Josh Young - Head Coach
I began playing rugby as a junior in high school for the Kitsap Peninsula Rugby club in 1996. After graduating high school, I attended Washington State University, where I played for four years as a hooker / flanker for the WSU Men's Rugby Club. During my time at WSU, I gained experience by volunteering as the match secretary and vice president. Following my senior year, I was selected to the PNFRU Loggers Collegiate All-Star team.
After graduating from WSU, I played for various men's clubs: the Tri Cities Rattlers, Tacoma Nomads and finally, the Eastside Axemen. In September of 2008, I was offered the head coaching position of the then, Bellevue Tyrants. Later that year, I attained my level 1 coaching certification through USA Rugby.
Since that time, I have been elected chair person of the Youth Rugby Committee for Washington Youth Rugby. I'm committed to teaching rugby the right way and growing the game. My three core values are: Have Fun, Stay Positive and Give Everything. I look forward to the upcoming season and am thankful for all the excellent support our team receives from players, parents and coaches.
After graduating from WSU, I played for various men's clubs: the Tri Cities Rattlers, Tacoma Nomads and finally, the Eastside Axemen. In September of 2008, I was offered the head coaching position of the then, Bellevue Tyrants. Later that year, I attained my level 1 coaching certification through USA Rugby.
Since that time, I have been elected chair person of the Youth Rugby Committee for Washington Youth Rugby. I'm committed to teaching rugby the right way and growing the game. My three core values are: Have Fun, Stay Positive and Give Everything. I look forward to the upcoming season and am thankful for all the excellent support our team receives from players, parents and coaches.
Neil Goodwin - Forwards Coach
Coming soon...
Lance Hoggart - Forwards
coming soon...
Kevin Jensen - Forwards / Conditioning Coach
Coming soon...
Kyle Windenburg - Forwards Coach
I have been playing rugby since his sophomore year in 95. I played with the Redmond Rugby Club for 3 years. In those 3 years I played in two state championships and went to nationals and played twice. We also took a tour through the UK making stops in England, Wales and Ireland. It was a great experience to go and play over seas.
In 2002, I came to the Eastside Axemen and played a year with them at Div 1 rugby. In 2005 I rejoined the team and have been playing since along with playing on our 7's team in the summer. Since then we have gone and played in playoffs in 2007.
Last year I started coaching with the Lions. It was a great experience to see the game from a coaching perspective. My favorite part was having someone new to the game and helping their skills grow throughout the season.
In 2002, I came to the Eastside Axemen and played a year with them at Div 1 rugby. In 2005 I rejoined the team and have been playing since along with playing on our 7's team in the summer. Since then we have gone and played in playoffs in 2007.
Last year I started coaching with the Lions. It was a great experience to see the game from a coaching perspective. My favorite part was having someone new to the game and helping their skills grow throughout the season.
Jeff Hartnett - Backs Coach
I began my playing career in 1998 for the Tacoma Tsunami high school squad. Upon graduation, I played for sometime with the Tacoma Nomads Men's Club before moving on there Washington State University.
While in Pullman, I played scrumhalf and was fortunate to play with many on many successful teams. We played together - with passion and great effort and were able to make the regional playoffs year after year.
After graduating college with a degree in education, I took a year off from rugby. However, the game kept calling my name. I joined on with the Eastside Axemen where I filled played role of utility back. Last season, I decided to step away from playing and start coaching.
My first season with the Lion's was very exciting and I learned quite a bit. I look forward to the upcoming season and developing these boys, new to the game, into quality rugby players.
While in Pullman, I played scrumhalf and was fortunate to play with many on many successful teams. We played together - with passion and great effort and were able to make the regional playoffs year after year.
After graduating college with a degree in education, I took a year off from rugby. However, the game kept calling my name. I joined on with the Eastside Axemen where I filled played role of utility back. Last season, I decided to step away from playing and start coaching.
My first season with the Lion's was very exciting and I learned quite a bit. I look forward to the upcoming season and developing these boys, new to the game, into quality rugby players.
Mickey Stewart - Backs Coach
I started playing at the age of 6 at a club called "Wharfedale" in the North of England and I have played all my life since then. During my career I captained my Club, played for Yorkshire County and progressed to North of England at the age of 16. I played for school from the age of 11 and became Head of Rugby in my final year.
I made the the big move to the U.S.A in 2001 after an opportunity came for me to travel to Seattle and play for 'Old Puget Sound Beach RUFC' and I am now settled with my wife and 3 children in Fall City. Over the years I have discovered that Rugby is a game that teaches discipline coupled with sportsmanship and promotes friendship wherever you may travel in the world.
