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From Harlequins Historical Society

Welcome to the Milwaukee Harlequins Historical Society. Our goal is to create a dynamic, written history of the rugby club.

No experience is necessary to contribute, just create an account, login and fill in the blanks. .

This history will serve as a general reference and also allow us to nominate inductees regularly into the Harlequins Hall of Fame.

This web site is using the same software that runs Wikipedia. This means you can just click the edit button above the page title and start contributing. And don't worry if you make a mistake. The system keeps copies of every version, and we can always roll-back to a previous copy if necessary.

So c'mon, lets get our history on!

Hall of Fame

Excepted from 1977 Yearbook: "A Legacy of the Harlequins" By Joe McCook:

Derry's RFC, what was later to evolve into the Westside Harlequins, was given birth in the July of 1975 be 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 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 Harlequin existence early, until he inadvertently met Joe Kloiber. "K.O." 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 pass, 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 then you have been led to believe. Amongst 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 Dysdale. An Ex-rugger from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Tom brought good rugby sense, and a flair for songs, antics, witticisms and the absurd to Derry's RFC. He gave the fledgling club a sense of moral decadence that was appreciated both on and off the pitch.

The first season was one of tremendous growth. Each week saw a rapid advances in 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 4 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 main office, bathroom, party hall and recruiting centre. 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 such sophisticated strategies 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 each of 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 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 a much needed confidence, along with a first Harlequin trophy. The momentum if 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.

Another corn roast later, they faced the fall of 1976 with an 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 labors.

The club's accomplishment on, as well as 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.

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