stolen by Mattina set up
possession deep in South end. Alexander kicked
through to himself, took the kick on the fly and scored
easily under the posts. He missed his conversion
to make the final 36-0 Atlantis (amazingly
consistent!)
2016-12-11g6 Anthony kick to
self-1600w.jpg [still from video]
Anthony Alexander kicks to himself for this
try vs. the South
The Plate Pool ended with Atlantis going 2-0 and
outscoring its opponents 86-0. Rugby Rogues, from
Toronto, rolled through their pool, setting up a rematch
of the game that effectively eliminated last year’s
Atlantis team in Tobago.
PLATE CHAMPIONSHIP – Atlantis 19 Rugby Rogues 12
– Field #1
Starting lineup – Funderburk, Elder,
Hughston; Smith, Alexander, Te’o, Blaylock
One more Rick Flair and Atlantis was set for its match
with Rogues.
I had no idea what this "Rick
Flair" stuff was, but - often obsessed by stuff I
don't understand - I finally found Ric Flair on the
web: he's a pro wrestler who liked to say "woo", as in
this little clip, below left:
ric flair.jpg
...
2016-12-11-Atlantis-Ric-Flair-180s.jpg
[stills from video]
Left: Ric Flair being himself // Right: Atlantis Men
being Ric Flair
If you click on
the video of the Plate Final vs. the Upright Rogues (above
right), you'll see our last (I think) Ric Flair - and "Woo!"
- of the tournament.
KO by Rogues which they controlled, creating a lot of
pressure at our 22. Solid defense held Rogues out
of the try zone. Finally Alexander intercepted a
Rogues pass to Milledge. Hughston set up Smith for
a run to midfield relieving the threat. Lineout to
Rogues…solid Rogues possession finally led to a try by
Rogues #6. Missed conversion made it 12 – 0
Rogues.
KO by Rogues deep right to
Funderburk. Phase ball swung left to ConRoy who
broke for a converted try (Te’o) between the posts to
end the half with the score 12-7 Rogues. Seemed
clear from the first half that we could score on these
guys if we could get possession.
Second Half KO by Rogues short and played
by Funderburk. Three phases pinned Rogues deep
with a lineout to them. Stolen by Schade who took
the ball inside the 5 and set a ruck. Hughston ran
off the base to tie the score at 12. Te’o
conversion put Atlantis up 14-12.
KO by Atlantis deep to Rogues. Again solid defense
matched Rogues possession skills until a knock gave
Atlantis a scrum. Penalty to Rogues was countered
by Atlantis. Eventually Matt Hughston was able to
break through Rogues, setting up Smith for a try in the
right corner. Missed conversion meant the game was
still within one score at 19-12 Atlantis.
KO by Atlantis taken cleanly by Funderburk.
Penalty on Rogues allowed Te’o to run off the
clock. Atlantis takes the Plate 19-12.
Left: 2016-12-11 Teo runs
vs Rogues.jpg ... Right: Teo
ready to tackle vs. Rogues
Left: Mikey Te'o on break vs Rogues in Plate
Final, resulting in a try
Right: Mikey ready to make the tackle
SUMMARY – Great rugby on Sunday. Atlantis
made a statement in the pool then won a solid game for
the plate against a good team from Canada.
HARDWARE – Men’s Plate, Second Place Cup for
Caroling (men and women), AND MVP to Walt Elder!
Following the championship games, the men and women’s sides
mingled in the crowds and took plenty of pictures with their
new comrades, while sharing stories and Banks beers. As Brian
came onto the microphone, my memories get pretty fuzzy, but
all sides had a wonderful time and enjoyed their Atlantis
experience.