The chance to coach and to pass on some of the skills I have learned over the years is something I have been hoping to do for a while and to join the Eastside Lions as one of the coaches is an opportunity that I could not miss. I am looking forward to the challenge and I hope for great results!!
I made the the big move to the U.S.A in 2001 after an opportunity came for me to travel to Seattle and play for 'Old Puget Sound Beach RUFC' and I am now settled with my wife and 3 children in Fall City. Over the years I have discovered that Rugby is a game that teaches discipline coupled with sportsmanship and promotes friendship wherever you may travel in the world.
The chance to coach and to pass on some of the skills I have learned over the years is something I have been hoping to do for a while and to join the Eastside Lions as one of the coaches is an opportunity that I could not miss. I am looking forward to the challenge and I hope for great results!!
Brent Nourse - Backs Coach
I began playing rugby at 13 years old for the then Overlake High School RFC in Redmond, and continued playing with the same club as it became the Redmond High School RFC in 1990. During that time I also played with the Seattle Men's teams when they needed extra bodies. I have played with the High School Loggers and Grizzlies as well as the U-19 Eagles.
During college, I played with the Whitman Men's Rugby Club and coached both the Men's and Women's sides. I also continued playing with the College Loggers.
After College, I coached the Eastside Mudhens for a short while before work and family required more of my time. I have greatly missed the game and look forward to working with the Eastside youth teams.
During college, I played with the Whitman Men's Rugby Club and coached both the Men's and Women's sides. I also continued playing with the College Loggers.
After College, I coached the Eastside Mudhens for a short while before work and family required more of my time. I have greatly missed the game and look forward to working with the Eastside youth teams.
James McDonnell - Backs Coach
I began playing rugby at the University of Washington and have continued to play with the Eastside Axemen since 2006. Growing up in the Midwest, I played football and while I still love the game I wish I had been exposed to rugby earlier. The combination of athleticism, communication, effort and camaraderie needed to succeed in Rugby is unmatched by any other sport.
In my first year with the Lions I'm looking forward to helping build the tools of success while having a great time - which is what it's all about.
In my first year with the Lions I'm looking forward to helping build the tools of success while having a great time - which is what it's all about.
Ashley Kmiecik - Backs Coach
I started playing rugby in college. Initially, I wanted to play basketball, but did not make the cut. Rugby soon became a sport that I excelled at quickly and felt very comfortable playing. Ever since then, it has been my passion.
I've been playing for 8 years now and played at Washington State University, graduating in 2005, then the Emerald Mudhens. I currently play for ORSU, which is in the Women’s Premier League made up of the top 8 teams in the country. It is a league that offers high, level competitive matches with in the US to better prepare some of the USA players for international competition. Furthermore, it will set the level of standards higher for women’s rugby in our country and players a chance to keep moving up with their rugby goals and endeavors.
In addition to ORSU, I am member of the USA Lady Eagles and Pacific Coast Grizzles. I've had the honor and privilege of being named as a Second Team All-American in 2003, playing 7 International Caps (appearances in International Matches and am entering my 3rd year playing with the USA Lady Eagles. I have dedicated the past 8 years to making the 2010 World Cup and am less than a year away from reaching that goal.
I've been playing for 8 years now and played at Washington State University, graduating in 2005, then the Emerald Mudhens. I currently play for ORSU, which is in the Women’s Premier League made up of the top 8 teams in the country. It is a league that offers high, level competitive matches with in the US to better prepare some of the USA players for international competition. Furthermore, it will set the level of standards higher for women’s rugby in our country and players a chance to keep moving up with their rugby goals and endeavors.
In addition to ORSU, I am member of the USA Lady Eagles and Pacific Coast Grizzles. I've had the honor and privilege of being named as a Second Team All-American in 2003, playing 7 International Caps (appearances in International Matches and am entering my 3rd year playing with the USA Lady Eagles. I have dedicated the past 8 years to making the 2010 World Cup and am less than a year away from reaching that goal.
Matt Hudson - Founder
During the 2007-2008 school year, Matt Hudson founded the then, Bellevue Tyrants High School Rugby Club. Matt planted the "rugby seed" on the Eastside and with a dedicated group of boys were able to compete in Division 2 in the Spring of 2008. Matt currently coaches the Washington State University Men's Rugby Club and is the founder of the Capital Rugby Club, better know as The Budd Bay High School Rugby Club. He also sits on the Youth Rugby Committee for Washington Youth Rugby and is dedicated to promoting and growing rugby in Washington State.
