Season ticket holder op-ed: Julie Winder

JULIE WINDER, UTAH WARRIORS SEASON TICKET HOLDER —

What started out with three friends, Becky, Karen and myself, the inaugural season has grown to a group of 18 people! The first year, it was the three of us. The following year, two more joined us, and this coming year, we’ll have the big group in Section 23. We love getting to come to the games and cheering for our Utah Warriors. I bought a couple of extra season tickets, so I can keep inviting new people to discover rugby and the Warriors.

The games are always action-packed and full of grit and never-quit attitude, but what impresses me the most is watching the players come to the sidelines after the game for photos, signatures and meeting the fans. I love watching the kids’ faces light up getting to meet them. All the players, coaches and staff have been so warm and welcoming at Meet the Team events and away game watch parties. I’ll never forget being at Top Golf watching with the injured players when we beat Seattle last year in the 10 minute overtime game. It was sheer joy on their faces! Karen and I went to the away game in Colorado last year, and a few of the players said after the game they could hear us cheering for them from the stands. It’s been great getting to know people in the organization. 

So excited for what 2021 will bring. Warriors Nation forever!

ABOUT THE TRIO

Julie is a Software Development Engineer in Test at Stampin’ Up! in Riverton, Utah.  Becky is an athletic trainer and teacher, Karen is a third-grade teacher at Deerfield Elementary in the Alpine School District and April is an Account Manager at USI Insurance.

BECKY BAILEY:

“I love rugby!  As an athletic trainer working games and just as a general fan, I have watched it grow and gain momentum in the state of Utah, and I was thrilled when I heard the news that the MLR would have a pro team here. My friends and I were some of the first to be proud “Warrior Nation” season ticket holders and yell loudly at each game, even road games. It has been a blast to support the team, and I look forward to many more seasons as a proud Utah Warrior Fan!”

KAREN CHAPPELL: 

“I started watching Rugby back in 2014 with some friends. I’ve been hooked ever since. When the Warriors team was announced, I knew I wanted to be part of the action! I love watching the Utah Warriors. It has been great fun to be a season ticket holder and to not only attend their games, but to get to meet them and experience their personalities at meet and greet events and to feel their appreciation for our support at the games.”

APRIL STOKER:

“Bring on the pandemics, weather and anything else you can think of. It’s not going to stop these die-hards from cheering on their Warriors.”