El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek
For years when out of town guests would visit I would take them shopping and out for lunch at the original El Encanto in the heart of Cave Creek. The children especially loved sit along the water of the picturesque pond with the playful wildlife, including ducks, and turtles. The adults enjoyed dining in a romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant with a great menu and cocktails! They say the menu is authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine, with specialties from regions all over Mexico, including daily fresh fish specials. “All of the Mexican Cuisine at El Encanto is authentic and handmade, from the freshest ingredients, and is considered by many to be the best Mexican food in the Valley.”
They serve Breakfast from 8am till noon Saturday and Sunday. They make wonderful Frittatas of Three cheese (cheddar, monterey jack and Jalapeno Jack) $6.20 or Ham, mushroom, onion and swiss $7.10 or Chicken, avocado, and swiss $6.75 or my favorite Avocado, monterey jack and roasted green chilies $6.50 or also good Fresh spinach, mushroom, onion and swiss $6.50.
Lunch is served 11 am to 3pm everyday and includes all of your usual Mexican food fare, well made and reasonably priced. You can get combo plates with rice and beans or A la carte.
The Shredded beef taco, cheese enchilada and beans $7.45. Cheese enchilada, rice and beans $6.95. Chile relleno, rice and beans $6.95. Chicken enchilada with rice, beans and sour cream $7.55 Taco salad, topped with beef or chicken $5.75. Or the Folded quesadilla "El Encanto" with chicken or shredded beef $6.85. There are many many more selections. The Seafood enchilada with green chili sauce and a dollop of fundido sauce. Served with rice. $6.95 is especially nice as is the Grilled sea bass, served with rice and flour tortilla $6.85.
El Encanto A la Carte Chimichangas of Chicken, of shredded or machaca beef, green chili beef or vegetables $7.15 or Seafood $7.30 all wonderful. Burros, Flautas, Tacos, Enchiladas, Rellenos, Tamales, or Tostadas, offer no better way to warm up on a cold winter day!
At dinner you may want to try Especiales DE El Encanto which include the most special Rellenos of Ancho Chile Relleno, fresh roasted Anaheim chile stuffed with mesquite grilled chicken breast and beans, covered with a savory ancho chile sauce and Monterey Jack cheese served with black beans and rice $15.75. If you are daring you will want to try Carnitas Poblano Relleno, a large fresh roasted Poblano chile stuffed with tender pork carnitas and topped with green chile sauce and jack cheese served with black beans and corn rice $15.75. Chile Relleno or Chile Relleno Con Carne or Pollo Fundido are great too. From The Mesquite Grill try the Sizzling Hot Fajitas marinated strips of chicken, beef, pork or vegetables, mesquite grilled with fresh peppers and onions served sizzling hot at your table with warm tortillas, beans, guacamole and pico de gallo salsa $14.65 Shrimp $16.95 – a bargain when compared to fajitas elsewhere. And it creates and exciting atmosphere when that sizzling skillet appears!
Mole is a blend of red chiles, sweet dark chocolate, a hint of roasted nuts and spices. If you like mole, you will love El Encanto’s mole. Steak, chicken, fresh Sea Bass or Guaymas Shrimp, are served in several ways and all are delicious.
El Encanto recently opened its second restaurant, El Encanto Dos, in Desert Hills Arizona. Their website says, ”The new restaurant has the same great food in a different setting. It also has the feel of Mexico with vibrant colors, tile scenes and wrought iron accents. There is plenty of outdoor dining next to a small creek, where guests sit next to a picturesque fireplace and enjoy their meals.””Both restaurants have uniquely designed indoor/outdoor Cantinas with views of the enchanting setting. Intricate handcrafted details include a bar top made of swirlstone; inlaid Mexican tile; and handmade wrought iron wine racks and chairs designed by local artists. El Encanto Dos also boasts a sports bar with 5 large plasma televisions.””The cantinas carry more than 40 different tequilas that can be sampled in flights, and a distinctive wine selection from Mexico, Spain, South America, California and Oregon. The Cantina Tapas menu offers a selection of smaller, more specialized items to the bar clientele.” ”The owners, Bill Nelson and his daughter Christine, have tried to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere in which to enjoy similarly authentic and in many cases unique to Arizona Mexican specialties. “
In the many years of dining at El Encanto, I have experienced many varied levels of service. But I must say they have always been warm and friendly and have done their best to make it a good meal. At times it’s crowded and busy and the noise level can get up there on those raucous occasions. But I’ve never been unsatisfied with the food and continue to return frequently. I guess you can say they have earned an endorsement as a favorite place by the Cowgirl Connoisseur and you can tell them so the next time you dine at El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek. Phone: (480) 488-1752 at 6248 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 or the new El Encanto Dos Restaurant in Desert Hills Phone: (623) 780-5948 at 1112 E Carefree Hwy Desert Hills, AZ 85085. Hours 11am-10pm weekends 8am-10pm at both locations. http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Horny Toad Restaurant Cave Creek
When out of town relations arrive from all corners of the world, it’s time to treat them to one of the unique Arizona dining experiences. The Horny Toad in Cave Creek provides an entertaining and humorous adventure.
What's a horny toad? According to their website at http://www.thehornytoad.com/ “(Somebody always gets in a nasty chuckle). Maybe to easterners, it's a frog anxiously awaiting an answer to a mating call. Some other innocent soul might visualize a frog with spikes. Well, they are answers, however wrong, but a man named Webster put in a lot of research and when he publicized his book telling what things meant, he came up with "...any of several, small, scaly insect-eating lizards of the family Iguanidae, genus Phrynosoma, whose body somewhat resembles that of a toad or frog. The body is rough, the tail short, the head furnished with horny spikes. Several species inhabit the arid plains of the southwest U.S...." We named our restaurant after this much-maligned desert dweller after hearing the Truly Forgettable Saga of the Horny Toad. Sometime during the last century, an old prospector working the area a few miles northeast of the little town of Phoenix, Arizona, came upon a small watering hole. He thought to himself that this here was mighty purty scenery and he'd bet them easterners would give an arm and a leg for some of this property. They could build them some roads and put up funny names on the street signs and everybody'd be carefree, even if they had to live in caves and drink from the creek. Unpacking his burro, he ate the wrapped tortilla prepared by the Mexican cook back in Phoenix before he unloaded his donkey. As he sat stirring the campfire, he noticed the ruckus the frogs over on the other side of the pond made with their mating calls. They sure sound anxious, he thought to himself. His aching feet reminded him not to buy any more of those 2 for $5.00 boots. As he eased the boots off to soak his tired feet, he saw the many calluses they had given him and he said to himself, I sure am getting horny toed.”
