| In 2003 Tucson High School* gave permission to form a rugby club. The "Badgers" were formed with an initial cadre of 25 enthusiastic participants. The Old Pueblo Rugby Foundation spearheaded the implementation of this program under the guidance of Knute Knutson, JD Williams, Dick Battock, Josh Hopfinger and Fred Ghertetzen. Special thanks to wives Karen Knutson, Janelle Battock and Sue Williams for all they have given to the team and sport. On January 19th, 2003 the Badgers had a live scrimmage against the University of Arizona Rookies, which had the numerous fans in attendance cheering the Badgers. The Badgers played their opening match on Saturday, February 15th 2003 against the University of Arizona's Rookies, and were defeated in a spirited match, 29-7. Phil Castenada scored and converted the teams first ever try. In February, the Badgers traveled to Phoenix where they beat a team from Los Alamos, NM 33-14. Vast improvement was seen over the course of the season. After our inaugural year some non-Tucson High players wanted to join and play the game. In response to this we became the Tucson Badgers Under 19 Rugby Football Club. By disassociating with Tucson High School other U-19 players could now join the team. We played proudly under the Badger name during the 2004 and 2005 season. Then is 2006 we changed our name to the Tucson Barbarians Under 19 Rugby Football Club. We did this in hopes of attracting additional players from around Tucson. *Our thanks to Ms. Lynn Kramer for all her efforts and sponsorship.
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