UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
ANTHOLOGY
EST. 1972
PREFACE:
The University of Utah Rugby Football Club has seen a number of significant changes in the course of its history. For that matter, the game of rugby itself has seen major changes.
Legend has it that a number of former Ute football players put together an informal rugby team to play B.Y.U. sometime around 1970. At that time a try (or touchdown) was worth 3 points, lifting in the lineout was not permitted, and there were no substitutions. Should a player be tossed from a match, the team continued on short-handed. If a player were injured, that lad would be carried into the end zone where it was hoped he could recover and rejoin the game.
The current Utah R.F.C., officially sanctioned by the University of Utah, was founded in the fall of 1972 by Floyd Ormsby, a New Zealander who lived in Salt Lake City. Carl Owens and Chuck Spillner, being two of the few team members who had ever played the game, took over as coaches in the spring of 1973. By this time a try was worth 4 points.
The Utah R.F.C. evolved into a competitive side over the next fifteen years, but it remained a “club side”. This meant that anyone could play for the Utes...undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, and community members. As a result, although the team played B.Y.U., Utah State, and other university sides, the Utes were classified as a men’s club team and the Haggis, Portneuf Valley, Park City Muckers, and Salt Lake Griffins were fixtures on their schedule. The Utes joined the Great Basin Rugby Football League, became known as the “Runnin’ Roothogs”, traveled to national tournaments, and were renown as one of the top party sides in the west, all while compiling a 28-74-1 record between 1972-1977, going 59-61-5 in the five years between 1977-1982, and finishing 68-29-5 between 1982-1987. The International Rugby Union changed it laws over this time period, first allowing two injury substitutions in a match and then unlimited injury substitutions.
In 1991, an influx of non-dues paying, non-practicing, non-students caused a large number of the dues paying students to leave the team. The club disbanded at the start of its fall 1991 season. Fortunately Scott Duer and Craig Ahrens were there to pull together the pieces. The Utah R.F.C. was reorganized as an official “university side” in the spring of 1992. For the next five years non-students would occasionally find their way onto the pitch for the Utes, but when the team began to be invited to the National Collegiate Championships in 1998, only undergraduate students carrying a full academic load were allowed to play. During this time the International Rugby Union continued to change its laws, allowing 5 points for try, lifting in the line-outs, unlimited substitutions, and creating a penalty box.
Under the coaching of Mike Pembrokes the team first qualified for the Pacific Coast Territorial in the spring of 1998. Under the coaching of Rudolph Mehl the Utes were first recognized as a national power when they advanced to the national collegiate championship game in the spring of 2002 before losing the California-Berkeley. Since that season Utah has consistently reached the Sweet Sixteen, advancing to the Final Four twice and the championship game once.
Mike Morgan was the first Utah R.F.C. player to become an All American, achieving that distinction in the spring of 2002. Six Utes were named to the 2006 Collegiate All American team. Jack Reininga and Rodi Quitiquit were the first Utes invited to play for the United States national team in the 1980's. In the past decade a number of current and former Utah players have traveled internationally to play for the Eagles, including Blake Burdette, Mate Moeakiola, Jason Pye, and John Cullen.
Most recently the Utah R.F.C. has maintained its national stature while under the direction of head coaches Mark Numbers, Dave Anderson, Blake Burdette, Haloti Liava’a and Jon Law. The team has repeatedly been ranked in the top ten in the nation and has gone to the National College Championship many times since 2002. Under the direction of Blake Burdette and Jason Pye, the Utes also won the national collegiate 7’s championship in 2010. In the decade between 2002-2012 the team posted an outstanding 159-37-1 record.
A Utah rugby e-mail newsletter was created in the spring of 2005 and more than six hundred Old Boys and rugby supporters are now on that distribution list. Every individual who has ever played for the Utes has made a significant contribution to the Utah R.F.C. This history of the University of Utah rugby club is dedicated to all those ruggers.
Hugh A. Brown
Utah R.F.C. 1973-1988
July 2017
HISTORICAL DATA:
This is an incomplete history of the Utah R.F.C. Thanks to archived sources, the club’s records are fairly complete from 1972 through the spring of 1991. Most of the scores were lost between the fall of 1991 and the fall of 2001. It is hoped that individuals who played during those years may read these pages and be able to fill in some of the missing data.
The history of the “club side” is formatted by season, highlights from both on and off the pitch, “Notable Newcomers”, the schedule and results, and additional data (which includes the team’s president, coaches, and scoring leaders for each season and the most valuable players for each year).
The history of the “university side” lists the team’s leadership for that academic year followed by the seasonal highlights, schedule, and results. “Notable Newcomers” has been replaced by “All Americans”. The scoring leaders were lost in the 1990's and are not maintained in the 2000's. The current University of Utah rugby football club prides itself on its team game and does not keep track of individual scoring.
The history of the “club side” is formatted by season, highlights from both on and off the pitch, “Notable Newcomers”, the schedule and results, and additional data (which includes the team’s president, coaches, and scoring leaders for each season and the most valuable players for each year).
The history of the “university side” lists the team’s leadership for that academic year followed by the seasonal highlights, schedule, and results. “Notable Newcomers” has been replaced by “All Americans”. The scoring leaders were lost in the 1990's and are not maintained in the 2000's. The current University of Utah rugby football club prides itself on its team game and does not keep track of individual scoring.
1972-1973
SEASON - Fall 1972 (0-1)
ON THE PITCH - The new side played one match, losing to the Salt Lake Rugby Club 0-16.
OFF THE PITCH - New Zealander Floyd Ormsby, founder of the Salt Lake Rugby Football Club, helped organize the rugby team at the University of Utah. The Utah R.F.C. was a club side, thus allowing students, alumni, and other members of the Ute community the opportunity to play.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Carl Owens: Co founder of the rugby club and a leader both on and off the pitch;
best known for his aggressive play at breakaway, his speed during boat
races, and his introduction of the “extended digit” penalty at rugby parties.
*Chuck Spillner: Co-founder of the rugby club and a hard-nosed runner at inside
center.
*Chris Camarata: The club’s first president; played scrum half and standoff; was
dragged from the rugby pitch at Santa Barbara by his father to attend
church.
*Pat Quigley: Wing; renowned for his over the shoulder toss following matches.
*Jeb McCandless: A talented fullback, Jeb also possessed an out-standing foot.
*Gary Henoch: Breakaway; best skilled at putting Carl Owens in awkward situations
and leaving him high and dry.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-16 Salt Lake
ADDITIONAL DATA: President: Chris Camarata
Coach: Carl Owens, Chuck Spillner
Scoring Leaders: None
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1973 (2-10)
OFF THE PITCH - The Utes quickly developed into an outstanding party side, rivaled only by Park City. Carl Owens’ basement apartment became “the club house.” Bill Gibson celebrated the team’s first victory by drop kicking a milk bottle through one of Carl’s windows. The club’s song repertoire included The Engineer’s Wheel, Wild West Show, I don’t Want to Join the Army, Ten Tons, If I were the Marrying Kind, The Tinker’s Song, and Swing Low. Desmond Penny added The Old Triangle and Ratzio.
ON THE PITCH - The Ute ruggers posted their first victory with a 21-0 whitewashing of the Provo Rugby Club. After being shutout for seven matches, Bill Gibson scored the team’s first points and collected a sizable pot for doing so. Following a pop kick into the end zone by Pat Quigley, Gibson knocked over teammate Carl Owens to gain both the team’s first try and the money.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Bergeson: A speedy center, Mike would go on to play rugby in Spokane,
Washington after law school.
*Hugh Brown: “The Administrator”; Hugh joined the club after five matches as
an old, slow second row and went on to become an older,
slower prop. He played in his last “A” side match at the age of 42.
*Desmond Penny: This diminutive Irish scrum half brought the dive pass and an
international flavor to Utah rugby.
*Richard Wool: The second member of the Irish contingent, Richard played second
row and introduced the fine art of “cheating” to the Ute line-outs.
SCHEDULE -
Lost first 4 matches (no record)
L 0-52 B.Y.U.
L 0-10 Utah State
W 21- 0 Provo
L 4-13 Salt Lake
L 3-12 Park City
L 0-30 Salt Lake Polynesians
L 0-15 Utah State
W 17-10 Provo
45-142+
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Carl Owens, Chuck Spillner
Scoring Leaders: No record.
ON THE PITCH - The new side played one match, losing to the Salt Lake Rugby Club 0-16.
OFF THE PITCH - New Zealander Floyd Ormsby, founder of the Salt Lake Rugby Football Club, helped organize the rugby team at the University of Utah. The Utah R.F.C. was a club side, thus allowing students, alumni, and other members of the Ute community the opportunity to play.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Carl Owens: Co founder of the rugby club and a leader both on and off the pitch;
best known for his aggressive play at breakaway, his speed during boat
races, and his introduction of the “extended digit” penalty at rugby parties.
*Chuck Spillner: Co-founder of the rugby club and a hard-nosed runner at inside
center.
*Chris Camarata: The club’s first president; played scrum half and standoff; was
dragged from the rugby pitch at Santa Barbara by his father to attend
church.
*Pat Quigley: Wing; renowned for his over the shoulder toss following matches.
*Jeb McCandless: A talented fullback, Jeb also possessed an out-standing foot.
*Gary Henoch: Breakaway; best skilled at putting Carl Owens in awkward situations
and leaving him high and dry.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-16 Salt Lake
ADDITIONAL DATA: President: Chris Camarata
Coach: Carl Owens, Chuck Spillner
Scoring Leaders: None
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1973 (2-10)
OFF THE PITCH - The Utes quickly developed into an outstanding party side, rivaled only by Park City. Carl Owens’ basement apartment became “the club house.” Bill Gibson celebrated the team’s first victory by drop kicking a milk bottle through one of Carl’s windows. The club’s song repertoire included The Engineer’s Wheel, Wild West Show, I don’t Want to Join the Army, Ten Tons, If I were the Marrying Kind, The Tinker’s Song, and Swing Low. Desmond Penny added The Old Triangle and Ratzio.
ON THE PITCH - The Ute ruggers posted their first victory with a 21-0 whitewashing of the Provo Rugby Club. After being shutout for seven matches, Bill Gibson scored the team’s first points and collected a sizable pot for doing so. Following a pop kick into the end zone by Pat Quigley, Gibson knocked over teammate Carl Owens to gain both the team’s first try and the money.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Bergeson: A speedy center, Mike would go on to play rugby in Spokane,
Washington after law school.
*Hugh Brown: “The Administrator”; Hugh joined the club after five matches as
an old, slow second row and went on to become an older,
slower prop. He played in his last “A” side match at the age of 42.
*Desmond Penny: This diminutive Irish scrum half brought the dive pass and an
international flavor to Utah rugby.
*Richard Wool: The second member of the Irish contingent, Richard played second
row and introduced the fine art of “cheating” to the Ute line-outs.
SCHEDULE -
Lost first 4 matches (no record)
L 0-52 B.Y.U.
L 0-10 Utah State
W 21- 0 Provo
L 4-13 Salt Lake
L 3-12 Park City
L 0-30 Salt Lake Polynesians
L 0-15 Utah State
W 17-10 Provo
45-142+
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Carl Owens, Chuck Spillner
Scoring Leaders: No record.
1973-1974
SEASON - Fall 1973 (3-2)
ON THE PITCH - Utah posted its first winning season. In the club’s 10-0 victory over Park City, the Utes had to lend the Muckers a dozen players (still, a win is a win).
OFF THE PITCH - John Nicolaisen filled in during the Park City rugby match, little knowing that he would be returning to the Utah R.F.C. in two short years. The Utes posted their first winning season.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Jim Mackin: “Macho Jim” introduced conditioning to Utah rugby. An aggressive
hooker, Mackin won ball without a great deal of support from his scrum.
*Sam English: “Wild Sam” was noted for his ferocious tackling and his spirit
of comradery. Sam went on to play for Park City before rejoining the
Utes in 1983.
*Alex Trujillo: The club’s first “big man”, Alex played number eight and brought a sense
of pride to Utah’s ruggers.
*Clay Krall: A great athlete, Clay left the state after one season.
SCHEDULE -
W 6- 3 Salt Lake
W 16-10 Provo
W 10- 0 Park City
L 4-24 B.Y.U.
L 12-21 Utah State
48-48
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Hugh Brown
Coach: Carl Owens
Scoring Leaders: Spike Gagliardi (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1974 (1-10)
ON THE PITCH - Utah played its first international match, losing to Hampstead, England 7-3 at Santa Barbara. The Utes’ lone victory in the spring was a 15-12 come from behind effort against Park City, won when Sam English scored a try off a five meter maul with less than a minute to play.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utah R.F.C. made its first trip to Santa Barbara, a ritual that would be continued for the next fourteen years. The players arrived on campus between 5 and 7 A.M. following a 14 hour drive and the rigors of Las Vegas. Santa Barbara will be forever remembered by those who have made the trip - - - the stadium, rugby campsites strewn across the open fields, Isle Vista, the beaches, and singing and partying into the morning - - - Steve Gabbert took much abuse from Gary Henoch and Alex Trujillo for spending the nights with his aunt and for apparently driving around in a circle while searching for a gas station in the Santa Barbara fog.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Steve Gabbert: The “man with the temper,” Steve was an outstanding number eight
who had the propensity for breaking his nose.
* Bill Hubiak: A refugee from B.Y.U., Bill was a strong breakaway who also knew the
game.
* Eric Hill: Eric was a pre-med student and a good runner who was photographed with
cadavers.
* Pauli Hokafanu:
SCHEDULE -
L 0- 6 Salt Lake
L 3-21 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 0-33 Domingus Hills
L 6-15 Irvine Coast
L 3- 7 Hampstead
L 4-19 Crown City
L 16-44 Dead Goat
W 15-22 Park City
L 0-20 B.Y.U.
L 10-42 Utah State
L 6-10 Park City
63-241
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Carl Owens, Jeb McCandless
Scoring Leaders: Des Penny (17), Eric Hill (8)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1974
ON THE PITCH - At the Park City Ruggerfest, a combined Utah/Polynesian side defeated the Aspen Gentlemen in a kick-off following a 0-0 tie in regulation and then demolished the Kansas City Blues 28-9. Trailing the Dead Goat Rugby Club 12-0 in the semi-finals, the Utes elected to forfeit the match when three of their players were ejected from the game.
OFF THE PITCH - The merged with the Salt Lake Polynesian R.F.C. to field a team for the Park City Ruggerfest. Sixteen teams from Canada, California, Minnesota, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Colorado and Utah competed. The Saturday night party featured Edmonton’s
funeral dirge.
ON THE PITCH - Utah posted its first winning season. In the club’s 10-0 victory over Park City, the Utes had to lend the Muckers a dozen players (still, a win is a win).
OFF THE PITCH - John Nicolaisen filled in during the Park City rugby match, little knowing that he would be returning to the Utah R.F.C. in two short years. The Utes posted their first winning season.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Jim Mackin: “Macho Jim” introduced conditioning to Utah rugby. An aggressive
hooker, Mackin won ball without a great deal of support from his scrum.
*Sam English: “Wild Sam” was noted for his ferocious tackling and his spirit
of comradery. Sam went on to play for Park City before rejoining the
Utes in 1983.
*Alex Trujillo: The club’s first “big man”, Alex played number eight and brought a sense
of pride to Utah’s ruggers.
*Clay Krall: A great athlete, Clay left the state after one season.
SCHEDULE -
W 6- 3 Salt Lake
W 16-10 Provo
W 10- 0 Park City
L 4-24 B.Y.U.
L 12-21 Utah State
48-48
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Hugh Brown
Coach: Carl Owens
Scoring Leaders: Spike Gagliardi (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1974 (1-10)
ON THE PITCH - Utah played its first international match, losing to Hampstead, England 7-3 at Santa Barbara. The Utes’ lone victory in the spring was a 15-12 come from behind effort against Park City, won when Sam English scored a try off a five meter maul with less than a minute to play.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utah R.F.C. made its first trip to Santa Barbara, a ritual that would be continued for the next fourteen years. The players arrived on campus between 5 and 7 A.M. following a 14 hour drive and the rigors of Las Vegas. Santa Barbara will be forever remembered by those who have made the trip - - - the stadium, rugby campsites strewn across the open fields, Isle Vista, the beaches, and singing and partying into the morning - - - Steve Gabbert took much abuse from Gary Henoch and Alex Trujillo for spending the nights with his aunt and for apparently driving around in a circle while searching for a gas station in the Santa Barbara fog.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Steve Gabbert: The “man with the temper,” Steve was an outstanding number eight
who had the propensity for breaking his nose.
* Bill Hubiak: A refugee from B.Y.U., Bill was a strong breakaway who also knew the
game.
* Eric Hill: Eric was a pre-med student and a good runner who was photographed with
cadavers.
* Pauli Hokafanu:
SCHEDULE -
L 0- 6 Salt Lake
L 3-21 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 0-33 Domingus Hills
L 6-15 Irvine Coast
L 3- 7 Hampstead
L 4-19 Crown City
L 16-44 Dead Goat
W 15-22 Park City
L 0-20 B.Y.U.
L 10-42 Utah State
L 6-10 Park City
63-241
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Carl Owens, Jeb McCandless
Scoring Leaders: Des Penny (17), Eric Hill (8)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1974
ON THE PITCH - At the Park City Ruggerfest, a combined Utah/Polynesian side defeated the Aspen Gentlemen in a kick-off following a 0-0 tie in regulation and then demolished the Kansas City Blues 28-9. Trailing the Dead Goat Rugby Club 12-0 in the semi-finals, the Utes elected to forfeit the match when three of their players were ejected from the game.
OFF THE PITCH - The merged with the Salt Lake Polynesian R.F.C. to field a team for the Park City Ruggerfest. Sixteen teams from Canada, California, Minnesota, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Colorado and Utah competed. The Saturday night party featured Edmonton’s
funeral dirge.
1974-1975
SEASON - Fall 1974 (2-4)
ON THE PITCH - Earl Everett told his mates on the sideline that he was feeling angry in a “B” match against the Polynesians. He then proceeded to attack one of the biggest Tongans on the field. The player decked Earl, laughed, and ran off in pursuit of the ball.
OFF THE PITCH - Gary Henoch told the Utes “Ya gotta want it!” just prior to their first victory over Utah State.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Ernie Sandoval: The “guts” of Utah rugby. At scrum half; Ernie was known for his composure under pressure. Willing to play anywhere he was
needed, Ernesto retired as the team’s leading career point scorer.
*Nick Viselli: A hard runner at center or wing, Nick still holds the team record for
the fastest time from Salt Lake to Albuquerque.
SCHEDULE -
W 7-0 Provo
L 6-32 B.Y.U.
L 8-14 Polynesians
L 0-19 B.Y.U.
W 14-0 Utah State
L 0-16 Utah State
35-81
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Jim Mackin
Coach: Jim Mackin, Pat Quigley
Scoring Leaders: Steve Gabbert (8)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1975 (1-12)
ON THE PITCH - After being held scoreless in their first six matches of the season, the Utes’ first points came as a result of a penalty try against Okanagen, British Columbia. Keith Haines bit Steve Gabbert’s finger in Utah’s lone victory over Provo.
OFF THE PITCH - Barry Andrews became the club’s first legitimate coach. Barry had compiled a 20-1 record while coaching rugby at Dale College in South Africa and was never quite sure what game the Utes were playing. He did enjoy the social gatherings however, even though he failed in his attempt to become a Cardinal. John Nicolaisen’s addition to the club also brought a wealth of new songs: “The Ball of Inverness,” “Life Presents a Dismal Picture,” “Dinah,” and “The Good Ship Venus” were a few of the new offerings. There were two tremendous parties in the spring of 1975. The first was at The Brewery in Ogden where Big Barb led an elephant walk. The second was in Caldwell, Idaho, with the Snake River Rugby Club. Jim Mackin won the “soup ladle head bopping contest,” and later was carried off into the wilderness when he fell asleep in the back of a pickup truck. Pete Osmer’s girlfriend, Nicki, performed a complete Zulu Warrior and Jeff Wyatt issued the immortal words, “Don’t Patronize Me!”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*John Nicolaisen: John’s sprit and organization were primarily responsible for turning the Utah R.F.C. into a competitive rugby side. The “songmaster” was also
famous for his “tumultuous uproars.”
*Dennis Sullivan: The caustic Sullivan was also a good fullback. In his first match with
Utah, Dennis connected on a drop goal. Several of his teammates
looked at him dumfounded and asked if such a kick was allowed.
*Jeff Wyatt: Jeff was a power runner who, unfortunately, played in an year when
passing was minimal.
*Steve Hoffman: “Bubba,” was 6'4" and over 300 lbs. Rucks quickly broke up when
Steve was heard approaching.
*Tom Hannum: A fast and consistent wing with a head for the game.
*Dave Hudson
*Mark Durfy
SCHEDULE -
L 0-11 B.Y.U.
L 0- 4 Park City
L 0-19 Santa Ana
L 0-13 St. Mary’s
L 0-28 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 0- 3 Long Beach State
L 6-12 Okanagen
W 7- 4 Provo
L 4-22 Salt Lake Polynesians
L 9-22 B.Y.U.
L 16-29 Utah State
L 0-32 Snake River
L 0-20 Park City
42-219
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Barry Andrews
Scoring Leaders: No Record.