Okay if that story doesn’t convince you maybe the menu will do the trick! Prices vary from time to time. Lunch prices range from $5.25 to $12.95. Dinner prices range from $7.95 to $24.95. Don’t expect anything fancy or frilly. It’s just good old plain western style BBQ and café fare.
Taco Salad (Beef or Chicken), Chef’s Salad, Horny Toad Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad or Chicken Caesar or a Vegetarian Plate all served with pretty darn good “Homemade Dressings” including Blue Cheese, Ranch, Eye-talian, Honey Sesame, and 999 Island. All Salad Dressings & BBQ Sauce can be purchased for Take-Out.
Their list of “OTHER STUFF” includes Soup de Joor, (don’t know if that’s the same as de Jour), Tacos, Cheese Crisp, Hot Wings or BBQ Wings, Saute' o' Mushrooms, Jalapeno Poppers, and their own award winning recipe Chili. And try the Onion Rings, Basket of Fries, Deep Fried Zucchini or Mushrooms, Garlic Bread, Baked Spud, or Cowboy Beans.
For an entrée you might enjoy BBQ Beef Ribs with all you can eat on Monday Nite! They are tender and tasty and you’ll want to bring a big appetite. BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, BBQ 1/2 Chicken, their “Famous Fried Chicken”, Pork Chops, Carne Asada, Deep Fried Icelandic Cod with all you can eat on Fridays! Or try Broiled Icelandic Cod, Camarones, Steak & Camarones, Choice Mexican Shrimp, Fajitas, 16 oz. Porterhouse Steak, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. TOP Sirloin Steak, 12 oz. Ribeye, Toad Cut Prime Rib, Toadette Cut Prime Rib, Mesquite Grilled Salmon or Homemade Meatloaf.
Their Mesquite-cooked 1/2 lb Burgers are great with selections including Horny Toad Burger, Tiajuana Torpedo and Patty Melt as well as a standard burger.
For lunch you might enjoy a sandwich of BBQ Pork, BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, or a Fish Sandwich. They also have Ham Bun, Grilled Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Ham & Cheese, French Dip, Reuben, Cold Turkey, B.L.T. and B.L.T.C.T. (cheese & turkey).
They also have a children’s menu and great desserts.
So far I haven’t made many comments about the food beyond listing the options and they are many. Over the last decade I have sampled almost everything on the menu above and have enjoyed every single bite. I can’t say I have ever walked away unsatisfied from any meal and there have been many at the Horny Toad. I haven’t commented about the preparation because there is straight forward and delicious. You won’t find unusual or exotic items, just good food well prepared and served happily!
When looking for a place to take the relatives while sightseeing, drop by the Horny Toad and treat them to a Cave Creek legend. And tell them the Cowgirl Connoisseur sent you. 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331 Phone: 480-488-9542, Fax: 480-488-3270, E-Mail: info@thehornytoad.com.
When out of town relations arrive from all corners of the world, it’s time to treat them to one of the unique Arizona dining experiences. The Horny Toad in Cave Creek provides an entertaining and humorous adventure.
What's a horny toad? According to their website at http://www.thehornytoad.com/ “(Somebody always gets in a nasty chuckle). Maybe to easterners, it's a frog anxiously awaiting an answer to a mating call. Some other innocent soul might visualize a frog with spikes. Well, they are answers, however wrong, but a man named Webster put in a lot of research and when he publicized his book telling what things meant, he came up with "...any of several, small, scaly insect-eating lizards of the family Iguanidae, genus Phrynosoma, whose body somewhat resembles that of a toad or frog. The body is rough, the tail short, the head furnished with horny spikes. Several species inhabit the arid plains of the southwest U.S...." We named our restaurant after this much-maligned desert dweller after hearing the Truly Forgettable Saga of the Horny Toad. Sometime during the last century, an old prospector working the area a few miles northeast of the little town of Phoenix, Arizona, came upon a small watering hole. He thought to himself that this here was mighty purty scenery and he'd bet them easterners would give an arm and a leg for some of this property. They could build them some roads and put up funny names on the street signs and everybody'd be carefree, even if they had to live in caves and drink from the creek. Unpacking his burro, he ate the wrapped tortilla prepared by the Mexican cook back in Phoenix before he unloaded his donkey. As he sat stirring the campfire, he noticed the ruckus the frogs over on the other side of the pond made with their mating calls. They sure sound anxious, he thought to himself. His aching feet reminded him not to buy any more of those 2 for $5.00 boots. As he eased the boots off to soak his tired feet, he saw the many calluses they had given him and he said to himself, I sure am getting horny toed.”
Okay if that story doesn’t convince you maybe the menu will do the trick! Prices vary from time to time. Lunch prices range from $5.25 to $12.95. Dinner prices range from $7.95 to $24.95. Don’t expect anything fancy or frilly. It’s just good old plain western style BBQ and café fare.
Taco Salad (Beef or Chicken), Chef’s Salad, Horny Toad Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad or Chicken Caesar or a Vegetarian Plate all served with pretty darn good “Homemade Dressings” including Blue Cheese, Ranch, Eye-talian, Honey Sesame, and 999 Island. All Salad Dressings & BBQ Sauce can be purchased for Take-Out.
Their list of “OTHER STUFF” includes Soup de Joor, (don’t know if that’s the same as de Jour), Tacos, Cheese Crisp, Hot Wings or BBQ Wings, Saute' o' Mushrooms, Jalapeno Poppers, and their own award winning recipe Chili. And try the Onion Rings, Basket of Fries, Deep Fried Zucchini or Mushrooms, Garlic Bread, Baked Spud, or Cowboy Beans.
For an entrée you might enjoy BBQ Beef Ribs with all you can eat on Monday Nite! They are tender and tasty and you’ll want to bring a big appetite. BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, BBQ 1/2 Chicken, their “Famous Fried Chicken”, Pork Chops, Carne Asada, Deep Fried Icelandic Cod with all you can eat on Fridays! Or try Broiled Icelandic Cod, Camarones, Steak & Camarones, Choice Mexican Shrimp, Fajitas, 16 oz. Porterhouse Steak, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. TOP Sirloin Steak, 12 oz. Ribeye, Toad Cut Prime Rib, Toadette Cut Prime Rib, Mesquite Grilled Salmon or Homemade Meatloaf.
Their Mesquite-cooked 1/2 lb Burgers are great with selections including Horny Toad Burger, Tiajuana Torpedo and Patty Melt as well as a standard burger.