END BEEF'S
LOG
2016-12-11_Staff-with-Plate-1600w.jpg
Marvelous Management Briefly Bogarts men's Team
Trophy before Final Festivities
Billy, Nine-Finger Chris, Matt, Marsh, Steve, Dana, Purvi,
Stephie-Jo, Amy, Dan
****************
Summary of Results and Game Videos
Atlantis Results at Barbados Sevens,
12/10-11/2016
Gm
|
Opponent
|
Opponent
Type
|
Game
Type
|
W/L/T
|
PF
|
PA
|
Men's Results
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Barbados
|
National Side
|
Pool
|
W
|
33
|
0
|
2
|
Esher
(England)
|
Touring 7s
Side
|
Pool
|
L
|
7
|
12
|
3
|
Xhosa
(T&T/Guyana)
|
Combined Side
|
Pool
|
L
|
15
|
17
|
4
|
USA South
Panthers
|
Select Side
|
Pool
|
W
|
36
|
0
|
5
|
Warriors
(Caribbean)
|
Combined Side
|
Plate Pool
|
W
|
50
|
0
|
6
|
USA South
Panthers
|
Select Side
|
Plate Pool
|
W
|
36
|
0
|
7
|
Upright Rugby
Rogues (CAN)
|
Invitational
Side
|
Plate Finals
|
W
|
19
|
12
|
|
|
|
Total
|
5-2
|
196
|
41
|
Women's Results
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Aptoella (CAN)
|
Invitational
Side
|
Pool
|
L
|
5
|
17
|
2
|
Scion Sirens
(USA)
|
Invitational
Side
|
Pool
|
L
|
7
|
22
|
3
|
Ecosse
(Scotland/Holland)
|
Invitational
Side
|
Pool
|
L
|
0
|
38
|
4
|
Barbados
|
National Side
|
Pool
|
W
|
43
|
0
|
5
|
Phoenix (FL
ODA)
|
Select Side
|
Plate Pool
|
W
|
15
|
0
|
6
|
Police
(T&T)
|
Club Side
|
Plate Pool
|
W
|
32
|
0
|
7
|
Aptoella (CAN)
|
Invitational
Side
|
Plate Final
|
L
|
5
|
41
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
3-4
|
107
|
118
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Videos of
both men and women's games may be found by clicking here
Note of 1/19/17: Dropbox has announced that they are
discontinuing their public folder as of this spring... For this
tournament, I have replaced the men's videos on dropbox by
uploading them to vimeo and the links above go to vimeo.
The women's games - Dana Creager being more prescient than I,
were already on vimeo. At some point I will be have to
update more than 1000 files on dropbox's public folders
including previous Atlantis games, and ... (etc., etc.,
etc.)
Summary of Individual Scoring
Atlantis Men: Individual
Scoring by Game & Total
First
Name
|
Last
Name
|
Game 1
33-0
|
Game 2
7-12
|
Game 3
15-17
|
Game 4
36-0
|
Game 5
50-0
|
Game 6
36-0
|
Game 7
19-12
|
Totals
196-41
|
|
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
Pts
|
Mike
|
Te'o
|
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
2
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
|
2
|
5
|
10
|
45
|
ConRoy
|
Smith
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
|
8
|
1
|
42
|
Brett
|
Funderburk
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
5
|
0
|
25
|
Chris
|
Mattina
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
3
|
16
|
Anthony
|
Alexander
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
3
|
0
|
15
|
Matt
|
Hughston
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
3
|
0
|
15
|
Chris
|
Milledge
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
3
|
0
|
15
|
Blake
|
Blaylock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
3
|
11
|
Walt
|
Elder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
|
Unknown
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
7
|
|
ATLANTIS
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
3
|
8
|
5
|
6
|
3
|
3
|
2
|
32
|
18
|
196
|
|
Points |
|
33
|
|
7
|
|
15
|
|
36
|
|
50
|
|
36
|
|
19
|
|
|
196
|
|
Opponents
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
1
|
7
|
3
|
41
|
|
Points
|
|
0
|
|
12
|
|
17
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
12
|
|
|
41
|
Note 1: One
try and conversion in game 4 (1st USA South game) recorded as
unknown. Can we figure it out?