ON THE PITCH - Earl Everett told his mates on the sideline that he was feeling angry in a “B” match against the Polynesians. He then proceeded to attack one of the biggest Tongans on the field. The player decked Earl, laughed, and ran off in pursuit of the ball.
OFF THE PITCH - Gary Henoch told the Utes “Ya gotta want it!” just prior to their first victory over Utah State.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Ernie Sandoval: The “guts” of Utah rugby. At scrum half; Ernie was known for his composure under pressure. Willing to play anywhere he was
needed, Ernesto retired as the team’s leading career point scorer.
*Nick Viselli: A hard runner at center or wing, Nick still holds the team record for
the fastest time from Salt Lake to Albuquerque.
SCHEDULE -
W 7-0 Provo
L 6-32 B.Y.U.
L 8-14 Polynesians
L 0-19 B.Y.U.
W 14-0 Utah State
L 0-16 Utah State
35-81
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Jim Mackin
Coach: Jim Mackin, Pat Quigley
Scoring Leaders: Steve Gabbert (8)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1975 (1-12)
ON THE PITCH - After being held scoreless in their first six matches of the season, the Utes’ first points came as a result of a penalty try against Okanagen, British Columbia. Keith Haines bit Steve Gabbert’s finger in Utah’s lone victory over Provo.
OFF THE PITCH - Barry Andrews became the club’s first legitimate coach. Barry had compiled a 20-1 record while coaching rugby at Dale College in South Africa and was never quite sure what game the Utes were playing. He did enjoy the social gatherings however, even though he failed in his attempt to become a Cardinal. John Nicolaisen’s addition to the club also brought a wealth of new songs: “The Ball of Inverness,” “Life Presents a Dismal Picture,” “Dinah,” and “The Good Ship Venus” were a few of the new offerings. There were two tremendous parties in the spring of 1975. The first was at The Brewery in Ogden where Big Barb led an elephant walk. The second was in Caldwell, Idaho, with the Snake River Rugby Club. Jim Mackin won the “soup ladle head bopping contest,” and later was carried off into the wilderness when he fell asleep in the back of a pickup truck. Pete Osmer’s girlfriend, Nicki, performed a complete Zulu Warrior and Jeff Wyatt issued the immortal words, “Don’t Patronize Me!”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*John Nicolaisen: John’s sprit and organization were primarily responsible for turning the Utah R.F.C. into a competitive rugby side. The “songmaster” was also
famous for his “tumultuous uproars.”
*Dennis Sullivan: The caustic Sullivan was also a good fullback. In his first match with
Utah, Dennis connected on a drop goal. Several of his teammates
looked at him dumfounded and asked if such a kick was allowed.
*Jeff Wyatt: Jeff was a power runner who, unfortunately, played in an year when
passing was minimal.
*Steve Hoffman: “Bubba,” was 6'4" and over 300 lbs. Rucks quickly broke up when
Steve was heard approaching.
*Tom Hannum: A fast and consistent wing with a head for the game.
*Dave Hudson
*Mark Durfy
SCHEDULE -
L 0-11 B.Y.U.
L 0- 4 Park City
L 0-19 Santa Ana
L 0-13 St. Mary’s
L 0-28 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 0- 3 Long Beach State
L 6-12 Okanagen
W 7- 4 Provo
L 4-22 Salt Lake Polynesians
L 9-22 B.Y.U.
L 16-29 Utah State
L 0-32 Snake River
L 0-20 Park City
42-219
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Barry Andrews
Scoring Leaders: No Record.
1975-1976
SEASON - Fall 1975 (1-4)
ON THE PITCH - Bill Weber’s try defeated Park City on a snow covered field. The Muckers had hot spiced wine on the sidelines.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utah R.F.C. had their first groupies, better known as rugger huggers.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Arnold Hansen: A native New Zealander and fine back.
* Hardin Davis: Hardin traveled to Provo to watch the B.Y.U. match and found himself
playing wing when the club was short on players.
SCHEDULE -
L 6-12 Utah State
L 0-28 Snake River
L 0-28 B.Y.U.
W 4- 0 Park City
L 8-16 Provo
18-84
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Dave Hudson
Coach: Jim Mackin
Scoring Leaders: Four Players (4)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1976 (5-11)
ON THE PITCH - The Ute ruggers ran their Santa Barbara losing streak to fourteen matches over three years, discounting a forfeit win over Pamona. A 10-3 victory over Nevada-Las Vegas in the Utah State Ruggerfest gave Utah its first win over an out of state opponent.
OFF THE PITCH - Utah traveled to Santa Barbara with only 16 players and lost four of those individuals in their match with Riverside.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Wally Breinholt: Utah’s first long range penalty kicker, Wally played fullback.
* Mitch Dickson: This Texan was one of the fastest backs ever to wear the red and
white candy striped jersey.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-20 Provo
W F Pamona
L 0-19 Contra Costa
L 0-12 Long Beach State
L 0-40 Riverside
L 4-24 U.C. Irvine
L 6-42 B.Y.U.
W 24-19 Highland
W F Western Washington State
L 4-28 Beehive Rugby Union Rep Side
W 10- 3 U.N.L.V.
L 6-20 Dead Goat
W 8- 6 Utah State
L 13- 9 Dead Goat
L 4- 6 Highland
L 3-38 Park City
82-296
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach Carl Owens
Scoring Leaders: Wally Breinholt (26)
ON THE PITCH - Bill Weber’s try defeated Park City on a snow covered field. The Muckers had hot spiced wine on the sidelines.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utah R.F.C. had their first groupies, better known as rugger huggers.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Arnold Hansen: A native New Zealander and fine back.
* Hardin Davis: Hardin traveled to Provo to watch the B.Y.U. match and found himself
playing wing when the club was short on players.
SCHEDULE -
L 6-12 Utah State
L 0-28 Snake River
L 0-28 B.Y.U.
W 4- 0 Park City
L 8-16 Provo
18-84
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Dave Hudson
Coach: Jim Mackin
Scoring Leaders: Four Players (4)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1976 (5-11)
ON THE PITCH - The Ute ruggers ran their Santa Barbara losing streak to fourteen matches over three years, discounting a forfeit win over Pamona. A 10-3 victory over Nevada-Las Vegas in the Utah State Ruggerfest gave Utah its first win over an out of state opponent.
OFF THE PITCH - Utah traveled to Santa Barbara with only 16 players and lost four of those individuals in their match with Riverside.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Wally Breinholt: Utah’s first long range penalty kicker, Wally played fullback.
* Mitch Dickson: This Texan was one of the fastest backs ever to wear the red and
white candy striped jersey.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-20 Provo
W F Pamona
L 0-19 Contra Costa
L 0-12 Long Beach State
L 0-40 Riverside
L 4-24 U.C. Irvine
L 6-42 B.Y.U.
W 24-19 Highland
W F Western Washington State
L 4-28 Beehive Rugby Union Rep Side
W 10- 3 U.N.L.V.
L 6-20 Dead Goat
W 8- 6 Utah State
L 13- 9 Dead Goat
L 4- 6 Highland
L 3-38 Park City
82-296
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach Carl Owens
Scoring Leaders: Wally Breinholt (26)
1976-1977
SEASON - Fall 1976 (3-4-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes gained their first victory over a B.Y.U. fifteen, although it was the Cougars’ “B” team.
OFF THE PITCH - Several players jumped to rival clubs.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Scott Becker
SCHEDULE -
No Record of the first 7 matches
L 12-25 B.Y.U.
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Vern Johnson
Coach: John Pauai
Scoring Leaders: No Record
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1977 (6-10)
ON THE PITCH - After 16 consecutive losses at Santa Barbara, the Utes broke into the victory column. Utah found itself down 4-7 to the Ruggers Inn R.F.C. (described by The Loose Ruck as “a bunch of ex-footballers, cavemen and prison guards”), with three minutes to play. The Utes battled back however, and won 8-7 when a Ruggers’ Inn kick for touch went awry and Pat Quigley caught the ball at his opponents’ 15 meter line and ran it into the end zone for the winning try. Following the team’s 4-0 win over Long Beach, Steve Gabbert (on the sidelines with another broken nose), greeted the team with bottles of champagne. The club’s first Most Valuable Player Award, decided by the vote of his peers, went to Ernie Sandoval.
OFF THE PITCH - Hugh Brown and Pat Quigley came up with the novel idea of having set plays for the backs and forwards. They were visibly upset when they later learned that all the other rugby clubs already had set plays. John Nicolaisen returned from Italy to begin a Utah R.F.C. revival. Focusing on team unity, John created The Loose Ruck newsletter to chronicle the exploits of the rugby club both on and off the pitch. He also pushed the concept of the party and, with Hugh, developed the Utah Rugby Songbook. The tradition of Friday night stadium singing was begun in Santa Barbara. Scott Becker won the first Gumbie Award at U.C.S.B. The Utes were awarded a two foot high Olympia beer bottle as the social champions of the Utah State Ruggerfest, aided by Hugh’s rooftop rendition of “Helen” supported by John, Archie Clark, and Betsy Morse.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Jim Beck: Beckster added an explosive element to the Utah backfield.
* Chris Castillo: Great wheels and Rudloph Valentino looks.
SCHEDULE -
L 8-16 Dead Goat
W F Salt Lake
L 4-16 Provo
L 0-25 Old Bolts
L 6- 6 U.C. Irvine
W 8- 7 Raiders Inn
L 0- 6 Stanislaus
W 4- 0 Long Beach State
L 6-33 B.Y.U.
W F U.N.L.V.
L 0-20 Utah State
L 3-12 Salt Lake
W 3- 0 Pocatello
L 0-26 Rocky Mountain
W F Highland
L 12-34 Park City
49-201
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Greg Minkley
M.V.P.: Ernie Sandoval
Scoring Leaders: Dennis Sullivan (16), Jim Beck (12)
Ernie Sandoval (11)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1977 (2-3)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes thumped Idaho Falls, but lost Jim Beck when he broke his leg.
OFF THE PITCH - Utah and Idaho Falls treated that town to song long into the night. The Loose Ruck reported on the adventures of Tad Mancini and Jamie Stephens in Pocatello. Regarding Jamie: “No one knows how Stephens hit his chin, nose, and split open his forehead diving into a swimming pool.”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Tony Crandall: Tony personified the spirit of Utah rugby with his play both on and off
the pitch. When he retired, Tony had scored over 40 trys, the most in
the club’s history.
*Jamie Stephens: A tough prop and intense competitor.
*Tad Mancini: An excellent jumper and strong second row.
*Bob Cady: An able prop.
*Greg Erickson: “Fosters” was from Australia and had a dislike for clothes.
*Jeff and Kevin McKenna
SCHEDULE -
W 22-10 Idaho Falls
L 3-10 Park City
W 23-12 Idaho Falls
L 4-10 Pocatello
L 4-14 Boise
56-56
ADDITIONAL DATA - Scoring Leaders: Chris Castillo (12), Ernie Sandoval (8)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes gained their first victory over a B.Y.U. fifteen, although it was the Cougars’ “B” team.
OFF THE PITCH - Several players jumped to rival clubs.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Scott Becker
SCHEDULE -
No Record of the first 7 matches
L 12-25 B.Y.U.
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Vern Johnson
Coach: John Pauai
Scoring Leaders: No Record
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1977 (6-10)
ON THE PITCH - After 16 consecutive losses at Santa Barbara, the Utes broke into the victory column. Utah found itself down 4-7 to the Ruggers Inn R.F.C. (described by The Loose Ruck as “a bunch of ex-footballers, cavemen and prison guards”), with three minutes to play. The Utes battled back however, and won 8-7 when a Ruggers’ Inn kick for touch went awry and Pat Quigley caught the ball at his opponents’ 15 meter line and ran it into the end zone for the winning try. Following the team’s 4-0 win over Long Beach, Steve Gabbert (on the sidelines with another broken nose), greeted the team with bottles of champagne. The club’s first Most Valuable Player Award, decided by the vote of his peers, went to Ernie Sandoval.
OFF THE PITCH - Hugh Brown and Pat Quigley came up with the novel idea of having set plays for the backs and forwards. They were visibly upset when they later learned that all the other rugby clubs already had set plays. John Nicolaisen returned from Italy to begin a Utah R.F.C. revival. Focusing on team unity, John created The Loose Ruck newsletter to chronicle the exploits of the rugby club both on and off the pitch. He also pushed the concept of the party and, with Hugh, developed the Utah Rugby Songbook. The tradition of Friday night stadium singing was begun in Santa Barbara. Scott Becker won the first Gumbie Award at U.C.S.B. The Utes were awarded a two foot high Olympia beer bottle as the social champions of the Utah State Ruggerfest, aided by Hugh’s rooftop rendition of “Helen” supported by John, Archie Clark, and Betsy Morse.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Jim Beck: Beckster added an explosive element to the Utah backfield.
* Chris Castillo: Great wheels and Rudloph Valentino looks.
SCHEDULE -
L 8-16 Dead Goat
W F Salt Lake
L 4-16 Provo
L 0-25 Old Bolts
L 6- 6 U.C. Irvine
W 8- 7 Raiders Inn
L 0- 6 Stanislaus
W 4- 0 Long Beach State
L 6-33 B.Y.U.
W F U.N.L.V.
L 0-20 Utah State
L 3-12 Salt Lake
W 3- 0 Pocatello
L 0-26 Rocky Mountain
W F Highland
L 12-34 Park City
49-201
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Greg Minkley
M.V.P.: Ernie Sandoval
Scoring Leaders: Dennis Sullivan (16), Jim Beck (12)
Ernie Sandoval (11)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1977 (2-3)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes thumped Idaho Falls, but lost Jim Beck when he broke his leg.
OFF THE PITCH - Utah and Idaho Falls treated that town to song long into the night. The Loose Ruck reported on the adventures of Tad Mancini and Jamie Stephens in Pocatello. Regarding Jamie: “No one knows how Stephens hit his chin, nose, and split open his forehead diving into a swimming pool.”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Tony Crandall: Tony personified the spirit of Utah rugby with his play both on and off
the pitch. When he retired, Tony had scored over 40 trys, the most in
the club’s history.
*Jamie Stephens: A tough prop and intense competitor.
*Tad Mancini: An excellent jumper and strong second row.
*Bob Cady: An able prop.
*Greg Erickson: “Fosters” was from Australia and had a dislike for clothes.
*Jeff and Kevin McKenna
SCHEDULE -
W 22-10 Idaho Falls
L 3-10 Park City
W 23-12 Idaho Falls
L 4-10 Pocatello
L 4-14 Boise
56-56
ADDITIONAL DATA - Scoring Leaders: Chris Castillo (12), Ernie Sandoval (8)
1977-1978
SEASON - Fall 1977 (4-3)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes set a new team scoring record when they drubbed Moroni’s Marauders 32-12 in Provo. Utah led 32-0 at the half.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utah R.F.C. began to actively recruit new members.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Bob Skinner: Bob would play for anyone at anytime. His play at prop greatly
strengthened the forward pack.
*Supi M’lai: Appearing older than his years, Supi still had some of the moves, and
the power, that had contributed to his starting on the Tongan National
Team.
*Karl Badger: Looking like Ted Kluszewski with the sleeves cut off of his jersey, Karl
was a bruiser who made all the practices and missed a lot of the games.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-10 Pocatello
W 19-10 Utah State
L 4-25 All Blacks
W 16- 9 Utah State
L 14-42 B.Y.U.
W 20- 6 Salt Lake
W 32-12 Moroni’s Marauders
105-114
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: John Nicolaisen
Coach: John Nicolaisen
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (27), Three players with (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1978 (7-5-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes celebrated their first winning spring season and their first year with a winning record. Members of the club traveled to Idaho Falls in April to participate in a Seven-a-Side Tournament. The team of Jim Beck, Tony Crandall, Chris Profenius, John Nicolaisen, Bob Cady and Steve Gabbert outscored their opponents 80-8 in winning the championship. In their 18-6 loss to Hastings, played in the Santa Barbara stadium, Pat Quigley tackled a monstrous back, then jumped up and yelled, “It will take someone bigger than you to run over me!”. Eight different players scored trys, and Ernie Sandoval connected on seven of ten conversions, in Utah’s record setting 54-0 victory over Idaho Falls. Tony Crandall scored seven tries during the spring season, a record that held until 1985.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utes began their season with festivities at the Paris Restaurant in Idaho Falls. That trip was highlighted by Chris Profenius’ disjointed conversation with Hugh Brown and Archie Clark on the trip to Idaho Falls, and then his miraculously appearance at a isolated farm house miles from town after being left at the Paris. John Davisk, a visiting professor from Wales, served as the team’s coach. New Mexico came into town and following a party at Tony Crandall’s, members of the two teams traveled to Judd’s Frontier Bar where the Lobos introduced the Utes to “chair dancing,” and “the worm”. A Utah/Idaho Falls contingent returned to Judd’s several weeks later, then proceeded to visit a bikers’ bar and an American Legion Hall (“This can be your clubhouse!”) on their way to breakfast. The annual trip to California included a stop at Foxes’ in Santa Monica (Where do you put your feet, Mark?). Rain and mud were the story at Santa Barbara where Pat Quigley’s Winnebago became the social center. Utah left the party after the Utah State Ruggerfest to set up their own campsite where “Swamp rowdies” and Bob Cady’s jokes were in great abundance. Following the Park City match, the Utes joined Bill Hart, Don Sturgis, et al, in Potato John’s, where the two clubs were treated to a video tape replay of their 10-10 tie.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Fred Boutwell: A master in the lineout (before lifting was allowed), Fred played a mean game of rugby even when his thumbs were broken. His cry of
of “Run Fast! Jump High!” would proceed most matches.
*Tracy Prows: Tracy developed his breakaway skills in New Zealand. He could usually
be found on the pitch, laughing and imploring his fellow players to set a
platform while his mates stood about calling for the ball.
*Mark Barton: Mark was a feisty player both at break and 8th man.
*Roger Harrison: New Zealand born and bred, Roger was the club’s first real standoff.
*Chris Profenius: A great athlete, Chris was last seen standing by his bags in the rain at
Santa Barbara.
*Mike Wilkinson: Mike played football at Stanford and was a talented athlete.
SCHEDULE -
W 21- 8 New Mexico
L 10-14 Northern Colorado
W 54- 0 Idaho Falls
W 16- 0 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 6-18 Hastings
L 8-10 Occidental
L 8-23 Dead Goat
W 8- 0 Salt Lake
W F East-West
L 4- 7 College of Idaho
W 22- 3 Highland
W 12- 8 Pocatello
T 10-10 Park City
179-101
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Davis
M.V.P. - Forwards: Tracy Prows, Backs: Supi M’lai
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (47), Tony Crandall (28)
Supi M’lai (24)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1978 (1-0)
ON THE PITCH - Betsy Morse provided the Ute ruggers with cold beverages while they played the Motherlode in the stifling summer heat.
OFF THE PITCH - Pat Quigley performed “Dangerous Dan McGrew,” at the Tap-a-Keg in Boise after losing his first chugging contest to a guy who actually chugged.
SCHEDULE -
W 12- 0 Boise
ON THE PITCH - The Utes set a new team scoring record when they drubbed Moroni’s Marauders 32-12 in Provo. Utah led 32-0 at the half.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utah R.F.C. began to actively recruit new members.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Bob Skinner: Bob would play for anyone at anytime. His play at prop greatly
strengthened the forward pack.
*Supi M’lai: Appearing older than his years, Supi still had some of the moves, and
the power, that had contributed to his starting on the Tongan National
Team.
*Karl Badger: Looking like Ted Kluszewski with the sleeves cut off of his jersey, Karl
was a bruiser who made all the practices and missed a lot of the games.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-10 Pocatello
W 19-10 Utah State
L 4-25 All Blacks
W 16- 9 Utah State
L 14-42 B.Y.U.
W 20- 6 Salt Lake
W 32-12 Moroni’s Marauders
105-114
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: John Nicolaisen
Coach: John Nicolaisen
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (27), Three players with (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1978 (7-5-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes celebrated their first winning spring season and their first year with a winning record. Members of the club traveled to Idaho Falls in April to participate in a Seven-a-Side Tournament. The team of Jim Beck, Tony Crandall, Chris Profenius, John Nicolaisen, Bob Cady and Steve Gabbert outscored their opponents 80-8 in winning the championship. In their 18-6 loss to Hastings, played in the Santa Barbara stadium, Pat Quigley tackled a monstrous back, then jumped up and yelled, “It will take someone bigger than you to run over me!”. Eight different players scored trys, and Ernie Sandoval connected on seven of ten conversions, in Utah’s record setting 54-0 victory over Idaho Falls. Tony Crandall scored seven tries during the spring season, a record that held until 1985.
OFF THE PITCH - The Utes began their season with festivities at the Paris Restaurant in Idaho Falls. That trip was highlighted by Chris Profenius’ disjointed conversation with Hugh Brown and Archie Clark on the trip to Idaho Falls, and then his miraculously appearance at a isolated farm house miles from town after being left at the Paris. John Davisk, a visiting professor from Wales, served as the team’s coach. New Mexico came into town and following a party at Tony Crandall’s, members of the two teams traveled to Judd’s Frontier Bar where the Lobos introduced the Utes to “chair dancing,” and “the worm”. A Utah/Idaho Falls contingent returned to Judd’s several weeks later, then proceeded to visit a bikers’ bar and an American Legion Hall (“This can be your clubhouse!”) on their way to breakfast. The annual trip to California included a stop at Foxes’ in Santa Monica (Where do you put your feet, Mark?). Rain and mud were the story at Santa Barbara where Pat Quigley’s Winnebago became the social center. Utah left the party after the Utah State Ruggerfest to set up their own campsite where “Swamp rowdies” and Bob Cady’s jokes were in great abundance. Following the Park City match, the Utes joined Bill Hart, Don Sturgis, et al, in Potato John’s, where the two clubs were treated to a video tape replay of their 10-10 tie.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Fred Boutwell: A master in the lineout (before lifting was allowed), Fred played a mean game of rugby even when his thumbs were broken. His cry of
of “Run Fast! Jump High!” would proceed most matches.
