Jeff is an original member of the North Texas Griffins and the club's first President. Fairly new to the sport, Jeff started his rugby career with Denton Rugby and learned a lot in his first two years of playing. Helping to establish a new club has given Jeff the opportunity to contribute as much off the field as he does on, and has proved to be a vital part of our organization. When Jeff first started playing rugby, he weighed in at over 300lbs, but has proved to be a great example for us all by working steadfastly and proving that rugby truly can change a person's life for the better.

Name:Jeff Walton
Occupation: Teacher
Weight:230lbs
Height:6'01"
Position:Flanker/No:8
Birthplace: Katy, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2006
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Denton Rugby
Best Rugby Moment: Winning players' Choice Award for the Griffins in 2009

Ned came to rugby from lacrosse and it showed in his running and aggression. Never one to back down from any tackle (even winning the "Soup Bone", an award given each game for the best tackle), he has become a key player in the Griffins backs. Ned is a great team player and always eager to learn and we are certain this will pay off as he continues to fulfill his potential. With ball in hand, he is an evasive runner and supports his team tirelessly.

Name:Ned Lange
Occupation: Barista
Weight:155lbs
Height:6'00"
Position: Winger/Scrum Half
Birthplace: Connecticut
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: "Every time i tackle someone more than twice my weight"

Anthony (AJ) was of the last players to join us in the 2008/9 season but his natural athleticism and power gave him an advantage over most rookies. His size and speed also mean that as he learns the sport, he will likely become one of the most versatile players in the Griffins squad. AJ tackles hard, runs with aggression and could be a genuine impact player in 2009/10.

Name:Anthony Johnson
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Weight:219lbs
Height:5'9"
Position: Flanker
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2009
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: "The day I was convinced to give rugby a try"

Derek is a versatile player who is learning the game quickly. Always enthusiastic and showing little regard for self-preservation, he played two games this season with a badly broken finger, holding nothing back. Derek is quick on his feet and tackles well, he enjoys every moment on the field and is a great source of entertainment at after-parties.

Name:Derek Jernigan
Occupation: Bankruptcy Specialist
Weight:165lbs
Height:5'09"
Position: Winger
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: "Every rugby moment is a good moment"

Quinn was the very first player recruited to the North Texas Griffins and after recovering from an ankle injury early in the season, became one of the first names on the team sheet each week. Quinn played most of last year at Fly Half, one of the most difficult positions in the sport, and took on the challenge well, improving game by game in confidence and skill. His ability to play in any position in the backs makes him especially valuable and we're looking forward to seeing how he performs in the coming season

Name:Quinn Turnipseed
Occupation: Designer
Weight:180lbs
Height:5'10"
Position: Fly Half
Birthplace: Tulsa, OK
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: "The day I learned that I could run AND pass at the same time"

Mary Kay is the Griffins' Vice President and brings a lot of experience to the club. She played for the Dallas Debutantes Women's Rugby team while she was in school and later helped to establish the Denton Whiptails Women's team. A qualified Physical Education teacher, Kinesiology graduate, and dedicated recreational runner, Mary Kay assists in planning fitness practices for the team as well as fulfilling her many administrational duties behind the scenes. Mary Kay can be contacted at marykay_c@griffinsrugby.com

Name:Mary Kay Camm
Occupation: Educational Recruiter
Position: Vice President (Used to play Openside Flanker)
Birthplace: Paris, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2002
Best Rugby Moment: Helping to organize an incredibly successful women's rugby tournament on behalf of the Denton Whiptails.

