BYRA




BRIGHTON YOUTH RUGBY
COACHING STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS
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Damon played rugby for Fort Collins Youth Rugby and won 3 state championships, then played at the University of Montana, and then for the Fort Collins Flamingos. He received his USA Rugby Level 200 coaching certification in 2016 and has coached youth rugby the past 7 years and co-founded BYRA with Jeff McEntee in 2019. Damon works as a Project Executive for Hyder Construction in Denver, and also is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 109.
Damon Balcerak (HS/Youth Coach)

Annette was introduced to rugby in 2014 when her family returned to the US from overseas, and her son began to play rugby. Annette fell in love with rugby’s cultural diversity, community and core values. She began volunteering first as a team parent, then as an Executive Board Member and coach. She also began playing recreational and competitive International Touch Rugby.
Annette has been coaching rugby for 8 years. She is a certified L1 referee and Level 1 (L200) coach. She is finalizing her Level 2 (L300) coaching certification. She has coached Youth and HS and Women's Rugby 7s. She also has coached Rugby 15s for Women, HS girls and MS boys.
Annette is a chemical engineer working in the biopharmaceutical industry in Louisville.
Annette Hagewiesche (HS Girls Head Coach)

Kevin has been a rugby player & fan for most of his adult life, after graduating from CSU with a business degree. Kevin acts as treasurer for BYRA, and coaches Middle school and HS rugby for BYRA.
Kevin Gorell (HS Boys Coach)

Coach Will has been with BYRA for three years and is the backs coach for the Boys High School squad. In high school he played for the local club, Northside Dragons as a Scrum and Fly Half. He received a education degree from CSU and teaches social studies at Fort Lupton High School. When it's not rugby season, Will enjoys coaching football and basketball.
Will Vowles (HS Boys Coach)

Jeff played 4 years of college rugby for the Colorado School of Mines. 2 of those years the CSM Rugby team placed 2nd in their ERRFU conference and qualified for Nationals. Jeff is also a Level 200 Certified Rugby Coach and 2023 will be his 9th year coaching youth Rugby. Jeff works as a Commissioning Engineer for Mead-Hunt in Denver.
Jeff McEntee (Youth Coach)

Kris played High School Club Rugby in Greeley for 2 years and came back to the sport when his kids joined BYRA 2 Years ago. After spectating the first year, his love of the game and organization opened a path to become more involved with Rugby again. He received his Level 200 Certified Rugby Certification in 2022 and has helped coach on both the U10 and U12's for the Spring and Fall teams. This will be Kris's 2nd year coaching with BYRA. Kris works as a Civil Designer for an Engineering Firm in Denver.
Kris Kohlhoff (Youth Coach)

Jason found an interest to rugby when it was introduced to his family a couple of years ago. Jason has experience coaching other sports but this will be his first year as an assistant coach for youth rugby, after receiving Level 200 accreditation through USA Rugby. Jason works as a biomedical technician at UC Denver.
Jason Smith (Youth Coach)

I fell in love with rugby more than 20 years ago and have played off and on ever since. From a 2x national runners up high school team to a club team in Ohio, I have looked for the game wherever I can. I played until showing up to law school with black eyes became untenable. Now having taken a break for a few years, I've heard the call of the whistle and am excited to help a new generation of ruggers learn and fall in love with the game!
Hal Baker (Youth Coach)

Hi! I’m Jamie. I’m a wife and mom of 4. I enjoy being outdoors, hanging out with family & friends, exploring Colorado, and trying new things. In the 2yrs we’ve been with BYRA, rugby has found a special place in my heart for the friendships my family has made. It is amazing to watch the kids come together as teammates and their families supporting each other. I believe we are more than a sport, we are a rugby family.
Jamie Ostrander (Marketing Officer)

Hello Rugby family
My name is Sam, I’m a mom of a 7 year old boy on our 3rd season of being a Tiki. I love hang out with family and friends, taking walks on a nice day outside and listening to music. We are definitely excited to see the journey this Tiki life bring my family. BYRA has become part family and we look forward to every season that starts!
Samantha Patrick (Marketing Officer)

I am the marketing/sponsorship co-chair. My son joined youth Rugby in 2018. Our family immediately fell in love with the sport and the community that surrounds it. I am excited to be a part of BYRA and love watching this amazing sport grow. I work as a Kindergarten thru 8th grade Special Education para and attend school at CSU.