*Tracy Prows: Tracy developed his breakaway skills in New Zealand. He could usually
be found on the pitch, laughing and imploring his fellow players to set a
platform while his mates stood about calling for the ball.
*Mark Barton: Mark was a feisty player both at break and 8th man.
*Roger Harrison: New Zealand born and bred, Roger was the club’s first real standoff.
*Chris Profenius: A great athlete, Chris was last seen standing by his bags in the rain at
Santa Barbara.
*Mike Wilkinson: Mike played football at Stanford and was a talented athlete.
SCHEDULE -
W 21- 8 New Mexico
L 10-14 Northern Colorado
W 54- 0 Idaho Falls
W 16- 0 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 6-18 Hastings
L 8-10 Occidental
L 8-23 Dead Goat
W 8- 0 Salt Lake
W F East-West
L 4- 7 College of Idaho
W 22- 3 Highland
W 12- 8 Pocatello
T 10-10 Park City
179-101
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Davis
M.V.P. - Forwards: Tracy Prows, Backs: Supi M’lai
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (47), Tony Crandall (28)
Supi M’lai (24)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1978 (1-0)
ON THE PITCH - Betsy Morse provided the Ute ruggers with cold beverages while they played the Motherlode in the stifling summer heat.
OFF THE PITCH - Pat Quigley performed “Dangerous Dan McGrew,” at the Tap-a-Keg in Boise after losing his first chugging contest to a guy who actually chugged.
SCHEDULE -
W 12- 0 Boise
1978-1979
SEASON - Fall 1978 (4-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes posted their first victory over the Dead Goat Touring Side prompting John Nicolaisen to proclaim, “We have arrived!” Nick Viselli’s score put Utah out in front 10-7 and Jim Habertro’s try, following a grub kick by Jim Beck, put the icing on the cake. Utah’s ruggers made it to the semi-finals of the Boise Tournament where they lost to the Blue Mountain and “Big John.”
OFF THE PITCH - Joe Lambert introduced the bison helmet and his versions of “Alouette” and “Singing in the Rain”. The Loose Ruck reported the Utes and Missoula squared off for the social championship at the Boise Ruggerfest. The Maggots won it when they “presented a sacrificial male to the strange lady who was hanging out by the band”. Ernie Sandoval won the Gumbie Award in Boise when he ate chili and spaghetti at 1:00 a.m. while sound asleep. He then lost it all in the parking lot, “blowing three bucks and his lunch at the same time.”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Brian Corner: A solidly built, intelligent player, Brian played wherever he was needed in
the backfield.
*Joe Lambert: “Uncle Joe” became a mainstay both on the pitch and at the parties. As the years went by, Joe grew into a massive breakaway, but he never lost
his quickness or his desire to play.
*Jim Habertro: A mainstay for the Dead Goat/Haggis after a brief stint with Utah.
SCHEDULE -
W 16- 0 Boise
W 16- 7 Dead Goat
W 10- 0 Gonzaga
W 11- 0 College of Idaho
L 0-18 Blue Mountain
L 14-20 B.Y.U.
71-45
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: John Nicolaisen
Coach: Hugh Brown
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (23), Tony Crandall (16)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1979 (4-7)
ON THE PITCH - Brian Corner represented Utah on the Great Basin Select Side which defeated the Tri-County Rep Side from California 20-6 in Las Vegas.
OFF THE PITCH - Thumper, Bizz Buzz, Whales Tales, and Zoom-Schwartz-Profigliano became mainstays of the Utah rugby club. Hugh Brown and John Nicolaisen hitchhiked from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. They were picked up by a van full of ruggers from Loyola Marymount and were poured out on the field several hours later. George Sable played thumper at U.C.S.B. (“Name a color” . . . thump, thump . . .”blue” . . . thump, thump . . . “red”, thump, thump . . . “Gepettos”) and Joe Lambert led a 3:00 a.m. expedition to a women’s rugby camp to “seek out and explore new life forms”. Louie introduced the Utes to the Stork Club in Provo following the B.Y.U. match.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Bill Foss: A gutsy little hooker and native of Chicago.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-16 Dead Goat
L 4-26 B.Y.U.
L 3- 6 Mission R.F.C.
L 0-14 Ruggers Inn
W 20- 4 Redlands
W F U.C. Urvine
L 0- 8 Anchorage
W 34- 4 Salt Lake
L 0- 9 Liberty XV
L 6-16 Utah State
W 32- 9 Provo
L 10-12 Park City
109-124
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Hugh Brown, John Nicolaisen
M.V.P. - Forwards: Joe Lambert, Backs: Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Brian Corner (20), Ernie Sandoval (15), Joe Lambert (12)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1979 (3-2)
ON THE PITCH - Thirteen Utes traveled to the Cheyenne Ruggerfest where, despite playing Hugh Brown at standoff, Utah took second place, losing to tournament champion Queen City 7-4. The Ute ruggers, led by a fired up Tony Crandall following an early morning phone call from Jerry Sarafoleon, demolished the Griffins 38-0.
OFF THE PITCH - Following their match, the Motherlode Ruggers treated the Utes to a tube float down the Boise River. Small islands became sites for scrums and Fred Boutwell was hung out to dry by Ron Lemon and Chris Gutierrez. That night, Jim Beck and Steve Gabbert decided to borrow a tractor and go for a ride.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Tiger Ellefsen: A devastating defensive player, Tiger started at hooker, moved to break and inside center, then developed into an outstanding standoff.
His enthusiasm for the game was contagious.
*Brian Bailey: A solid back.
SCHEDULE -
L 4-10 Boise
W 7- 6 Wyoming
L 4- 7 Queen City
W 14- 0 Mile High
W 38- 0 Salt Lake
67-23
ON THE PITCH - The Utes posted their first victory over the Dead Goat Touring Side prompting John Nicolaisen to proclaim, “We have arrived!” Nick Viselli’s score put Utah out in front 10-7 and Jim Habertro’s try, following a grub kick by Jim Beck, put the icing on the cake. Utah’s ruggers made it to the semi-finals of the Boise Tournament where they lost to the Blue Mountain and “Big John.”
OFF THE PITCH - Joe Lambert introduced the bison helmet and his versions of “Alouette” and “Singing in the Rain”. The Loose Ruck reported the Utes and Missoula squared off for the social championship at the Boise Ruggerfest. The Maggots won it when they “presented a sacrificial male to the strange lady who was hanging out by the band”. Ernie Sandoval won the Gumbie Award in Boise when he ate chili and spaghetti at 1:00 a.m. while sound asleep. He then lost it all in the parking lot, “blowing three bucks and his lunch at the same time.”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Brian Corner: A solidly built, intelligent player, Brian played wherever he was needed in
the backfield.
*Joe Lambert: “Uncle Joe” became a mainstay both on the pitch and at the parties. As the years went by, Joe grew into a massive breakaway, but he never lost
his quickness or his desire to play.
*Jim Habertro: A mainstay for the Dead Goat/Haggis after a brief stint with Utah.
SCHEDULE -
W 16- 0 Boise
W 16- 7 Dead Goat
W 10- 0 Gonzaga
W 11- 0 College of Idaho
L 0-18 Blue Mountain
L 14-20 B.Y.U.
71-45
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: John Nicolaisen
Coach: Hugh Brown
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (23), Tony Crandall (16)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1979 (4-7)
ON THE PITCH - Brian Corner represented Utah on the Great Basin Select Side which defeated the Tri-County Rep Side from California 20-6 in Las Vegas.
OFF THE PITCH - Thumper, Bizz Buzz, Whales Tales, and Zoom-Schwartz-Profigliano became mainstays of the Utah rugby club. Hugh Brown and John Nicolaisen hitchhiked from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. They were picked up by a van full of ruggers from Loyola Marymount and were poured out on the field several hours later. George Sable played thumper at U.C.S.B. (“Name a color” . . . thump, thump . . .”blue” . . . thump, thump . . . “red”, thump, thump . . . “Gepettos”) and Joe Lambert led a 3:00 a.m. expedition to a women’s rugby camp to “seek out and explore new life forms”. Louie introduced the Utes to the Stork Club in Provo following the B.Y.U. match.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Bill Foss: A gutsy little hooker and native of Chicago.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-16 Dead Goat
L 4-26 B.Y.U.
L 3- 6 Mission R.F.C.
L 0-14 Ruggers Inn
W 20- 4 Redlands
W F U.C. Urvine
L 0- 8 Anchorage
W 34- 4 Salt Lake
L 0- 9 Liberty XV
L 6-16 Utah State
W 32- 9 Provo
L 10-12 Park City
109-124
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Hugh Brown, John Nicolaisen
M.V.P. - Forwards: Joe Lambert, Backs: Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Brian Corner (20), Ernie Sandoval (15), Joe Lambert (12)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1979 (3-2)
ON THE PITCH - Thirteen Utes traveled to the Cheyenne Ruggerfest where, despite playing Hugh Brown at standoff, Utah took second place, losing to tournament champion Queen City 7-4. The Ute ruggers, led by a fired up Tony Crandall following an early morning phone call from Jerry Sarafoleon, demolished the Griffins 38-0.
OFF THE PITCH - Following their match, the Motherlode Ruggers treated the Utes to a tube float down the Boise River. Small islands became sites for scrums and Fred Boutwell was hung out to dry by Ron Lemon and Chris Gutierrez. That night, Jim Beck and Steve Gabbert decided to borrow a tractor and go for a ride.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Tiger Ellefsen: A devastating defensive player, Tiger started at hooker, moved to break and inside center, then developed into an outstanding standoff.
His enthusiasm for the game was contagious.
*Brian Bailey: A solid back.
SCHEDULE -
L 4-10 Boise
W 7- 6 Wyoming
L 4- 7 Queen City
W 14- 0 Mile High
W 38- 0 Salt Lake
67-23
1979-1980
SEASON - Fall 1979 (5-4-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Dead Goat brought a 21-4 record for their 1979 season into their match with Utah, but could only come away with a 13-13 tie.
OFF THE PITCH - Utah captured the Gentlemanship Trophy at the Boise Ruggerfest. The party saw Tad Mancini surrender to an involuntary striptease at the hands of the Dusty Lentils, a women’s rugby club from Moscow, Idaho.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Gary Fish: Fish was a good runner and avid socializer.
SCHEDULE -
W F Boise
T 13-13 Dead Goat
L 3-14 B.Y.U.
W F Salt Lake
W 9- 6 Missoula
L 0-34 Snake River
W 10- 4 Whitman College
L 0- 4 Indian Creek
W 32- 6 Utah State
L 7-15 B.Y.U.
74-97
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Tony Crandall
Coach: John Nicolaisen, Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (29), Tony Crandall (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1980 (5-7-1)
ON THE PITCH - Down 0-8 to Santa Cruz with five minutes to play, the Utes staged a ferocious rally and won 12-8 as Brian Bailey scored a try in the last minute of play. Utah defeated Claremont 7-4 when Hugh Brown connected on the only successful drop goal in a kick off. Fred Boutwell turned to a Claremount player and said, “Now we’ll never hear the end of that.” The Dead Goat contest was blown up as a “no side” when the contest got out of hand and Ernie Sandoval took a swinging leap at Wolfie.
OFF THE PITCH - The spring began with a 7's tournament at B.Y.U. Tony Crandall arrived, bleary-eyed, and spent five minutes trying to figure out how to get in an open gate. The Stork Club produced Norma. “Trouting” was introduced. Brian Corner delivered his famous “Get to bed early Friday night” speech just prior to the trip to Santa Barbara. He then missed the first match Saturday. Santa Barbara saw Frenchman Francois DuPuis trying to convince a woman that he was an Irishman from Texas. Jamie Stephens returned to the campfire at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday morning and organized a revival party and songfest with the Ruggers Inn Rugby Club. Tony Crandall was knocked unconscious in the Boise match. He awoke with his head in the lap of his girlfriend and asked her, “How well do I know you?”. The spring of 1980 featured “The Trip” to Albuquerque, New Mexico. “The Trip” included Tony Crandall talking his way out of a ticket near Moab, partying at the Dukes’ stadium, Ernie Sandoval’s dancing into the singer’s mike in a sleazy dance bar, John Nicolaisen receiving the trout (it was right next to his missing distributor cap), Harvey, Larry Gluth’s adventures with the Tentacle Lady, and Fred Boutwell’s bottle suction marks on his chest.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Francois DuPuis: A graduate student from France, Francois played scrum half.
*Tony Funua: A big strong back with a good foot, Tony’s muscle made up for his lack
of fitness.
* Larry Gluth: Larry played wherever he was needed in the scrum.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-22 B.Y.U.
L 3-19 Long Beach State
W 12- 8 Santa Cruz
L 0-20 Cal Poly
W 7- 4 Claremont
T 6- 6 Northridge
L 8-15 Boise
W 23- 0 Pocatello
L 10-14 New Mexico
W 14-12 Los Brujos
L 6-10 Utah State
W 10- 6 Griffins
L 6-12 Park City
105-148
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Nicolaisen, Brian Corner
M.V.P. - Forwards: Joe Lambert, Backs: Brian Bailey
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (25), Joe Lambert (16)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1980 (2-2)
ON THE PITCH - After listening to Mile High’s British standoff boast about his team’s outstanding passing and wing movement, the Utes’ back-line of Brian Bailey, Brian Corner, Tony Crandall and Pat Robinson made some big hits to shut down and totally intimidated their counterparts.
OFF THE PITCH - Two carloads of ruggers journeyed to the Cheyenne Ruggerfest: The Toyota Landcruiser contingent was led by Jeff Arnold while the second group, in Nick Viselli’s truck, featured a poker party. Nick Viselli met his future wife, Joy, at the Ruggerfest and Tony Crandall set an unofficial record for tacos consumed.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Jeff Arnold: The original party animal, Jeff also played a good game at breakaway.
*Pat Robinson: An unerring tackler, Pat was the only player who Mike Wilkinson would
avoid in scrimmages.
SCHEDULE -
L 12-26 Sun Valley
L 3- 9 Colorado Mines
W 19- 4 Fort Collins
W 9- 0 Mile High
43-39
ADDITIONAL DATA - Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (24)
ON THE PITCH - The Dead Goat brought a 21-4 record for their 1979 season into their match with Utah, but could only come away with a 13-13 tie.
OFF THE PITCH - Utah captured the Gentlemanship Trophy at the Boise Ruggerfest. The party saw Tad Mancini surrender to an involuntary striptease at the hands of the Dusty Lentils, a women’s rugby club from Moscow, Idaho.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Gary Fish: Fish was a good runner and avid socializer.
SCHEDULE -
W F Boise
T 13-13 Dead Goat
L 3-14 B.Y.U.
W F Salt Lake
W 9- 6 Missoula
L 0-34 Snake River
W 10- 4 Whitman College
L 0- 4 Indian Creek
W 32- 6 Utah State
L 7-15 B.Y.U.
74-97
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Tony Crandall
Coach: John Nicolaisen, Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (29), Tony Crandall (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1980 (5-7-1)
ON THE PITCH - Down 0-8 to Santa Cruz with five minutes to play, the Utes staged a ferocious rally and won 12-8 as Brian Bailey scored a try in the last minute of play. Utah defeated Claremont 7-4 when Hugh Brown connected on the only successful drop goal in a kick off. Fred Boutwell turned to a Claremount player and said, “Now we’ll never hear the end of that.” The Dead Goat contest was blown up as a “no side” when the contest got out of hand and Ernie Sandoval took a swinging leap at Wolfie.
OFF THE PITCH - The spring began with a 7's tournament at B.Y.U. Tony Crandall arrived, bleary-eyed, and spent five minutes trying to figure out how to get in an open gate. The Stork Club produced Norma. “Trouting” was introduced. Brian Corner delivered his famous “Get to bed early Friday night” speech just prior to the trip to Santa Barbara. He then missed the first match Saturday. Santa Barbara saw Frenchman Francois DuPuis trying to convince a woman that he was an Irishman from Texas. Jamie Stephens returned to the campfire at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday morning and organized a revival party and songfest with the Ruggers Inn Rugby Club. Tony Crandall was knocked unconscious in the Boise match. He awoke with his head in the lap of his girlfriend and asked her, “How well do I know you?”. The spring of 1980 featured “The Trip” to Albuquerque, New Mexico. “The Trip” included Tony Crandall talking his way out of a ticket near Moab, partying at the Dukes’ stadium, Ernie Sandoval’s dancing into the singer’s mike in a sleazy dance bar, John Nicolaisen receiving the trout (it was right next to his missing distributor cap), Harvey, Larry Gluth’s adventures with the Tentacle Lady, and Fred Boutwell’s bottle suction marks on his chest.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Francois DuPuis: A graduate student from France, Francois played scrum half.
*Tony Funua: A big strong back with a good foot, Tony’s muscle made up for his lack
of fitness.
* Larry Gluth: Larry played wherever he was needed in the scrum.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-22 B.Y.U.
L 3-19 Long Beach State
W 12- 8 Santa Cruz
L 0-20 Cal Poly
W 7- 4 Claremont
T 6- 6 Northridge
L 8-15 Boise
W 23- 0 Pocatello
L 10-14 New Mexico
W 14-12 Los Brujos
L 6-10 Utah State
W 10- 6 Griffins
L 6-12 Park City
105-148
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Nicolaisen, Brian Corner
M.V.P. - Forwards: Joe Lambert, Backs: Brian Bailey
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (25), Joe Lambert (16)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1980 (2-2)
ON THE PITCH - After listening to Mile High’s British standoff boast about his team’s outstanding passing and wing movement, the Utes’ back-line of Brian Bailey, Brian Corner, Tony Crandall and Pat Robinson made some big hits to shut down and totally intimidated their counterparts.
OFF THE PITCH - Two carloads of ruggers journeyed to the Cheyenne Ruggerfest: The Toyota Landcruiser contingent was led by Jeff Arnold while the second group, in Nick Viselli’s truck, featured a poker party. Nick Viselli met his future wife, Joy, at the Ruggerfest and Tony Crandall set an unofficial record for tacos consumed.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Jeff Arnold: The original party animal, Jeff also played a good game at breakaway.
*Pat Robinson: An unerring tackler, Pat was the only player who Mike Wilkinson would
avoid in scrimmages.
SCHEDULE -
L 12-26 Sun Valley
L 3- 9 Colorado Mines
W 19- 4 Fort Collins
W 9- 0 Mile High
43-39
ADDITIONAL DATA - Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (24)
1980-1981
SEASON - Fall 1980 (4-6-1)
ON THE PITCH - Utah participated in the first, and last, Salt Lake Classic Rugby Tournament, playing the Jasper Dregs, from Alberta, in the Derk’s Field stadium.
OFF THE PITCH - Following a disappointing season, Fred Boutwell and Tony Crandall spent the winter reorganizing the team.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Joe Brown: The red headed wonder played a great breakaway and brought a unique
sense of humor to Utah rugby.
*Mike LePrey: Big “Louie LePwe” added size and strength to the Utes’ scrum at
eight man.
SCHEDULE -
W 13- 3 Pocatello
L 10-24 Rose Park
L 3- 6 Jasper
L 0-23 Dead Goat
L 0- 3 Skagit Valley
L 0-17 Missoula
W 6- 4 Pocatello
W F Griffins
W 17-16 Utah State
L 7-28 B.Y.U.
56-124
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Fred Boutwell
Coach: John Nicolaisen, Bran Corner
Scoring Leaders: Tony Funua (30)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1981 (6-6-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes opened their season with a huge 4-3 victory over the University of Arizona, winning the match on Joe Lambert’s try following a jarring tackle by Mike LePrey. Utah posted its first winning record in Santa Barbara. After getting off to a 6-3 start, a series of injuries to Utah’s backs resulted in a final .500 record. John Nicolaisen (standoff), Fred Boutwell (fullback), and Tiger Ellefsen (center) all moved into the backfield from the scrum to help fill the void.
OFF THE PITCH - Santa Barbara saw: Bob Adams taking the train to Los Angeles and then mistakenly hitchhiking to Bakersfield, thus missing all of Saturday’s matches; Steve Gabbert and Nick Viselli rejoining the team for the tournament, along with designated Sunday player Rick Baratti; Tuba Man; and the birth of the Fireleapers (i.e. many of the Ute players, led by a woman rugger from San Diego, ran naked to the campsites of the numerous clubs at Santa Barbara, yelled “fireleapers,” then jumped the campfire before disappearing into the night.) Mike LePrey tunred into the fantastic wrinkling man in the U.S.U. shower following the Utes’ match in Logan. Joe Brown got dinged in Pocatello, then pulled John Nicolaisen out of T.U. with his kryptonite comment in Lava Hot Springs. “Coyote Ugly” and “Honk on Bobo” were added to the Utah vocabulary.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Roger Stephens: A quiet man who had a big impact on the rugby pitch, Roger played
second row and dominated line-outs.