Zaddie turned up to the very first Rugby Boot Camp that we held and has been around ever since. Always eager to learn more about the game, and always putting in 100% effort at practice, he earned the Griffin of the Year Award at the Inaugural End-of-Season Banquet. His first position was at Hooker, but has since proved a very useful Scrum-half also. Zaddie is an asset to the team and is one of the many players eagerly awaiting their second season of rugby. Zaddie is our Match Secretary and responsible for scheduling our games. He can be emailed at zaddie_c@griffinsrugby.com

Name:Zaddie Colquitt
Occupation: Umpa-Lumpa
Weight:210lbs
Height:4'01"
Position:Hooker/Scrum Half
Birthplace: Fraggle Rock
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: The Midland After-party

Simon was one of the players at The Griffins' Pre-season Try-out in 2008 and has been around ever since. He played in the club's first ever game, away against Midland, during which Simon achieved a Griffins' honor which can never be taken away from him... to score the club's very first points.

Name:Simon Little
Occupation: CPA
Weight:200lbs
Height:6'01"
Position:Lock/Back Row
Birthplace:
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs:
Best Rugby Moment: "Scoring a try in Midland."

Our Treasurer and one of the hardest working Griffins, without whom we may not have received our 501(c)(3) status, a vital step for an organization like ours. Stacey has never been involved with rugby prior to this season, but chose to join is early on and took on her role with passion and dedication, as recognized with a Special Recognition Award at our End-of-Season banquet. We hope to keep her around for many more years. Stacey can be contacted at stacey_w@griffinsrugby.com

Name:Stacey Williams
Occupation: Financial Aid Counselor
Position: Treasurer
Birthplace: Mesquite, TX
Joined the Griffins: 2008
Best Rugby Moment: "Witnessing the Griffins' first win and seeing the players walk off the field with pride."

Brian won our Most Improved Player award for 2009 due to his dedication and effort during practice and games. He always gives 100% and despite this being his first season playing, he has become a proficient Prop, Lock and Back Row player. His tackling is aggressive and he has even found his way on to the score sheet, scoring a powerful try against the Dallas Diablos.

Name:Brian Nelson
Occupation: Designated Driver
Weight:260lbs
Height:6'02"
Position:Utility Forward
Birthplace: Minot, North Dakota
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: The Griffins' first win

Richard has the honor of having the ultimate rugby wife, after he was allowed to play in a game ON HIS WEDDING DAY. Instantly earning our respect, he quickly showed that he was valuable on the field as well. Playing at hooker, one of the specialist positions in the sport, is not easy for any rookie, but he has taken to it well and if not for an ankle injury, he would have had a lot more playing time. Richard, and wife Sara, also take another title in producing the first Baby Griffin, giving birth to their first child in April this year.

Name:Richard McDermott
Occupation: Lead Operations Specialist
Weight:208lbs
Height:5'06"
Position:Hooker
Birthplace: Mesquite, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: Playing rugby on my wedding day

Kevin only joined the Griffins in February of '09 and found that competition for places had become extremely tough. Although we started the team with mainly rookies, by that point, most had a half season under their belt. Undeterred however, Kevin showed up to practices, determined to make an impact and was given more and more playing time each week. A powerful runner and passionate about learning the game, Kevin has immense potential and will be a valuable player next season.

Name:Kevin Goetz
Occupation: Merchandising Assistant
Weight:270lbs
Height:6'06"
Position:Lock
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Started Playing Rugby: 2009
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: "Playing my first game"

Rama is one of our many players about to start only their second season of rugby, but like most of them, you'd never know when watching him. An incredibly balanced runner, with speed and power, he is a dangerous outside center. His aggression is matched by his determination and as he learns the game, he will only get better.

Name:Rama Mohtadi
Occupation: Student
Weight:190lbs
Height:5'11"
Position:Center
Birthplace: Stamford, CT
Started Playing Rugby: 2009
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: "Making my team mates laugh by making funny noises as I returned a kick against Arlington"

Casey is another of our "Players to watch" next season. His first season was marred by injury which left him having to watch the majority of our games from the touchlines. Always at practice however, and paying close attention during games, Casey studies rugby and already understands the sport better than many more seasoned players. When fit, Casey is a powerful player. He loves to tackle, gives everything he has to the game and is the consummate team player. Off the field, Casey is the club's Players' Representative and has a key role in club communication and management. Email him at casey_d@griffinsrugby.com

Name:Casey Deans
Occupation: Student
Weight:274lbs
Height:6'00"
Position:Flanker
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2008
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: Playing my first game against Oklahoma City.

