U.S. Rugby Foundation President Brian Vizard is Victorious at the 9th Annual I’Maul In No Limit Texas Hold ’em Charity Poker Tournament – Donates His Winnings Back to the Rugby Foundation

San Diego, CA (March 5, 2018) – With three past U.S. Eagle players finishing in the top three teams earlier in the day at the US Rugby Foundation’s 11th Annual Scrumble Charity Golf Tournament, it was only fitting that three past Eagle players were among the five players to cash at that night’s 9th Annual I’Maul In No Limit Texas Hold ’em Charity PokerOver 40 players took part in this fun-filled charity event at the Poker Room at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. Sponsored by the Classic Eagles, this year’s I’Maul In field included past U.S. Eagles Mike Saunders, Mose Timoteo, Todd Clever, Nate Ebner, Greg Teliczan, and Brian Vizard. Also on the felt were past Canadian greats Al Charron and Tom Woods. Defending I’Maul In Champion Bob Erwin was looking to be the first champion to go back to back but he would have to get past other I’Maul In champions, Todd “Judge Ito” Komori and Mark “Hawkeye” Hawkins.With the top five places cashing, tensions were high as one by one, players dropped by the wayside. They were all vying to win the first place money of over $1,100 and of course, the 2018 I’Maul In No Limit Texas Hold ’em Charity Poker Tournament trophyThere were some familiar faces at the end of the night as four players made their way back to the final table from last year. Matt Eshoo, Scott Witt, Timoteo, and Parker Bagley all made long runs in 2017. New to the final table this year were Ebner, Vizard, Rose Angry, Tom Schmitt, Eric Saunders and Jeff Brannon.The final table cards were cruel right off the bat as Rose’s pocket Aces were cracked so her late run came to an end. Out next was first time I’Maul In entrant, Schmitt. Next to bow out was Bagley, who ended another good tournament with an 8th place finish. Eshoo, the I’Maul In all-time leading money winner, was next to fall as he finished just two out of the money. And going out on the bubble was Brannon.The final five, all guaranteed of being in the money, were Ebner, Timoteo, Saunders, Witt and Vizard. Ebner was the first to go as Vizard’s pocket 3s held on to knock out the two-time Super Bowl champion and 2016 U.S. Olympian. As soon as he received his $330 in winnings, Nate handed it right over to Vizard as a donation for the Rugby Foundation. Good man Nate! Down to four, Vizard called Saunders “I’Maul In” with pocket 8s. Saunders could not do better and was gone in 4th place, collecting $377 for his efforts. Down to three, Timoteo called Witt’s “I’Maul In” and caught a flush on the river to send him to the rail. Another long run saw Witt cash for $534.Going heads up, the two former Eagles, Vizard and Timoteo, saw the chip lead see saw back and forth a half a dozen times. With Vizard holding the chip lead and a suited King, 6 in his hand, he called Timoteo’s “I’Maul In.” Timoteo flipped over an Ace but Vizard caught a six on the flop and it held up allowing Vizard to become the new I’Maul In Champion. For his night’s work, Timoteo pocketed $769. Vizard, following the lead of Ebner, donated all of his $1,100 winnings back into the US Rugby Foundation coffers.“It was a great night and I think everyone had a good time,” said Vizard. “The folks at the Mandalay Bay Poker Room welcomed us with open arms and we look forward to going back next year. I want to thank all those who took part in this year’s I’Maul In and also the Classic Eagles for their continued support. See you next year.”The USRF would like to thank the following for their support of our Vegas events: Building Infrastructure Group, Classic Eagles, Tilted Kilt, Bud Light and TaylorMade. Proceeds from the USRF I’Maul In Tournament will further the youth and high school programs offered by the USRF.In addition to the sponsors above, the USRF would also like to thank the following for their support of this year’s I’Maul In and Scrumble tournaments:Dan Larrea Old Blue Rugby Chicago LionsClassic Eagles Godek Rugby & Soccer Core Carrier ExchangeCanterbury Storlie Family Trust Four Seasons AspenHands On Labor World Rugby Shop Econo AirBill Fraumann Falcon West Insurance Bully’s EastCATS Rugby Santa Monica Rugby Club Twin Cities AmazonsB & B Surplus Walker Construction Irvine EnterprisesOakland Warthogs Logan Capital Advisors Kern County RugbyMystic River Rugby Silich Construction Maroon Peak Capital Pacific Development Group Global Sports Collective Silich HomesMountain Temp Services Mark Williams Painting Aspen RuggerfestConstruction Sealant & Supply Kaler Family Rugby ScholarshipsDelores Mountain Inn