Atlantis Women: Lineups and
scoring:
Game 1 vs. Aptoella (5-17):
Lundstrum (Larus) / Hanson (Johnson) /Turner (Vestal)
///
Swift (Gauthreaux) / Semiglia / Ziluca (Thomas) / Harris-Jones [T
@ 11:00]
Game 2 vs. Scion (7-22):
Lundstrum (Larus) / Hanson (Johnson) / Turner (Vestal) ///
Swift
(Gauthreaux) / Semiglia / Ziluca (Thomas) / Harris-Jones [T@
2:301]
Game 3 vs. Ecosse (0-38):
Vestal (Turner) / Hanson / Lundstrum (Larus) ///
Swift (Johnson) / Semiglia (Ziluca) / Thomas / Gauthreaux (Thomas)
Game 4 vs. Barbados (43-0):
Larus [T@1:302,@7:20] / Johnson [T@12:003]
(Hanson) / Lundstrum / Vestal ///
Swift [T@5:301] (Johnson) / Turner (Semiglia) / Thomas
(Ziluca) / Harris-Jones [T@0:30] (Gauthreaux [T@8:57,@13:504])
Game 5 vs. Phoenix (15-0):
Larus [T@1:00] (Turner) / Hanson / Lundstrum ///
Swift / Semiglia (Ziluca) / Harris-Jones [T@3:00] / Gauthreaux
[T@6:45]
Game 6 vs. T&T Police (32-0):
Vestal (Lundstrum) / Johnson / Larus [T@8:00{1H},@7:42{2H}]
(Hanson) ///
Swift
(Gauthreaux [T@11:14]) /Turner [T@0:362(Semiglia)
/ Ziluca (Thomas [T@4:30,@6:40]) / Thomas (Harris-Jones)
Game 7 vs. Aptoella (5-41):
Larus (Turner) / Hanson / Vestal (Lundstrum) ///
Swift (Johnson) / Semiglia / Harris-Jones [T@5:30]
(Ziluca) / Gauthreaux (Thomas)
1 Conversion by Swift
2 Conversion by Turner
3 Conversion by Ziluca
4 Conversion by Gauthreaux
Atlantis Women:
Individual Scoring by Game & Total
First
Name
|
Last
Name
|
Game 1
5-17
|
Game 2
7-22
|
Game 3
0-38
|
Game 4
43-0
|
Game 5
15-0
|
Game 6
32-0
|
Game 7
5-41
|
Totals
107-118
|
|
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
T
|
C
|
Pts
|
Summer
|
Harris-Jones
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
0
|
25
|
Hannah
|
Gauthreaux
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
4
|
1
|
22
|
Peyton
|
Larus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
5
|
0
|
20
|
Davon
|
Thomas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
10
|
Christina
|
Swift
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
9
|
Jessica
|
Turner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
9
|
Ariel
|
Johnson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
Josie
|
Ziluca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
|
ATLANTIS
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
7
|
4
|
3
|
0
|
5
|
|
|
|
19
|
6
|
107
|
|
Points
|
|
5
|
|
7
|
|
0
|
|
43
|
|
15
|
|
32
|
|
5
|
|
|
107
|
|
Opponents
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
6
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
3
|
20
|
9
|
118
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
22
|
|
38
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
41
|
|
|
118
|
A few selected players' comments follow. Most of the ones below
were gleaned from Facebook: [- still looking for more quotes -]
JT (Jessica Turner) - I don't even
know what to say to express how happy and grateful I am to have
been on this Atlantis tour to Barbados 7s!! Always a great time,
and many many thanks to so many lovely people for the time of my
life!! I'll always have the memories in my heart
♥ <3.
It was a pleasure to co-lead the team with my wonderful and
amazing friend Josie Ziluca and to Dana Creager for providing me
the opportunity to make it out there!! Much love also to Purvi
Desai, Stephie-jo Edwards, and Amy Kingsbury for taking care of
us during our trip! Also to Billy Nicholas for being an amazing
coach and a wonderful hangout buddy wherever we went.
So proud to have played some great footy with some seasoned vets
and new young talent, I hope you girls keep pursuing your hearts
in all you do Abby Vestal, Hannah Gauthreaux, Kimberly Katie
Semiglia, Christina Leigh Swift, Summer Jones, Davon Thomas,
Peyton Larus, Kaelene Lundstrum, Ariel Denvia Johnson, and of
course the NOVA OG Five-Ohh!!
