The Denver Barbarians Rugby Club celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the club winning the National Championship having defeated Old Blue Rugby Club from Berkeley, CA, 21-13, on May 13, 1990.

The weekend long celebration included a banquet in downtown Denver that was attended by 17 members of the squad, as well as wives, friends and family, officials from the event, members of other national championship squads and club members.

The one common theme of the weekend was what a special event the National Championship was in everyone's lives and how the team had worked relentlessly to achieve the goal of being National Champions after six previous attempts: 1981 Dayton, OH, 1982 Palo Alto, CA, 1984 Chicago, IL, 1987 Tampa, FL, 1988 Schenectady, NY, 1989 Englewood, CO. The camaraderie, friendship and love for each other of the 1990 team has definitely not faded during the past 20 years and the celebration was a great reason for everyone to get together, coming from as far away as Wales, Canada, California, Texas and Oklahoma.

At the Friday banquet, each member of the squad recounted their memories of the championship and many named their MVP for the games. James Glabman had the most MVP votes, for his critical tackle in the game against Chicago in the semi-finals, for being the host of many new players to the club, and graciously relinquishing his position to David James when he joined the team. Close second in votes was the forward pack and coach Sean Edris for his insistence on fitness and basics.

Team members were also given a packet of mementos courtesy of Ed Haggerty at Rugby magazine, with the articles on the semis and the finals, a team picture and photos of play in both games. During the event, footage of the game, taken by Joel Gregg, was played as well as scenes from the Barbo World Cup tour from 1987 and the famed snapping of the goal post with their opposition by the Barbarian pack on a five-meter scrum.

"My wife Kerryann and I were honored to be in attendance at the Friday evening banquet," said Lance French, president of the Denver Barbarians.

"We are both truly moved by the stories, the camaraderie and the bond that the players still have for each other. Having played and coached for over 25 years, I have grown to realize how hard it is to win the National title. Listening to the stories by the players and how much the Championship has meant to them over the passing years, is truly inspiring and something every current player will not know until and if they ever win a Championship". French went on to say "it is so difficult to express to the current players on how hard it is, how much work it takes and how lucky we are to get the chance to go for a National Championship, let alone winning one. The players of the Barbos"

1990 National Championship team did so, and because of their efforts, they will be forever bound by this event. Thank you Champions, for letting K and me, be a part of your very special event."

On Saturday, the team, their families, current members and many Old Boys met for a barbecue in Crescent Park in Lowry. The anticipated croquet tournament did not take place because of the 100-degree temperatures, but there was a hotly contested horseshoe competition.

Team members present were Peter Shafroth (1), Stevie Ryan (2), Fred Paoli (3), Kevin Moore (4), Geraint Jones (7), Tom Sitzman (8), David James (9), James Glabman (11), Nick Sweeney (11), Steve LaPorta (12), David Tresemer (14) Mark Smith (15 Captain), David Benson (16 and Club President in 1990), Matt McConville (17), Pat Driscoll (18 and Club GM in 1990), Thomson Eccles (19) and Sean Edris (Coach). Also in attendance from the 1990 event was Joe Garrity who negotiated with USA Rugby to have the National Championship held at Englewood Stadium and was the commentator for the matches. Ken Brischke who was in charge of the ball boys and Matt Shafroth who was one of the four ball boys also joined the team for the celebration. Other DBRFC members at the event were Jamie Graves, Paul Hoskins, Sr., Ted McGinty, Dennis Wineland and current DBRFC president Lance French.