What is your rugby background?
My background starts in the U.S. I also have played/supported the sport overseas, including tours in Europe and team play in Asia. I am also an avid fan/supporter of 7's rugby.
When/how were you introduced to the sport?
I was introduced to the game in the late 1980's, watching my older brother play amateur at the university level. I was really brought into the fold in 1991, when I connected and was welcomed with open arms to the New York Athletic Clubs' rugby team. The leadership of the team and club at NYAC — people like Mike Tolkin, Ted Vaccaro and others — was second to none. The spirit of the club and the desire to build a sustainable program was clear even as far back as the early 1990s. It is a wonderful team and a wonderful club.
Why do you continue to love the sport?
The spirit of the game is what keeps me involved in rugby. It allows me to connect with friends and colleagues around the world. I'd also highlight that I've spent time overseas coaching kids the game of rugby. Learning good team play, sportsmanship in a fast and fun game brings out the best in athletes. If you have an opportunity to see young players learning the game, you'll understand what I mean.
What rugby event or memory has been the most influential/monumental to you?
Aside from the immediate welcome offered to me by NYAC into the game, I'd say two key moments worth noting. First was my first opportunity to play on an overseas tour with NYAC. We toured France and it was an exciting event. Second, anyone familiar with the Hong Kong 7s would know the match that is held on the third day for the Hong Kong junior rugby program. As a head coach for the Valley Fort Rugby club, I was able to march with my 85 young players at Hong Kong stadium.
Why do you choose to give back?
The U.S. Team is getting stronger and stronger by the day, month and year. We owe it to the players and coaches to make sure they have every opportunity to put the best team on the field for every match.
Why is rugby in the U.S. important and how can we support and help grow the sport in the future?
Rugby is a global sport. The U.S. needs to take its rightful spot on the global sporting stage. In my humble opinion, there are two key areas of focus that will greatly help the sport. First is a more significant investment in youth rugby to help build their skills at a very young age. Second, we need to open our eyes to the talent pool in the U.S. that may fit the profile better for rugby. I've often viewed the profile of a collegiate basketball player to be one that would be an interesting fit for rugby. Basketball is a sport, like rugby, that is played in constant motion. I'd say broadening our talent pool could help with the uptake of the game at all levels.