For lunch you might enjoy a sandwich of BBQ Pork, BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, or a Fish Sandwich. They also have Ham Bun, Grilled Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Ham & Cheese, French Dip, Reuben, Cold Turkey, B.L.T. and B.L.T.C.T. (cheese & turkey).
They also have a children’s menu and great desserts.
So far I haven’t made many comments about the food beyond listing the options and they are many. Over the last decade I have sampled almost everything on the menu above and have enjoyed every single bite. I can’t say I have ever walked away unsatisfied from any meal and there have been many at the Horny Toad. I haven’t commented about the preparation because there is straight forward and delicious. You won’t find unusual or exotic items, just good food well prepared and served happily!
When looking for a place to take the relatives while sightseeing, drop by the Horny Toad and treat them to a Cave Creek legend. And tell them the Cowgirl Connoisseur sent you. 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331 Phone: 480-488-9542, Fax: 480-488-3270, E-Mail: info@thehornytoad.com.
Deer Valley Cheerleaders headed to National Championships
Deer Valley Cheerleaders headed to National Championships
The world could use more cheerleaders. They’re the ones out in front always smiling and encouraging the rest of us to be positive, to be excited, to be more involved.
Cheerleading is hard work. The hardest part is the commitment to practice every morning at 5am three hours a day, all year long. No time off in the summer. The program is demanding.
Deer Valley Coach Vicki Jones demands her cheerleaders have excellent attendance, good grades, incredible attitude and time management skills to stay on the team. Training includes tumbling, gymnastics and running for endurance. All of that sweat and aches for what? The payoff is to be the best, to compete at a national level, and to do it all with your closest friends.
Camaraderie is what motivates sixteen Deer Valley Cheerleaders age 14-18 who will be headed to the UCA (Universal Cheer Association) National Championship competition in Orlando Florida in February. It will be televised on ESPN. Deer Valley won 1st place at the Regional UCA Competition back in November which qualified them for the UCA Nationals.
“We are competing against east coast teams and it’s a really tough competition. The west coast teams hardly ever make it into the top ten,” says Jones. “The west coast style is more performance oriented, where the east coast style is more crowd oriented. So we’re taking a routine this year that is a more crowd oriented performance.”
Cheerleader senior Mercedes Camarillo says, “It’s a lot of hard work to win. The teams are really competitive. Coach Jones keeps us very disciplined. She’s hard on us but it’s worth it because she knows what it takes to win.”
Jones knows the competition. “It will have to be a flawless routine to succeed in Orlando. I have some girls who went last year and know what to expect and that’s helpful. We started working last June and some girls came in not being able to do much. By this time of year they are amazed about what they can do.”
Deer Valley Cheerleaders will also be going to UCA competition in Anaheim this March. They work hard at fundraising by selling candy and holding bake sales, anything they can to cover the trip expenses. Training, fundraising and travel builds strong bonds between the girls.
“We are all really close because we spend so much time together,” Camarillo comments. “We’re like a family.”
An opportunity to see the Deer Valley Cheerleaders in action is coming up soon when Glendale’s Jobing.com Arena will host the Arizona Interscholastic Association 2007 AIA State Spirit Line Championships competition on January 20th. It’s a huge competition including anyone who has qualified at a regional. “Deer Valley Cheerleaders will compete in Pom, Show and Stunt categories. For the last 3 years we have won 1st in the Show division,” says Jones.
Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students with proper ID. Tickets are available the day of the competition beginning at 7:30am. The doors will open for the spectators at 7:30am and the competition will begin at 8:30am. A performance timeline will be online at www.aiaonline.org under "Activities" and "Spirit Lines" beginning Jan. 12.
Assistant Coaches Crystal Tuscano and Amy Coughanor will travel with the team and work to perfect the performances that have brought the Deer Valley Cheerleaders so many accolades. Camarillo says, “The coaching is what has brought us success. They give us the time to learn our performances. They are hard on us, but that’s what it takes to win. They have taught us to never give up.”
The world could use more cheerleaders. They’re the ones out in front always smiling and encouraging the rest of us to be positive, to be excited, to be more involved.
Cheerleading is hard work. The hardest part is the commitment to practice every morning at 5am three hours a day, all year long. No time off in the summer. The program is demanding.
Deer Valley Coach Vicki Jones demands her cheerleaders have excellent attendance, good grades, incredible attitude and time management skills to stay on the team. Training includes tumbling, gymnastics and running for endurance. All of that sweat and aches for what? The payoff is to be the best, to compete at a national level, and to do it all with your closest friends.
Camaraderie is what motivates sixteen Deer Valley Cheerleaders age 14-18 who will be headed to the UCA (Universal Cheer Association) National Championship competition in Orlando Florida in February. It will be televised on ESPN. Deer Valley won 1st place at the Regional UCA Competition back in November which qualified them for the UCA Nationals.
“We are competing against east coast teams and it’s a really tough competition. The west coast teams hardly ever make it into the top ten,” says Jones. “The west coast style is more performance oriented, where the east coast style is more crowd oriented. So we’re taking a routine this year that is a more crowd oriented performance.”
Cheerleader senior Mercedes Camarillo says, “It’s a lot of hard work to win. The teams are really competitive. Coach Jones keeps us very disciplined. She’s hard on us but it’s worth it because she knows what it takes to win.”
Jones knows the competition. “It will have to be a flawless routine to succeed in Orlando. I have some girls who went last year and know what to expect and that’s helpful. We started working last June and some girls came in not being able to do much. By this time of year they are amazed about what they can do.”
Deer Valley Cheerleaders will also be going to UCA competition in Anaheim this March. They work hard at fundraising by selling candy and holding bake sales, anything they can to cover the trip expenses. Training, fundraising and travel builds strong bonds between the girls.
“We are all really close because we spend so much time together,” Camarillo comments. “We’re like a family.”
An opportunity to see the Deer Valley Cheerleaders in action is coming up soon when Glendale’s Jobing.com Arena will host the Arizona Interscholastic Association 2007 AIA State Spirit Line Championships competition on January 20th. It’s a huge competition including anyone who has qualified at a regional. “Deer Valley Cheerleaders will compete in Pom, Show and Stunt categories. For the last 3 years we have won 1st in the Show division,” says Jones.
Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students with proper ID. Tickets are available the day of the competition beginning at 7:30am. The doors will open for the spectators at 7:30am and the competition will begin at 8:30am. A performance timeline will be online at www.aiaonline.org under "Activities" and "Spirit Lines" beginning Jan. 12.
Assistant Coaches Crystal Tuscano and Amy Coughanor will travel with the team and work to perfect the performances that have brought the Deer Valley Cheerleaders so many accolades. Camarillo says, “The coaching is what has brought us success. They give us the time to learn our performances. They are hard on us, but that’s what it takes to win. They have taught us to never give up.”
Monday, January 22, 2007
Matthew's Birthday
It’s funny how some dates have meaning as soon as they cross your mind. Birthdays and anniversaries of people and events significant in your life and those holidays celebrated for all of our lives come to mind.
Today is the birthday of a dear friend. For weeks as I looked at the calendar I was mindful that his day of birth was soon approaching. I considered buying a card and putting it in the post, but never found the appropriate sentiments. So the task was left undone and a last minute email was all I could manage this year.
This is his 53rd year. I have only known him for about 38 of those years, though many have been from a distance. There were about 5 years where he was closer than anyone else, aside from my parents and siblings. But for 33 years he has been in another state and we share occasional communication, mostly emails or holiday cards.
So why with such limited contact can someone remain so strongly rooted in ones heart and mind after all these years? So much so as to have a date on the calendar instantly evoke their image. An image assuredly out of date and locked in youthful memories.
Obviously it’s love that binds these memories of our dearest into the book of our lives. It matters not that they are long gone from our lives, whether by choice or the grave, we remember them always, or at least so long as the grey matter continues to respond.
I say that as I see my Mother slip into memory loss at the age of 76. It seems Alzheimer’s disease runs on her Father’s side of the family. Her sister Josephine and cousin Charlotte are both in advanced stages. Mother is being treated with the latest drug called Aricept and suffers mostly short term memory loss. She’s still pretty clear on her childhood, but hardly remembers her children’s childhood.
So given the family inclination to memory loss, how long will it be before my memories fade into the dust of history? If I write of my life, will I recall it when I read the stories once my memory is lost? Or will they seem stories about a stranger? The book “The Notebook”, later made into a movie with James Garner looking so much like my Father it made the movie doubly sad, addresses just this issue. He reads his wife stories she had written and she thought them to be beautiful stories about a lovely couple, not realizing she was the author and it was her own life.
I’ve also learned the older you get the more you wish you knew more of your own family history. And once the elders are gone most of the stories go with them to the grave. As a genealogist I’ve had some success at digging out mysteries and some answers to questions of why. But they are at best hunches. So I write some of my history just in case my daughter wonders someday. She’s into history, but just doesn’t have much time for it in her life right now.
It rained most of the day. So unusual for here. It gave me time to sit and reflect.
Today is the birthday of a dear friend. For weeks as I looked at the calendar I was mindful that his day of birth was soon approaching. I considered buying a card and putting it in the post, but never found the appropriate sentiments. So the task was left undone and a last minute email was all I could manage this year.
This is his 53rd year. I have only known him for about 38 of those years, though many have been from a distance. There were about 5 years where he was closer than anyone else, aside from my parents and siblings. But for 33 years he has been in another state and we share occasional communication, mostly emails or holiday cards.
So why with such limited contact can someone remain so strongly rooted in ones heart and mind after all these years? So much so as to have a date on the calendar instantly evoke their image. An image assuredly out of date and locked in youthful memories.
Obviously it’s love that binds these memories of our dearest into the book of our lives. It matters not that they are long gone from our lives, whether by choice or the grave, we remember them always, or at least so long as the grey matter continues to respond.
I say that as I see my Mother slip into memory loss at the age of 76. It seems Alzheimer’s disease runs on her Father’s side of the family. Her sister Josephine and cousin Charlotte are both in advanced stages. Mother is being treated with the latest drug called Aricept and suffers mostly short term memory loss. She’s still pretty clear on her childhood, but hardly remembers her children’s childhood.
So given the family inclination to memory loss, how long will it be before my memories fade into the dust of history? If I write of my life, will I recall it when I read the stories once my memory is lost? Or will they seem stories about a stranger? The book “The Notebook”, later made into a movie with James Garner looking so much like my Father it made the movie doubly sad, addresses just this issue. He reads his wife stories she had written and she thought them to be beautiful stories about a lovely couple, not realizing she was the author and it was her own life.
I’ve also learned the older you get the more you wish you knew more of your own family history. And once the elders are gone most of the stories go with them to the grave. As a genealogist I’ve had some success at digging out mysteries and some answers to questions of why. But they are at best hunches. So I write some of my history just in case my daughter wonders someday. She’s into history, but just doesn’t have much time for it in her life right now.
It rained most of the day. So unusual for here. It gave me time to sit and reflect.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Bring your cowboy hat! Free mounted shooting workshop
Bring your cowboy hat!
Free mounted shooting workshop to be held in February
by LeeAnn Sharpe
NEW RIVER – Fast horses and quick‑on‑the‑draw gunfighters defined the Old West. As they faded into history, the gunslinger and his trusted steed became the stuff of legends.
And those legends live on. These days, mounted shooting with single action pistols isn’t a matter of survival–it’s a fast‑growing, action‑packed sport.
“I personally could not even ride when I saw my first mounted shooting event and decided to get started. I want others to experience the fun and sense of accomplishment that I feel a couple of years later,” said Robert Morris, a member of a local mounted shooting club, Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association (ACMSA)
The association is sponsoring a free workshop to attract more people to the sport.
Mounted shooters fire single action revolvers just the ones used in the late 1800s. They ride their horses through a barrel race course firing blanks at balloons that are affixed to poles. Mounted shooters are judged on their speed and accuracy.
Although they are firing blanks, the muzzle blast from the revolvers is sufficient to burst the balloons.
The workshop is for beginners who have never participated in a mounted shooting event and will be held on Feb. 10 at Larkyn Memorial Arena in New River. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop starts at 9 a.m. The workshop will last two to three hours.
“It looks like a lot of fun,” comments Curt Schulz, an electrician from Cave Creek. “I’ve been into horses all my life, a hunter and shooter all my life. When a friend took me to a mounted shooting match and the people were all so friendly, I knew I wanted to give it a try.”
Schulz signed up for the free workshop even though he doesn’t own a horse yet.
“I have a horse property already, so now I’m looking for a good horse.” Owning a horse will be the realization of his lifetime dream.
It’s a trend the organization sees often with new members. The viewing of a competition prompts adult spectators to finally purchase their first horses. The social group provides an opportunity to get together with like‑minded adults who saddle up to a fast‑track course on horse ownership. A good number are in or nearing their senior years with resources and time to travel to club events around the country. The hobby keeps them feeling young.
Prospective mounted shooters can either bring a horse to ride or audit from the ground without a horse. The purpose of the workshop is to provide information, advice and contacts to people of any age or ability who want to get started in this fun sport that celebrates the Old West.