*Bob Adams: A prop and rodeo rider.
SCHEDULE -
W 4- 3 U of Arizona
L 0-13 Dead Goat
W 7- 0 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 0- 8 Loyola Marymount
W 7- 3 U.C.L.A.
W 7- 4 U.C. San Diego
L 0- 4 Newport Beach
W 20-16 Utah State
W 18- 0 New Mexico
L 6-21 Rose Park
L 8-18 Pocatello
T 3- 3 Boise
L 0-28 Park City
80-121
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Nicolaisen, Brian Corner
M.V.P. - Forwards: Fred Boutwell, Backs: Tony Crandall
Scoring Leaders: Brian Corner (20), Tony Crandall (16)
ON THE PITCH - Utah participated in the first, and last, Salt Lake Classic Rugby Tournament, playing the Jasper Dregs, from Alberta, in the Derk’s Field stadium.
OFF THE PITCH - Following a disappointing season, Fred Boutwell and Tony Crandall spent the winter reorganizing the team.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Joe Brown: The red headed wonder played a great breakaway and brought a unique
sense of humor to Utah rugby.
*Mike LePrey: Big “Louie LePwe” added size and strength to the Utes’ scrum at
eight man.
SCHEDULE -
W 13- 3 Pocatello
L 10-24 Rose Park
L 3- 6 Jasper
L 0-23 Dead Goat
L 0- 3 Skagit Valley
L 0-17 Missoula
W 6- 4 Pocatello
W F Griffins
W 17-16 Utah State
L 7-28 B.Y.U.
56-124
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Fred Boutwell
Coach: John Nicolaisen, Bran Corner
Scoring Leaders: Tony Funua (30)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1981 (6-6-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes opened their season with a huge 4-3 victory over the University of Arizona, winning the match on Joe Lambert’s try following a jarring tackle by Mike LePrey. Utah posted its first winning record in Santa Barbara. After getting off to a 6-3 start, a series of injuries to Utah’s backs resulted in a final .500 record. John Nicolaisen (standoff), Fred Boutwell (fullback), and Tiger Ellefsen (center) all moved into the backfield from the scrum to help fill the void.
OFF THE PITCH - Santa Barbara saw: Bob Adams taking the train to Los Angeles and then mistakenly hitchhiking to Bakersfield, thus missing all of Saturday’s matches; Steve Gabbert and Nick Viselli rejoining the team for the tournament, along with designated Sunday player Rick Baratti; Tuba Man; and the birth of the Fireleapers (i.e. many of the Ute players, led by a woman rugger from San Diego, ran naked to the campsites of the numerous clubs at Santa Barbara, yelled “fireleapers,” then jumped the campfire before disappearing into the night.) Mike LePrey tunred into the fantastic wrinkling man in the U.S.U. shower following the Utes’ match in Logan. Joe Brown got dinged in Pocatello, then pulled John Nicolaisen out of T.U. with his kryptonite comment in Lava Hot Springs. “Coyote Ugly” and “Honk on Bobo” were added to the Utah vocabulary.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Roger Stephens: A quiet man who had a big impact on the rugby pitch, Roger played
second row and dominated line-outs.
*Bob Adams: A prop and rodeo rider.
SCHEDULE -
W 4- 3 U of Arizona
L 0-13 Dead Goat
W 7- 0 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 0- 8 Loyola Marymount
W 7- 3 U.C.L.A.
W 7- 4 U.C. San Diego
L 0- 4 Newport Beach
W 20-16 Utah State
W 18- 0 New Mexico
L 6-21 Rose Park
L 8-18 Pocatello
T 3- 3 Boise
L 0-28 Park City
80-121
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Nicolaisen, Brian Corner
M.V.P. - Forwards: Fred Boutwell, Backs: Tony Crandall
Scoring Leaders: Brian Corner (20), Tony Crandall (16)
1981-1982
SEASON - Fall 1981 (4-3)
ON THE PITCH - Three teams cancelled their games with Utah the week before their scheduled matches. Mark Barton had a great game against Blue Mountain and “Mr. Mayfield.”
OFF THE PITCH - The Boise Ruggerfest featured a country and western band, a lamb dinner, good song, and drink. Highlights of the weekend included Roger Stephens’ participation in a fish-flop, Hugh Brown acting as the maitre-D at J.B.’s, and Jeff Arnold’s kidnaping by three women in a Volkswagen.
SCHEDULE -
W F Griffins
L 6- 9 Pocatello
W 9- 6 Boise
L 9-14 Blue Mountain
L 3-12 Missoula
W F Dead Goat
W F Utah State
27-41
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: John Nicolaisen
Coach: Hugh Brown, Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Tony Funua (27)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1982 (4-6-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes lost three matches by less than a try.
OFF THE PITCH - John Bielun joined the club on St. Patrick’s Day and brought several new songs. “The Utah Boys Are Coming”, courtesy of Larry Sheldon, was also added to a growing repertoire. It rained and poured at Santa Barbara. Fred Boutwell paid $35 for a scenic taxi tour of Los Angeles. John Bielun was introduced to Baby Queen. Tony Crandall last saw his new cleats laying in the mud and the half ‘stach was sported by a number of Utah Ruggers. The University of Utah’s rugby team developed a logo and became the “Runnin’ Roothogs”. The “B” team were named the “Fireleapers”.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*John Bielun: A tenacious hooker, John also brought his intensity and coaching skills
to Utah Rugby.
*Paul Colosimo: Paul began as a wing and ended as a outstanding fullback and team
leader.
*Jeff Lords: A standoff, Jeff was the first player of many players to join the Utes from
Highland’s national champion rugby program.
*Frank Robinson: Frank came over from the Griffins and filled in as a breakaway and
scrum half.
SCHEDULE -
L 3-17 Dead Goat
L 7- 9 Stanford
L 4- 6 Marin County
T 0- 0 U.C. San Diego
W 21- 8 Griffins
L 4-14 Portneuf Valley
L F Rose Park
L 9-14 Provo
W 12- 9 Utah State
W 19- 0 Boise
L 18-20 Park City
97-97
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Jeff Lords
Coach: Hugh Brown, Brian Corner
M.V.P. - Forwards: Mark Barton; Backs: Tony Crandall
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (30), Brian Corner (24)
ON THE PITCH - Three teams cancelled their games with Utah the week before their scheduled matches. Mark Barton had a great game against Blue Mountain and “Mr. Mayfield.”
OFF THE PITCH - The Boise Ruggerfest featured a country and western band, a lamb dinner, good song, and drink. Highlights of the weekend included Roger Stephens’ participation in a fish-flop, Hugh Brown acting as the maitre-D at J.B.’s, and Jeff Arnold’s kidnaping by three women in a Volkswagen.
SCHEDULE -
W F Griffins
L 6- 9 Pocatello
W 9- 6 Boise
L 9-14 Blue Mountain
L 3-12 Missoula
W F Dead Goat
W F Utah State
27-41
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: John Nicolaisen
Coach: Hugh Brown, Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Tony Funua (27)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1982 (4-6-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes lost three matches by less than a try.
OFF THE PITCH - John Bielun joined the club on St. Patrick’s Day and brought several new songs. “The Utah Boys Are Coming”, courtesy of Larry Sheldon, was also added to a growing repertoire. It rained and poured at Santa Barbara. Fred Boutwell paid $35 for a scenic taxi tour of Los Angeles. John Bielun was introduced to Baby Queen. Tony Crandall last saw his new cleats laying in the mud and the half ‘stach was sported by a number of Utah Ruggers. The University of Utah’s rugby team developed a logo and became the “Runnin’ Roothogs”. The “B” team were named the “Fireleapers”.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*John Bielun: A tenacious hooker, John also brought his intensity and coaching skills
to Utah Rugby.
*Paul Colosimo: Paul began as a wing and ended as a outstanding fullback and team
leader.
*Jeff Lords: A standoff, Jeff was the first player of many players to join the Utes from
Highland’s national champion rugby program.
*Frank Robinson: Frank came over from the Griffins and filled in as a breakaway and
scrum half.
SCHEDULE -
L 3-17 Dead Goat
L 7- 9 Stanford
L 4- 6 Marin County
T 0- 0 U.C. San Diego
W 21- 8 Griffins
L 4-14 Portneuf Valley
L F Rose Park
L 9-14 Provo
W 12- 9 Utah State
W 19- 0 Boise
L 18-20 Park City
97-97
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Jeff Lords
Coach: Hugh Brown, Brian Corner
M.V.P. - Forwards: Mark Barton; Backs: Tony Crandall
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (30), Brian Corner (24)
1982-1983
SEASON - Fall 1982 (3-3-1)
ON THE PITCH - After a terrible start, the team pulled itself together and avenged a
4-8 loss to Portneuf Valley by thrashing the Assassins 28-0 in a return match. The Griffins pulled their annual “we can’t field a team because of the deer hunt” three days before than game.
OFF THE PITCH - Joe Lambert returned to the team and offered the Players’ Pub as the team clubhouse. Other team gatherings were held at D.B. Coopers where Mike LePrey, Fred Boutwell and John Nicolaisen resided.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Pete Ferrari: Pete was a strong back who is best remembered hopping on one foot
after putting on a jock strap filled with atomic balm just before a kickoff at
Santa Barbara.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-10 Dead Goat
L 0-24 Snake River
L 4- 8 Portneuf Valley
T 0- 0 Blue Mountain
W 28- 0 Portneuf Valley
W 17- 8 Utah State
W F Griffins
49-50
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Jeff Lords
Coach: Hugh Brown, Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (14), Tony Funua (14)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1983 (10-4)
ON THE PITCH - Tiger Ellefsen shaved his head just before the B.Y.U. match at the Great Basin Rugby Tournament and the fired-up Roothogs responded by defeating the Cougars for the first time. Ernie Sandoval’s penalty kick with eight minutes to play accounted for all the points and a team effort goal line stand stopped B.Y.U., and Eagle Mark Ormsby, in the closing minutes of the match. Kevin Brady scored 46 points in his first season of play. The Utes’ season was capped by a 6-3 victory over Park City (Mark Barton connected on two penalty kicks) and the club’s ten wins established a new Utah seasonal record.
OFF THE PITCH - The coaching of John Bielun and Tony Crandall issued in a new era of Utah rugby. Hugh Brown took over The Loose Ruck and renamed it the Runnin’ Roothog Rag. Pat Quigley and Nick Viselli showed up for Santa Barbara. Jeff Arnold helped the police shovel dirt over the Utah campfire and Paul Colosimo’s pleas in the blue tent could be heard echoing through the campsite.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Kevin Brady: A natural athlete with a sure foot, Kevin picked up the game quickly.
*Andy Thompson: Andy’s trademarks were his wiry body would be covered with red
welts and his Big Gulps at parties. He came up through the
Fireleapers and became an outstanding breakaway
* Bill Coen: Bill brought an esprit d’corps and a New Jersey style of play to the team.
* Beth Ihle: The only woman to play for the Utes, Beth displayed guts and fortitude as a
B side player.
SCHEDULE -
W 8- 0 Idaho Falls
L 0-12 Griffins
W 3- 0 B.Y.U.
L 4-13 San Fernando
W 8- 6 Escondido
W 14- 0 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 4-28 Riverside
W 9- 6 Washington State
W F Highland
W 12- 0 Utah State
W 18- 3 Griffins
L 9-15 Haggis
W 16- 4 Idaho Falls
W 6- 3 Park City
111-90
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Bielun, Tony Crandall
M.V.P. - Forwards: Roger Stephens, Backs: Tiger Ellefsen
Scoring Leaders: Kevin Brady (46), Paul Colosimo (20)
ON THE PITCH - After a terrible start, the team pulled itself together and avenged a
4-8 loss to Portneuf Valley by thrashing the Assassins 28-0 in a return match. The Griffins pulled their annual “we can’t field a team because of the deer hunt” three days before than game.
OFF THE PITCH - Joe Lambert returned to the team and offered the Players’ Pub as the team clubhouse. Other team gatherings were held at D.B. Coopers where Mike LePrey, Fred Boutwell and John Nicolaisen resided.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Pete Ferrari: Pete was a strong back who is best remembered hopping on one foot
after putting on a jock strap filled with atomic balm just before a kickoff at
Santa Barbara.
SCHEDULE -
L 0-10 Dead Goat
L 0-24 Snake River
L 4- 8 Portneuf Valley
T 0- 0 Blue Mountain
W 28- 0 Portneuf Valley
W 17- 8 Utah State
W F Griffins
49-50
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Jeff Lords
Coach: Hugh Brown, Brian Corner
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (14), Tony Funua (14)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1983 (10-4)
ON THE PITCH - Tiger Ellefsen shaved his head just before the B.Y.U. match at the Great Basin Rugby Tournament and the fired-up Roothogs responded by defeating the Cougars for the first time. Ernie Sandoval’s penalty kick with eight minutes to play accounted for all the points and a team effort goal line stand stopped B.Y.U., and Eagle Mark Ormsby, in the closing minutes of the match. Kevin Brady scored 46 points in his first season of play. The Utes’ season was capped by a 6-3 victory over Park City (Mark Barton connected on two penalty kicks) and the club’s ten wins established a new Utah seasonal record.
OFF THE PITCH - The coaching of John Bielun and Tony Crandall issued in a new era of Utah rugby. Hugh Brown took over The Loose Ruck and renamed it the Runnin’ Roothog Rag. Pat Quigley and Nick Viselli showed up for Santa Barbara. Jeff Arnold helped the police shovel dirt over the Utah campfire and Paul Colosimo’s pleas in the blue tent could be heard echoing through the campsite.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Kevin Brady: A natural athlete with a sure foot, Kevin picked up the game quickly.
*Andy Thompson: Andy’s trademarks were his wiry body would be covered with red
welts and his Big Gulps at parties. He came up through the
Fireleapers and became an outstanding breakaway
* Bill Coen: Bill brought an esprit d’corps and a New Jersey style of play to the team.
* Beth Ihle: The only woman to play for the Utes, Beth displayed guts and fortitude as a
B side player.
SCHEDULE -
W 8- 0 Idaho Falls
L 0-12 Griffins
W 3- 0 B.Y.U.
L 4-13 San Fernando
W 8- 6 Escondido
W 14- 0 U.C. Santa Barbara
L 4-28 Riverside
W 9- 6 Washington State
W F Highland
W 12- 0 Utah State
W 18- 3 Griffins
L 9-15 Haggis
W 16- 4 Idaho Falls
W 6- 3 Park City
111-90
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Bielun, Tony Crandall
M.V.P. - Forwards: Roger Stephens, Backs: Tiger Ellefsen
Scoring Leaders: Kevin Brady (46), Paul Colosimo (20)
1983-1984
SEASON - Fall 1983 (6-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs went 3-1 in the Boise Ruggerfest, losing only to the Portland Jesters. John Nicolaisen led the club in scoring. Down 4-14 to Portneuf Valley in the final match of the season, the Utes scored four second half trys to roar back to a 22-14 victory. The Fall 1983 side set a club record for fewest points allowed per match (5.4).
OFF THE PITCH - Missing from the previous spring’s 10-4 team were starters Roger Stephens, Kevin Brady, Ernie Sandoval, Tony Crandall, Jamie Stephens, Joe Lambert, Mark Barton and Mike LePrey. The depth and strength of the Fireleapers came to fruition, however, as the Roothogs went on to post their best winning percentage of any club season. Up from the “B” team came Andy Thompson and Frank Robinson. Newcomers Mike Schneider, Graham Blackbeard, Mike Mele and Tom Reeves joined the team and veteran Sam English rejoined the club. The fall side was not deep, but it was aggressive and mobile.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Mele: Aggressive, strong, and quick, Mike was a feared breakaway.
*Graham Blackbeard: A speedster at his wing position, Graham learned the game in his
native South Africa.
*Mike Schneider: A huge prop from Dartmouth, Mike’s drive often wheeled his own
scrum.
*Tom Reeves: Tom was a stout back from Harvard who got high from the game.
SCHEDULE -
W 22- 0 St. George
W 10- 3 Indian Creek
L 0- 7 Portland
W 8- 4 Washington State
W 10- 7 Blue Mountain
W 15- 3 Griffins
W 22-14 Portneuf Valley
77-38
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Tiger Ellefsen
Coach: John Bielun, Tiger Ellefsen
Scoring Leaders: John Nicolaisen (19), Paul Colosimo (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1984 (5-5-1)
ON THE PITCH - Fortified by the return of many starters from the spring of 1983, the Utah ruggers had high expectations for the season. The club had to settle for a disappointing break even record, however, losing three matches to Stanford, U.C. Davis and B.Y.U. (all ranked in the Rugby News’ top seven of the Pacific Territorial Rugby Union). Graham Blackbeard became the first Ute to score a hat trick, running for three trys against Weber State.
OFF THE PITCH - The rebuilding Runnin’ Roothogs had 46 players on its opening roster and fielded a very strong second side. Santa Barbara saw: a highly agitated Hugh Brown pour Maynard and The Blob out of his car after an extended trip from Las Vegas; Ernie Sandoval attempting to pitch his tent flap while John Bielun wandered around the Phoenix Old Boys’ travel van; Mike LePrey explaining organic life in the ocean to Larry Colosimo, after which Larry explained organic life in Isle Vista to Mike; and Joyce Crandall’s continuous urging for the team to do “Warriors”.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Larry Colosimo: Larry’s rotund figure masked his true quickness. After moving to
outside center from prop, Larry became an explosive force in the
Utah backfield.
*Tracy Conti: A solid performer at scrum half, Tracy paid his dues on the Fireleapers
before moving up to the ‘Hogs. He went on to break Ernie Sandoval’s
lifetime club scoring record.
*Dave Tamowski: A Canadian by birth, Dave was active in both rucks and mauls, and
an excellent prop.
*Jack Reininga: Jack was the most gifted of Utah’s second rows. He dominated
line-outs and a starting berth on the Pacific Grizzlies Rep Side.
* Steve Odmark: Steve played both break and center. A strong hitter, Steve will be
best remembered for head butting an Aggie who tried to stop him
from touching the ball down in the end zone.
* Ed Montes: “The Hammer” was a defensive specialist who would usually be matched
against the opponent’s toughest runner.
* Joop Grevelink: A doctor and wing from the Netherlands.
SCHEDULE -
L 11-31 B.Y.U.
W 10- 6 Old Bolts
W 17- 0 U.C.Santa Barbara
L 6-20 U.C. Davis
W 11- 6 Loyola Marymount
L 8-25 Stanford
W 39-10 Weber State
L 4-22 Haggis
W 15-10 Utah State
L 8-12 Salt Lake
T 3- 3 Park City
132-145
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Bielun
M.V.P. - Forwards: Mike LePrey; Backs: Tony Crandall, Tiger Ellefson
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (40), Graham Blackbeard (20)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs went 3-1 in the Boise Ruggerfest, losing only to the Portland Jesters. John Nicolaisen led the club in scoring. Down 4-14 to Portneuf Valley in the final match of the season, the Utes scored four second half trys to roar back to a 22-14 victory. The Fall 1983 side set a club record for fewest points allowed per match (5.4).
OFF THE PITCH - Missing from the previous spring’s 10-4 team were starters Roger Stephens, Kevin Brady, Ernie Sandoval, Tony Crandall, Jamie Stephens, Joe Lambert, Mark Barton and Mike LePrey. The depth and strength of the Fireleapers came to fruition, however, as the Roothogs went on to post their best winning percentage of any club season. Up from the “B” team came Andy Thompson and Frank Robinson. Newcomers Mike Schneider, Graham Blackbeard, Mike Mele and Tom Reeves joined the team and veteran Sam English rejoined the club. The fall side was not deep, but it was aggressive and mobile.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Mele: Aggressive, strong, and quick, Mike was a feared breakaway.
*Graham Blackbeard: A speedster at his wing position, Graham learned the game in his
native South Africa.
*Mike Schneider: A huge prop from Dartmouth, Mike’s drive often wheeled his own
scrum.
*Tom Reeves: Tom was a stout back from Harvard who got high from the game.
SCHEDULE -
W 22- 0 St. George
W 10- 3 Indian Creek
L 0- 7 Portland
W 8- 4 Washington State
W 10- 7 Blue Mountain
W 15- 3 Griffins
W 22-14 Portneuf Valley
77-38
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Tiger Ellefsen
Coach: John Bielun, Tiger Ellefsen
Scoring Leaders: John Nicolaisen (19), Paul Colosimo (12)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1984 (5-5-1)
ON THE PITCH - Fortified by the return of many starters from the spring of 1983, the Utah ruggers had high expectations for the season. The club had to settle for a disappointing break even record, however, losing three matches to Stanford, U.C. Davis and B.Y.U. (all ranked in the Rugby News’ top seven of the Pacific Territorial Rugby Union). Graham Blackbeard became the first Ute to score a hat trick, running for three trys against Weber State.
OFF THE PITCH - The rebuilding Runnin’ Roothogs had 46 players on its opening roster and fielded a very strong second side. Santa Barbara saw: a highly agitated Hugh Brown pour Maynard and The Blob out of his car after an extended trip from Las Vegas; Ernie Sandoval attempting to pitch his tent flap while John Bielun wandered around the Phoenix Old Boys’ travel van; Mike LePrey explaining organic life in the ocean to Larry Colosimo, after which Larry explained organic life in Isle Vista to Mike; and Joyce Crandall’s continuous urging for the team to do “Warriors”.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Larry Colosimo: Larry’s rotund figure masked his true quickness. After moving to
outside center from prop, Larry became an explosive force in the
Utah backfield.
