Chicago Lions Rugby Club | Sevens Program

The Chicago Lions have had one of the premier Sevens programs in the country for the past decade and our record speaks for itself; National Club Sevens Champions 2007, Midwest Club Sevens Champions 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004, and 2001. Head Coach, Aaron Manhiemer, and the Lions Sevens team has since gained National recognition, being featured in several rugby publications and websites.

From the outside, the Lions at some points looked to be struggling to find their identity throughout the season; defensive breakdowns, miscommunication, and missed opportunities have allotted for more opposition tries than they would prefer. However, with six players making their debuts in the Lions’ A side player pool this year, and the loss of three key playmakers Jeremy Nash, Mark Roberts, and Boomer Twardak, these problems are to be expected. Needless to say, Coach Manheimer had his work cut out for him throughout the summer. Without the leadership of returning players and decorated veterans such as Eddie Blumel, Scott Peterson, and Tommy Dolan, the raw talent and individual finesse from the young players would have never gelled. One could argue the Lions’s identity is just that; the ability to find the best combination of youth and experience to come together as a cohesive team of Lions, and win. Though the season had its ups and downs, it all culminated to another Midwest championship, for the fifth consecutive year.

The Lions started the season at the Highland Games, in Itasca, Il. While there were no qualifying points to be earned, the team needed to be tested in a tournament setting giving the young players an oppurtunity to show what they had. The Lions easily dismantled the competition which was to be expected of a team that is continuously one of the top three sevens clubs in the Nation. The sevens action was only a part of the Highland Games’ events, which included traditional Scottish music, food, and the ever popular strongman events such as the caber toss and hammer throw. Its safe to say, this particular tournament had the most eclectic group of attendees…

After trying several different player combinations, Coach Manheimer had a better idea of what the Lions would look like as the season progressed. The next weekend, the Lions came out as strong as ever at the Firehouse 7s tournament in Lemont, IL. The Lions fielded two teams that day, impressing onlookers as the as the Lions swept the demoralized opposition; going 11-0 on the day. In Cape Fear, NC, the Lions weren’t as fortunate. The boys took second place that weekend, but they also took away a better idea of what the national competition was shaping up to be. Back in the Midwest, at the Lakefront 7s, the Lions defended the Lakefront title against other Midwest contenders, Youngbloodz. Although strong performances were fielded by veterans the likes of Scott Peterson and Eddie Blumel, newcomer Brad Harrington posted a hat trick in the final, helping to bring home first place hardware back to the windy city. The last tournament before the Midwest Championships took place in Grand Rapids, MI, at the Rock Hard 7s. Unfortunately, the Lions would not repeat as champs this year. The tournament was set up round robin style, which did not fare well for the Lions, losing the first game to the cross-town rivals, the Griffins. However, the Lions got their act together and crushed the remaining teams and took their second runner-up finish of the year.

This past weekend, the Lions showed everyone why they are not to be taken lightly. As the sun beat down on the field of battle, the Lions were seemingly unaffected. Winning all of their games in pool play, the Lions went on to face a very physical, and sometimes too physical, 1823 team. This semifinal was probably the toughest test for the Lions this summer. Tries from Degutes and JP Eloff saw the boys to victory in a scorching hot and humid game, resulting in a 14 – 5 victory for the good guys. In the final, the Lions faced familiar foe, Youngbloodz, but was no match for the the finishing ability of Rocco Mauer and Peter Tiberio. Led by Captain Eddie Blumel, the Lions came out on top 26-14 in the final of the Midwest Championships. Tiberio, Bluemel, Mauer, and Brad Harrington all scored tries to lock in the victory and bring home the Championship for the fifth consecutive year.

“I have to give a shout-out to Scott Peterson, who really put his body on the line today,” said Lions Head Coach Aaron Manheimer. “He made some huge tackles for us and handled himself when he was targeted by what I felt were some illegal tackles, as well.” – taken from rugbymag.com’s article, found here.

The Lions advance to the National Champions, but they have a tough road ahead of them. Entering the so-called “pool of death” the Lions must face powerhouse teams Utah Warriors, SFGG, and the Glendale Raptors.