Latest news with #Hibbard
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales international played under false name until club bosses got wind of it
Wales international played under false name until club bosses got wind of it The Wales international revealed how he used to get back fit by playing for a number of local clubs using a pseudonym Former Wales star Richard Hibbard (Image: BBC ) Richard Hibbard has revealed he used a fake name to play local rugby matches while at Ospreys. The 38-cap Wales international appeared as a guest on the latest episode of BBC's Scrum V 'The Warm Up'. Speaking about his career, Hibbard touched on how he almost switched to rugby league when he was a teenager, before Ospreys snapped him up. Host Lauren Jenkins then asked Hibbard about the time he used a pseudonym while playing. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "I used to hate training," began Hibbard. "I used to get fit by playing. "They (Ospreys) weren't playing me much at the time, so I used to play for everyone. Taibach... anything on a Wednesday night or a Sunday evening - anything I could. "In the summer, instead of training I used to play a bit of rugby league. The team manager had the genius idea to hide my identity. Article continues below "They came up with some real good names. They called me Hubert Richards. It was going well, as well. Hubert was my name every week in the paper. "Sean (Long) came down to investigate and he actually caught me." "How long did you get away with it for?" asked Jenkins. "I was the Man of Steel that year," responded Hibbard. "It was brilliant, my trophy came in a different name though!" "Was position were you?" asked Jonathan 'Foxy' Davies. "I was prop and loose forward. A lot of carries, a lot of tackles. My favourite part, to be fair!" Article continues below Hibbard announced his retirement from rugby in 2022 at the age of 38. Having closed out his career with Dragons RFC, he featured for Ospreys, Gloucester, Wales and the British and Irish Lions, enjoying a stellar career at the elite level of the game. Since he hung up his boots three years ago, Hibbard has focused on business and sports leadership. The former front-row star has two restaurants in his home town along with his 'Mortal Bunny' rum brand, and has stepped into a chief executive role with Wales Rugby League in recent times.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
CPS custodian finalist in national honor recognizing the often unsung work of school maintenance
Every morning, right before the kids line up to enter the school at Hibbard Elementary School in the Albany Park neighborhood, Micaela Ortiz Arredondo is already waiting for them, their breakfast in hand, ready to welcome them in. 'Buenos días, mijo. Good morning,' she tells each student as they take their meal, some giving her a hug, as they walk inside to start their day. After she hands out the last bag, she grabs her broom and cleaning supplies, ready to begin her own day. For the students, Mica, as they call her, is not just another custodian at the school. Instead, she is like a grandmother. She prompts smiles, helps tie errant shoelaces and, from time to time, wipes tears from cheeks. Ortiz's kindness and support for the students have not gone unnoticed. This year, she was recognized as a top 10 finalist for the Cintas Custodian of the Year Award, which honors the work and often unsung role that custodians play in students' lives in schools across the country. Though she didn't win the top prize, which included $10,000 and a trip to Las Vegas, she still hopes to use the opportunity of the recognition to return to school, improve her English and one day become a school leader. 'Estoy feliz porque nunca pensé llegar tan lejos. I'm happy because I never thought I would get this far,' Ortiz said. Chicago Public Schools employs 2,392 custodial workers to help keep its buildings clean — a job that is often more than just scrubbing floors and wiping tables. Ortiz has worked at Hibbard for only four years and, in that time, has become a vital part of the school community, her co-workers say. She has helped build a culture rooted in love and equity, said Hiliana León, the principal at the school. Her impact goes far beyond keeping the school clean and well-maintained; she's built a nurturing environment for students who often share her immigrant experience. Ortiz is a leader, León said. She is a representative of the vital, compassionate work custodians do not only across the school district, but in buildings and public spaces everywhere. Ortiz has built a team of janitors and custodians at Hibbard that keep the school clean and the students safe, León said. 'Many look towards her as a leader and now they go above and beyond, modeling the work that she does for the children,' León said. Other custodians have begun to welcome the children the way Ortiz does, León said. Some help to distribute cones during the start and the end of the school day to guide the children and parents to keep them safe from traffic. Some janitors and custodians now join the staff lunches, where many didn't feel welcome before, León added. Without knowing, Ortiz created a sense of belonging for the students and custodial staff. The recognition has not only uplifted Ortiz's confidence, but the dignity of the rest of the custodians and janitors at the school, added León. 