*Tracy Conti: A solid performer at scrum half, Tracy paid his dues on the Fireleapers
before moving up to the ‘Hogs. He went on to break Ernie Sandoval’s
lifetime club scoring record.
*Dave Tamowski: A Canadian by birth, Dave was active in both rucks and mauls, and
an excellent prop.
*Jack Reininga: Jack was the most gifted of Utah’s second rows. He dominated
line-outs and a starting berth on the Pacific Grizzlies Rep Side.
* Steve Odmark: Steve played both break and center. A strong hitter, Steve will be
best remembered for head butting an Aggie who tried to stop him
from touching the ball down in the end zone.
* Ed Montes: “The Hammer” was a defensive specialist who would usually be matched
against the opponent’s toughest runner.
* Joop Grevelink: A doctor and wing from the Netherlands.
SCHEDULE -
L 11-31 B.Y.U.
W 10- 6 Old Bolts
W 17- 0 U.C.Santa Barbara
L 6-20 U.C. Davis
W 11- 6 Loyola Marymount
L 8-25 Stanford
W 39-10 Weber State
L 4-22 Haggis
W 15-10 Utah State
L 8-12 Salt Lake
T 3- 3 Park City
132-145
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: John Bielun
M.V.P. - Forwards: Mike LePrey; Backs: Tony Crandall, Tiger Ellefson
Scoring Leaders: Ernie Sandoval (40), Graham Blackbeard (20)
1984-1985
SEASON - Fall 1984 (7-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs chalked up a big 25-19 victory over the Haggis Rugby Club. Paul Colosimo scored three trys in a 37-0 win over Skagit Valley in Boise
OFF THE PITCH - Barry Andrews returned from South Africa to coach the Roothogs to an excellent season. One of his decisions was to move the “Tubby Guys” (Joe Lambert and Mike LePrey) to second row. Boise included dinner with Chris Gutierrez at Lock, Stock & Barrell; the Winnebago crew; “Where’s old Bob?”; and Mike LePrey, Joe Lambert, Hugh Brown and Bob Adams in Drag.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Dennis Archuleta: Dennis was a strong jumper and an excellent runner from his
number eight position.
*Rodi Quitiquit: Perhaps the fastest player ever to wear a Utah jersey while it was a club team, Rodi moved on to the Haggis and earned a wing position on
the Junior Eagles national team.
SCHEDULE -
W 16- 0 Salt Lake
L 9-10 Park City
W 29- 0 Weber State
W 25-19 Haggis
W F B.Y.U.
L 0-14 Snake River
W 37- 0 Skagit Valley
W 17-12 Blue Mountain
W 15- 0 Utah State
138-55
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Tiger Ellefsen
Coach: Barry Andrews
Scoring Leaders: Scott Sanderson (34), Paul Colosimo (24)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1985 (9-3)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes lost their opener in the Santa Barbara Rugby Tournament to eventual division champion Long Beach State, but then went on to defeat Clarement, Stanislaus and U.C. San Diego. The Fireleapers went 4-1. Dennis Archuleta scored seven trys, the most by any Utah forward in a single season of club competition. The Roothogs posted a 16-5 record for 1984-85, the best won-lost percentage for the club side for an academic year.
OFF THE PITCH - Eight starters from the fall season retired, but once again the depth of the Fireleapers enabled the Roothogs to overcome these turnovers. Highlights of Santa Barbara included Tom Reeves arriving in a puff of smoke sometime after midnight; Juan Way Jensen; Denise; Jesse at Scotch & Sirloin; and Mike Mele getting lost in the wilds of the U.C.S.B. campus. Joe Lambert founded the Old Ute Touring Side, made up of retired Utah players who were at least thirty years of age. The O.U.T.S. first match was a respectable 0-7 loss to the Runnin’ Roothogs A side.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Todd Pavich: Initially mistaken for Andy Thompson’s brother, Todd put on some
muscle and became one of Utah’s best number eights.
* John DeBoer: Long and lanky, Jon played a solid game at second row.
* Ben Jones
SCHEDULE -
W 17- 4 Provo
L 7-16 Long Beach State
W 26- 3 Claremont
W 15- 0 Stanislaus
L 6- 7 Occidental
W 4- 0 U.C. San Diego
W 7- 0 O.U.T.S.
W 32- 8 Portneuf Valley
L 3-11 Haggis
W 17-12 Utah State
W 10- 3 Park City
W 36-10 Weber State
180-74
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Tiger Ellefsen
M.V.P. - Forwards: Dennis Archuleta, Backs: Larry Colosimo
Scoring Leaders: Scott Sanderson (50), Dennis Archuleta (28)
Rodi Quitiquit (20)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs chalked up a big 25-19 victory over the Haggis Rugby Club. Paul Colosimo scored three trys in a 37-0 win over Skagit Valley in Boise
OFF THE PITCH - Barry Andrews returned from South Africa to coach the Roothogs to an excellent season. One of his decisions was to move the “Tubby Guys” (Joe Lambert and Mike LePrey) to second row. Boise included dinner with Chris Gutierrez at Lock, Stock & Barrell; the Winnebago crew; “Where’s old Bob?”; and Mike LePrey, Joe Lambert, Hugh Brown and Bob Adams in Drag.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Dennis Archuleta: Dennis was a strong jumper and an excellent runner from his
number eight position.
*Rodi Quitiquit: Perhaps the fastest player ever to wear a Utah jersey while it was a club team, Rodi moved on to the Haggis and earned a wing position on
the Junior Eagles national team.
SCHEDULE -
W 16- 0 Salt Lake
L 9-10 Park City
W 29- 0 Weber State
W 25-19 Haggis
W F B.Y.U.
L 0-14 Snake River
W 37- 0 Skagit Valley
W 17-12 Blue Mountain
W 15- 0 Utah State
138-55
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Tiger Ellefsen
Coach: Barry Andrews
Scoring Leaders: Scott Sanderson (34), Paul Colosimo (24)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1985 (9-3)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes lost their opener in the Santa Barbara Rugby Tournament to eventual division champion Long Beach State, but then went on to defeat Clarement, Stanislaus and U.C. San Diego. The Fireleapers went 4-1. Dennis Archuleta scored seven trys, the most by any Utah forward in a single season of club competition. The Roothogs posted a 16-5 record for 1984-85, the best won-lost percentage for the club side for an academic year.
OFF THE PITCH - Eight starters from the fall season retired, but once again the depth of the Fireleapers enabled the Roothogs to overcome these turnovers. Highlights of Santa Barbara included Tom Reeves arriving in a puff of smoke sometime after midnight; Juan Way Jensen; Denise; Jesse at Scotch & Sirloin; and Mike Mele getting lost in the wilds of the U.C.S.B. campus. Joe Lambert founded the Old Ute Touring Side, made up of retired Utah players who were at least thirty years of age. The O.U.T.S. first match was a respectable 0-7 loss to the Runnin’ Roothogs A side.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Todd Pavich: Initially mistaken for Andy Thompson’s brother, Todd put on some
muscle and became one of Utah’s best number eights.
* John DeBoer: Long and lanky, Jon played a solid game at second row.
* Ben Jones
SCHEDULE -
W 17- 4 Provo
L 7-16 Long Beach State
W 26- 3 Claremont
W 15- 0 Stanislaus
L 6- 7 Occidental
W 4- 0 U.C. San Diego
W 7- 0 O.U.T.S.
W 32- 8 Portneuf Valley
L 3-11 Haggis
W 17-12 Utah State
W 10- 3 Park City
W 36-10 Weber State
180-74
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Tiger Ellefsen
M.V.P. - Forwards: Dennis Archuleta, Backs: Larry Colosimo
Scoring Leaders: Scott Sanderson (50), Dennis Archuleta (28)
Rodi Quitiquit (20)
1985-1986
SEASON - Fall 1985 (8-3-1)
ON THE PITCH - The 1985 autumn fifteen set the club seasonal record for the most points averaged per game (19.6) and the most points scored in a single season (216). Fifty five individuals were on the Utah roster and twenty seven different players started at least one match for the “A” side. The Roothogs stomped their way past their opponents to the championship game of the Boise Motherlode Ruggerfest where they lost to Snake River 0-6. The Snakes intercepted a pass and went 80 yards for the only score of the match. The Utes won the Utah State Mini-Tournament in Logan. The Hogs closed their season with a 17-17 tie against B.Y.U. Fred Boutwell scored a try, following Larry Colosimo’s strong run, in the closing minutes of play to deadlock that match. Larry Colosimo scored a club record eleven trys during the season.
OFF THE PITCH - Tony Fizer introduced the Utes to the Buffalo Society. Boise saw: Joe Brown’s air sax; Pat Martinez’ twelve hour drive to take a nap; “Meet me at Hollihan’s”; and Tim Mancini’s expert piloting. Tiger Ellefsen made the Great Basin Select Side and then traveled to Phoenix with that team where they defeated their Arizona counterparts 22-14.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Tony Fizer: A sure handed back.
* Joe Colosimo: A steady man in the forward pack
* Jeff Hatch
SCHEDULE -
L 3-13 Park City
W 32- 0 Weber State
L 16-32 Haggis
W 18- 0 Utah State
W 38- 4 U of Idaho
W 28- 0 Portneuf Valley
W F Boise
L 0- 6 Snake River
W 29- 4 O.U.T.S.
W 18-15 Utah State
W 17- 0 B.Y.U. “B”
T 17-17 B.Y.U.
216-91
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Andy Thompson
Coach: Hugh Brown, Dennis Sullivan
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (50), Larry Colosimo (44)
Dennis Archuleta (28)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1986 (7-2-2)
ON THE PITCH - Utah took fourth place in the 32 team Gold Division of the Santa Barbara Rugby Tournament. After defeating Escondido, the Old Bolts, and a rugged Kern County Club, the Utes lost to San Fernando in the semi-finals played Saturday evening in the stadium. The Roothogs closed their season with a big 20-10 win over Park City. A tragic note was the death of Sam English in an automobile accident during the preceding winter. The O.U.T.S. met the Park City Old Boys on Memorial Day to play the first annual Sam English Game in memory of their long time mate.
OFF THE PITCH - A number of “alumni” showed up for the Santa Barbara tournament, including Pat Quigley, Bill Hubiak, Nick Viselli and Bob Skinner. The .M.V.D. Award was initiated with Tiger Ellefsen its first recipient, winning the handsome award went he drove his open pick-up truck, loaded with hobbled players, through an activated sprinkler system in Santa Barbara. Ed Montes hosted his “Come Up Screamin’” party after the Haggis match. Andy Thompson showed up with his Big Gulp and proceeded to tear up Ed’s Yellow Pages. Ron Harrell spray-painted Al, a passed out party crasher. At the party following the Park City match, Larry Colosimo initiated stair diving.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Glass: The only club side Ute who could rival Rodi Quitiquit’s speed, Mike was
also an excellent grub and pop kicker
*Gig McQuire: A break and hooker who went on to play in Australia, Gig’s wit was
unrivaled.
*Joe Brennan
*Ron Harrell
SCHEDULE -
T 9- 9 C.A.T.S.
W 7- 0 Escondido
W 21- 6 Old Bolts
W 8- 6 Kern County
L 6-15 San Fernando
W 11- 8 Utah State
L 19-20 Portneuf Valley
W 12-12 Haggis
W 20-10 Park City
W F Snake River
W 26- 4 Weber State
139-90
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Hugh Brown, Dennis Sullivan
M.V.P. - Forwards: Todd Pavich; Backs: Ed Montes
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (42), Larry Colosimo (27)
ON THE PITCH - The 1985 autumn fifteen set the club seasonal record for the most points averaged per game (19.6) and the most points scored in a single season (216). Fifty five individuals were on the Utah roster and twenty seven different players started at least one match for the “A” side. The Roothogs stomped their way past their opponents to the championship game of the Boise Motherlode Ruggerfest where they lost to Snake River 0-6. The Snakes intercepted a pass and went 80 yards for the only score of the match. The Utes won the Utah State Mini-Tournament in Logan. The Hogs closed their season with a 17-17 tie against B.Y.U. Fred Boutwell scored a try, following Larry Colosimo’s strong run, in the closing minutes of play to deadlock that match. Larry Colosimo scored a club record eleven trys during the season.
OFF THE PITCH - Tony Fizer introduced the Utes to the Buffalo Society. Boise saw: Joe Brown’s air sax; Pat Martinez’ twelve hour drive to take a nap; “Meet me at Hollihan’s”; and Tim Mancini’s expert piloting. Tiger Ellefsen made the Great Basin Select Side and then traveled to Phoenix with that team where they defeated their Arizona counterparts 22-14.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Tony Fizer: A sure handed back.
* Joe Colosimo: A steady man in the forward pack
* Jeff Hatch
SCHEDULE -
L 3-13 Park City
W 32- 0 Weber State
L 16-32 Haggis
W 18- 0 Utah State
W 38- 4 U of Idaho
W 28- 0 Portneuf Valley
W F Boise
L 0- 6 Snake River
W 29- 4 O.U.T.S.
W 18-15 Utah State
W 17- 0 B.Y.U. “B”
T 17-17 B.Y.U.
216-91
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Andy Thompson
Coach: Hugh Brown, Dennis Sullivan
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (50), Larry Colosimo (44)
Dennis Archuleta (28)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1986 (7-2-2)
ON THE PITCH - Utah took fourth place in the 32 team Gold Division of the Santa Barbara Rugby Tournament. After defeating Escondido, the Old Bolts, and a rugged Kern County Club, the Utes lost to San Fernando in the semi-finals played Saturday evening in the stadium. The Roothogs closed their season with a big 20-10 win over Park City. A tragic note was the death of Sam English in an automobile accident during the preceding winter. The O.U.T.S. met the Park City Old Boys on Memorial Day to play the first annual Sam English Game in memory of their long time mate.
OFF THE PITCH - A number of “alumni” showed up for the Santa Barbara tournament, including Pat Quigley, Bill Hubiak, Nick Viselli and Bob Skinner. The .M.V.D. Award was initiated with Tiger Ellefsen its first recipient, winning the handsome award went he drove his open pick-up truck, loaded with hobbled players, through an activated sprinkler system in Santa Barbara. Ed Montes hosted his “Come Up Screamin’” party after the Haggis match. Andy Thompson showed up with his Big Gulp and proceeded to tear up Ed’s Yellow Pages. Ron Harrell spray-painted Al, a passed out party crasher. At the party following the Park City match, Larry Colosimo initiated stair diving.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Glass: The only club side Ute who could rival Rodi Quitiquit’s speed, Mike was
also an excellent grub and pop kicker
*Gig McQuire: A break and hooker who went on to play in Australia, Gig’s wit was
unrivaled.
*Joe Brennan
*Ron Harrell
SCHEDULE -
T 9- 9 C.A.T.S.
W 7- 0 Escondido
W 21- 6 Old Bolts
W 8- 6 Kern County
L 6-15 San Fernando
W 11- 8 Utah State
L 19-20 Portneuf Valley
W 12-12 Haggis
W 20-10 Park City
W F Snake River
W 26- 4 Weber State
139-90
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Hugh Brown, Dennis Sullivan
M.V.P. - Forwards: Todd Pavich; Backs: Ed Montes
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (42), Larry Colosimo (27)
1986-1987
SEASON - Fall 1986 (5-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs set a new single game scoring record when they trounced Weber State 56-0. Paul Colosimo scored a club record four trys in the match and eleven for the season from his fullback position. The Utes took the consolation championship of the Boise Ruggerfest with a 15-4 win over Indian Creek. The Haggis defeated Utah 8-3 to capture the first Great Basin Rugby Union championship and the Michelob Cup, but the Roothogs did finish second with a 5-2-1 Union record for 1986. In their final match of the season, the Utes rallied from 0-9 in the second half to defeat B.Y.U. in Provo. Tony Fizer raced to the spot where Paul Weatherly’s 40 meter kick had bounced out of bounds off the hands of the Cougar fullback. Tony alertly made a quick throw-in to Tiger Ellefsen, and Tiger beat the fullback into the end zone to cut the Cougar’s lead to 8-9. Tracy Conti then connected on the conversion for the winning points.
OFF THE PITCH - Injuries took their toll on the Utes as both Dennis Archuleta (broken ankle) and Larry Colosimo (blown knee) were lost. The Roothogs were also hurt when Mike Mele and Ed Montes moved out of state, but the addition of several new players, plus the return of Fred Boutwell and Joe Brown, helped plug some gaps. Jack Reininga and Tiger Ellefsen made the Great Basin Select Side that defeated Arizona 13-10.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Brady Field: Brady was an outstanding second row who later moved to break. In
excellent condition and willing to mix it up, Brady was all over the field.
*Mike Pavich: A former Grizzlies player, Mike had the size and skills that made him an
outstanding prop.
*Kelly Boyce
SCHEDULE -
W 14- 3 Park City
W 56- 0 Weber State
L 0-18 Snake River
W 30- 0 Boise
W 15- 4 Indian Creek
L 3- 8 Haggis
W 10- 9 B.Y.U.
128-42
ADDITONAL DATA - President: Todd Pavich
Coach: Hugh Brown, Paul Colosimo
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (34), Larry Colosimo (20)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1987 (8-4-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs downed B.Y.U. 18-8 in early season. Mike Glass scored three trys in a big 14-12 victory over heavily favored United. Jim Mackin and Jim Patrick flew in from California to help the O.U.T.S. defeat Park City 16-4 to win the holding rights to the Sam English Memorial Trophy. Tracy Conti scored a single season club record 55 points. Mike Glass scored a club record 13 trys.
OFF THE PITCH - The spring of 1987 was full of adversity for the Utah Rugby Club. Beginning the season with thin ranks, the Utes lost seven starters during the season, including Tiger Ellefsen with a major head injury. “I need this like a hole in my head”, said Tiger following surgery to remove pressure on his brain. After a disappointing Santa Barbara, assistant coach Mike Pavich perceived the club as lacking spirit and commitment and quit the team. Following a loss to the Skyliners, which left the Roothogs with a 4-4 record, the team was down to 18 bodies. Haloti Moala pulled the Utes together and, linking hands, the Hogs pledged to rededicate themselves entering play for the Michelob Cup. Paul Colosimo rejoined the team at mid-season and helped the Utes’ rejuvenation. Despite losing Jack Reininga and Kelly Boyce to knee injuries, the Roothogs went 4-0-1 to close the spring in first place in the Great Basin Rugby Union. The Old Boys rallied to fill in the ranks of the Fireleapers and the Ute “B” side posted a 4-3 record.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Ben Hillman: Ben showed his stuff in the Skyliners game and went on to play both
wing and fullback for the Hogs.
*Alex Gerke: Never able to shake the football mentality, Alex was nonetheless a strong
prop and fierce competitor.
*Felipo Mokofisi: Felipo showed his potential in the Washington matches. He would
become a starting back after a shot stay with the Seattle Seahawks.
*Haloti Maola: Haloti was instrumental in getting a number of former football player out
for rugby.
SCHEDULE -
W 10- 0 Salt Lake
W 18- 8 B.Y.U.
L 6-18 Loyola Marymount
W 18-12 U of Washington
L 4-15 San Jose
L 0-19 U.C. San Diego
W 11- 0 Washington State
L 15-26 Skyliners
W 36-16 Portneuf Valley
T 12-12 Haggis
W 21- 6 Utah State
W 14-12 United
W 20- 4 Park City
185-148
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Hugh Brown, Paul Colosimo,
M.V.P. Forwards: Andy Thompson, Backs: Mike Glass
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (55), Mike Glass (52)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1987 (4-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes entered both the Ski Town Tournament and the Park City Tournament, losing their opening games in both before winning their next two matches.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Reggie Malmberg
SCHEDULE -
L 4- 9 Aspen
W 12-10 Steamboat Springs
W 22- 4 Breckenridge
L 0- 3 Park City
W 22- 4 Riverside
W 6- 3 Portneuf Valley
66-33
ADDITIONAL DATA - Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (16), Paul Colosimo (12)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs set a new single game scoring record when they trounced Weber State 56-0. Paul Colosimo scored a club record four trys in the match and eleven for the season from his fullback position. The Utes took the consolation championship of the Boise Ruggerfest with a 15-4 win over Indian Creek. The Haggis defeated Utah 8-3 to capture the first Great Basin Rugby Union championship and the Michelob Cup, but the Roothogs did finish second with a 5-2-1 Union record for 1986. In their final match of the season, the Utes rallied from 0-9 in the second half to defeat B.Y.U. in Provo. Tony Fizer raced to the spot where Paul Weatherly’s 40 meter kick had bounced out of bounds off the hands of the Cougar fullback. Tony alertly made a quick throw-in to Tiger Ellefsen, and Tiger beat the fullback into the end zone to cut the Cougar’s lead to 8-9. Tracy Conti then connected on the conversion for the winning points.
OFF THE PITCH - Injuries took their toll on the Utes as both Dennis Archuleta (broken ankle) and Larry Colosimo (blown knee) were lost. The Roothogs were also hurt when Mike Mele and Ed Montes moved out of state, but the addition of several new players, plus the return of Fred Boutwell and Joe Brown, helped plug some gaps. Jack Reininga and Tiger Ellefsen made the Great Basin Select Side that defeated Arizona 13-10.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Brady Field: Brady was an outstanding second row who later moved to break. In
excellent condition and willing to mix it up, Brady was all over the field.
