Players recognized in 2023 wrap-up

The Barbarians completed their Fall 2023 season with a pair of great records and a positive outlook for 2024.

Division 2 undefeated in the regular season

The Division 2 team built on their .500 record last year and earned an undefeated 2023 regular season with a 7-0-1 record. They went on to defeat a determined Banshees side 19-17 win in the Midwest semi-final. 

The only loss of the year for the division 2 team came in the final match at the hands of a skilled Indianapolis side who ran away with the match: final score 51-0.

Despite the lopsided score, a second-place finish in the Midwest is a long-overdue achievement for the club to be proud of. We last featured in a Midwest championship back in 2009!

Division 3 player pool expands, improves record

Having forfeited 3 league matches in 2022, the Division 3 side got back on track this year with better numbers overall and a .500 record to boot! 

Perhaps the highlight for Division 3 — and indeed the club as a whole — was the win in Green Bay when both clubs faced off in 2 divisions. 

Standout players

It’s been an exciting and competitive year for the players who have had to work harder and harder to earn selection. Within this environment, a few players stood out.

For Division 2, Tim Grams stepped up to take on kicking duties. He consistently earned those critical points from penalties and conversions that kept us in the close matches and helped us find a way to win all season long. 

Jordan Thomson and Luke Ellis stood out as dangerous match-breakers any time they got the ball.

In the forwards, Austin Moder and Jeff Cebe had banner seasons, and both played similar roles. On defense, tackling from the flank position to disrupt set piece plays. On offensive, always hitting hard strike lines against the grain and keeping their feet to drive through contact.

Additionally, Austin showed great skill at the lineout, securing our own throws and intercepting our opponents.

In Division 3, first-year Barbarian Benjamin Van Handel stepped up as an offensive threat all season long. 

Jack Carter and Mike Egan also stood out. Both guys embraced their roles as leaders on D3 and led by example on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. They both played new positions and filled any role the club needed them to throughout the season. Egan even stepped up to play 9 for the first time against a strong Oshkosh side.

2023 Man of the Match honors

After each match the Barbarians coach and/or captain named their Man of the Match which we recorded each week on our 2023 Results page. Not surprisingly, some of the names above were also recognized for Man of the Match honors.

Here are all of our Man of the Match awardees for the 2023 season:

• Justin Appel
• Ty Ash
• Jeff Cebe
• Collin Deocampo
• Myles Devine
• Joe Grams
• Tim Grams
• Benji Van Handel
• Tommy Kosten
• Austin Moder
• Eric Pachowitz
• David Rosario
• Kevin Schmidt
• Jon Thomas

The future looks bright

With excellent numbers at training, a competitive season in the books, and healthy support from our sponsors, alumni and sustaining members, the outlook for 2024 looks bright. 

Follow us on Facebook for more information on the spring 2024 season and events over the winter, including the Annual Awards Banquet on February 10, 2024.