Rugby
The Windy City’s Steel Boot: Chris Hilsenbeck on the Hounds’ Undefeated Run
US Rugby Happy Hour›
May 14, 202637:41
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Episode Notes
Get ready for a high-octane interview with USA Eagle #590 and Chicago Hounds fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck. We kick things off with a custom intro song—featuring a "boot made of steel"—that gets the man himself pumped for the pitch. Bill and Fitzy dive into Chris’s unique journey from being born in California to growing up in the rugby hotbed of Heidelberg, Germany, and eventually finding his way back to the U.S. to lead the Windy City’s charge in Major League Rugby.
The Chicago Hounds are currently the talk of the league, sitting undefeated and 12 points clear of the competition. Chris discusses the "target on their backs," the importance of defensive growth, and the organization's laser-focus on reaching the MLR Finals—which just happen to be hosted at their home field this year. Will this be the year the New England Free Jacks' reign finally comes to an end? Tune in to find out how the Hounds plan to secure the shield.
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Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below.
Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world.
http://www.americanrugbyrising.com
eaglesoverseas@comcast.net
John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.
John@rugbymorning.com
http://www.rugbymorning.com
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"The Windy City’s Steel Boot: Chris Hilsenbeck on the Hounds’ Undefeated Run" is an episode of US Rugby Happy Hour. Runtime 37 min. Published May 14, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
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- May 14, 2026.
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- 37 min.
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- US Rugby Happy Hour. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
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- US Rugby Happy Hour covers rugby. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