*Mike Pavich: A former Grizzlies player, Mike had the size and skills that made him an
outstanding prop.
*Kelly Boyce
SCHEDULE -
W 14- 3 Park City
W 56- 0 Weber State
L 0-18 Snake River
W 30- 0 Boise
W 15- 4 Indian Creek
L 3- 8 Haggis
W 10- 9 B.Y.U.
128-42
ADDITONAL DATA - President: Todd Pavich
Coach: Hugh Brown, Paul Colosimo
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (34), Larry Colosimo (20)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1987 (8-4-1)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs downed B.Y.U. 18-8 in early season. Mike Glass scored three trys in a big 14-12 victory over heavily favored United. Jim Mackin and Jim Patrick flew in from California to help the O.U.T.S. defeat Park City 16-4 to win the holding rights to the Sam English Memorial Trophy. Tracy Conti scored a single season club record 55 points. Mike Glass scored a club record 13 trys.
OFF THE PITCH - The spring of 1987 was full of adversity for the Utah Rugby Club. Beginning the season with thin ranks, the Utes lost seven starters during the season, including Tiger Ellefsen with a major head injury. “I need this like a hole in my head”, said Tiger following surgery to remove pressure on his brain. After a disappointing Santa Barbara, assistant coach Mike Pavich perceived the club as lacking spirit and commitment and quit the team. Following a loss to the Skyliners, which left the Roothogs with a 4-4 record, the team was down to 18 bodies. Haloti Moala pulled the Utes together and, linking hands, the Hogs pledged to rededicate themselves entering play for the Michelob Cup. Paul Colosimo rejoined the team at mid-season and helped the Utes’ rejuvenation. Despite losing Jack Reininga and Kelly Boyce to knee injuries, the Roothogs went 4-0-1 to close the spring in first place in the Great Basin Rugby Union. The Old Boys rallied to fill in the ranks of the Fireleapers and the Ute “B” side posted a 4-3 record.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Ben Hillman: Ben showed his stuff in the Skyliners game and went on to play both
wing and fullback for the Hogs.
*Alex Gerke: Never able to shake the football mentality, Alex was nonetheless a strong
prop and fierce competitor.
*Felipo Mokofisi: Felipo showed his potential in the Washington matches. He would
become a starting back after a shot stay with the Seattle Seahawks.
*Haloti Maola: Haloti was instrumental in getting a number of former football player out
for rugby.
SCHEDULE -
W 10- 0 Salt Lake
W 18- 8 B.Y.U.
L 6-18 Loyola Marymount
W 18-12 U of Washington
L 4-15 San Jose
L 0-19 U.C. San Diego
W 11- 0 Washington State
L 15-26 Skyliners
W 36-16 Portneuf Valley
T 12-12 Haggis
W 21- 6 Utah State
W 14-12 United
W 20- 4 Park City
185-148
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Hugh Brown, Paul Colosimo,
M.V.P. Forwards: Andy Thompson, Backs: Mike Glass
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (55), Mike Glass (52)
* * *
SUMMER MATCHES - 1987 (4-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes entered both the Ski Town Tournament and the Park City Tournament, losing their opening games in both before winning their next two matches.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Reggie Malmberg
SCHEDULE -
L 4- 9 Aspen
W 12-10 Steamboat Springs
W 22- 4 Breckenridge
L 0- 3 Park City
W 22- 4 Riverside
W 6- 3 Portneuf Valley
66-33
ADDITIONAL DATA - Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (16), Paul Colosimo (12)
1987-1988
SEASON: Fall 1987 (3-6)
ON THE PITCH - Still hobbled by fall injuries, the Utes battled their way through their season, finishing second in the Great Basin Rugby Union with a 4-3-1 record for 1987.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Dan Dubiago: A former Ute tight end, Dan was one of the biggest Roothogs to step on
the pitch.
SCHEDULE -
L 10-14 Haggis
L 6- 7 Park City
L 4-18 Snake River
L 10-14 U of Idaho
W 22- 0 Boise State
W 32- 6 Portneuf Valley
L 0-27 United
W 12- 4 Utah State
L 9-28 U.N.L.V.
105-118
ADDITONAL DATA - President: Jon DeBoer
Coach: John Bielun
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (32), Mike Glass (24)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1988 (7-4)
ON THE PITCH -
OFF THE PITCH -
SCHEDULE -
W F Salt Lake
W 7- 6 Skyliners
W F B.Y.U.
W F Jesters
W 32- 6 Ogden
W 27-12 Utah State
L 4-23 United
L 6- 9 Park City
W 33- 6 Boise
L 6-10 Portneuf Valley
L 13-34 Haggis
128-106
ADDITONAL DATA - Coach: Jugie Hogue, Paul Colosimo
M.V.P. Forwards: Brady Fields, Backs: Paul Colosimo
Tracy Conti
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (42)
ON THE PITCH - Still hobbled by fall injuries, the Utes battled their way through their season, finishing second in the Great Basin Rugby Union with a 4-3-1 record for 1987.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Dan Dubiago: A former Ute tight end, Dan was one of the biggest Roothogs to step on
the pitch.
SCHEDULE -
L 10-14 Haggis
L 6- 7 Park City
L 4-18 Snake River
L 10-14 U of Idaho
W 22- 0 Boise State
W 32- 6 Portneuf Valley
L 0-27 United
W 12- 4 Utah State
L 9-28 U.N.L.V.
105-118
ADDITONAL DATA - President: Jon DeBoer
Coach: John Bielun
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (32), Mike Glass (24)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1988 (7-4)
ON THE PITCH -
OFF THE PITCH -
SCHEDULE -
W F Salt Lake
W 7- 6 Skyliners
W F B.Y.U.
W F Jesters
W 32- 6 Ogden
W 27-12 Utah State
L 4-23 United
L 6- 9 Park City
W 33- 6 Boise
L 6-10 Portneuf Valley
L 13-34 Haggis
128-106
ADDITONAL DATA - Coach: Jugie Hogue, Paul Colosimo
M.V.P. Forwards: Brady Fields, Backs: Paul Colosimo
Tracy Conti
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (42)
1988-1989
SEASON - Fall 1988 (2-5)
ON THE PITCH - The Old Boys defeated their Park City counterparts 11-8.
SCHEDULE -
L 3-14 Jesters
L 6- 7 Portneuf Valley
L 7-12 Park City
W 3- 0 Air Force
W 12-10 Colorado Mines
L 6- 7 Colorado State
L 16-22 Haggis
53-72
ADDITONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Ricardo Velazquez
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (30)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1989 (7-5)
ON THE PITCH –
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Wayne Folau
*Rick Coveno
SCHEDULE -
L 6-10 B.Y.U.
W 30- 0 O.U.T.S.
W 19-16 Haggis
W 25- 0 Helena
W 24- 0 Missoula
L 0-21 Haggis
W 22- 6 Utah State
W 13- 6 Haggis
L 3- 8 United
L 6- 7 Park City
L 9-22 Jesters
W 12- 3 Portneuf Valley
169-99
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Mike Glass, Andy Thompson
M.V.P. Forwards: Rick Coveno, Backs: Reggie Malmberg Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (49), Wayne Folau (28)
ON THE PITCH - The Old Boys defeated their Park City counterparts 11-8.
SCHEDULE -
L 3-14 Jesters
L 6- 7 Portneuf Valley
L 7-12 Park City
W 3- 0 Air Force
W 12-10 Colorado Mines
L 6- 7 Colorado State
L 16-22 Haggis
53-72
ADDITONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Ricardo Velazquez
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (30)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1989 (7-5)
ON THE PITCH –
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Wayne Folau
*Rick Coveno
SCHEDULE -
L 6-10 B.Y.U.
W 30- 0 O.U.T.S.
W 19-16 Haggis
W 25- 0 Helena
W 24- 0 Missoula
L 0-21 Haggis
W 22- 6 Utah State
W 13- 6 Haggis
L 3- 8 United
L 6- 7 Park City
L 9-22 Jesters
W 12- 3 Portneuf Valley
169-99
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Mike Glass, Andy Thompson
M.V.P. Forwards: Rick Coveno, Backs: Reggie Malmberg Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (49), Wayne Folau (28)
1989-1990
SEASON - Fall 1989 (2-3)
ON THE PITCH - The Utes reached the finals of the Boise Ruggerfest where they lost to nationally ranked Snake River 6-13.
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
SCHEDULE -
L 8-13 B.Y.U.
L 13-20 Jesters
W 16- 4 Boise State
W 23- 0 Gonzaga
L 6-13 Snake River
66-50
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Mike Glass, Dave Tamowski
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (18), Todd Pavich (16)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1990 (8-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs revived and put together an outstanding season while setting a new club record with 218 points for an average of 21.8 points per game. The biggest victory was a 20-3 win over Snake River. The O.U.T.S. and Park City tied 6-6 in the Sam English Trophy match.
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Paul: One of the most gifted centers to ever play for the Roothog club side
*Ou-lono Folau
*Chris Roger
SCHEDULE -
W 39- 0 Utah State
W 50- 7 Boise State
W 18- 6 Montana State
W 15- 3 Portneuf Valley
W 20- 3 Snake River
W 6- 4 Jesters
L 11-12 United
W 18- 6 Denver Barbarians
W 30- 3 Park City
L 11-23 Haggis
218-67
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Mike Glass, Dave Tamowski
Scoring Leaders: Ou-lono Folau (25), Mike Paul (16)
No scoring kept first 4 matches
ON THE PITCH - The Utes reached the finals of the Boise Ruggerfest where they lost to nationally ranked Snake River 6-13.
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
SCHEDULE -
L 8-13 B.Y.U.
L 13-20 Jesters
W 16- 4 Boise State
W 23- 0 Gonzaga
L 6-13 Snake River
66-50
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Mike Glass, Dave Tamowski
Scoring Leaders: Tracy Conti (18), Todd Pavich (16)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1990 (8-2)
ON THE PITCH - The Roothogs revived and put together an outstanding season while setting a new club record with 218 points for an average of 21.8 points per game. The biggest victory was a 20-3 win over Snake River. The O.U.T.S. and Park City tied 6-6 in the Sam English Trophy match.
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
*Mike Paul: One of the most gifted centers to ever play for the Roothog club side
*Ou-lono Folau
*Chris Roger
SCHEDULE -
W 39- 0 Utah State
W 50- 7 Boise State
W 18- 6 Montana State
W 15- 3 Portneuf Valley
W 20- 3 Snake River
W 6- 4 Jesters
L 11-12 United
W 18- 6 Denver Barbarians
W 30- 3 Park City
L 11-23 Haggis
218-67
ADDITIONAL DATA - Coach: Mike Glass, Dave Tamowski
Scoring Leaders: Ou-lono Folau (25), Mike Paul (16)
No scoring kept first 4 matches
1990-1991
SEASON - Fall 1990 (4-4)
ON THE PITCH -
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
Lou Plank
SCHEDULE -
L 3- 6 Escondido
W 16- 0 Utah State
L 14-15 Park City
L 16-22 Haggis
W 20- 0 Boise
L 4-12 Snake River
W 39- 0 Weber State
W 12- 7 B.Y.U.
124-62
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Mike Glass, Dan Doubiago
Scoring Leaders: Mike Paul (32), Ou-lono Folau (22)
SEASON - Spring 1991 (6-4-1)
ON THE PITCH - The O.U.T.S. downed Park City 9-0 to retain the Sam English Trophy.
OFF THE PITCH - Friction developed within the Utah rugby club as a number of new players, many of whom did not pay dues nor come to practices, replaced starters who had been with the club all spring. At the end of the season a large number of students left the team.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Craig “Boots” Arhens: A great pressure player who was strong in rucks and mauls
* Scott Duer: A speedy flanker who liked to go after long balls in line-outs
SCHEDULE -
W 28- 0 Weber State
W 14- 4 B.Y.U.
W 22- 7 Jackson Hole
W 22- 8 Portneuf Valley
W 14- 6 Boise State
T 0- 0 Portneuf Valley
L 10-16 Provo Steelers
L 8-22 Haggis
W 21-12 Park City
L 7-13 Provo Steelers
L 19-23 United
165-119
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Mike Glass, Dan Doubiago
Scoring Leaders: Mike Paul (28), Mike Glass (24)
ON THE PITCH -
OFF THE PITCH -
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
Lou Plank
SCHEDULE -
L 3- 6 Escondido
W 16- 0 Utah State
L 14-15 Park City
L 16-22 Haggis
W 20- 0 Boise
L 4-12 Snake River
W 39- 0 Weber State
W 12- 7 B.Y.U.
124-62
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Mike Glass, Dan Doubiago
Scoring Leaders: Mike Paul (32), Ou-lono Folau (22)
SEASON - Spring 1991 (6-4-1)
ON THE PITCH - The O.U.T.S. downed Park City 9-0 to retain the Sam English Trophy.
OFF THE PITCH - Friction developed within the Utah rugby club as a number of new players, many of whom did not pay dues nor come to practices, replaced starters who had been with the club all spring. At the end of the season a large number of students left the team.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS -
* Craig “Boots” Arhens: A great pressure player who was strong in rucks and mauls
* Scott Duer: A speedy flanker who liked to go after long balls in line-outs
SCHEDULE -
W 28- 0 Weber State
W 14- 4 B.Y.U.
W 22- 7 Jackson Hole
W 22- 8 Portneuf Valley
W 14- 6 Boise State
T 0- 0 Portneuf Valley
L 10-16 Provo Steelers
L 8-22 Haggis
W 21-12 Park City
L 7-13 Provo Steelers
L 19-23 United
165-119
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Mike Glass
Coach: Mike Glass, Dan Doubiago
Scoring Leaders: Mike Paul (28), Mike Glass (24)
1991-1992
SEASON - Fall 1991
ON THE PITCH -
OFF THE PITCH - A great many players failed to return for the autumn season. Early into the schedule the depleted Utah R.F.C. folded after 19 seasons of competition.
SCHEDULE -
ADDITIONAL DATA -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1992 (Partial 1-2)
Scott Duer and Craig “Boots” Arhens re-founded the University of Utah Rugby Football Club, but now it was a sanctioned “university side” requiring all its players to be to students attending the U. Their goal was to attract players from the various high school rugby programs (specifically Highland and Skyline) to attend the U to continue their rugby careers. At the start, the new team experienced a series of problems. The first involved the Great Basin Rugby Union’s lack of support, as the club side had owed past dues. Scott and Craig turned to Ian Nixon, the president of the United States Rugby Football Union, and Mr. Nixon was instrumental in clearing the way for the Utah R.F.C. to take the field as a collegiate side. The second problem the team faced was in scheduling matches because of a number of altercations the preceding year. Games were finally set up with a number of club sides.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W Sun Valley
L 7-56 Park City
L Park City
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Craig Arhens
Captain: Scott Duer
Coach: Scott Duer
ON THE PITCH -
OFF THE PITCH - A great many players failed to return for the autumn season. Early into the schedule the depleted Utah R.F.C. folded after 19 seasons of competition.
SCHEDULE -
ADDITIONAL DATA -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1992 (Partial 1-2)
Scott Duer and Craig “Boots” Arhens re-founded the University of Utah Rugby Football Club, but now it was a sanctioned “university side” requiring all its players to be to students attending the U. Their goal was to attract players from the various high school rugby programs (specifically Highland and Skyline) to attend the U to continue their rugby careers. At the start, the new team experienced a series of problems. The first involved the Great Basin Rugby Union’s lack of support, as the club side had owed past dues. Scott and Craig turned to Ian Nixon, the president of the United States Rugby Football Union, and Mr. Nixon was instrumental in clearing the way for the Utah R.F.C. to take the field as a collegiate side. The second problem the team faced was in scheduling matches because of a number of altercations the preceding year. Games were finally set up with a number of club sides.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W Sun Valley
L 7-56 Park City
L Park City
ADDITIONAL DATA - President: Craig Arhens
Captain: Scott Duer
Coach: Scott Duer
1992-1993
LEADERSHIP - President: Craig Arhens
Captain: Scott Duer
Coach: Scott Duer
SEASON - Fall 1992 (Partial 1-0)
The Utes continued to improve and defeated the Park City Muckers by three points.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W Park City
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1993
The Utes hosted B.Y.U., Weber State, and Utah State on Ballif Field in a small Utah University Tournament and won it.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
B.Y.U.
Weber State
Utah State
Captain: Scott Duer
Coach: Scott Duer
SEASON - Fall 1992 (Partial 1-0)
The Utes continued to improve and defeated the Park City Muckers by three points.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W Park City
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1993
The Utes hosted B.Y.U., Weber State, and Utah State on Ballif Field in a small Utah University Tournament and won it.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
B.Y.U.
Weber State
Utah State
1993-1994
Needs more info: if you have info please send it to us at: uofurugbyutah@gmail.com
1994-1995
LEADERSHIP - President: Craig Arhens
Captain: Scott Duer
Coach: Kevin Brown
SEASON - Fall 1994
James Mogli was the fastest player on the team until Michael Sheranian showed up for his only season as a Ute. Utah hosted and won its own tournament. At the post game party by the fairgrounds Joe Jeppson, and a rugger from another team, were thrown in front of two hundred people, stripped, and soaked in suds to celebrate their scoring their first “A” side tries. The University fielded a short-lived (two seasons) women’s rugby team.
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1995
The Utes traveled to Ketchum/Sun Valley to play in a tournament where Gary Brown joined the team.
SCHEDULE -
Captain: Scott Duer
Coach: Kevin Brown
SEASON - Fall 1994
James Mogli was the fastest player on the team until Michael Sheranian showed up for his only season as a Ute. Utah hosted and won its own tournament. At the post game party by the fairgrounds Joe Jeppson, and a rugger from another team, were thrown in front of two hundred people, stripped, and soaked in suds to celebrate their scoring their first “A” side tries. The University fielded a short-lived (two seasons) women’s rugby team.
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1995
The Utes traveled to Ketchum/Sun Valley to play in a tournament where Gary Brown joined the team.
SCHEDULE -
1995-1996
LEADERSHIP - President: Craig Arhens
Captain: Mike Lloyd
Coach: Kevin Brown
SEASON - Fall 1995 (Partial 5-0)
The club fielded a very strong defensive side and participated in the Las Vegas Invitational, a tournament that featured more than seventy teams. Utah won its sixteen-club division, edging a tough Marine fifteen in the semis and then crushing Red Mountain in the finals. The trophy was last seen at Blondie’s on State Street.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W 53- 0 Alaska International
W 10- 5 Southern Pamona
W 10- 7 Camp Pendleton
W 25- 0 Red Mountain
W 19-10 B.Y.U.
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1996
SCHEDULE -
Captain: Mike Lloyd
Coach: Kevin Brown
SEASON - Fall 1995 (Partial 5-0)
The club fielded a very strong defensive side and participated in the Las Vegas Invitational, a tournament that featured more than seventy teams. Utah won its sixteen-club division, edging a tough Marine fifteen in the semis and then crushing Red Mountain in the finals. The trophy was last seen at Blondie’s on State Street.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W 53- 0 Alaska International
W 10- 5 Southern Pamona
W 10- 7 Camp Pendleton
W 25- 0 Red Mountain
W 19-10 B.Y.U.
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1996
SCHEDULE -
1996-1997
LEADERSHIP - President: Craig Arhens
Captain: Mike Lloyd
Coach: Kevin Brown
SEASON - Fall 1996
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1997
Joe Jeppson returned from his mission to find a more disciplined Ute rugby team then he had left.
SCHEDULE -
Captain: Mike Lloyd
Coach: Kevin Brown
SEASON - Fall 1996
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1997
Joe Jeppson returned from his mission to find a more disciplined Ute rugby team then he had left.
SCHEDULE -
1997-1998
LEADERSHIP - President: Jared Hawes
Coach: Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 1997
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1998 (Partial 1-1)
For the first time in its history, the University of Utah R.F.C. qualified to play in the Pacific Coast Territorial that led to a berth in the Sweet Sixteen of the National Collegiate Championships. Unfortunately, the Utes lost to Central Washington in their first round match.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W Boise State
L Central Washington
Coach: Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 1997
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 1998 (Partial 1-1)
For the first time in its history, the University of Utah R.F.C. qualified to play in the Pacific Coast Territorial that led to a berth in the Sweet Sixteen of the National Collegiate Championships. Unfortunately, the Utes lost to Central Washington in their first round match.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W Boise State
L Central Washington
1998-1999
LEADERSHIP - President: Jared Hawes
Coach: Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 1998 (Partial 5-1)
Utah traveled to the Pocatello Tournament and won three matches before losing to a tough University of Wyoming team.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W 42- 0 Elko
W 42- 7 Utah State
W Utah State
W Boise State
W Portneuf Valley
L Wyoming
SEASON - Spring 1999 (Partial 4-0)
Utah traveled to the Metro Tournament in Denver and won it, defeating Nebraska in the finals.
SCHEDULE -
W Metro State
W 52- 3 Colorado State
W 15- 8 Nebraska
W 38- 5 Bosie State
Coach: Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 1998 (Partial 5-1)
Utah traveled to the Pocatello Tournament and won three matches before losing to a tough University of Wyoming team.