'When we see custodians or people working in the kitchen, we think of our brown people; that is their job, but no, we need to find a way how to elevate the strengths they bring to our school and help them grow. How do we grow Mica?' León said. Ortiz was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. She loved going to school and learning new things, she recalled. After getting a degree in accounting, the extreme poverty and family turmoil spurred her to move to the United States in 1995. She became a mom of two. Ortiz went to school to learn English and eventually got a medical assistant certificate. After leaving her abusive partner, she raised her two children mostly alone and worked long hours, she said. She started working at Hibbard after leaving a job as a nannie and senior caretaker. The children at Hibbard immediately gave her a sense of purpose, she said. That's because they remind her of her own children and the time she couldn't spend with them growing up. 'So when I see that they're sad or I can sense something is wrong, I try to be there for them and cheer them up,' Ortiz said. Cintas created the Custodian of the Year Award 12 years ago 'to honor the essential yet often overlooked role custodians play in schools across the country,' said Christiny Betsch, from Cintas, a workwear corporation. 'Custodians are critical to maintaining clean, safe and healthy learning environments, but their contributions often go unrecognized,' Betsch said in an email. In a statement, Chicago Public Schools said it congratulates Ortiz for her recognition and called her an 'important part of the Hibbard school community.' Ortiz said her dream is to go back to school, learn to use the computer better and finally afford to take her family on vacation. Her two children, now adults, no longer live in Chicago. Her daughter, 27, lives in North Carolina and is studying criminal justice; her son, 19, is in the U.S. Army stationed in El Paso, Texas. 'I'm sure they're proud of me,' Ortiz said. The students at Hibbard are proud and they remind Ortiz every time they can. 'When we walk the hall and we see her and she smiles at us, that brings everybody's day up,' said John Murphy, a third grader at Hibbard. John met Ortiz in kindergarten. For him, he said, she is like a second grandmother. 'When someone is having a bad day, Mica knows that someone is having a bad day and Mica cheers them up,' John said. For Manuel Calle, a fifth grader at Hibbard, even if Ortiz didn't win the national honor, her presence at the school is already a privilege. 'Porque nos trata a todos con respeto y nos da mucho amor. Because she treats us with respect and gives us much love,' he said. larodriguez@
Chicago Tribune
03-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
CPS custodian finalist in national honor recognizing the often unsung work of school maintenance
Every morning, right before the kids line up to enter the school at Hibbard Elementary School in the Albany Park neighborhood, Micaela Ortiz Arredondo is already waiting for them, their breakfast in hand, ready to welcome them in. ' Buenos días, mijo. Good morning,' she tells each student as they take their meal, some giving her a hug, as they walk inside to start their day. After she hands out the last bag, she grabs her broom and cleaning supplies, ready to begin her own day. For the students, Mica, as they call her, is not just another custodian at the school. Instead, she is like a grandmother. She prompts smiles, helps tie errant shoelaces and, from time to time, wipes tears from cheeks. Ortiz's kindness and support for the students have not gone unnoticed. This year, she was recognized as a top 10 finalist for the Cintas Custodian of the Year Award, which honors the work and often unsung role that custodians play in students' lives in schools across the country. Though she didn't win the top prize, which included $10,000 and a trip to Las Vegas, she still hopes to use the opportunity of the recognition to return to school, improve her English and one day become a school leader. ' Estoy feliz porque nunca pensé llegar tan lejos. I'm happy because I never thought I would get this far,' Ortiz said. Chicago Public Schools employs 2,392 custodial workers to help keep its buildings clean — a job that is often more than just scrubbing floors and wiping tables. Ortiz has worked at Hibbard for only four years and, in that time, has become a vital part of the school community, her co-workers say. She has helped build a culture rooted in love and equity, said Hiliana León, the principal at the school. Her impact goes far beyond keeping the school clean and well-maintained; she's built a nurturing environment for students who often share her immigrant experience. Ortiz is a leader, León said. She is a representative of the vital, compassionate work custodians do not only across the school district, but in buildings and public spaces everywhere. Ortiz has built a team of janitors and custodians at Hibbard that keep the school clean and the students safe, León said. 'Many look towards her as a leader and now they go above and beyond, modeling the work that she does for the children,' León said. Other custodians have begun to welcome the children the way Ortiz does, León said. Some help to distribute cones during the start and the end of the school day to guide the children and parents to keep them safe from traffic. Some janitors and custodians now join the staff lunches, where many didn't feel welcome before, León added. Without knowing, Ortiz created a sense of belonging for the students and custodial staff. The recognition has not only uplifted Ortiz's confidence, but the dignity of the rest of the custodians and janitors at the school, added León. 'When we see custodians or people working in the kitchen, we think of our brown people; that is their job, but no, we need to find a way how to elevate the strengths they bring to our school and help them grow. How do we grow Mica?' León said. Ortiz was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. She loved going to school and learning new things, she recalled. After getting a degree in accounting, the extreme poverty and family turmoil spurred her to move to the United States in 1995. She became a mom of two. Ortiz went to school to learn English and eventually got a medical assistant certificate. After leaving her abusive partner, she raised her two children mostly alone and worked long hours, she said. She started working at Hibbard after leaving a job as a nannie and senior caretaker. The children at Hibbard immediately gave her a sense of purpose, she said. That's because they remind her of her own children and the time she couldn't spend with them growing up. 