Finally the big thanks to the Emperor himself Mr Emil Signes for
creating such a wonderful 7s select side. Always an honor to
wear the ocean blue of Atlantis ♥ <3 #soblessed
#thankseveryone #loveyouguys #ilovetheatlantismentoothanksboys
#morepicturestocome
Chris Mattina - Unreal tour with even better people...
can't wait till the next adventure #brobados #atlantisrugby7s
Christina Swift- Had an awesome week and built
friendships that will last a lifetime! Playing with Atlantis was
a blast and such a great experience hopefully there's a next
time! 😁 #atlantisrugby #barbaedos #barbados16 #rugby
Kim Semiglia - Missing Barbados! Super competitive 7s (my
favorite!) + amazing and inspiring friends + beach + Christmas
singing, it couldn't have been much better 😊 I can't wait for
the next trip
Summer Harris-Jones - Had a blast playing for Atlantis!
Until next time Barbados! #barbaedos #atlantisrugby
Chris Milledge - It was an honor to wear the Atlantis
jersey this weekend in Barbados. This is one of the best group
of mates I've ever met and it was a pleasure battling and
partying with these guys all weekend. I can't thank the coaches
and managers enough for their hard work in making this trip
happen and believing in me enough to have an opportunity to play
with one of the most prestigious 7s team in the world. Until
next time ✌️️🇧🇧 #BRObados #Atlantis
Steve "Bug Man" Bugh - "I shot the sheriff...". The guys
won the Plate, MVP, and Atlantis got hardware for caroling!!!
Matt Hughston - World 7s Barbados Plate Winners. What an
honor to be able lead this talented group. #Atlantis
#World7sBarbados
ConRoy Smith: "By far the best tour I have been on yet in
my short time playing rugby. There's nothing like the love,
support, and fun of an Atlantis Tour!"
***************
After the Tournament: Why leave a good time?
One
of my circle of friends' most popular sayings when I was much
younger was (whatever the time or place), "Never leave a good
time!"
Some prescient and lucky members of the tour party stayed on to
enjoy Barbados without the responsibility of an upcoming
tournament.
The following, in Atlantis aquamarine text, is excerpted from a
note I received from Josie.
Jessica Turner,
Ariel Johnson and I (along with my boyfriend, Andrew, and his
Dad) stayed after the tour for a bit.
Monday, Dec. 12. The Monday after the tournament
we were all still with the rugby group and did the rum punch
Catamaran cruise. That night, JT, Ariel, myself, Andrew, and
his Dad all traveled over to the East side of the Island to
stay at a house we had rented. We got in with no food so
ordered a taxi to take us to a nearby restaurant. An
Englishman was running it and we were the last ones to eat,
and he offered to drive us back to the house, very nice.
2016-12-12 on catamaran-1400w.jpg
On rum punch catamaran cruise
Mattina seems to be off the program
Tuesday. Once we woke up, we started exploring the
coves and beaches nearby. There was a little cove called
Shark's Hole which was fun, but further along the beach there
was a beautiful beach in front of Sam Lord's Castle. The story
behind Sam Lord's castle is this guy, Sam Lord, used to trick
incoming ships. He would trick them into thinking that his
area was the port of Bridgetown, by setting up lanterns in
trees and also commanding a small lighthouse. Once the ships
would come that way they would get stuck on a shallow barrier
of coral. One of the best places to swim was in front of the
castle and it was pool-like since the shallow coral barrier
protected us from the raging Atlantic waters.
JT had to leave that day (Tuesday), so we rode in a cab with
her to the airport, said goodbyes, then tried to rent a car
there but they were all taken. At that point, we were trying
to get to a scuba place just west of Dover Beach (where we had
been staying before) to meet Walt for some snorkeling. Long
story short, we eventually made it to the scuba place and met
Walt out on the boat! We snorkeled around several shipwrecks
and even swam with a sea turtle. One of the gentlemen helping
us out with snorkeling ended up joining our group, including
Walt, for a drink at a seaside restaurant. He ended up driving
us (not including Walt, he stayed around Dover Beach area) all
the way back to Sam Lord's Castle area. Very nice of him!
2016-12-13 JT and Ariel-1200s.jpg ...
