OG Nation –
Well, if we can get through the trials and tribulations of the last two years together, we can do anything. And we will.
2020 and 2021 felt like nothing but obstacles for us all to overcome. First, we lost most of the ’20 season and our entire ’21 pre-season to the covid pandemic. Next, when we could begin playing games, we were restricted in the number of fans we could allow in. Even then, many supporters and partners remained understandably reticent to participate in light of ongoing pandemic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the team – no doubt affected by the lack of any pre-season and early challenges in getting our overseas players into the country – reached what we are all agreed was a disappointing record on the pitch.
But let’s look at what we accomplished: Our first full 16-game season was completed without a single cancellation or forfeit. All of our games carried on at least regional television, with seven of them on national broadcasts – not to mention around the world on The Rugby Network. Thousands of fans were welcomed to our new home at Segra Field, where we set a new attendance record at our final game. A fantastic game-day atmosphere, enlivened by the work of our partners such as Cuisine Solutions, Clonakilty Distillery, and Loudoun Brewing Company (home of the Glorified Scottish Red Ale), as well as the people and clubs of the Mid-Atlantic rugby community. With your support, Old Glory’s home matches have become family celebrations we will all long remember.
On the pitch, we saw genuinely professional-quality rugby – always hard-fought, sometimes downright brilliant. Coach Douglas and the boys are already hard at work toward next season, committed to ensuring the kinds of results we will all come to expect and be proud of. Keep in mind, it’ll only take converting a few of those agonizingly close losses to wins to have us deep in the playoff hunt.
Of course, we would like to congratulate Rugby ATL for winning the East and the newly-crowned MLR champions LA Giltinis. They certainly set a new standard for on-field performance that we will strive to meet – starting today.
As for you, our supporters, and family members, we can only say THANK YOU!!! You breathed life into our game day, brought the noise and the enthusiasm, kept our social media platforms buzzing, and made it known to all that you are proud members of OG nation! We are equally excited to offer the same ticket prices in 2022 with no increase from the previous season for most of our seating levels, with the exception being the VIP seats which will include more benefits with a slightly higher price. We hope you will come back to enjoy 2022 along with us, and that even more so, you’ll help spread the word – to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, teammates – to everyone in Greater Washington – that the OG family is growing and we want them to be a part of it!
To us, the bottom line is this: If we can survive 2020-2021, we can survive anything. With you alongside us, Old Glory’s future is undoubtedly bright.
Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy
