LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB
FROM PETER AMELI - PRESIDENT
OCTOBER 3RD, 2003

Dear ICRC Club Members,

I am writing this letter as the weather cools and the scent of Cup rugby is in the air.  The league season is now finished, and the playoffs are now beginning.

Over the year, I have watched the club experience great success and mind numbing defeat.  It has truly been a roller coaster ride for all involved.  Although there have been some personal achievements of note, and  individual recognitions for some, I would like to let everyone know that the manner with which the lads have collectively dealt with the events of the year and their continued commitment to the team, their team-mates, and the club, clearly demonstrate the quality of character that our organization is blessed to have.  This goes for all of our teams and coaching staff. 

Through this year, we have had great support from our sponsors (the Rose and Crown, Foster Beer), and from our Alumni who have contributed both in spirit and in financial support.  Quite frankly, our organization could not exist without this foundation, and as such, we recognized that appreciation in our Alumni Day last week.  Having Alumni come out and watch games and re-connect with the club make a huge difference in how the guys play on the day.  Nothing like the 16th player to help things along.

For all that remember their playing days and for all those lucky enough to be playing, the ICRC club is more than just about the game.  This was demonstrated to me again, in the passing of a long time member of the club:  Bill Barclay.  Although Bill contributed enormous amounts of time to the health of the club, it was he as a person that was remembered the most.  I do believe that being a part of the club made the club a better place, and offered Bill an avenue to demonstrate what a great man he was.  A true Gentleman.

Looking ahead, we recognize that more time, energy, and resources need to be applied to building a junior development program.  As a club, we have so much to offer, and a developing player would gain a lot by immersing themselves in our brand of rugby and our culture.  If you have ideas or “an in”, to help us attract and retain junior players, we would appreciate your assistance and involvement.

We are also entertaining the idea of joining with last years women’s rugby champions: Yeomen’s Women’s Rugby Club.  The ORU is looking at mandating equal opportunity programs for senior level clubs and this merger would allow us to meet this requirement in advance, while partnering with an established program.   In our preliminary conversations, we would run two separate executives and sponsorship programs, but work together on various other issues under the banner of the ICRC.  There are synergy and advantage opportunities from a marketing, coaching, and recruiting point of view that would benefit both groups.  

That being said, however, we would appreciate any comments, suggestions, or recommendations you might have on the issue, so please email me when you have a moment.  I think a reasonable amount of collective buy in would be a healthy platform for integration.

With the Cup run starting this weekend, we would hope that you might want to come out and watch a game or two.  I know you presence would be appreciated, and I think you might enjoy sharing a jar or two with some of the lads.

Best Regards,

Peter K. Ameli

ICRC President 2003