The Burnaby Lake Rugby Club has undergone a changing of the guard. Michael Gough, our club captain over the last three seasons has stepped down. Taking his place is long-time BLRC member, Anthony Luca. Anthony re-joins us this week after a summer campaign with the BC Bears. Here is a Q & A with the two.
Rain: “So Mike how would you sum up your time as Captain of BLRC?”
Well Rain, I was very fortunate to take over the captaincy during a transition phase at the club. A time when we went from struggling to field a premier team, winning only a couple of games in a season to seeing the number of players grow exponentially, fielding six competitive men’s and women’s teams on a weekly basis. It is a really proud moment to lead your guys out on a Saturday, especially at BLRC were support is second to none.
Rain: “What were your highlights over the couple of seasons?”
Mike: “Obviously making the final last year was a real high. Unfortunately coming up short on the day was a crushing feeling for all of us. But for me, the real highlight was watching how the players came together and matured as a team to be considered one of the forces of BC Rugby. Watching how the young guys who took those beatings a few years ago came back and handed out a few of their own to some of the top clubs was something special.”
Rain: “How do you feel about Anthony taking over the captain’s duties this year?”
Mike: “I think everyone knew last season would be my last as captain. It was great to see how lots of the guys stood up as leaders as we got rolling last year. I have always maintained that we need more than one voice. Anthony was a natural choice as a captain. His game has come on tenfold over the last couple of seasons. He has stood out as a real leader when we have needed him in the past.”
“Even when I was captain I often looked to him for advice. He always gave some really honest answers. He has worked harder than anyone else I know to improve not only his playing ability but his understanding of the game. I wish him all the best in the year ahead and look forward to following him out of the tunnel when I get the chance!”
Rain: “Any final thoughts on the year ahead?”
Mike: “I’m really looking forward to getting the season going. Preseason has been going really well but there is nothing like playing to get guys keyed into the new structures.”
“I’d also like to thank all the members, coaches, managers, executive and supporters for all their support and belief over the last 3 seasons. I believe a huge part of our success was because of how we came together as a club from top to bottom.”
“Finally I’d like to thank my wife for understanding and supporting my role as captain, there were many dinner requests turned down and events missed for the sake of rugby over the last few seasons, it will probably be a tougher sell nowadays!”
Rain: “So Anthony, What were your highlights over the last couple of seasons?”
Anthony: “A highlight for me was re-joining the club again after being away with the Pitt Meadows Rugby club. The turn around from us being an alright club to us being a “bottom of the pack” club and the bonds and friendships that toughed it out together while we got our asses beat.”
“I love that five years ago everyone looked down at us, and that with largely the same core, we have come back to climb up to the top. Not only that, but we can win in such good fashion. Another highlight was making the finals last year, and playing the championship game makes BLRC a club I am very proud to be part of.”
Rain: “What are your thoughts on Michael Gough as a captain?”
Anthony: “Pikey [Michael Gough] was a great captain and doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Being that he came from a country that has rugby in its blood, he had a great understanding of the game. He helped bring a true rugby culture back to the club. Pikey is an excellent team player and fellow leader and I will value his previous role as I captain the team this season.”
Rain: “What do you hope to bring to the table as you take over captaincy?”
Anthony: “As to what I will bring to I guess only time will tell. I hope to bring my work ethic to the fore front. Mike James said to me “We are a blue collar club, we know how to work.” I hope to make what Mike James said to me be true, not just about the guys but about what makes up the club.I want the guys to feel this way about everything we do as a club.”
“I want to get us back to the finals. Winning the finals isn’t what makes us champions. The time, the pouring rain practices, the DISCIPLINE, the ACCOUNTABILITY and WORK leading up to it does. That will make us champions. Lastly we have been through some tough times as a club, but tough times don’t last tough people do, and now were hard as [heck].”