2016-12-13 approaching beach-JT Ariel
Andrew-1200s.jpg ... 2016-12-13 Ariel Andrew
JT-1200s.jpg
Wandering about. JT, Ariel, Andrew
Josie was the photographer.
Wednesday. The next morning we explored more
around the castle, had breakfast at a nearby hotel (the area
we were at was mainly residential), then went back to the
house. I went with Ariel to the bus stop (of which we ran to
at the end with bags in tow, because the bus was arriving and
we had no idea what the schedule was!) and she was on her way
to the airport.
At that point on Wednesday afternoon it was just Andrew, Dean
(dad), and I, so we rented a taxi driver for about five hours
and did some driving and exploring of the island. It was neat
seeing all the stone foundations for sugar can wind mills. The
driver pointed out to us the one windmill that still had it's
fans turning.
We stopped at an old church with a beautiful view, a botanical
garden that was started by a woman who looked English but she
had grown up in the Caribbean, had late lunch at Atlantis
hotel (buffet style...yum!) which looked over the ocean and
also had served as a rail stop for the rail road that went up
the coast (there were very cool pictures inside), then we
drove and did a bit more sightseeing before coming back. That
same driver said that he'd take us to the airport too (at
2am!)
atlantis hotel sign.jpg ...
atlantis hotel.jpg [latter photo from web]
Atlantis Hotel in Barbados
Perhaps I came up with a too-common name for my team
On the other hand, most of the places named Atlantis that I know
of are pretty nice
The people of
Barbados are kind and open. It was a refreshing experience
to visit this gem of an island.
-Josie
Thanks, Josie. This is my favorite way to end Atlantis
trips. Of course sometimes we don't have the luxury of staying
and have to leave in the wee small hours briefly after the
tournament ends, but there are many exceptions. Laos -
another trip Josie was on - was the best exception ever: we
played the tournament the day after we arrived and had an entire
week for the post-tourney experience. Laos was far from the best
competitive tourney, but it might have been the best overall
experience: see http://emilito.org/rugby/atlantis/2013/t_138.html.
Other tournaments, when we come in early, even sometimes play on
two successive weekends, are common for the national team, but
fewer and far between for Atlantis. One of the best for us
was Spain in 2014. As the home of both branches of my
family it was special for me, and I think for the players as
well. Oh, yeah - Josie was on this one too. See http://emilito.org/rugby/atlantis/2014/t_144.html.
Another trip that involved far more cultural experiences than
playing time was the men's 2000 trip to Cuba, incorporating -
for me - another family visit. See http://emilito.org/rugby/atlantis/2000/t_081.html.
These linked articles, of course, as well as having been written
mostly as a remembrance for members of the tour party for
Atlantis, may also serve as a recruiting tool for us. Interested
in joining us on tour? Read on! (and there are more - see http://emilito.org/rugby/atlantis/tournaments.html
for a list of tournaments.) We are missing links to
several tournaments (I never got a chance - or simply failed -
to write them up), but for the most part, they're there.
Atlantis (including men, women, boys, girls) has participated in160
tournaments - 67 in the US and 93 abroad.
On to play for the USA Falcons
A
second group of players found a destination other than home in
their near future: Matt Hughston, Chris Mattina and Walt Elder.
They headed to South America where they represented the USA
Falcons at the Punta
del Este Sevens in Uruguay and the Viña
del Mar Sevens in Chile.
Following this tournament Matt was invited to a national camp
prior to the US Eagles trip to two legs of the HSBC
World Rugby Sevens Series in Wellington and Sydney. (Been
there, done that, from 2007-09; loved it!)
2017-01 Atlantis alums
in SAm.jpg
3 Atlanteans headed to South
America to play with US Falcons
L to R: Matt
Hughston, Chris Mattina, Walt Elder
Also on that Falcons
team was Atlantis #1236 Alex Faison-Donahoe
Its captain, JP Eloff, is the younger brother of Atlantis #435
Phillip Eloff
Appendix: Links to Videos on Dropbox
This
is really a redundant listing in which I show the dropbox file
names. Probably useful only to those who for whatever
reason prefer dropbox to vimeo. Probably not really useful
to anyone. But it's not like it's another page to Xerox.
Videos in dropbox with original names
