This article was first published in the 1977 Yearbook. See also: Chapter 2.
Derry’s R.F.C., what was later to evolve into Westside Harlequins, was given birth in July of ’75 by Joe McCook and Joe Hegarty. The seed was planted in Derry’s Irish Pub and blossomed there.
With as little knowledge as possible, they promoted this “traditionally Irish” game among Derry’s patrons until they persuaded 20 men and boys, ranging in age from 14 to 40, of English, German, Ecuadorian, Polish, African, Welsh, and yes – Irish descent, to form a scrum in the prairie across the street from the clubhouse, Derry’s Pub.
Although inspirational, McCook’s lack of experience in this type of endeavor was threatening Harlequins’ existence early, until he inadvertently met Joe “K.O.” Kloiber.
Kloiber had just moved from Madison, had 12 years of rugby experience, and for some reason felt sympathetic towards the club’s struggle. He showed them how to pass the ball and tie their shoes.
Appreciation was expressed in return by inviting him to share several flagons of ale. Joe stumbled home and horrified his wife Julie with the news – he was a rugby coach.
But don’t be misled. Experience was more widespread than you have been led to believe. Among the first roots of the club were at least five others whose extensive experience included playing in and/or watching a previous match, or both. A notable example was Tom Drysdale.
An ex-rugger from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Tom brought good rugby sense and a flair for songs, antics, witticisms, and the absurd to Derry’s R.F.C. He gave the fledgling club a sense of moral decadence that was appreciated both on and off the pitch.
Fall 1975
The first season was one of tremendous growth. Each week saw rapid advances in the shaping of an identity as a club. The first annual corn roast at Derry’s Pub was a smashing success, pip pip, with over 400 people making donations. Financial stability was attained.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, the new group of rowdies bullied its way to eleven victories while sustaining only four losses, for a satisfying premiere season.
Many of the club’s early struggles were off the pitch. And here, much credit must be given to Derry Hegarty. His pub served as the main office, bathroom, party hall, and recruiting center.
Spring & Summer 1976
The second season saw a recruiting drive that landed nearly a dozen experienced ruggers. As a result, there was a de-emphasis on the “Big Buddy up the Middle” play in favor of more sophisticated strategies, such as wing forward and fullback overloads.
A tough schedule included the best teams both in the state and from the Chicago area. Consequently, some “growing pains” were experienced, but a 5-5-1 season was still managed by both the A and B sides. The Harlequins established their place in the Midwest.
They actually had club colors, a pitch to call their own, and a bar complete with an atmosphere conducive to circus acts. They were now physically and administratively prepared to formulate a successful growth pattern (stocks rose 6-3/8 in the first quarter alone – just kidding, IRS man).
In the summer of ’76, the thought of a sweaty scrum was appealing enough to lure 18 Harlequins to Traverse City, Michigan, in the face of 90-degree temperatures for the annual Cherry Pit Festival Tournament.
The representative team fared well and brought home much-needed confidence, along with the first Harlequin trophy.
The momentum of this “hot streak” continued as the club rolled to a fifth-place finish in the National Schlitz Invitational Tournament. This turned many surprised heads; the Harlequins gained a new respectability.
Fall 1976
Another corn roast later, they faced the fall of 1976 with increased vigor. The A side lost three close matches while winning twelve. The B side reflected the all-around spirit of the club, responding with a 6-3 tally for their season’s efforts.
The club’s accomplishments on and off the pitch can be attributed to the hard work of many.
And while pride and self-satisfaction can be obtained from seeing its growth, the primary motivation still boils down to something even more basic: The Harlequins have a good time. Fun is an integral part of the “rugby spirit” and is part of the make-up of a HARLEQUIN.
All prospective clowns are invited to join in the fun.
