Gentlemen:
I suspect it is common knowledge by now, but just in case you have a concussion or have been locked in your basement by your spouse, the club is in the playoffs. High Country completed it's undefeated season (6-0) by defeating The Renegades 26-5 on Saturday. We are now 2004 GRU Division III champs.
In less than two weeks (April 17th), High Country will host the USA Rugby South Quarterfinal game at Walker Park against Knoxville. This is a formidable opponent, so please DO NOT read into the following as any kind of guarantee. We are not going to look past these guys!
Because of the timing of the playoff schedule, we are forced, this week, to make plans for the USA Rugby South Championships. Commitments and travel plans will be confirmed no later than this Thursday's training, BY EVERYONE. "Let the %@!#$&-rapings begin" is the alternative.
These championships are being held in Naples, Florida on the 24th and 25th of April. It will be a requirement of the "Final Four" teams to play on Saturday and Sunday. We will need all players and any spectators we can get our hands on. Players will have to be in Naples Friday night and can be back in Atlanta Sunday night. You should only miss a half day of work on Friday. With the assistance of your Captain, Matt Hernandez, and your President, Cheese, we have researched all possible flight itineraries. The flight situation is a moving target, so please book today if possible:
OPTION #1: Go to www.orbitz.com and book the following: AirTran Flight 83 on April 23rd from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale, leaves at 3:40pm and arrives at 5:25pm. Return flight on Sunday is Delta Flight 2080 from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta. It leaves at 8:40pm and arrives in Atlanta at 10:20pm. Last quoted rate was $228 RT. From Ft. Lauderdale, it is 120 miles to Naples. Once commitments are made, vans and/or cars will be rented. Please budget another $30-$40 per man for that. If we do not make the championships, then you just lost probably $100 in change fees.
OPTION #2: Call Paco and commit to the following: Caravan via road transport (vans) from Atlanta to Naples. This group will pull out of South Bend Park on Thursday, April 22nd at 9:15pm. They will drive to Gainesville and be accommodated and fed by Mr. Hart (a legendary Old Boy, a.k.a The Blue Marlin). You will leave Friday morning and be in Naples by Friday afternoon. Returning home on Sunday may be broken up with another stop in Gainesville. Gasoline expense will be shared by those who participate.
BONUS: The club will be picking up 75-100% of the cost of hotels in Naples for Friday and Saturday night. This will apply to 4 to-a-room occupancy. If you only want 2 in a room, you will have to pay the difference.
DOUBLE BONUS: By Thursday evening (training), you will be issued a video tape and letter which can be presented to employers, relatives, neighbors which will explain our playoff desires and expenditures. This will be an easy request for donation. Any of you struggling with the cost of a flight or even the cost of gas, this will defer the cost if you make minimal effort. The tape will blow away anyone who sees it, I promise.
IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, WE EXPECT TO HAVE EVERYONE ACCOUNTED FOR ON THIS ISSUE. Email me with your flight confirmation number of call Paco at (404) 597-6060 to reserve your spot on the caravan.
It's time to take War Machine on the road.
Mitch.