They have never had an official coach or an official roster. Team morale. Loyalty. Heart. Those are the qualities the Fairfield Ruggers possess, all of which were demonstrated as 255 current and past players joined to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a club sport at Fairfield last weekend.
More than 700 players were invited to the Red Ruggers’ 40th anniversary celebration, and approximately 50 percent of those invited attended the much-anticipated event.
“The turnout was impressive,” said Dr. Kurt Schlichting, ’70, and sociology professor. “Alumni events very seldom attract 50 percent of all who were invited. This just shows the loyalty we have over all this time.”
The University sponsors 21 varsity sports, all of which compete at the Division I level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Rugby is one of five club sports at the university, and players have gained the hard-earned respect they have deserved for over 40 years of dedication and teamwork.
Dr. Christopher Grauert, ’68, read a letter written by 88-year-old wife Leila B. Grauert to honor the players and the esteemed tradition of hard efforts on and off the field at the reception following the game.
“Regardless of the era that each of you represent tonight, you are the proud benefactors of the fierce loyalty and camaraderie that Rugby fosters,” she wrote.
The Grauerts donated the Rugby Pitch to Fairfield in honor of their son Lt. Hans Grauert, who was a Naval Aviator lost at sea in the Vietnam War.
“Like everyone else in this room, Hans possessed the traits which personify every rugger-athleticism, good sportsmanship, and a zest for life,” she wrote. “This Rugby Pitch resides in the softest part of my heart and will always remain ‘God’s Little Acre’ to me!”
The Ruggers battled Quinnipiac College at 12 noon last Saturday on Grauert Field, with a final score of 21-21. Afterwards, all past and current Ruggers challenged each other in the alumni game.
“We had a great time,” said Pat Boyle, ’00. “It was like old times.”
“It was great to see everyone together,” said Chris Hayes, ’90. “The camaraderie was still there.”
Located at the Barone Campus Center, the remainder of the evening comprised of cocktails and a buffet dinner. A display of the Fairfield University Rugby Football Club memorabilia, such as jerseys, trophies and photos, decorated the Oak Room. The celebration began with a welcome speech from Rugby President Erick Walker, ’04.
“We put a lot of planning into this event,” he said. “Everything that happened was more than we could have hoped for. I want to thank everyone who came.”
After a moment of silence and an invocation made by Rev. William Carr, S.J., an award was given to Matthew Greenstein, ’03 for Most Outstanding Player. The evening also included a speech given by Dr. Schlicting on Fairfield University today and a speech given by Thomas Crowley, ’69, on rugby scholarships.
Keynote speaker Ray Cornbill, former head coach of the USA American Eagles National Rugby team, was introduced by former Eagles coach and former Fairfield Trustee William Connolly, ’69, and spoke highly of the Ruggers.
“Fairfield University has contributed to national rugby over time,” he said.
Former Rugger Paul Sheehy played in the Rugby World Cup in 1991 and Chris Galvin, ’72, only Rugger in the Fairfield’s Hall of Fame, attended.
Current Ruggers were amazed by the turnout.
“It was incredible to see a lot of former players there,” said Phil Schacter, ’04. “It really shows that morale is a big thing for us.”
The dinner celebration ended at approximately 10:30pm, where all Ruggers scampered down to Lantern Point to begin the traditional Rugby Drink Up.
“It has been a tradition to go down to the Point and to sing songs after our games,” Walker said. “It was a tradition all the alumni participated in, just as if they would have if they were here.”
“Everything was a success until late night,” said Mike Plescia, ’04. “Even down to the late night with the alumni, it was really good.”
“The loyalty to the University is created in different ways,” Schlicting added. “It creates loyalty connections on multiple levels, and Fairfield Rugby is very strong in that regard.”
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