'So when I see that they're sad or I can sense something is wrong, I try to be there for them and cheer them up,' Ortiz said. Cintas created the Custodian of the Year Award 12 years ago 'to honor the essential yet often overlooked role custodians play in schools across the country,' said Christiny Betsch, from Cintas, a workwear corporation. 'Custodians are critical to maintaining clean, safe and healthy learning environments, but their contributions often go unrecognized,' Betsch said in an email. In a statement, Chicago Public Schools said it congratulates Ortiz for her recognition and called her an 'important part of the Hibbard school community.' Ortiz said her dream is to go back to school, learn to use the computer better and finally afford to take her family on vacation. Her two children, now adults, no longer live in Chicago. Her daughter, 27, lives in North Carolina and is studying criminal justice; her son, 19, is in the U.S. Army stationed in El Paso, Texas. 'I'm sure they're proud of me,' Ortiz said. The students at Hibbard are proud and they remind Ortiz every time they can. 'When we walk the hall and we see her and she smiles at us, that brings everybody's day up,' said John Murphy, a third grader at Hibbard. John met Ortiz in kindergarten. For him, he said, she is like a second grandmother. 'When someone is having a bad day, Mica knows that someone is having a bad day and Mica cheers them up,' John said. For Manuel Calle, a fifth grader at Hibbard, even if Ortiz didn't win the national honor, her presence at the school is already a privilege. ' Porque nos trata a todos con respeto y nos da mucho amor. Because she treats us with respect and gives us much love,' he said.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Redbud Ride offers a route for everyone
Cyclists at different skill-levels require different routes — that's why the RedBud Ride offers four. These include the yellow, orange, green, and red routes. While riders can decide for themselves which route best fits their comfort and experience, the most commonly recommended option for beginners is the yellow route, a smooth, 24-mile loop that travels from downtown London to McWhorter Church and back. Advertisement Second in difficulty is the 34-mile orange route. It is a modest route, great for first-timers seeking a challenge or experienced riders interested in keeping a more casual pace. The green, intermediate route entails 72 miles. The route will have several short hills, as well as some flats. The route is known for being scenic and will once again be part of the Kentucky Cycling Challenge, which contains five rides including the Redbud Ride. In the case that an individual participates in all five rides on the list, they will receive custom gear for the year. The red — and pinnacle of the Redbud Ride — is the most advanced route. It has been chosen by cyclists across the nation as the 'Best Century Ride in America." Advertisement The route will be a part of the Kentucky Century Challenge again this year. The challenge requires cyclists to complete at least 250 miles to earn rewards. All adult routes are on public roads and highways. Kelvin Hibbard, London Downtown President, shared that riders are expected to follow all state traffic and bicycle safety rules, as the Redbud Ride prioritizes safety, with six safety and gear (SAG) drivers patrolling the routes in clearly marked vehicles and four medically trained Red Cross riders biking alongside participants to assist if needed. Each of the four routes will be marked with signs, colored arrows, and street signage. Volunteers drive the routes in advance to highlight any potholes or road hazards. Curves and turns are painted with colored arrows on the pavement — red route riders follow red arrows, blue route riders follow blue, etc. In addition to physical markers, cyclists can download free GPS maps of the routes through this link: Hibbard stated the the GPS system offers detailed, turn-by-turn navigation, including parking instructions, elevation changes, and rest stop alerts. It is available at no cost and can be programmed directly into a participant's phone. Advertisement All routes include multiple rest stops — about nine total— spaced approximately 15 to 20 miles apart. These stops offer cyclists the chance to rest, eat or hydrate, and use the restroom before heading out again. Although most participants finish by mid-afternoon — around 2 to 3 p.m. —organizers remain on-site until the final rider returns to ensure each cyclist completes their route safely. Hibbard shared the event will take place rain or shine. For more information about the four RedBud Ride routes, visit
Wales Online
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as 'fantastic' Tandy backed for two World Cup cycles and derby hero confirms Wales eligibility
