(Vallejo, February 3, 2007) – Cal Maritime welcomed back its alumni on Saturday in a day full
of rugby, camaraderie, entertainment and a helicopter.

The central rugby event was the first ever Alumni game. This year’s current Cal Maritime rugby team played a full game against a strong team of Alumni in sunny and warm conditions at Bodnar Field.

As the teams were arriving and warming up, everyone was surprised to watch as Alum Matt Shotwell landed onto the playing field in a helicopter. Greeted by laughs and jokes and many photographs, he then took his place on the right wing of the Alumni fifteen as the helicopter flew away.

While both teams were clearly planning on enjoying the game, there was certainly and air of real competition about the pre-game banter and preparations.

The most touching moment of the day happened moments before kick-off. The current team prepared for the traditional display of camaraderie and togetherness by quoting the famous
words from Shakespeare’s Henry V as part of the familiar Cal Maritime ‘haka’. And right on
cue the Alumni team joined the current team in a show of Cal Maritime rugby solidarity. As both teams chanted in unison, the brotherhood was there for all to see. “We few. We happy few. We band
of brothers...”

The crowd only waited 3 minutes for the first score from a well taken try by John Skoda for the current Keelhauler team. The Alumni re-grouped and showed a willingness to attack from strong runs by Allen Clark with half backs Phil Tabyanan and Tim Clearwater steering the ship.

The current Keelhaulers scored again when David Van Der Hoek saw a gap in the Alumni defense to score under the posts and Rufus Walker converted his second kick to take the half time score to 14-0.

After the break the Alumni seized the opportunity and scored from a strong run by wing Matt Shotwell.

However, the game was effectively over as a contest when Ramsey Brown finished off a fluid attacking move and number 8 Nick Deuel skillfully controlled the ball at the base of the scrum to score for the current team to take the score to 26-5. As the Alumni began to tire, the referee
gave them a final consolation score by awarding a penalty try. The final score of 26-12 didn’t seem important as both teams congratulated each other.

“It was great to see all the past players back and playing again. The smiles on their faces as they played were a true pleasure to see,” said Keelhauler coach Edward Roberts. “And I will also take great joy in reminding the Alumni that the referee scored more points than they did.”

Athletic Director Marv Christopher hailed the event as a great success, “Both teams looked like they had a great time playing and we plan on this becoming an annual event. The support of the Alumni provides a huge boost to the current players and to the coaches. Having the Alumni support is vital to our rugby program.”

After the game, the Alumni hosted the current players to a dinner in Benicia. With over 80
people in attendance the event was full of stories, fond memories and speeches to commemorate the first ever Alumni game. The dinner, organized by former captain Erik Forsberg, provided
the perfect opportunity for past and present players to socialize together.

“The Alumni really want to support Cal Maritime Rugby. We enjoyed playing rugby together again and this event is the prefect opportunity to meet up with old friends and show the current team that we can still play a bit”, said Alum Erik Forsberg. “I told Coach that the Keelhaulers need to work on their fitness” he concluded with a wink.

Next years Alumni game was already being planned as the evening drew to a close.

Cal Maritime’s next game is on Feb 17 at University of San Francisco.

Cal Maritime 26
Tries: Skoda, Van der Hoek, Brown, Deuel
Cons: Walker (2). Bruce

Alumni 12
Tries: Shotwell, Penalty
Cons: Whitmore