Keystone Classic Girls’ High School Tournament

            Nationally recognized Haverford High School Girl’s Rugby team beat the New England U-19 Select team to win the first annual Keystone Classic Girl’s High School Tournament over the 2004 Memorial Day weekend.

            The win by Haverford marked the ending to a great weekend.  The fledgling tournament was well received by all teams attending.  The beautiful spring weekend in Norristown, PA allowed the girls to enjoy their rugby and the interaction with new teams.  After Saturday’s games the girls gathered together for a banquet of good energizing pasta and delicious treats provided by Keystone players.

            After everyone was full the guest speakers took their turn.  First, Ines Rodriguez, former National XV and 7’s player and current Keystoner, spoke on the development of women’s rugby.  Next, Pete Steinberg, a Development Officer for USA Rugby, talked about the need for young players to set their goals high in rugby and work to obtain them. 

            Currently, tournaments for high school girl’s teams are not sponsored by USA rugby.  During the spring of 2003 coaches and player representing high school teams spoke about the need to develop opportunities for young teams to play other teams in the country to increase the level of competition.

 In the absence of a USA Rugby sponsored national championship, most girls’ high school teams are limited to local competition.  Becky Geiss, the Keystone tournament director, wrote; “Keystone is excited to offer the opportunity for girl’s teams to travel and test their skills against a variety of clubs. KRC’s goal is to foster the development of women’s rugby by supporting young players.”

Six teams attended the first tournament from the MARFU, NRU, and Midwest unions.  Other teams attending besides Haverford and New England included: Indiana Exiles, Fairport High School, East Hampton U-19 Select, and the Clay Gypsies.

The second annual tournament, which will again be held over the Memorial Day Weekend, is open to as many as 16 teams from all over the country.  If any team is interested in participating in the upcoming Keystone Classic please contact Geiss, for information at tournament@keystonerugby.org or geissbe@aol.com.  For more information about Keystone rugby or last year’s tournament visit the team website at: www.keystonerugby.org

article contributed by Alyson Fick