Dave was the 2008/9 Griffins Captain, a tough challenge for any first year club, but his leadership was invaluable to the team's success throughout the season. Dave always gives everything he has and is one of the team's most valuable players. He's difficult to tackle and has quick hands, but it's on defense where he stands out. One of the heaviest hitters in the division, few peple get through him. A strong scrummager and vital in the line-outs, it was of little surprise that Dave won "Forward of the Year" in '09.

Name:Dave Meacham
Occupation: Designer
Weight:290lbs
Height:6'04"
Position: Lock
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 1998
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Jesuit High School, Dallas Reds
Best Rugby Moment: "High School State Championship"

John joined us late in the 2008/9 season but made an immediate impact. His speed on the wing is going to be a huge bonus in years to come and his fearless tackling makes him a threat on attack and defense. John won the Griffins' Up n' Coming award in 2008/9 and everybody expects big things from him.

Name:John Radzwilla
Occupation: Buyer
Weight:175lbs
Height:5'10"
Position:Wing
Birthplace: Wilkes Barre, PA
Started Playing Rugby: 2009
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: None
Best Rugby Moment: Griffin's shut out of Fort Sill.

Lee is another of the Griffins' founders having met Phil Camm while playing for the Dallas Diablos against Denton. Lee moved to Denton the following season, but was eager to start something new and was instrumental in getting the Griffins to where they are now. Lee's 2008/9 season was shredded by injuries and he was unable to fulfill his potential as much on the field as he did behind the scenes, but he is hopeful of recovery and is looking forward to wearing Griffins colors for many more years.

Name:Lee McCurrach
Occupation: Logistics Co-Ordinator
Weight:180lbs
Height:5'10"
Position: Fullback/Wing/Center
Birthplace: Kettering, England
Started Playing Rugby: 1992
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Denbigh School, 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police (Sevens), Dallas Diablos RFC, Denton RFC.
Best Rugby Moment: "Having seen the Griffins stem from 2 ambitious Englishmen's ideas into a strong team with the potential for championships after only one season."

Marcus played a little rugby in college while at TCU, but came to the Griffins wanting to improve his game and learn what senior level rugby was all about. He has shown immense improvement and has become a skillful back. Marcus used his pace and aggressive running to score a couple of tries for the Griffins last season and we're pretty sure that there will be a lot more to come.

Name:Marcus Murphree
Occupation: Journalist
Weight:165lbs
Height:5'08"
Position:Wing/Fullback
Birthplace: Beaumont, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2004
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Texas Christian University
Best Rugby Moment: "Scoring my second try for the Griffins in 2009. Long kick chase against Fort Sill during a 44-0 shutout."

Phil is one of the players responsible for starting the North Texas Griffins. Having played rugby for Denton (4 years) and in England for many years before that, he had ambitions to set up a new club to put his experience to use. Phil is the club's current Director and responsible for coaching and much of the administration that goes on behind the scenes.

Name:Phil Camm
Occupation: Education Recruiter
Weight:180lbs
Height:6'00"
Position:Scrum Half/Fly Half
Birthplace: Lancashire, England
Started Playing Rugby: 1988
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Aldwinians RFC, Oldham RFC, Tameside Counties, Manchester Grammar School, Lancashire Counties, (England), Denton RFC (Texas)
Best Rugby Moment: Griffins End-of-Season Banquet (to see what we had achieved in one season), Every time a new player falls in love with the sport

Dan started playing rugby in 2002 for the Indiana Blues U-19 team and since joining the Griffins, has become one of the divisions best scrummagers. He's a powerful player, but has a surprising turn of pace when necessary and is one of the team's best ball carriers.