Today's rugby news as 'fantastic' Tandy backed for two World Cup cycles and derby hero confirms Wales eligibility The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Steve Tandy is in pole position to land the Wales head coach job (Image:) These are your rugby headlines on Wednesday, April 23. Hibbard: 'Fantastic' Tandy should get long-term deal Former Wales hooker Richard Hibbard has given his backing to Steve Tandy for the role of Wales' new national men's head coach, advocating for a long-term deal that extends over two World Cup cycles. The WRU is eyeing Scotland defence coach Tandy as the full-time replacement for Warren Gatland, who departed during the Six Nations. With the national team currently enduring a record 17-Test losing streak and having tumbled to 12th in the world rankings, Hibbard believes Tandy should be secured with a contract lasting until 2031, to encompass not just the next World Cup in Australia in 2027 but also the one hosted by the United States in 2031. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "I would love Steve to come in and it would be a fantastic appointment," Hibbard told the BBC. "This is not going to be a quick fix. This is almost a two World Cup cycle and that is what you have to give him. Article continues below "You can't expect results to improve overnight. He has to build, not just the current squad but also the conveyor belt behind it. Until we get that right, it is an impossible task for anybody." Cardiff wing eligible for Wales Cardiff's English-born winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb has confirmed that he is eligible for Wales. The Bath-born 24-year-old, who joined Cardiff in 2023, had previously represented England at under-20s level. Asked whether he qualifies for Wales, he said: "My mother was born here in Cardiff. No one's asked yet. I'm available. I've got no holidays planned. I'll have to wait. I can't say anything on that yet." Hamer-Webb crossed for a Judgement Day hat-trick at the weekend during the win over the Ospreys. He hopes it will act as a springboard for him to really kick on now for the Arms Park outfit. "It's my first one. In my six years of being professional, it's my first one," he said of the hat-trick. "Jockey [Matt Sherratt] says it's the best stadium in the world and I can't argue with that. "Before I came here, I had a point to prove. I did my due diligence, waited for my opportunity and I think it's paying off now. I'm enjoying being around this group and I think we can definitely take it places." Former South Africa coach dies Norman Mbiko, the last captain of the African Springboks and former head coach of South Africa's sevens team, has died aged 79. The former scrum-hallf - who made 30 national appearances for the side he captained from 1969 - passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning, following a long illness.. During his playing career, he faced the British & Irish Lions as well as England, Italy and the All Blacks, while he also led Eastern Province against Wales in Newport. After he retired from playing, Mbiko became South Africa's first black senior national coach post-rugby unity when he took charge of the Blitzboks. He later mentored Uganda's Sevens squad and supported South Africa's Women's team at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in 2009. In 2011, he served as team manager of the Emerging SA Sevens squad, a role which saw him help to nurture future Springboks such as Willie le Roux and Cornal Hendricks. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Paying tribute to Mbiko, SA Rugby President Mark Alexander said: 'To call Norman a trailblazer is an understatement. "Despite growing up in turbulent times, his passion for rugby shone through. In the townships, where floodlights were absent, Norman and his friends played into the night using car headlights to illuminate the field—such was their dedication to the sport.' Alexander added: "He played a massive role in shaping South African rugby, and his passing is a huge loss to our sport. A kind, modest man, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer who dedicated his life to rugby. "We are proud and grateful for his legacy, which remains woven into the fabric of South African rugby. SA Rugby extends its deepest condolences to Mbiko's family, friends, and former teammates. His contributions will never be forgotten.' Wade opens up on shock rugby league switch Christian Wade has attributed his impending cross-code switch from Gloucester to Wigan Warriors to the evolving nature of the Premiership. The 33-year-old, who previously played for Wasps and Racing 92, will join Wigan later this summer, following the conclusion of the 2024-25 Premiership season with Gloucester. His move follows a stint playing American football for the Buffalo Bills as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway from 2019, a route which preceded Louis Rees-Zammit's shock career change. Wade returned to rugby union three years later, however, without making a regular season appearance. "There were some opportunities but the lay of the land in the Premiership has changed quite a lot, especially since I left in 2018," he told the BBC. "I think there are quite a few people in my position with my sort of age and experience where, unless you've been at a club your whole career, there are some difficulties around extending contracts and stuff like that. "Since Covid, the salary cap has been lowered but also [finances] in general. I think that's why you see people exploring opportunities outside the Premiership." Wade, who made his debut in 2011, has had a diverse playing career. He spent eight years with Wasps and also had a spell with French side Racing 92 after his NFL journey ended and before his return to the Premiership. "I don't think there's too much of a difference, which I don't know is a good or a bad thing. Because being away [from the Premiership] for seven years, you would like to see the game progress on a bit more," he shared. "It seems as though there are fewer international stars for one. When I was at Wasps, we had a lot of people from different parts of the world. Article continues below "A lot of young guys were coming through and as you can see now, they're spread around the league. But it's a good thing as well to see some homegrown talent and rugby being played. "I would have liked to have seen the game progress a lot more in the span of almost a decade."