SCHEDULE -
(Partial)
W 42- 0 Elko
W 42- 7 Utah State
W Utah State
W Boise State
W Portneuf Valley
L Wyoming
SEASON - Spring 1999 (Partial 4-0)
Utah traveled to the Metro Tournament in Denver and won it, defeating Nebraska in the finals.
SCHEDULE -
W Metro State
W 52- 3 Colorado State
W 15- 8 Nebraska
W 38- 5 Bosie State
1999-2000
LEADERSHIP - President:: Joe Jeppson
Coach: Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 1999
Graduates from the perennial national high school champion Highland Rams were now moving on to play for the U on a regular basis. Ute players were also gaining additional experience by running with the Haggis and Wasatch Rugby Clubs during the summer. The 1999-2000 Utes fielded a strong side and had expectations of playing their way into the national collegiate championships.
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2000 (Partial 3-3)
Utah’s ruggers completed a strong season and were invited to play in the Pacific Coast Territorial leading to the national collegiate rugby championships. The Utes defeated U.C. Davis to earn their way into the Sweet Sixteen, but they could not raise the funding necessary to travel to that tournament site. Mike Hewish, Spencer Nelson, and Ryan Holt were a few of the outstanding players on that team.
SCHEDULE -
W Weber State
L 20-50 Cal-Berkeley
W Utah State
W Idaho State
L 17-18 B.Y.U.
L 45-24 U.C. Davis
Coach: Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 1999
Graduates from the perennial national high school champion Highland Rams were now moving on to play for the U on a regular basis. Ute players were also gaining additional experience by running with the Haggis and Wasatch Rugby Clubs during the summer. The 1999-2000 Utes fielded a strong side and had expectations of playing their way into the national collegiate championships.
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2000 (Partial 3-3)
Utah’s ruggers completed a strong season and were invited to play in the Pacific Coast Territorial leading to the national collegiate rugby championships. The Utes defeated U.C. Davis to earn their way into the Sweet Sixteen, but they could not raise the funding necessary to travel to that tournament site. Mike Hewish, Spencer Nelson, and Ryan Holt were a few of the outstanding players on that team.
SCHEDULE -
W Weber State
L 20-50 Cal-Berkeley
W Utah State
W Idaho State
L 17-18 B.Y.U.
L 45-24 U.C. Davis
2000-2001
LEADERSHIP - President: Troy Koch
Coach: Rudolph Mehl, Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 2000
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2001
The 2000-01 Utes were an excellent team, but because they had participated in the first round of the Territorial the previous year, but then dropped out of the tournament, they were disqualified from participating in the 2000-01 national championships.
SCHEDULE -
Coach: Rudolph Mehl, Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 2000
SCHEDULE -
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2001
The 2000-01 Utes were an excellent team, but because they had participated in the first round of the Territorial the previous year, but then dropped out of the tournament, they were disqualified from participating in the 2000-01 national championships.
SCHEDULE -
2001-2002
LEADERSHIP - President: Larry Gelwuix Jr.
Coach: Rudolph Mehl, Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 2001 (6-2)
The Utes set a team scoring record in their 91-0 demolishing of Weber State University. Utah averaged 44.3 points per game in the fall.
SCHEDULE -
L 10-20 Wyoming
W 91- 0 Weber State
W 35- 7 U.V.S.C.
W 44- 5 Utah State
W 50-17 Oregon State
W 68- 0 Idaho State
L 5-29 B.Y.U.
W 59-17 Nevada-Reno
362-95
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2002 (11-2)
Utah’s only regular season loss was to the University of British Columbia. The B.Y.U. match was declared a no contest when the Cougars pulled their team from the field following several injuries. The Utes won their Territorial to move on to their first National Collegiate Sweet Sixteen. Utah worked their way to the finals at Virginia Beach where they played Cal-Berkeley even for 60 minutes before falling to the perennial champions. Mike Morgan became the first Ute to be named to the Collegiate All-America Team.
SCHEDULE -
W 37- 3 Stanford
W 20- 0 Arizona
W 42-15 Air Force
W 20-19 Victoria
L 7-27 British Columbia
W 67- 0 Utah State
W 31-12 U.C.S.C.
W 41-15 Neveda-Reno
W 46-31 Sacramento State
W 24-10 Penn State
W F San Diego State
W 38-12 Wyoming
L 22-43 California
395-187
ALL AMERICANS - Mike Morgan
Coach: Rudolph Mehl, Mike Pembrokes
SEASON - Fall 2001 (6-2)
The Utes set a team scoring record in their 91-0 demolishing of Weber State University. Utah averaged 44.3 points per game in the fall.
SCHEDULE -
L 10-20 Wyoming
W 91- 0 Weber State
W 35- 7 U.V.S.C.
W 44- 5 Utah State
W 50-17 Oregon State
W 68- 0 Idaho State
L 5-29 B.Y.U.
W 59-17 Nevada-Reno
362-95
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2002 (11-2)
Utah’s only regular season loss was to the University of British Columbia. The B.Y.U. match was declared a no contest when the Cougars pulled their team from the field following several injuries. The Utes won their Territorial to move on to their first National Collegiate Sweet Sixteen. Utah worked their way to the finals at Virginia Beach where they played Cal-Berkeley even for 60 minutes before falling to the perennial champions. Mike Morgan became the first Ute to be named to the Collegiate All-America Team.
SCHEDULE -
W 37- 3 Stanford
W 20- 0 Arizona
W 42-15 Air Force
W 20-19 Victoria
L 7-27 British Columbia
W 67- 0 Utah State
W 31-12 U.C.S.C.
W 41-15 Neveda-Reno
W 46-31 Sacramento State
W 24-10 Penn State
W F San Diego State
W 38-12 Wyoming
L 22-43 California
395-187
ALL AMERICANS - Mike Morgan
2002-2003
LEADERSHIP - President: Mark Numbers
Coach: Ryan Dunyon
SEASON - Fall 2002 (Partial 6-0)
Utah won the Pocatello Tournament defeating Wyoming in the finals.
SCHEDULE -
W Weber State
W Idaho State
W Wyoming
W Utah State
W Utah Valley State
W B.Y.U.
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2003 (7-4)
The Utes made two road trips traveling to Washington, where they won two matches, and then to California where they beat Cal-Poly before losing to Cal-Berkeley. Once again Utah qualified for the Territorial and again they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen where they were huge favorites over Harvard. That Ivy League school had other thoughts, however, and raced to a 36-5 lead. The Utes mounted a furious comeback and scored 24 points in the final eleven minutes, but they fell short. Harvard went on to win two more matches before losing to Air Force 45-37 in the finals. Alan Fletcher, Dave Anderson, and Mike Griffee were mainstays on this squad.
SCHEDULE -
W 45-20 Washington
W 36-13 Central Washington
W Cal-Poly
L 22-51 Cal-Berkeley
W Utah State
W Utah Valley State
L B.Y.U.
W 43-17 Washington
W 41- 5 Chico State
L 29-35 Harvard
L 30-42 Bowling Green
ALL-AMERICANS -
Honorable Mention - Dave Anderson, Blake Burdette
Coach: Ryan Dunyon
SEASON - Fall 2002 (Partial 6-0)
Utah won the Pocatello Tournament defeating Wyoming in the finals.
SCHEDULE -
W Weber State
W Idaho State
W Wyoming
W Utah State
W Utah Valley State
W B.Y.U.
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2003 (7-4)
The Utes made two road trips traveling to Washington, where they won two matches, and then to California where they beat Cal-Poly before losing to Cal-Berkeley. Once again Utah qualified for the Territorial and again they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen where they were huge favorites over Harvard. That Ivy League school had other thoughts, however, and raced to a 36-5 lead. The Utes mounted a furious comeback and scored 24 points in the final eleven minutes, but they fell short. Harvard went on to win two more matches before losing to Air Force 45-37 in the finals. Alan Fletcher, Dave Anderson, and Mike Griffee were mainstays on this squad.
SCHEDULE -
W 45-20 Washington
W 36-13 Central Washington
W Cal-Poly
L 22-51 Cal-Berkeley
W Utah State
W Utah Valley State
L B.Y.U.
W 43-17 Washington
W 41- 5 Chico State
L 29-35 Harvard
L 30-42 Bowling Green
ALL-AMERICANS -
Honorable Mention - Dave Anderson, Blake Burdette
2003-2004
LEADERSHIP - President: T.J. Davis
Coach: Mark Numbers, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Fall 2003 (7-1)
The Utes lost to New Mexico in the finals of the Jackalope Tournament.
SCHEDULE -
W Wyoming
W Northern Colorado
L New Mexico
W Utah State
W Idaho State
W Utah Valley State
W B.Y.U.
W Weber State
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2004 (Partial 5-1)
Utah traveled to Arizona where they soundly defeated both the University of Arizona and Stanford. A loss to B.Y.U. kept the Utes out of the Territorial as only one school from the state received an invitation.
SCHEDULE -
W Arizona
W Stanford
L 19-32 B.Y.U.
W Utah State
W Utah Valley State
W Idaho State
ALL AMERICANS - Blake Burdette
Coach: Mark Numbers, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Fall 2003 (7-1)
The Utes lost to New Mexico in the finals of the Jackalope Tournament.
SCHEDULE -
W Wyoming
W Northern Colorado
L New Mexico
W Utah State
W Idaho State
W Utah Valley State
W B.Y.U.
W Weber State
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2004 (Partial 5-1)
Utah traveled to Arizona where they soundly defeated both the University of Arizona and Stanford. A loss to B.Y.U. kept the Utes out of the Territorial as only one school from the state received an invitation.
SCHEDULE -
W Arizona
W Stanford
L 19-32 B.Y.U.
W Utah State
W Utah Valley State
W Idaho State
ALL AMERICANS - Blake Burdette
2004-2005
LEADERSHIP - President: T.J. Davis
Coach: Mark Numbers, Bill Hadfield, Don McDermott
SEASON - Fall 2004 (10-0)
During the summer Utes Jason Pye and Dave Anderson were named to the U.S.A.’s 7's Squad to play in the World Games along with former Ute Mike Morgan. The team played South Africa, Argentina, and France in Germany. The Fall 2004 Utes went undefeated, winning the Jackalope Tournament by downing Colorado in the finals and crushing Texas A&M and Colorado in Provo. Blake Burdette played an outstanding prop and was named as a Utah Man on the U’s undefeated football team.
SCHEDULE -
W New Mexico
W Colorado State
W Colorado
W Utah State
W 17-13 B.Y.U.
W Alumni
W Utah Valley State
W Idaho State
W Texas A&M
W Colorado
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2005 (9-2)
An early season trip to Santa Barbara was rained out. Utah downed B.Y.U. twice in the spring, the second time in the semi-finals of the National Collegiate Championships. The Utes reached the finals for the second time in four years, only to once again fall to the Cal-Berkeley Golden Bears. It was California’s 21st national rugby championship.
SCHEDULE -
L Haggis
W Colorado State
W Utah Valley State
W B.Y.U.
W Utah State
W 72- 5 Stanford
W 40- 3 Sacramento State
W 65- 0 Purdue
W 25-18 U.C. Santa Barbara
W 31-27 B.Y.U.
L 7-44 California-Berkeley
240-97
ALL AMERICANS - Peter Black, Blake Burdette, Scott Nielsen, Jason Pye
Honorable Mention - Dave Anderson, Chris Giles
Coach: Mark Numbers, Bill Hadfield, Don McDermott
SEASON - Fall 2004 (10-0)
During the summer Utes Jason Pye and Dave Anderson were named to the U.S.A.’s 7's Squad to play in the World Games along with former Ute Mike Morgan. The team played South Africa, Argentina, and France in Germany. The Fall 2004 Utes went undefeated, winning the Jackalope Tournament by downing Colorado in the finals and crushing Texas A&M and Colorado in Provo. Blake Burdette played an outstanding prop and was named as a Utah Man on the U’s undefeated football team.
SCHEDULE -
W New Mexico
W Colorado State
W Colorado
W Utah State
W 17-13 B.Y.U.
W Alumni
W Utah Valley State
W Idaho State
W Texas A&M
W Colorado
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2005 (9-2)
An early season trip to Santa Barbara was rained out. Utah downed B.Y.U. twice in the spring, the second time in the semi-finals of the National Collegiate Championships. The Utes reached the finals for the second time in four years, only to once again fall to the Cal-Berkeley Golden Bears. It was California’s 21st national rugby championship.
SCHEDULE -
L Haggis
W Colorado State
W Utah Valley State
W B.Y.U.
W Utah State
W 72- 5 Stanford
W 40- 3 Sacramento State
W 65- 0 Purdue
W 25-18 U.C. Santa Barbara
W 31-27 B.Y.U.
L 7-44 California-Berkeley
240-97
ALL AMERICANS - Peter Black, Blake Burdette, Scott Nielsen, Jason Pye
Honorable Mention - Dave Anderson, Chris Giles
2005-2006
LEADERSHIP - President: T.J. Davis
Coach: Mark Numbers, Dave Anderson, Bill Hadfield, Don McDermott
SEASON - Fall 2005 (10-2)
Utah split two close matches with B.Y.U. The Utes took second place in the Snake River Classic, losing the final 13-10 to Washington State when they elected to play a large number of the second team. Their “B” team won its first two matches in the same tournament to reach the semi-finals. The most lop sided win in the fall was a 74-0 pasting of Idaho State. Jason Pye and Ute coach Dave Anderson were named to the U.S.A. 7's team that traveled to New Zealand.
SCHEDULE -
W 50- 7 Utah State
W 13- 7 B.Y.U.
W 27- 0 Utah State
W 36- 7 U.V.S.C.
W 38-14 Utah “B”
L 10-13 Washington State
W 74- 0 Idaho State
W 31-14 Alumni
L 17-18 B.Y.U.
W 41-29 U of Colorado
W 28-13 U of Wyoming
W 50- 3 U.V.S.C.
415-125
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2006 (9-2)
Utah won a pair of games in California in January and then went 3-0 against strong competition in the Red Rock Tournament. Two of their wins were over Penn State (second in the collegiate rankings at that time) and Haggis (which made it to the quarter finals in the Division I Club Championships). The Utes returned to the National Collegiate Championships and won four matches to reach the final four before losing to the eventual champions, Cal-Berkeley. California finished 21-1 with its only loss to the University of British Columbia.
SCHEDULE -
W 48- 0 U.C.L.A.
W 10- 8 U.C. Santa Barbara
W 50-10 Colorado State
W 34-20 Haggis
W 28-13 Penn State
L 3-39 B.Y.U..
W 60-15 Washington
W 22-20 St.Mary’s
W 40-19 Tennessee
W 8- 5 Army
L 11-30 California-Berkeley
314-179
ALL AMERICANS - Peter Black, Blake Burdette, Chris Giles, Cameron Kiser,
Scott Nielson, Jason Pye
Coach: Mark Numbers, Dave Anderson, Bill Hadfield, Don McDermott
SEASON - Fall 2005 (10-2)
Utah split two close matches with B.Y.U. The Utes took second place in the Snake River Classic, losing the final 13-10 to Washington State when they elected to play a large number of the second team. Their “B” team won its first two matches in the same tournament to reach the semi-finals. The most lop sided win in the fall was a 74-0 pasting of Idaho State. Jason Pye and Ute coach Dave Anderson were named to the U.S.A. 7's team that traveled to New Zealand.
SCHEDULE -
W 50- 7 Utah State
W 13- 7 B.Y.U.
W 27- 0 Utah State
W 36- 7 U.V.S.C.
W 38-14 Utah “B”
L 10-13 Washington State
W 74- 0 Idaho State
W 31-14 Alumni
L 17-18 B.Y.U.
W 41-29 U of Colorado
W 28-13 U of Wyoming
W 50- 3 U.V.S.C.
415-125
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2006 (9-2)
Utah won a pair of games in California in January and then went 3-0 against strong competition in the Red Rock Tournament. Two of their wins were over Penn State (second in the collegiate rankings at that time) and Haggis (which made it to the quarter finals in the Division I Club Championships). The Utes returned to the National Collegiate Championships and won four matches to reach the final four before losing to the eventual champions, Cal-Berkeley. California finished 21-1 with its only loss to the University of British Columbia.
SCHEDULE -
W 48- 0 U.C.L.A.
W 10- 8 U.C. Santa Barbara
W 50-10 Colorado State
W 34-20 Haggis
W 28-13 Penn State
L 3-39 B.Y.U..
W 60-15 Washington
W 22-20 St.Mary’s
W 40-19 Tennessee
W 8- 5 Army
L 11-30 California-Berkeley
314-179
ALL AMERICANS - Peter Black, Blake Burdette, Chris Giles, Cameron Kiser,
Scott Nielson, Jason Pye
2006-2007
LEADERSHIP - President: Peter Black
Coach: Mark Numbers, Bill Hadfield, Don McDermott
SEASON - Fall 2006 (10-1)
Utah started the fall slowly as the ball handling and unselfish play that characterized the previous year developed. After defeating Washington State to win the Snake Bite Tournament in Boise, Idaho the Utes returned to Salt Lake where they staged a great some from behind victory over B.Y.U. The fall season was concluded by convincingly winning the Oregon State Classic in Corvallis. The final was a 41-5 thrashing of a favored University of Victoria fifteen.
SCHEDULE -
W 20-12 Utah State
L 5-13 B.Y.U.
W 16- 7 U.V.S.U.
W 30- 7 Idaho State
W 12- 0 Utah State
W 37- 0 Washington State
W 28-19 B.Y.U.
W 33-29 Alumni
W 40-27 Oregon State
W 50-15 Central Washington
W 41- 5 U of Victoria
312-134
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2007 (7-3)
Utah opened its season by winning a sevens tournament in San Diego and posted a big 76-14 whipping on Air Force Academy. Two tight losses to B.Y.U. marred the spring season however. The Utes tore through three teams on its way to the Elite Eight in the National Collegiate Rugby Championship, but then fell to Penn State when a furious second half rally fell short. Still, Utah finished the 2006-07 season ranked fourth in the country.
SCHEDULE -
L 15-25 B.Y.U.
W 76-14 Air Force Academy
W 25- 5 U.V.S.U.
L 20-21 B.Y.U.
W 27-19 Wyoming
W 69- 5 U.V.S.U.
W 50- 8 Washington State
W 29- 5 Oregon State
W 43- 0 Purdue
L 25-33 Penn State
379-135
ALL AMERICANS - Peter Black, Cameron Kiser, Scott Nielson, Andrew Swindle
Coach: Mark Numbers, Bill Hadfield, Don McDermott
SEASON - Fall 2006 (10-1)
Utah started the fall slowly as the ball handling and unselfish play that characterized the previous year developed. After defeating Washington State to win the Snake Bite Tournament in Boise, Idaho the Utes returned to Salt Lake where they staged a great some from behind victory over B.Y.U. The fall season was concluded by convincingly winning the Oregon State Classic in Corvallis. The final was a 41-5 thrashing of a favored University of Victoria fifteen.
SCHEDULE -
W 20-12 Utah State
L 5-13 B.Y.U.
W 16- 7 U.V.S.U.
W 30- 7 Idaho State
W 12- 0 Utah State
W 37- 0 Washington State
W 28-19 B.Y.U.
W 33-29 Alumni
W 40-27 Oregon State
W 50-15 Central Washington
W 41- 5 U of Victoria
312-134
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2007 (7-3)
Utah opened its season by winning a sevens tournament in San Diego and posted a big 76-14 whipping on Air Force Academy. Two tight losses to B.Y.U. marred the spring season however. The Utes tore through three teams on its way to the Elite Eight in the National Collegiate Rugby Championship, but then fell to Penn State when a furious second half rally fell short. Still, Utah finished the 2006-07 season ranked fourth in the country.
SCHEDULE -
L 15-25 B.Y.U.
W 76-14 Air Force Academy
W 25- 5 U.V.S.U.
L 20-21 B.Y.U.
W 27-19 Wyoming
W 69- 5 U.V.S.U.
W 50- 8 Washington State
W 29- 5 Oregon State
W 43- 0 Purdue
L 25-33 Penn State
379-135
ALL AMERICANS - Peter Black, Cameron Kiser, Scott Nielson, Andrew Swindle
2007-2008
LEADERSHIP - President: Ryan Bailey
Coach: Dave Anderson, Blake Burdette, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Fall 2007 (5-1)
The Utes played their toughest schedule to date. In the fall they took on four nationally ranked teams and defeated three of them, rallying in the closing minutes to edge Texas A&M and crushing San Diego State, one of only two losses the Aztecs would endure all year.
SCHEDULE -
W 41- 5 U.V.S.U.
W 31- 7 Utah State
L 10-34 B.Y.U.
W 47- 7 San Diego State
W 11-10 Texas A&M
W 28-12 Cal Poly
168-75
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2008 (11-5)
Utah continued taking on the best in preparation for the nationals, traveling to California twice to play three nationally ranked teams and a club side and also making trips to Las Vegas, St. George, and Washington during their twelve match regular season. After dropping a tough 3-point decision to B.Y.U. for the Wasatch Cup, the Utes ran off five consecutive wins, including two victories in the Pacific Northwest Playoffs. Despite a deep roster (the B team virtually defeated both Weber State and Utah State’s A sides as first team players were held out for upcoming matches), injuries had hurt Utah by the time they reached the Sweet Sixteen (All Americans Andrew Swindle and Cameron Kiser were both out) and they lost to Colorado by one point. Utah finished 14th in the country. Scott Metcalf was selected to play with the United States’ U20 side in the Junior World Championship while Matt Byrd and Chance Fivas were named to the Pacific Coast Grizzlies that won the College All Star Championship as Byrd was named M.V.P. of the tournament.