Name:Dan Skinner
Occupation: Sales
Weight:285lbs
Height:6'01"
Position:Prop/No:8
Birthplace: Ft. Wayne, IN
Started Playing Rugby: 2002
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Indiana Blues
Best Rugby Moment: "Carrying Dave across the Try line, even though he claims to have pushed me."

An ex competitive bodybuilder, Bill has the honor of being the Biggest Griffin and a powerful scrummager. His size is not just of use in the scrum however as Bill is comfortable with ball in hand and enjoys nothing more than running over opposition tacklers. Although Bill played rugby in high school in England, a 10+ year hiatus meant that on rejoining the sport, he had a lot to learn. Bill is a founder member of the club and has been heavily involved in the club's administration from the very beginning. His dedication and hard work have helped our club get to where it is today.

Name:Bill Bingham
Occupation: Investor
Weight:290lbs
Height:6'00"
Position:Prop
Birthplace: London, England
Started Playing Rugby: 1988
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Sullivan Upper School (Belfast, Northern Ireland), Denton RFC
Best Rugby Moment: Having the lady members cheer for 'Billy Bear' during games

Stephen has been playing rugby in Scotland for most of his life...and it shows. He's an asset on the field as a strong ball carrier and aggressive tackler. Having played for so long, his positional skill is a great example to the many rookies on the team and his ability to play lock, back row or in the backs if called upon, adds a valuable strength in depth to the Griffins.

Name:Stephan Nicholson
Occupation: Field Service Representative
Weight:220lbs
Height:6'03"
Position:Back Row
Birthplace: Ayrshire, Scotland
Started Playing Rugby: 1993
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Marr Rugby Club (1993-2007), Renfrew Rugby Club (2008-2009)
Best Rugby Moment: Rugby Tour in France, 2001

Nake joined us midway through the season, and was immediately pushing for a starting position. Having had a little experience with the Dallas Reds, he had that advantage over our many rookies, but it was his aggressive running and good ball skills that won him his place. A utility back, Nake is comfortable in a number of positions and could be a player to watch next season.

Name:Nake Sekander
Occupation: Account Development Manager
Weight:200lbs
Height:5'10"
Position:Utility Back
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Started Playing Rugby: 2003
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Dallas Reds
Best Rugby Moment: "My very first game, the first takle I made, I got a blackeye and fell in love!"

Maria won our Griffins Colors in 2009, an award given to the person who we always want on our side, cheering us on...and she REALLY cheers us on. Considered a great friend to many players, a mother to some, a coach to others and force to be reckoned with by all, Maria is as much a part of the club as any player. Her work away from the game field is tireless also. She keeps the team on its toes and is a key member of the Griffins Committee. Email her at maria_c@griffinsrugby.com

Name:Maria Colquitt
Occupation: Advertising Executive
Position:Social Officer
Birthplace: Seoul, Korea
Joined the Griffins: 2008
Best Rugby Moment: "When the referee stopped a game due to my excessive yelling and cheering."

The Griffins' Player of the Year for 2008/9 was an outstanding find and we're lucky to have such a talented player. Hailing from New Zealand, he can be forgiven his heritage as he's become an integral part of our club. Xavier is a ferocious tackler, an evasive ball carrier and enjoys helping to develop the many new players around him

Name:Xavier Beckham
Occupation: Physical Therapist
Weight:195lbs
Height:5'10"
Position: Center
Birthplace: Hamilton, New Zealand
Started Playing Rugby: 1983
2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
Previous Clubs: Lots
Best Rugby Moment: Having the opportunity to torture fellow Griffin, Paul Camm, during physical therpay sessions.

Over the next few weeks, the rest of the profiles will be added to this page. If you have ideas for information that you would like to know about our players, please email and let us know.
info@griffinsrugby.com

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2009/10 Season: Games-#, Tries-#, Points-#
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