Rain And Wind Can’t Stop Kenai’s Annual Rugby Tourny, Dipnet Fest

For the last few years, sideways rain has been the backdrop for the Kenai River Dipnet Fest Rugby Tournament. 2024’s tournament was no different. That rain didn’t stop teams, neither local nor out-of-state, from descending upon the city of Kenai yet again. In total, 5 men’s teams and 4 women’s teams, including a USA Rugby Division 1 team from Wisconsin, vied for the title of Dipnet Fest Champions. 

Torrential downpours made the rugby ball as slippery as the red salmon that drew the teams in for our tourney. As such, each match featured many opportunities for the large powerhouses of the team to prove themselves via scrummage. The big dogs in the pack of the host team, the Kenai River Wolfpack, flexed their muscles again and again to keep the pack within biting range of victory through every match. Alas, at the end of the tournament, the Kenai men ended winless despite valiant efforts by the entire team in 3 matches.  

Austin Danielson, with his brilliant pace and agile feet, was able to put the ball down in the try zone twice on the day, earning him the title of “Best Back” of the tourney. In the second match, Nick Jacuk fed Dallas Dudding a beautiful pass as he added another score on an absolutely bruising rumble vs. the formidable Bird Creek Barbarians. Dallas was also awarded the title of “Best Forward” of the tourney for his crushing tackles, powerful runs, and superb gameplay. 

As exciting as the men’s play was, it was almost completely overshadowed by the rise of Kenai’s very own women’s team, the Kenai River SheWolves. Though the team has been in the works for several years, 2024 marked the first year the ladies were able to field an entire side of local athletes, complete with brand new beautiful aqua blue uniforms. Taking a field with a mixture of beginners and seasoned veterans, the team proved to be formidable and was able to reign victorious in 1 of their 3 matches. 

Rookie Celisa Hahn notched not only her first try but the SheWolve’s first-ever try with a kick-and-chase play in the matchup against the Arctic Foxes out of Anchorage.  

“I honestly just kept kicking. I know the kick and run game”, said Hahn, who grew up playing soccer at a high level. “I tackled [the ball] and then asked the ref if I did that right! When I got up, I saw Ana [Reid, fellow She Wolf] screaming with joy, and then I realized I just scored the first try for ALL of us, and we did that together!” 

The team’s other try was scored by Sylvie Johnson, a University of Oregon Dirty Duck Rugby star, who is working on the Kenai River through the summer. Team Captain Meredith Harber continually led the charge, proving to be an overwhelming force as she carried the ball for several sizeable gains. Havilah Hilbish and Tiffinie Randall distributed punishment all around the pitch, tenaciously tackling opposing runners. Scrumhalf Lexi McDonald proved to be a pest for opponents as well in her pernicious pursuit of the rugby ball into nearly every ruck and scrum on the day. 

Rugby will continue in Alaska through the end of August when another 10s tournament will be hosted in Anchorage. If you’re interested in joining the Kenai River Wolfpack or SheWolves, you can find us on Facebook under “Kenai River Wolfpack-Rugby” and “Kenai SheWolves Rugby”. Practices are held on Millenium Square Field (behind Louie’s Restaurant) on Thursday nights at 7:00. All experience levels are welcome. 

Article author: Danny Autrey