Classixs
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Rugby players, more than most people-and Old Boys, more than most rugby
players-resist the call of Father Time. To that end, the White Plains Classics
were formed in 1988, first as an over-30 side and then as an over-35 side, where
it stands today (soon to be over-40?). The Classics now play full Spring and
Fall Schedules, and appear regularly in prominent tournaments around the
country, winning many of them. The side is open to all over-35 members and John
Galloway. Since their founding, the Classics have appeared in the finals of the
Saranac Lake tournament six times, winning in '88, '95 and '96. The Classics
were also finalists in '95 and '96 at the prestigious Aspen Ruggerfest.
Aside from league and tournament competition, White Plains has carved a niche as both a tireless touring side as well as a gracious host for touring sides. Touring clubs we've hosted over the years include: Derry and Shannon (Ireland), Grenock/Glasgow (Scotland), Old Emmanuel (England), Hereford (England), French Collegiate Select, Abercarn (Wales), Goshawks (Zimbabwe) and Canoe (Spain). Tours include England/Scotland '84, Bermuda '85, Ireland '87, Zimbabwe '90 and Iceland/Luxembourg/France and England '95. We have made many friends in our travels (with the exception of a few hotel managers and a few fathers) and hope to be on the road again soon. The club has endured several cycles of growth and decline, each time coming back stronger than before. The early '90s saw a drop in active members and a drop in the level of play, followed by a very strong resurgence which has seen the Club become a fixture in the Northeast Super League Division One. Several seasons saw White Plains in do-or-die situations going into the final game of the league season, where defeat would have meant certain relegation to the Second Division. The Club managed to pull out wins to stay up and the mid-'90's saw the beginning of a turnaround. New blood in Doug Erickson, Bill Schettler and Jeff Akin became the Syracuse connection of the '90's. The Cohen twins, Josh and Jason, have stepped in to become excellent players as well as stalwart Club members who are always available to help. Two-year captain Eric Nicklas, Greg Staluti (since moved), the Brandon brothers, Mark and James, plus Mike Matkovic, the current captain, have added an infusion of youth and talent. We continue to welcome players of all abilities and experience to our ranks. Increased recruiting, involvement in local college and high school programs, as well as our Internet outreach will continue to add quality players to our ranks and ensure success into the next millennium. Currently the club is prospering, enjoying a growth in numbers and enjoying success on the field.
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