Attendees without horses will be advised on finding a horse and training. ACMSA has many members who started with just a cowboy hat and a desire to learn.
Cave Creek’s own 2005 World Champion, Annie Bianco‑Ellett, and New River’s 2006 Arizona State Champion, Dan Byrd, will be on hand to offer instruction. Attendees will not be shooting at this workshop.
Information and a sign‑up link can be found at www.acmsa.com. Updates and any changes necessitated by weather can also be found there. Contact Robert
Morris at (480) 563‑9015 or robert@jmphotoart.com.
Free mounted shooting workshop to be held in February
by LeeAnn Sharpe
NEW RIVER – Fast horses and quick‑on‑the‑draw gunfighters defined the Old West. As they faded into history, the gunslinger and his trusted steed became the stuff of legends.
And those legends live on. These days, mounted shooting with single action pistols isn’t a matter of survival–it’s a fast‑growing, action‑packed sport.
“I personally could not even ride when I saw my first mounted shooting event and decided to get started. I want others to experience the fun and sense of accomplishment that I feel a couple of years later,” said Robert Morris, a member of a local mounted shooting club, Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association (ACMSA)
The association is sponsoring a free workshop to attract more people to the sport.
Mounted shooters fire single action revolvers just the ones used in the late 1800s. They ride their horses through a barrel race course firing blanks at balloons that are affixed to poles. Mounted shooters are judged on their speed and accuracy.
Although they are firing blanks, the muzzle blast from the revolvers is sufficient to burst the balloons.
The workshop is for beginners who have never participated in a mounted shooting event and will be held on Feb. 10 at Larkyn Memorial Arena in New River. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop starts at 9 a.m. The workshop will last two to three hours.
“It looks like a lot of fun,” comments Curt Schulz, an electrician from Cave Creek. “I’ve been into horses all my life, a hunter and shooter all my life. When a friend took me to a mounted shooting match and the people were all so friendly, I knew I wanted to give it a try.”
Schulz signed up for the free workshop even though he doesn’t own a horse yet.
“I have a horse property already, so now I’m looking for a good horse.” Owning a horse will be the realization of his lifetime dream.
It’s a trend the organization sees often with new members. The viewing of a competition prompts adult spectators to finally purchase their first horses. The social group provides an opportunity to get together with like‑minded adults who saddle up to a fast‑track course on horse ownership. A good number are in or nearing their senior years with resources and time to travel to club events around the country. The hobby keeps them feeling young.
Prospective mounted shooters can either bring a horse to ride or audit from the ground without a horse. The purpose of the workshop is to provide information, advice and contacts to people of any age or ability who want to get started in this fun sport that celebrates the Old West.
Attendees without horses will be advised on finding a horse and training. ACMSA has many members who started with just a cowboy hat and a desire to learn.
Cave Creek’s own 2005 World Champion, Annie Bianco‑Ellett, and New River’s 2006 Arizona State Champion, Dan Byrd, will be on hand to offer instruction. Attendees will not be shooting at this workshop.
Information and a sign‑up link can be found at www.acmsa.com. Updates and any changes necessitated by weather can also be found there. Contact Robert
Morris at (480) 563‑9015 or robert@jmphotoart.com.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Diamond Canyon wins honorable mention at the Aerospace Challenge
Diamond Canyon wins honorable mention at the Aerospace Challenge
by LeeAnn Sharpe
NORTH VALLEY – Michele R. Jones, a fifth‑grade teacher at Diamond Canyon Elementary School in Anthem, is mighty proud of all of her 42 highflying students who participated, and especially the five who won an honorable mention in the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge preliminary competition on Dec. 4. Presented by the Arizona Republic and featuring Microsoft Mission Control, the challenge gave students an opportunity to compete in teams of three to five to construct a "new" generation International Space station which promoted team‑building, communication, problem‑solving and critical decision‑making skills.
Jones said, "Many volunteers spoke of how impressed they were by all the teams' responses. They made a team patch and really presented themselves well. It's more about teamwork, cooperation and problem solving than science."
"I'm really happy and proud," Diamond Canyon fifth‑grader Isabella Haelen of the winning team said. "We had to design a space station. We had a huge activity room with a pool and work out rooms."
Describing their winning design, Haelen said, "Everyone had a computer and games in their quarters. For meals we designed a big food court with restaurants like Panda Express and others. And they would have a Safeway where they buy food and cook in their dorms. It was a pretty big space station."
Each team made both written and oral presentations of their model, as well as supporting materials with scientific explanations, to a panel of about 40 experts from Honeywell. The panel then chose the top three teams from each day to advance to the finals, held December 29 at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria. NASA astronauts were scheduled to be on hand at the finals to present the first place team and teacher with a VIP trip to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex., to experience a behind‑the‑scenes look at the NASA facilities.
"We had some problems, but we figured it out as a team. We learned a little bit about science, but mostly we learned about working together," Haelen said.
When asked, do you see yourself going into space someday? Haelen said, "Maybe¼ Yeah it might actually happen!"
In its 8th year, the event brought together more than 600 fifth‑ through eighth‑graders from across Arizona to the competition, which invited students to design and build a model international space station to sustain a crew of 100 for two years. Some of the topics researched included satellite development and maintenance, provisions for gravity, shielding, meeting social and religious needs, food and entertainment, and living conditions.
Diamond Canyon students Alex Dalessio, Samantha Dalessio, Baylee Nichols, Isabella Haelen, and Andi Leusler, known as the "Hoopsters" team, earned an honorable mention at the December 4 competition, where three teams statewide were selected for the finals and three teams were recognized for honorable mentions.
"The judges at ASU asked us questions and we had to explain all of our design," said Haelen.
In Deer Valley Unified School District, two schools participated in the competition. Twelve students from Shannon Harshman's Gavilan Peak School fifth through seventh grade classes also participated.
Harshman commented about Diamond Canyon's win "They won best team spirit. And it was their first time in competition. It's quite an accomplishment, and we're really proud of them."
"My students are excited about getting ready for next year."
by LeeAnn Sharpe
NORTH VALLEY – Michele R. Jones, a fifth‑grade teacher at Diamond Canyon Elementary School in Anthem, is mighty proud of all of her 42 highflying students who participated, and especially the five who won an honorable mention in the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge preliminary competition on Dec. 4. Presented by the Arizona Republic and featuring Microsoft Mission Control, the challenge gave students an opportunity to compete in teams of three to five to construct a "new" generation International Space station which promoted team‑building, communication, problem‑solving and critical decision‑making skills.
