2024 Annual Newsletter

As we reflect on an incredible year filled with hard-fought matches, team milestones, and community growth, we’re excited to share the highlights and look ahead to an even bigger 2025—including our 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Successful Spring Season: 
Fox Valley played- and defeated – every team from d3 that made playoffs in either 2024 or 2023 this spring. We also defeated the 2024 Iowa d3 Champions.

Return of the Riley Cup:
Fox Valley bested the Northwest Woodsmen this spring to bring the Riley Cup back into our possession.

Tasman Cup Victory:
Fox Valley beat the West Des Moines Wombats 84-17 in a night match at Mooseheart Stadium to retain our other challenge trophy. The Tasman Cup is named because Wombats are traditionally from Australia, and the Māori are native to New Zeeland, which are separated by the Tasman Sea.

New Coaching:
We welcomed Lance Wojcik, a longtime player, administrator, and youth coach, onto the men’s club as our head coach. Lance brought a renewed focus and discipline to the team that carried onto the field. We are excited to bring him back for 2025 to see where he can take our club.

Pirate Pub Crawl Success: 
Off the field, we held another pub crawl that was both socially and financially successful.

Hall of Fame Inductions:
We take immense pride in honoring and recognizing the contributions of two outstanding individuals who have played pivotal roles in the history of Fox Valley Rugby. Their induction into our Hall of Fame is a testament to their enduring impact on our club. Each of them has contributed to the success of the club. From all the current members, we say thank you for building this club and leaving it in a stronger place than you found it.

Pat Riley

A Captain and Scoring Powerhouse
Pat’s impact on the field was unmatched. Teammate Andrew Kitzmiller recalls, “His knowledge of the game was incredible. He was a scoring powerhouse and our only primary offensive weapon for several years. His leadership on the pitch made him the Captain for several seasons.” Known for his ability to kick with precision and distance, Pat consistently turned close games in Fox Valley’s favor.

A Legacy of Skill and Toughness
“Pat was a very skilled and physical player who could kick a mile and run like a deer,” says Frank Patzka. “We were a much better team when he was on the field.” Pat’s unique blend of skill, power, and athleticism inspired confidence in his teammates and instilled respect in his opponents. His contributions didn’t just improve the team’s performance; they raised the standards for everyone around him.

The Glue that Held the Team Together
Fox Valley Rugby President Dan Brinks reflects on Pat’s invaluable presence: “Speaking to his former teammates, everyone described Pat as the glue guy. Both on the field and around the club, he brought everyone together.” Pat’s presence unified the club and reinforced the camaraderie that Fox Valley Rugby is built upon.

A Family Legacy
Fox Valley Rugby was more than just a team to Pat—it was a family tradition. His father, Chuck, and brother, Mike, also played for the club, making the Riley’s a name synonymous with dedication and commitment to Fox Valley Rugby.

Forever a Fox Valley Legend
As we induct Pat Riley into the Hall of Fame, we honor not only his exceptional playing career but also the leadership, legacy, and passion he brought to Fox Valley Rugby. His influence on and off the field continues to inspire players today, as he still regularly attends matches and events. Thank you, Pat, for your indelible mark on our club’s history. You are, and always will be, a Fox Valley legend.

Lafitaga “Leapai” Lealaua

A Legacy of Strength and Spirit
Coach Marc Okicich captures Leapai’s unique impact: “Leapai ingratiated himself with the club through his infectious personality, warm smile, and devastating hits. He taught players and coaches alike what it meant to play hard and play with passion.” Leapai’s cultural impact extended beyond the field, and his legacy lives on through traditions like lava-lavas, luaus, and kava ceremonies that reflect his Samoan heritage.

A Formidable Teammate and Mentor
President Dan Brinks recalls his first game against Leapai: “He hit me like a truck. That’s a story everyone who’s faced him can relate to.” Known for his relentless defense as a back-row and lock, Leapai’s reputation for intensity became known throughout the league. His flair with the ball and offloading ability also set him apart, often turning seemingly routine plays into game-changing moments. Teammate Griffin McGuire adds, “Leapai played with so much heart and passion that it made others step up and play with more as well.” Coach Josh Gaeth echoes, “I don’t know anyone who represents the game or Fox Valley better than Leapai.”

A Lasting Impact
Beyond his remarkable skill, Leapai was a mentor and role model whose unique knowledge of the game helped develop players both on and off the field. He taught his teammates not just how to play, but how to play with pride and purpose. His influence is felt each time a Fox Valley player tackles with determination or celebrates with pride.

Forever a Fox Valley Legend
As we welcome Lafitaga Lealaua into the Hall of Fame, we honor the legacy of resilience, passion, and community he brought to Fox Valley Rugby. Thank you, Leapai, for your indelible mark on our history. Your name and your impact will inspire generations of players to come.

Arcada Theater Fundraiser:
In April, Fox Valley Rugby took over the iconic Arcada Theater for a special evening featuring a AC/DC cover band. The event was not only a spectacular dinner and show but also marked the second annual rendition of this concert.

For the show, we partnered with Mid-Valley Special Education. The club was able to raise almost $1,000 for the adult transition program. The fundraiser was also very successful for the club. We have to show thanks to the Arcada Theater for giving us free dinner and tickets, allowing us to donate 100% of the proceeds.
Please keep an eye out for this event in the future, we are hoping we can make this an annual tradition.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors:
We extend our gratitude to our invaluable sponsors and “Old Boys” whose support has been instrumental in our success.
Graceful Ordinary, Marty Richards, Joe Campos, and Nelson Voldeng– your commitment to Fox Valley Rugby goes beyond financial support, which deserves to be recognized.

50th Anniversary Festivities coming in 2025:
We have a few events on the calendar to help us commemorate our 50th anniversary. 1st, our 50th anniversary pub crawl is marked for May 17th. (Going forward- note that we always do the pub crawl the Saturday after Mother’s Day, and the banquet the last Saturday in January). Second, we will be welcoming and recognizing the original team members and Hall of Fame members onto the field at during our night match on May 3rd.

Last, we are having a special homecoming match on May 10th where all levels of the club will be playing (U8, U13, High School, Men, and Women). Not related to our 50th Anniversary, but we are welcoming a Wales touring squad to James O. Breen on 5/24 (Memorial Day Weekend) and will be having a team picnic and day of beach rugby on 5/25 with the Wales squad.

If anyone is interested in helping us coordinate these events, or help us reach out to former players, please let us know. We struggle getting ahold of players not on our email distribution list.

Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony- I’ll end with a call to register for our banquet as soon as possible. The banquet will once again be held at Shannon Hall in downtown Batavia.

We will likely sell out again this year. This is a great time for the different generations of our club to mingle and swap stories. I know what the other clubs in the area do and I’ll say hands down we throw one of the best banquets of any rugby club in the Chicago area.

What: Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony

When: Saturday Jan 25th. 5pm-11pm

Where: Shannon Hall, Batavia

Price: $45

Link to buy

Cheers,

Daniel Brinks
Fox Valley Rugby, President
www.foxvalleyrugby.org
Brinksd2@outlook.com