By contrast to the AGM, turnout at last night's pre-season meeting was more akin to a sunny Thursday practice before a home game against Old Gold. It could have been something to do with the energy and vitality being injected by the new exec., or have more to do with the availability of cheap beer....you can decide for yourselves. But, no matter how half-empty or half-full your metaphorical glass might be, the numbers speak well for an encouraging Spring season.
Top of the agenda was our first training session, this Saturday on Higgins Beach at low tide. For those of you not in tune with the lunar cycle that would be right around 3:15pm. The forecast is for overcast skies and temps around 50, so perfect conditions for shaking off those cobwebs. Remember, no matter where the tide might be, you will still get more than a little damp and will get sand in places that no sand should be. So bring a change of clothes, unless of course chafing is something you're in to.
Next week it looks positive that we will begin indoor practice at Joker's on Thursday @ 8pm. That means plenty of Skeeball, and a free slice of cheese pizza and a medium soda for all of you under 12 years old....oh, wait, apparently training is in the big, new indoor arena next door. Oh well, I'm sure they'll let you in the ball pit afterwards if you promise to play nice. Time is money, so be there and ready to go at 8 sharp.
A new fixture has been added for June 5th, against Middlesex Barbarians in Portland. Apparently they're from somewhere in Massachusetts, not England.
On other business, we need to get out there and schlep some advertising for the Maine Collegiate Rugby Championship programs. This is a great fundraiser for the club and for the tournament, so get out there and sell some space. Remember, all donations are tax-deductible, so if any of you are preparing to write a check to the IRS soon, you might want to avoid the same bile-swallowing occurrence next year by writing a check to us now. Download the form for collecting the ads and money by clicking here.
CIPP registrations still need to be completed. For those of you who got too drunk and lost the forms we handed out last night, you can download a nice clean copy here. Like it or loath it, you are required to be registered in order to play for the Eagles, so don't let that be the only thing stopping you from representing your country.
Dues are still due, and for those of you experiencing financial hardship, we urge you to speak with one of our trained credit counselors, who can help you get rid of that high-interest debt, and arrange a manageable monthly payment plan that will allow you to hold your head up high when representing the club. Don't let the burden of how much you owe in dues affect your whole life....call now!
The vacant position of Selector was discussed, and will be addressed and elected at one of the upcoming training sessions. This job requires the vision of a great leader, the objectivity of a judge, the selflessness of a saint, and the thick skin of a contestant on American Idol. All of you who think you are interested in the job should start working on your campaign speeches now.
Lastly, several speeches were given by the Pres, J-Wil and Coach about their hopes and dreams for the season. Without going in to too much detail, the word "comportment" was used by Mr. Pres. and was met with many blank looks. J-Wil has confirmed that even if you have a wife and/or kids, you are still OK, and that he will be switching to decaf. Coach on the other hand will be switching from decaf, and also that he would like to carry a clipboard....or not.
As they said on June 6th 1944, "See you on the beach!", (and don't expect to meet any French people this Saturday either....).
Yereverluvinsec.