Jones said, "Many volunteers spoke of how impressed they were by all the teams' responses. They made a team patch and really presented themselves well. It's more about teamwork, cooperation and problem solving than science."
"I'm really happy and proud," Diamond Canyon fifth‑grader Isabella Haelen of the winning team said. "We had to design a space station. We had a huge activity room with a pool and work out rooms."
Describing their winning design, Haelen said, "Everyone had a computer and games in their quarters. For meals we designed a big food court with restaurants like Panda Express and others. And they would have a Safeway where they buy food and cook in their dorms. It was a pretty big space station."
Each team made both written and oral presentations of their model, as well as supporting materials with scientific explanations, to a panel of about 40 experts from Honeywell. The panel then chose the top three teams from each day to advance to the finals, held December 29 at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria. NASA astronauts were scheduled to be on hand at the finals to present the first place team and teacher with a VIP trip to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex., to experience a behind‑the‑scenes look at the NASA facilities.
"We had some problems, but we figured it out as a team. We learned a little bit about science, but mostly we learned about working together," Haelen said.
When asked, do you see yourself going into space someday? Haelen said, "Maybe¼ Yeah it might actually happen!"
In its 8th year, the event brought together more than 600 fifth‑ through eighth‑graders from across Arizona to the competition, which invited students to design and build a model international space station to sustain a crew of 100 for two years. Some of the topics researched included satellite development and maintenance, provisions for gravity, shielding, meeting social and religious needs, food and entertainment, and living conditions.
Diamond Canyon students Alex Dalessio, Samantha Dalessio, Baylee Nichols, Isabella Haelen, and Andi Leusler, known as the "Hoopsters" team, earned an honorable mention at the December 4 competition, where three teams statewide were selected for the finals and three teams were recognized for honorable mentions.
"The judges at ASU asked us questions and we had to explain all of our design," said Haelen.
In Deer Valley Unified School District, two schools participated in the competition. Twelve students from Shannon Harshman's Gavilan Peak School fifth through seventh grade classes also participated.
Harshman commented about Diamond Canyon's win "They won best team spirit. And it was their first time in competition. It's quite an accomplishment, and we're really proud of them."
"My students are excited about getting ready for next year."
Arizona athletes score big for Boise in Fiesta Bowl
Arizona athletes score big for Boise in Fiesta Bowl
by LeeAnn Sharpe
VALLEY – Only 62 seconds left in the Fiesta Bowl game and Boise State was down 35‑28. Fourth and 18, Boise's Jared Zabransky fired a 15‑yard pass to Drisan James who stealthily tossed the ball to Jerard Rabb. The hook‑and‑ladder play tricked Oklahoma's defense into running after the wrong man and resulted in a Boise touchdown, sending the amazing New Year's Day game into overtime.
The drama didn't stop in regulation as Oklahoma scored a touchdown and kicked the extra point to take the lead. Boise State responded with a TD and 2‑point conversion for the overtime win 43‑42.
The man in the middle of the hook‑and‑ladder play that everyone is talking about was wide receiver Drisan James (#11), from Tolleson's Westview High School. He scored a TD in the 1st and 2nd quarters, too. James' 2007 stats show he finished second on the team with 33 catches for a team‑best 554 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team in receiving yards per game (46.2), yards per catch (16.8), and rushed seven times for 54 yards.
As a senior at Tolleson's Westview High School, the 5‑foot 11‑inch, 186‑pound James caught 35 passes for 659 yards and six touchdowns, leading the squad to a conference championship and the state playoffs. He was a two‑time all‑region selection at wide receiver and was named to the 2001 West Valley Dream Team.
Boise State has invested heavily in Arizona players with seven on its roster. Offensive lineman Jadon Dailey (#69), a graduate of Mountain Ridge High School and two seasons at Phoenix College, earned a spot at Boise State. Sophomore line backer Kyle Gingg (#40) from Phoenix Christian High School, junior Jeff Biedermann (#61) of Gilbert's Highland High School, and three freshman including tight end Richie Brockel (#40) of Greenway High School, red‑shirted Xavier Lucas (#17) from McClintock High School, and running back Jarvis Hodge (#28) from Mountain Point High School, are all listed on the Bronco's 2006 roster.
Oklahoma and Boise State made the Fiesta Bowl, held at the heralded Glendale stadium, a game to watch amid the national media, bowl game frenzy. The over‑the‑top, emotionally charged Fiesta Bowl game had millions of viewers nationwide glued to the tube on New Year's Day as the underdog battled, holding the lead all the way until the last two minutes of play, then lost it, only to win it back in overtime.
Glendale's new $455 million University of Phoenix stadium was the venue for an incredible game, with state of the art cameras and lighting, clearly apparent as compared to other bowl games played the same day around the country and broadcast on major networks.
It's a victory that Glendale can relate to with its winning of Glendale Arena home to the Coyotes in 2003 and the Cardinals home, the University of Phoenix Stadium, opening this last August. Both venues were heavily sought by every major city in the Valley of the Sun. Glendale, considered an underdog, won both.
And the Fiesta Bowl is just the start. Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium hosts the BCS title game in one week and will be the venue for Super Bowl XLII in 2008.
An exceptional game has brought new energy to the BCS college football debate. The question is whether the ninth‑ranked Broncos, with a perfect season and the Fiesta Bowl victory over seventh‑ranked Oklahoma, should have had the chance to challenge top‑ranked Ohio State, the only other team with a perfect record.
Ohio State will play the number two Florida for the BCS national championship at Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium on Jan. 8.
by LeeAnn Sharpe
VALLEY – Only 62 seconds left in the Fiesta Bowl game and Boise State was down 35‑28. Fourth and 18, Boise's Jared Zabransky fired a 15‑yard pass to Drisan James who stealthily tossed the ball to Jerard Rabb. The hook‑and‑ladder play tricked Oklahoma's defense into running after the wrong man and resulted in a Boise touchdown, sending the amazing New Year's Day game into overtime.
The drama didn't stop in regulation as Oklahoma scored a touchdown and kicked the extra point to take the lead. Boise State responded with a TD and 2‑point conversion for the overtime win 43‑42.
The man in the middle of the hook‑and‑ladder play that everyone is talking about was wide receiver Drisan James (#11), from Tolleson's Westview High School. He scored a TD in the 1st and 2nd quarters, too. James' 2007 stats show he finished second on the team with 33 catches for a team‑best 554 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team in receiving yards per game (46.2), yards per catch (16.8), and rushed seven times for 54 yards.
As a senior at Tolleson's Westview High School, the 5‑foot 11‑inch, 186‑pound James caught 35 passes for 659 yards and six touchdowns, leading the squad to a conference championship and the state playoffs. He was a two‑time all‑region selection at wide receiver and was named to the 2001 West Valley Dream Team.
