On November 14, 2015, Uticuse Rugby hosted the 5th Annual Ruck Cancer Rugby Tournament at Dave’s Diner on Route 5 in Utica. An unprecedented 16 teams – 8 men’s and 8 women’s – traveled from near (Rome) and far (Philadelphia) to play.
The tournament theme, “Less Cancer, More Pizza,” was inspired by this year’s beneficiary, Mr. Benjamin Longale, a pediatric cancer patient from Voorheesville, NY. He loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which was reflected in everything from tournament t-shirts to team names.
The weather was uncooperative, with temperatures hovering around freezing throughout the day, but spirits were high, with lots of joking both on the pitches and around the fire pit, which Dave kept at bonfire level throughout the day to warm up participants and fans alike. The stars of the day, Ben and his family, even got to warm their hands during their visit.
In the end, Buff State topped the men’s bracket, with Binghamton taking second and the Rome Mercenaries third. On the women’s side, the North Buffalo Ninjas took home the trophy, with Uticuse in second place and Cortland State winning third place honors. Trophies were awarded along with dinner at the Nail Creek Pub in Utica.
By the end of the day, thanks to generous sponsorships, donations, a 50/50 raffle, and merchandise sales, Ruck Cancer was able to make our traditional donation to the American Cancer Society. We were also able to present Ben and his family with a giant TMNT-themed check for $3,418.62. Special thanks to all of the ruggers, refs, fans, family and friends who supported this year’s tournament.
Extra-special appreciation to our tournament sponsors: Dave’s Diner, Laboratory Alliance of CNY, Pathology Associates of Syracuse, Gauthiers Fabrications, Maniac Consulting, I.B.T.B.M., Nail Creek Pub and US Materials Handling Corp.
A final thank you to WKTV, for their coverage of the event.
Less cancer, more pizza!
