Thank you to everyone that made it out to the 2008 Erie Rugby Club Awards Banquet! This year was a great success, with over 50 people present! Thank you to Brewerie for hosting this glorious occasion, Erie Brewing for donating the beer, and all of you for showing up to enjoy the festivities!

Congratulations are in order for the following people for their outstanding work on and off the pitch for the 2007 Spring and Fall seasons...

Dennis Shade Award - Jessica Ward (U19 Coordinator & Coach, Women's Coach)
-This award is given to the person who has done the most for the Erie Rugby Club OFF the pitch. Jessica started a women's side for Erie, and has taken the lead in establishing a youth rugby program in Erie. Thanks again for your outstanding work on and off the pitch in 2007!

Keith Branton Award - Steve Hogan (Flanker)
-This award is named for our club founder Keith Branton, and is given to the rookie of the year. Steve made an immediate impact this past year, and plays like he's been out there for years. We look forward to another outstanding year from Mr. Hogan in 2008!

Most Valuable Back - Jeremy Jaeger (Flyhalf, Men's Coach)
-This award is given to the most valuable backline player...and since I am writing this, I'll just leave it at that :)

Most Valuable Forward - Austin White (Loose-Head Prop, Flanker)
-This award is given to the most valuable forward on the team. Austin won this award last year (along with hands of stone), and again took lead in the pack this year on the pitch. Austin is an outstanding player, and will no doubt be in the running again next year.

Hands of Stone Award - Matt Verga (Inside Center)
-This award is given to the person who had the most knock-ons for the year. Matt is an outstanding player, and won the Keith Branton award last year. He will no doubt bounce back, and help take this team to the next level this season.

Extra-awesome awards were as follows this year...their description should just about do it :)

Golden Crutch - Greg Farrell (Hooker), Traveling Rugby Kit - Shane Hoyne (8-Man), Turnstile Award - Casey Jones (wing), Crybaby Award - Josh Jaeger (2nd Row), Women's Supporter - Mike Smith, Gift for a Boy - Rob Parsons (Fullback), Ball Hawg - Aaron Zone (Flanker, Hooker), Longevity Award - Keith Featsent (2nd Row)