Boise State has invested heavily in Arizona players with seven on its roster. Offensive lineman Jadon Dailey (#69), a graduate of Mountain Ridge High School and two seasons at Phoenix College, earned a spot at Boise State. Sophomore line backer Kyle Gingg (#40) from Phoenix Christian High School, junior Jeff Biedermann (#61) of Gilbert's Highland High School, and three freshman including tight end Richie Brockel (#40) of Greenway High School, red‑shirted Xavier Lucas (#17) from McClintock High School, and running back Jarvis Hodge (#28) from Mountain Point High School, are all listed on the Bronco's 2006 roster.
Oklahoma and Boise State made the Fiesta Bowl, held at the heralded Glendale stadium, a game to watch amid the national media, bowl game frenzy. The over‑the‑top, emotionally charged Fiesta Bowl game had millions of viewers nationwide glued to the tube on New Year's Day as the underdog battled, holding the lead all the way until the last two minutes of play, then lost it, only to win it back in overtime.
Glendale's new $455 million University of Phoenix stadium was the venue for an incredible game, with state of the art cameras and lighting, clearly apparent as compared to other bowl games played the same day around the country and broadcast on major networks.
It's a victory that Glendale can relate to with its winning of Glendale Arena home to the Coyotes in 2003 and the Cardinals home, the University of Phoenix Stadium, opening this last August. Both venues were heavily sought by every major city in the Valley of the Sun. Glendale, considered an underdog, won both.
And the Fiesta Bowl is just the start. Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium hosts the BCS title game in one week and will be the venue for Super Bowl XLII in 2008.
An exceptional game has brought new energy to the BCS college football debate. The question is whether the ninth‑ranked Broncos, with a perfect season and the Fiesta Bowl victory over seventh‑ranked Oklahoma, should have had the chance to challenge top‑ranked Ohio State, the only other team with a perfect record.
Ohio State will play the number two Florida for the BCS national championship at Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium on Jan. 8.
Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights (abbreviated version in the Desert Advocate - full article below)
Some think Bill of Rights is politically ailing
by LeeAnn Sharpe
VALLEY – Americans, if they fail to remain vigilant, are in danger of losing the hard‑won freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, some say.
Freedom of speech, of religion, to assemble, to petition the government, and the freedom to keep and bear arms are all at‑risk because the Bill of Rights these days isn’t the exactly the picture of perfect health, say some Valley citizens who last month gathered at the Goldwater Institute in downtown Phoenix to celebrate “Bill of Rights Day.”
That day marked the 215th anniversary of the Bill’s ratification and it served as an opportunity for some to raise concerns about the security of long‑cherished personal and political freedoms in America.
The event drew well known Arizona politicians and activists. Among some of those attending were: Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Don Goldwater; state Rep. Russell Pearce; KTAR meteorologist Ed Phillips; Second Amendment advocates Richard Stevens, Landis Aden and Gary Christensen; Executive Director of the Arizona American Civil Liberties Union Alessandra Soler Meetze, and Tom Jenney, Executive Director of the Arizona Federal Tax Payers Association.
Bill of Rights
by LeeAnn Sharpe
A group of about a hundred patriotic citizens gathered at the Goldwater Institute in downtown Phoenix to celebrate “Bill of Rights Day”. Most American’s probably didn’t know that Friday December 15th was Bill of Rights Day. The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791, after many years of debate and discussion over the need for and number of amendments needed. At one point there were 47 amendments considered and in the end 12 were actually presented, with 10 being ratified. Of course today we have 27 amendments to the US Constitution.
Organized by author Alan Korwin, such notable citizens as Don Goldwater, recent Republican contender in the gubernatorial race; Russell Pearce State Representative from District 18; Ed Phillips, KTAR meteorologist and coffee shop owner; Richard Stevens, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership; Landis Aden and Gary Christensen, both of Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Assoc.; new ACLU Director Alessandra Soler Meetze; Tom Jenney, Executive Director of the Arizona Federal Tax Payers Assoc., and many more were in attendance and made comments about their deep and abiding love for and concern about the Bill of Rights in America today.
The Bill of Rights limits the power of the government and protects the rights of the people. Several of the original states would not ratify the Constitution without the Bill of Rights. The freedoms we all cherish including the freedom of speech, press, to read, assemble, pray, petition the government, keep and bear arms are all guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
After a luncheon, Ben Barr, a Constitutional Policy Analyst for the Goldwater Institute and author of numerous articles on the state of government today, addressed the gathering with a witty discussion of the outlook for the future. Barr speaking on the health of the Bill of Rights asked, “Is there a doctor in the house?”
A poll of the room found most giving the Bill of Rights health in America today a score of 5-6 out of 10 being perfect health and 0 being dead.
Dr. Lance Hurley, author of “Endangered Documents” (www.hurleypatriot.org) and a dramatic re-enactor took up the persona of Patrick Henry to discuss his case for the need for the Bill of Rights and the battle to get the rights ratified. His informative and humorous presentation held the audience’s attention with a historic description of the process our forefathers went through to forge a document that would hold together a union through two centuries and still works today.
After a solemn reading of the Bill of Rights, a friendly animated discussion to try and define “what is a right” produced a wide range of opinions. All agreed that we must demand and defend our rights, otherwise they are lost. And that the absolute necessity of the 2nd amendment is crucial to the preservation of all the rest.
Don Goldwater, rated the Bill of Rights health at 4, expressing, “for rights to be upheld there must be participation in the process.”
Apathy was a common concern among those gathered, with several students present commenting public education is lacking and often slanted toward blindly accepting government’s actions.
Gary Christensen rated the Bill of Rights health at 10 a year ago, gave it a 7 this year, saying, “the demands on the rights have changed.”
Advocates of designating December 15 as Bill of Rights Day to declare America's commitment to civil and human rights to the world suggest a special day would annually remind politicians, bureaucrats, prosecutors, and judges that their authority and power are limited and that the government serves Americans.
December 15, Bill of Rights Day, reminds us of the liberty we have and what it costs to keep it. By celebrating Bill of Rights Day every year, perhaps we shall never forget.
###
Photo: Alan Korwin author of the Gun Law books http://www.gunlaws.com is master of ceremonies at the Annual Bill of Rights Luncheon Dec 15th at the Goldwater Institute. by LeeAnn Sharpe
The Bill of Rights -
The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest
15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest
by LeeAnn Sharpe
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club President Joe Freeman says, “We have another match on December 9th, the final fall warm-up match before our league season starts in January.”
