VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

Jesse Woodward, Husband, Father, Friend, and Player was tragically taken from us on March 19th, 2001.  When I first met Jesse, my first thought was "Wow, a Smitty clone!" The guy was roughly the same build, except not as fat (sorry Smitty—Media Boy), just as intense, an equal tackler, healthier ham-strings, and a pure straight ahead—hard runner. He joined the team and was able to be an integral part of the club as it grew to one of the highest levels the Hibo’s had ever seen.

I first really got to know Jesse after the Hibo’s went to the MARFU finals. Jesse and I drove back from Frederick after the finals match. It was pouring rain, we had a case of Samuel Adams (Jesse wanted Busch Light, but I talked him out of it) and about two six packs left over from the field (I think that was Busch Light). We drove an hour south before realizing we were headed in the wrong direction. The reason we headed south was partly because of the rain, but mostly because of the talking and laughing that was going on. With a case of beer between two people, who cares which direction you’re traveling? I swear to you that there was never a lull in communication (most of it done by Jesse—if you can imagine that). I remember laughing constantly. Unfortunately, I do not remember much after an hour north of Frederick. Honestly I do not know how we made it home. I’ve often felt that there are little Rugby Guardian Angels that get us home safely after Rugby functions. I know that there were at least four or five in the car with us that night. Probably drunk and asleep in the back seat under the empties. I think two of them quit after that night, and the others checked into rehab. 

By the way, in case you don’t know me or Jesse that well, we finished the beer with ease, probably before we reached Pennsylvania.  I do remember Jesse talking about rugby, a lot! The man loved the game with a fire and intensity that I had not seen in a long time. It was so refreshing and inspirational. The man had a passion for the game, and for life, that was addictive. I am sure that we, as a team, could write a book about the events and times spent with Jesse. The book would probably be outlawed in the bible belt, though.  I must be brutally honest and say that there were times when Jesse and I, did not see eye to eye (as I think we can all admit to). To the point of being angry with each other. Although Jesse would always find a way of throwing out a phrase, a joke, or just giving that sly grin of his and all would be forgot-ten and we’d be sitting at the bar laughing.

Jesse also spent the last year or two with the Hibo’s during one of the lowest periods of the clubs existence.  Jesse almost single-handedly held this team together. This is no exaggeration. Jesse did more for this club during that period of time than I have ever seen one person do for the Hibo’s. If we could all take a just a part of that commitment, we’d be competing against Media and Brandywine this season.

We will always have our memories, let us always remember.

I will miss you my friend. We all will..

215-947-6422

It was great seeing everyone come out and show there support for Jesse’s family, new and old players alike. Thanks also, to all of you who contributed to Billy and Samantha’s trust fund. The club has raised a good bit of money for the trust fund, far beyond the club’s initial contribution.  There will be more to do though. Let’s keep up the good work

If you would like to make a donation to the trust fund set up for Billy and Samantha:  You may send or give the money to the club and the donation will be made on behalf of the Hibernians.  Donations may be given to Spiros or me (Bill Wagner—Wags for those of you who still do not know my real name).  Or, you may make a donation directly to the fund -  William and Samantha Woodward Trust Fund

C/o First Federal Savings and Loan Savings

Department 118 Mill Street

Bristol, PA 19007

Benefit Match

We are presently in the process of planning a Rugby Union/League benefit match. The date will be June 2nd. We are presently in communication with Council Rock School District to hold the event at one of their fields. At this point, not all details have been made. I will keep you in-formed as details become available. I will also be asking for assistance with many of the details. If you would like to volunteer, or have any suggestions, by all means I would love to hear from you. Thank you.

I've only just come across the newsletter posted after Jesse's death and I was very moved by it. Some of the Hibo's know me, some don't. I played with the boys in 2000 under Jo Kelly and then played with many of the same guys in the Sharks rugby league team that I coached, including Jesse.

When I decided to leave Australia in early 2000 for a year of living and playing footy in the USA, it was a huge leap of faith for me. I'd met Dave Niu and a few of the boys months earlier when I toured to the USA with the Australian Police Rugby league Team. I got talking to Niuy about coming back in 2000 to have a run with the Sharks. I came over a bit earlier and started playing for the Hibo's as a warm up for me. I can remember turning up to my very first Hibo's training with Niuy introducing me to the boys. Jesse was one of the first blokes to come up to me and shake my hand and welcome me on board. From that very first g'day, we became good mates. Jesse was often my taxi throughout the year, both for footy and social outings (drinks in town!). When we played down at Sea Iles City for the War at the Shore, it was Jesse that came and picked me up and drove me all the way in his jeep, music blasting as me, Sammy and Jesse talked the talk. I found out pretty quickly that Jesse just didn't talk the talk, he followed it up with an awesome rugby ethic and work rate. Given he wasn't a real big bloke, he had a huge heart when it came to the game and that goes a long way towards being a good footy player. I can still remember hearing the band '3 doors down' for the very first time, coming out of Jesse's car on that trip to the shore.

He was funny, friendly and at times very intense and through it all, he made me feel welcome which was a huge thing for a guy that turned up in another country to play rugby with a bunch of blokes I hadn't met. Jesse often asked me about Australia and was very keen to come and visit me in Melbourne. Before his death we had been talking about him and his family coming down under to stay with me so it was with great shock and sadness that I read Sal's email telling me what had happened. I sat there stunned, staring at my computer as if it wasn't real as I started to cry. I'm sure I did not know him half as well as many of the hibo family did but I know that I was proud to have known him and been treated so well by him. It was a true honour to have called him a mate. God bless you Jesse.

Barry Randall
Victoria Police
Rugby League Club
& former player/coach NJ Sharks
barry.randall@police.vic.gov.au