It seems awkward to use a phrase such as "ramping up" when you're discussing one of the top domestic 7s programs in the nation. However, with the emergence of the Olympic Development Programs (ODP), some of the domestic 7s focus has turned away from domestic club programs. To discount top 7s clubs would be folly. It is hard to overlook the many strong club 7s teams in America, some of which can and will give the ODP teams a run for their money.
One such program is the Denver Barbarians. The Barbarians have qualified for 19 of 28 Club 7s National Championships including 18 quarterfinal, 12 semifinals, and 5 final appearances.
Denver is making it known that while they are not a Olympic Development program, they intend to compete at their level for years to come. To that end, the Barbarians are increasing the support of their 7s program effective immediately. The Barbarians will continue their domestic slate of national qualifying tournaments that include the 46th Annual Denver 7s to be held July 20, 2013 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Barbarians also plan on competing at the ever-growing Las Vegas Invitational as well as adding a International Tournament in the Fall.
"We can bring the history, pedigree and personnel of one of the most successful club 7s programs in the US in line with elite level player development," said Team Manager Howard Kent. "Our aim is to put our players and staff in the best possible position to reach their full potential and succeed at the highest level that they are capable of."
Barbarians 7s Head Coach, and former 7s Eagle, Mark Bokhoven returns for his second year at the helm of the squad. Bokhoven made over 100 appearances as a Eagle and were it not for injuries would have seen many more.
"I believe our coaching staff has a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge that is equal or better than any ODP center in the nation," said Bokhoven. "Our 7s program has consistently been the best team in the West and has consistently made it to the semi-finals of the national tournament. There are few programs in the USA, ODP designated or not, that produce national team players at the level and consistency of the Denver Barbarians."
Bokhoven’s support staff includes Howard Kent (Manager/Director/Assistant Coach), Steve Laporta (Assistant Coach), Doug Straehley (Physician), and Purvi Desai (Physical Therapist/Trainer). This will be Kent's 13th season in this capacity with the Barbarians. Laporta is a former 7s and 15s Eagle and also served as Head Coach of the Barbarians 7s at one point. Straehley is an orthopedic surgeon and was also a 15s Eagle. Desai returns for her 4th season as trainer with the squad.
"In my opinion, the Denver Barbarians 7s program is one of the Top 4 programs in the nation," said Bokhoven. "It has a tremendous manager in Howard Kent and is run at a professional level. The coaching staff has arguably more experience and knowledge than any other program, ODP center or other, in the nation. The program is consistently one of the best in the nation and annually challenges for the national championship."
Aside from their success on the pitch, Denver players have been in national team contention for many years. Barbarians have made over 530 appearances for the Eagles 7s team over the years and three Barbarians have served as Captain of the Eagles 7s.
"There is a long history of the Denver Barbarians developing players to play at the international level," added Bokhoven. "It is my goal, as head coach, to develop players to the best of their abilities and help them reach the next level. Also, it is always our goal to go out and win every single game we play, regardless of whether it is a pool play game in a qualifier tournament or on the second day of the national championships. We demand excellence from our program and individual players in everything we do, which is why we are one of the premier programs in the nation."
With the increased emphasis on competing with and against the ODP teams, the Barbarian’s program are beefing up their rugby-specific training sessions as well as fitness, speed, and strength training sessions to complement the program.
The Barbarians have also secured sponsors and funding to offset 80% of the training and travel expenses for their 7s squad and a select group of players will be under contract with the Denver Barbarians.
With the success of the Barbarians 15s side this past Spring, training for 7s has gotten a late start. Undeterred, Bokhoven and his staff are prepared to make another run at a 7s National Title. Their quest begins next weekend at the Texas 7s in Houston. With their past success and setup in place, the Barbarians are naturally excited about the upcoming 7s season.
"We'll see next week in Houston at the first tournament. The 15s had a very successful season and advanced to the Final Four so our training really only started this week," says Bokhoven.
The Barbarians have a great mix of veterans and up and coming players that are all fighting for positions. Getting the players to gel, especially in a relatively short amount of time, is a major concern.
"It is all about getting the players to play a style that is best suited to their talents and for them all to be on the same page. We had a very successful 7s season last summer, so we are trying to build off of that success but also understand it is extremely difficult to repeat," finished Bokhoven.
Denver Barbarians Summer 7s Schedule
June 22, 2013 - Texas 7s - Houston, TX
July 6, 2013 - Heartland 7s - Kansas City, MO
July 20, 2013 - Denver 7s - Denver, CO
August 10-11, 2013 - USA Rugby 7s Championships - Pittsburgh, PA
Great program that has always provided tough competition throughout the years...good luck boys
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