In the 15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest Dec 2nd at CAP Basin Sports Complex in Scottsdale, one of the larger tournaments in the valley, Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club won their game 7 to 3 against Pasadena Rugby Club out of California, but lost to Queen City Rugby Club out of Denver, CO, 24 to 12. “This was one of the toughest teams we will have this season,“ comments Freeman. Their most closely contested match was against valley rival, the Phoenix Rugby Club. They lost that one 17 to 12.
Rugby is a full contact sport that has been played in various forms in recorded history back to the 16th century. It’s “modern history” is primarily in the UK, with the first written rulebook in 1845. It’s been a bit more flexible than most organized sports in that teams can agree on what rules they will play by. Today in America, USA Rugby is made up of seven Territorial Unions (TUs) and 37 Local Area Unions (LAUs), and supports more than 50,000 members.
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club is a member of the Arizona Rugby Union, which is a member of the USA and Pacific Coast Rugby Unions.
Brian Wall, Vice President of the Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club shares enthusiastically, "I love rugby because of the entire atmosphere of the game. A player plays defense and offense at any given time and the play continues constantly. It is a bit confusing at first, but the laws of the game come to you when you watch and play long enough. There is also a great deal of camaraderie with the team and opposition."
Wall goes on to say, “The perception that it’s a hard drinking wild party crowd is still out there somewhat, but the game has changed and become more professional. There are still some old school brothers out there. But mostly it’s become a more serious sport. We do go have a burger and beer with the other team. So the social function is there too. People become very passionate about the sport. It’s all amateur in America, you have to pay your own way.”
Dues are $150 a year and help to defray some of the cost of renting fields and paying for lights. Uniforms are generally a jersey and black shorts and red socks.
The ball is a little bigger than an American football. There are few other similarities. The game is constant action for the 2 halves of 40 minutes each. Terms like “try” or “scrum” or “line out” are unique to the sport. And everybody has to do everything, offensive and defensive play.
“It’s not a sport for everybody,” comments Dan Allen, Treasurer of Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club. “There’s not much padding and lots of contact, similar to wrestling so you can’t have hard equipment. We don’t wear helmets or shoulder pads. You can not pass the ball forwards, so players can gain ground only by running with the ball or by kicking it. In rugby the most important thing is to maintain possession of the football. The game stops when the ball goes out of bounds. Otherwise it keeps going. Our agenda is to play good rugby and win and have some fun.”
Allen agrees “The camaraderie is what attracted me to the game. The sport of rugby is growing fast at the high school and college levels. I’ll be 38 next month and have been playing over 15 years. Lots of guys start playing in college and play well into their thirties. Most of the guys are working professionals. Arizona is such a transient state we get a lot of international players.”
There are three divisions in this country. The Cave Creek Club plays in the social club union. We compete in the national 2nd and 3rd division. In Arizona we also created an associate division for those who don’t want to commit to a full union schedule. Schools like Thunderbird School, Embry Riddle, and others. There’s lots of practice or “friendly” games
Cave Creek has continually improved and won some matches last year. It’s a fun rivalry with the Phoenix Rugby club
Two of our strongest standout players are Jaco VanRensburg from South Africa is our team captain. James Hocksworth 24, went to Weaton College and has been selected to compete at a National level.
by LeeAnn Sharpe
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club President Joe Freeman says, “We have another match on December 9th, the final fall warm-up match before our league season starts in January.”
In the 15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest Dec 2nd at CAP Basin Sports Complex in Scottsdale, one of the larger tournaments in the valley, Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club won their game 7 to 3 against Pasadena Rugby Club out of California, but lost to Queen City Rugby Club out of Denver, CO, 24 to 12. “This was one of the toughest teams we will have this season,“ comments Freeman. Their most closely contested match was against valley rival, the Phoenix Rugby Club. They lost that one 17 to 12.
Rugby is a full contact sport that has been played in various forms in recorded history back to the 16th century. It’s “modern history” is primarily in the UK, with the first written rulebook in 1845. It’s been a bit more flexible than most organized sports in that teams can agree on what rules they will play by. Today in America, USA Rugby is made up of seven Territorial Unions (TUs) and 37 Local Area Unions (LAUs), and supports more than 50,000 members.
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club is a member of the Arizona Rugby Union, which is a member of the USA and Pacific Coast Rugby Unions.
Brian Wall, Vice President of the Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club shares enthusiastically, "I love rugby because of the entire atmosphere of the game. A player plays defense and offense at any given time and the play continues constantly. It is a bit confusing at first, but the laws of the game come to you when you watch and play long enough. There is also a great deal of camaraderie with the team and opposition."
Wall goes on to say, “The perception that it’s a hard drinking wild party crowd is still out there somewhat, but the game has changed and become more professional. There are still some old school brothers out there. But mostly it’s become a more serious sport. We do go have a burger and beer with the other team. So the social function is there too. People become very passionate about the sport. It’s all amateur in America, you have to pay your own way.”
Dues are $150 a year and help to defray some of the cost of renting fields and paying for lights. Uniforms are generally a jersey and black shorts and red socks.
The ball is a little bigger than an American football. There are few other similarities. The game is constant action for the 2 halves of 40 minutes each. Terms like “try” or “scrum” or “line out” are unique to the sport. And everybody has to do everything, offensive and defensive play.
“It’s not a sport for everybody,” comments Dan Allen, Treasurer of Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club. “There’s not much padding and lots of contact, similar to wrestling so you can’t have hard equipment. We don’t wear helmets or shoulder pads. You can not pass the ball forwards, so players can gain ground only by running with the ball or by kicking it. In rugby the most important thing is to maintain possession of the football. The game stops when the ball goes out of bounds. Otherwise it keeps going. Our agenda is to play good rugby and win and have some fun.”
Allen agrees “The camaraderie is what attracted me to the game. The sport of rugby is growing fast at the high school and college levels. I’ll be 38 next month and have been playing over 15 years. Lots of guys start playing in college and play well into their thirties. Most of the guys are working professionals. Arizona is such a transient state we get a lot of international players.”
There are three divisions in this country. The Cave Creek Club plays in the social club union. We compete in the national 2nd and 3rd division. In Arizona we also created an associate division for those who don’t want to commit to a full union schedule. Schools like Thunderbird School, Embry Riddle, and others. There’s lots of practice or “friendly” games
Cave Creek has continually improved and won some matches last year. It’s a fun rivalry with the Phoenix Rugby club
Two of our strongest standout players are Jaco VanRensburg from South Africa is our team captain. James Hocksworth 24, went to Weaton College and has been selected to compete at a National level.
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