SCHEDULE -
W 29- 3 UC Santa Barbara
W 38- 8 U.V.S.U.
W 26- 6 Central Washington
W 58-11 Nebraska
L 13-31 Navy
W 29- 5 San Francisco U-23
L 3-37 California-Berkeley
W 38-10 Weber State
L 27-30 B.Y.U.
W 42-10 U.V.S.U.
W 55-19 Alumni
W 48- 7 Oregon State
W 33-17 Central Washington
W 57- 7 Utah State
L 30-31 Colorado
L 18-31 Minnesota
544-263
ALL AMERICANS – Matt Byrd
Coach: Dave Anderson, Blake Burdette, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Fall 2007 (5-1)
The Utes played their toughest schedule to date. In the fall they took on four nationally ranked teams and defeated three of them, rallying in the closing minutes to edge Texas A&M and crushing San Diego State, one of only two losses the Aztecs would endure all year.
SCHEDULE -
W 41- 5 U.V.S.U.
W 31- 7 Utah State
L 10-34 B.Y.U.
W 47- 7 San Diego State
W 11-10 Texas A&M
W 28-12 Cal Poly
168-75
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2008 (11-5)
Utah continued taking on the best in preparation for the nationals, traveling to California twice to play three nationally ranked teams and a club side and also making trips to Las Vegas, St. George, and Washington during their twelve match regular season. After dropping a tough 3-point decision to B.Y.U. for the Wasatch Cup, the Utes ran off five consecutive wins, including two victories in the Pacific Northwest Playoffs. Despite a deep roster (the B team virtually defeated both Weber State and Utah State’s A sides as first team players were held out for upcoming matches), injuries had hurt Utah by the time they reached the Sweet Sixteen (All Americans Andrew Swindle and Cameron Kiser were both out) and they lost to Colorado by one point. Utah finished 14th in the country. Scott Metcalf was selected to play with the United States’ U20 side in the Junior World Championship while Matt Byrd and Chance Fivas were named to the Pacific Coast Grizzlies that won the College All Star Championship as Byrd was named M.V.P. of the tournament.
SCHEDULE -
W 29- 3 UC Santa Barbara
W 38- 8 U.V.S.U.
W 26- 6 Central Washington
W 58-11 Nebraska
L 13-31 Navy
W 29- 5 San Francisco U-23
L 3-37 California-Berkeley
W 38-10 Weber State
L 27-30 B.Y.U.
W 42-10 U.V.S.U.
W 55-19 Alumni
W 48- 7 Oregon State
W 33-17 Central Washington
W 57- 7 Utah State
L 30-31 Colorado
L 18-31 Minnesota
544-263
ALL AMERICANS – Matt Byrd
2008-2009
LEADERSHIP - President: Zach Klc
Coach: Blake Burdette, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield, Mike Meredith
SEASON - Fall 2008 (7-2-1)
Fielding an extremely young team, the Utes opened with a tough loss to Wyoming before running off six consecutive victories. Included in those wins was a record setting 107-6 thrashing of Idaho State. Utah closed the fall by rallying from a 19-3 halftime deficit to tie third ranked St. Mary’s 24-24 at Ballif Field.
SCHEDULE -
L 20-24 Wyoming.
W 12- 6 Air Force
W 33- 7 Utah Valley
W 43- 0 Weber State
W 60- 0 Oregon State
W 107- 6 Idaho State
W 36- 5 Washington
L 7-25 Central Washington
W 43- 0 Utah State
T 24-24 St. Mary’s
385-97
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2009 (13-3)
Utah opened its spring season in January on the road and took on nine teams ranked in the top twenty nationally over the next three months. After winning eight matches in a row, the Utes fell to BYU twice. The Cougars went on to win the national championship over California. The U closed the year with a huge goal-line stand to preserve a 28-27 win over Central Washington and advance to the Sweet Sixteen, then (after dropping a disappointing game to LSU) they rallied from a 17-5 halftime deficit to beat Bowling Green 29-17. Utah finished ranked 9th in the nation and their 20-5-1 record for the entire 2008-09 season, and 13-3 record for the spring, was the most wins by any Utah RFC team for a year and a single season. Pat Jones and Spencer Vickery were named All Americans, Mike Wunderli was an Honorable Mention, and Jones, Vickery, Wunderli, Chance Fivas, were named to the Pacific Coast Collegiate Grizzlies. Coach Blake Burdette was named the forwards coach for the Collegiate All American team that toured South Africa in the summer.
SCHEDULE -
W 12- 6 Arizona State
W 10- 8 UC Santa Barbara
W 34-17 Penn State
W 37- 5 Utah Valley
W 26-15 Cal Poly
W 28-12 Texas A&M
W 55- 7 Colorado
W 50- 8 Colorado State
L 15-59 B.Y.U.
W 38-12 Utah Valley
L 20-66 B.Y.U.
W 51- 0 Weber State
W 56-12 Washington State
W 28-27 Central Washington
L 5-47 L.S.U.
W 29-17 Bowling Green
494-318
ALL AMERICANS – Pat Jones, Spencer Vickery
Coach: Blake Burdette, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield, Mike Meredith
SEASON - Fall 2008 (7-2-1)
Fielding an extremely young team, the Utes opened with a tough loss to Wyoming before running off six consecutive victories. Included in those wins was a record setting 107-6 thrashing of Idaho State. Utah closed the fall by rallying from a 19-3 halftime deficit to tie third ranked St. Mary’s 24-24 at Ballif Field.
SCHEDULE -
L 20-24 Wyoming.
W 12- 6 Air Force
W 33- 7 Utah Valley
W 43- 0 Weber State
W 60- 0 Oregon State
W 107- 6 Idaho State
W 36- 5 Washington
L 7-25 Central Washington
W 43- 0 Utah State
T 24-24 St. Mary’s
385-97
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2009 (13-3)
Utah opened its spring season in January on the road and took on nine teams ranked in the top twenty nationally over the next three months. After winning eight matches in a row, the Utes fell to BYU twice. The Cougars went on to win the national championship over California. The U closed the year with a huge goal-line stand to preserve a 28-27 win over Central Washington and advance to the Sweet Sixteen, then (after dropping a disappointing game to LSU) they rallied from a 17-5 halftime deficit to beat Bowling Green 29-17. Utah finished ranked 9th in the nation and their 20-5-1 record for the entire 2008-09 season, and 13-3 record for the spring, was the most wins by any Utah RFC team for a year and a single season. Pat Jones and Spencer Vickery were named All Americans, Mike Wunderli was an Honorable Mention, and Jones, Vickery, Wunderli, Chance Fivas, were named to the Pacific Coast Collegiate Grizzlies. Coach Blake Burdette was named the forwards coach for the Collegiate All American team that toured South Africa in the summer.
SCHEDULE -
W 12- 6 Arizona State
W 10- 8 UC Santa Barbara
W 34-17 Penn State
W 37- 5 Utah Valley
W 26-15 Cal Poly
W 28-12 Texas A&M
W 55- 7 Colorado
W 50- 8 Colorado State
L 15-59 B.Y.U.
W 38-12 Utah Valley
L 20-66 B.Y.U.
W 51- 0 Weber State
W 56-12 Washington State
W 28-27 Central Washington
L 5-47 L.S.U.
W 29-17 Bowling Green
494-318
ALL AMERICANS – Pat Jones, Spencer Vickery
2009-2010
LEADERSHIP - President: Zach Klc
Coach: Blake Burdette, Rob Kingsford, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Fall 2009 (7-0)
Talented returning players meshed well with an incredible freshman class as the team’s out-of-state voucher program paid dividends. The fall fifteen set a new club record by scoring 55 points a match (the old record was 44.3 by the fall side of 2001) as they went undefeated with big wins over Air Force, Colorado and Colorado State. The Alumni Game was the team’s toughest test as they rallied for a one point victory.
SCHEDULE -
W 77- 5 Utah Valley
W 39-38 Alumni
W 38-29 Air Force
W 78- 5 Washington State
W 34-15 Colorado
W 50-17 Colorado State
W 69- 5 Weber State
385-114
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2010 (13-3)
Utah played one of its toughest spring schedules ever in preparation for making a run at the national collegiate title. They traveled to Las Vegas twice, to St. George to play Delaware (ranked third in the country at the time), and took on defending national champion BYU twice. The 2009-10 Utes posted the second best won-lost record ever (20-3 as compared to the 2004-05 team’s 19-2 mark). The club’s only losses were to Canada’s University of Victoria (ending an eleven match winning streak), a narrow 15-10 decision to BYU in the match for the Wasatch Cup, and to the United States Military Academy (more about that later). Utah revenged itself against the Cougars by beating them 31-29 in a delayed telecast match in front of 4,100 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Utes made it to the Elite Eight where they lost a heartbreaker to Army in overtime. In finishing the year 20-3 and ranked 4th in the nation, the club tied its record for most victories in a year (a won-lost record that was only surpassed by the 19-2 record of the 2004-05 team) and a single season. The team’s 576 points scored in the spring surpassed the record 544 set by the spring 2008 side. Matt Wunderli was named to the Pacific Coast Collegiate Grizzlies and Don Pati was named captain of the United States Eagles’ U20 fifteen. In June the Utes participated in the First Annual College 7’s Championship in Columbus, Ohio. Led by Thretton Palamo and Pati, Utah went undefeated and beat Cal-Berkeley 31-26 in overtime to win the national championship.
SCHEDULE -
W 53-14 UC Santa Barbara
W 17- 5 Arizona State
W 49- 7 Utah Valley
W 22-14 Delaware
L 22-38 U of Victoria
W 36- 9 Texas A&M
W 41- 0 Weber State
W 67- 7 Wyoming
L 10-15 B.Y.U.
W 40- 5 SLCC
W 45-10 Park City Haggis
W 31-29 BYU
W 56-15 Washington
W 27-10 Central Washington
W 36-34 Texas A&M
L 24-31 Army (OT)
576-243
ALL AMERICANS – Scott Metcalf. Don Pati, Thretton Palamo, Matt Wunderli
Coach: Blake Burdette, Rob Kingsford, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Fall 2009 (7-0)
Talented returning players meshed well with an incredible freshman class as the team’s out-of-state voucher program paid dividends. The fall fifteen set a new club record by scoring 55 points a match (the old record was 44.3 by the fall side of 2001) as they went undefeated with big wins over Air Force, Colorado and Colorado State. The Alumni Game was the team’s toughest test as they rallied for a one point victory.
SCHEDULE -
W 77- 5 Utah Valley
W 39-38 Alumni
W 38-29 Air Force
W 78- 5 Washington State
W 34-15 Colorado
W 50-17 Colorado State
W 69- 5 Weber State
385-114
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2010 (13-3)
Utah played one of its toughest spring schedules ever in preparation for making a run at the national collegiate title. They traveled to Las Vegas twice, to St. George to play Delaware (ranked third in the country at the time), and took on defending national champion BYU twice. The 2009-10 Utes posted the second best won-lost record ever (20-3 as compared to the 2004-05 team’s 19-2 mark). The club’s only losses were to Canada’s University of Victoria (ending an eleven match winning streak), a narrow 15-10 decision to BYU in the match for the Wasatch Cup, and to the United States Military Academy (more about that later). Utah revenged itself against the Cougars by beating them 31-29 in a delayed telecast match in front of 4,100 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Utes made it to the Elite Eight where they lost a heartbreaker to Army in overtime. In finishing the year 20-3 and ranked 4th in the nation, the club tied its record for most victories in a year (a won-lost record that was only surpassed by the 19-2 record of the 2004-05 team) and a single season. The team’s 576 points scored in the spring surpassed the record 544 set by the spring 2008 side. Matt Wunderli was named to the Pacific Coast Collegiate Grizzlies and Don Pati was named captain of the United States Eagles’ U20 fifteen. In June the Utes participated in the First Annual College 7’s Championship in Columbus, Ohio. Led by Thretton Palamo and Pati, Utah went undefeated and beat Cal-Berkeley 31-26 in overtime to win the national championship.
SCHEDULE -
W 53-14 UC Santa Barbara
W 17- 5 Arizona State
W 49- 7 Utah Valley
W 22-14 Delaware
L 22-38 U of Victoria
W 36- 9 Texas A&M
W 41- 0 Weber State
W 67- 7 Wyoming
L 10-15 B.Y.U.
W 40- 5 SLCC
W 45-10 Park City Haggis
W 31-29 BYU
W 56-15 Washington
W 27-10 Central Washington
W 36-34 Texas A&M
L 24-31 Army (OT)
576-243
ALL AMERICANS – Scott Metcalf. Don Pati, Thretton Palamo, Matt Wunderli
2010-2011
LEADERSHIP - President: Camden Burd
Coach: Blake Burdette, Rob Kingsford, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Spring 2011 (13-3)
Two major changes occurred in 2010-11. First, the University of Utah was selected, along with thirty-one other top collegiate rugby programs, to join the new College Premier League. The league was broken into four eight-team divisions with the top two sides from each division advancing to Elite Eight of the C.P.L. championship series. As all the league matches are scheduled for the spring, and in an effort to tighten its travel budget, the Ute ruggers dropped their fall season (except for the annual alumni match) and began play in January. Despite two sure wins being snowed out, Utah got in a total of sixteen games and played their first matches on McCarthy Field, their new artificial pitch. The team only lost to two other clubs, national champion California-Berkeley (twice) and runner up B.Y.U. in front of nearly 6,000 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Utes opened up with a huge win over U.C. Santa Barbara, a team that went to the Division I championship match, and then went 3-1 in its first PAC 12 Tournament, losing to California. A trip to Las Vegas saw wins over Delaware and Penn State. After losing their opening C.P.L. West match to the Cougars, the Utes won their next six straight matches despite the loss of Thretton Palamo who played spring football. The team defeated Army in the quarterfinals before losing to Cal-Berkeley in the semis. The Utes 688 points scored shattered the old season record of 576 set the previous year. Nick Mostyn was named to both the Pacific Coast Collegiate Grizzlies and the College All American touring side. A.J. Tuineau also played for the Grizzlies. Don Pati, Thretton Palamo, and Tonata Lauti were selected for the touring side, but had other commitments. Mike Juszczak played for the United States’ U20 side in the Junior World Championships. In June the Utes played in the Second Annual College 7’s Championship in Philadelphia, Pa. Led by Lauti and Pati, Utah again defeated California, but finished third as Dartmouth took the title.
SCHEDULE -
W 57- 5 UC Santa Barbara
W 43- 0 Washington State
W 24-17 Southern California
L 0-35 California
W 60- 0 Oregon
W 45- 0 Delaware
W 46-12 Penn State
L 22-40 B.Y.U.*
W 29-20 Arizona State*
W 46-19 Arizona*
W 50-22 Colorado*
W 34-27 Air Force*
W 74-19 Colorado State*
W 94- 0 Wyoming*
W 32-26 Army
L 12-64 California
668-306
* C.P.L. West matches
ALL AMERICANS – Don Pati, Thretton Palamo, Nick Mostyn
Coach: Blake Burdette, Rob Kingsford, Don McDermott, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Spring 2011 (13-3)
Two major changes occurred in 2010-11. First, the University of Utah was selected, along with thirty-one other top collegiate rugby programs, to join the new College Premier League. The league was broken into four eight-team divisions with the top two sides from each division advancing to Elite Eight of the C.P.L. championship series. As all the league matches are scheduled for the spring, and in an effort to tighten its travel budget, the Ute ruggers dropped their fall season (except for the annual alumni match) and began play in January. Despite two sure wins being snowed out, Utah got in a total of sixteen games and played their first matches on McCarthy Field, their new artificial pitch. The team only lost to two other clubs, national champion California-Berkeley (twice) and runner up B.Y.U. in front of nearly 6,000 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Utes opened up with a huge win over U.C. Santa Barbara, a team that went to the Division I championship match, and then went 3-1 in its first PAC 12 Tournament, losing to California. A trip to Las Vegas saw wins over Delaware and Penn State. After losing their opening C.P.L. West match to the Cougars, the Utes won their next six straight matches despite the loss of Thretton Palamo who played spring football. The team defeated Army in the quarterfinals before losing to Cal-Berkeley in the semis. The Utes 688 points scored shattered the old season record of 576 set the previous year. Nick Mostyn was named to both the Pacific Coast Collegiate Grizzlies and the College All American touring side. A.J. Tuineau also played for the Grizzlies. Don Pati, Thretton Palamo, and Tonata Lauti were selected for the touring side, but had other commitments. Mike Juszczak played for the United States’ U20 side in the Junior World Championships. In June the Utes played in the Second Annual College 7’s Championship in Philadelphia, Pa. Led by Lauti and Pati, Utah again defeated California, but finished third as Dartmouth took the title.
SCHEDULE -
W 57- 5 UC Santa Barbara
W 43- 0 Washington State
W 24-17 Southern California
L 0-35 California
W 60- 0 Oregon
W 45- 0 Delaware
W 46-12 Penn State
L 22-40 B.Y.U.*
W 29-20 Arizona State*
W 46-19 Arizona*
W 50-22 Colorado*
W 34-27 Air Force*
W 74-19 Colorado State*
W 94- 0 Wyoming*
W 32-26 Army
L 12-64 California
668-306
* C.P.L. West matches
ALL AMERICANS – Don Pati, Thretton Palamo, Nick Mostyn
2011-2012
LEADERSHIP - President: Scott Metcalf, Tonata Lauti
Coach: Blake Burdette, Rob Kingsford, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Spring 2012 (10-4)
The College Premier League was renamed D-1A, but Utah continued to excel as their only
Conference loss was to the division champion Cougars. In preparation of their season Coach
Burdette put together an incredibly tough schedule that included: defending national champion
California; D-1AA runner up Santa Barbara; and nationally ranked St. Mary’s. To give his club
Even greater experience, Burdette scheduled three exhibition matches against Super League
teams, losing to San Francisco Golden Gate 58-19, the Denver Barbarians 39-34, and having
their match against the Utah Warriors cancelled when that team folded. The Utes were deep in
2012, something that was needed when they fielded their reserves against Colorado State in their D-1A opener and later in the year when they played back-to-back must win games on the road against Colorado and nationally ranked Air Force. In their last regular season match Utah put up 97 points on Wyoming as Don Pati scored five tries. Utah’s forward pack was not only massive but mobile, while their backs, led by three-time All American Don Pati and Tonata Lauti, played aggressive attacking rugby. The Utes once again made the Elite Eight, but fell in a tough match to third ranked St. Mary’s in a game played in California. The club’s 681 points scored surpassed the team record of 668 set the year before. Utah failed to qualify for the national sevens championship, but they did finish second at the sixty-four team Las Vegas Rugby Tournament, losing to Life University 17-12 in the finals. The Utes finished fifth in both D-1A and the final national 7’s rankings.
SCHEDULE -
W 51- 0 UC Santa Barbara
W 35- 5 Cal Poly
L 10-41 St. Mary’s
W 65-15 Utah State
W 76-17 Utah Valley
L 22-23 California
W 49-19 Colorado State*
W 68-15 Arzona*
W 81-27 Arizona State*
L 22-38 BYU*
W 49-30 Colorado*
W 41-30 Air Force*
W 97-14 Wyoming*
L 15-24 St. Mary’s
681-298
* D-1A West matches
ALL AMERICANS – Don Pati, Nick Mostyn
Honorable Mention: Mike Sheppard, Les Soloai, Tonata Lauti
Coach: Blake Burdette, Rob Kingsford, Bill Hadfield
SEASON - Spring 2012 (10-4)
The College Premier League was renamed D-1A, but Utah continued to excel as their only
Conference loss was to the division champion Cougars. In preparation of their season Coach
Burdette put together an incredibly tough schedule that included: defending national champion
California; D-1AA runner up Santa Barbara; and nationally ranked St. Mary’s. To give his club
Even greater experience, Burdette scheduled three exhibition matches against Super League
teams, losing to San Francisco Golden Gate 58-19, the Denver Barbarians 39-34, and having
their match against the Utah Warriors cancelled when that team folded. The Utes were deep in
2012, something that was needed when they fielded their reserves against Colorado State in their D-1A opener and later in the year when they played back-to-back must win games on the road against Colorado and nationally ranked Air Force. In their last regular season match Utah put up 97 points on Wyoming as Don Pati scored five tries. Utah’s forward pack was not only massive but mobile, while their backs, led by three-time All American Don Pati and Tonata Lauti, played aggressive attacking rugby. The Utes once again made the Elite Eight, but fell in a tough match to third ranked St. Mary’s in a game played in California. The club’s 681 points scored surpassed the team record of 668 set the year before. Utah failed to qualify for the national sevens championship, but they did finish second at the sixty-four team Las Vegas Rugby Tournament, losing to Life University 17-12 in the finals. The Utes finished fifth in both D-1A and the final national 7’s rankings.
SCHEDULE -
W 51- 0 UC Santa Barbara
W 35- 5 Cal Poly
L 10-41 St. Mary’s
W 65-15 Utah State
W 76-17 Utah Valley
L 22-23 California
W 49-19 Colorado State*
W 68-15 Arzona*
W 81-27 Arizona State*
L 22-38 BYU*
W 49-30 Colorado*
W 41-30 Air Force*
W 97-14 Wyoming*
L 15-24 St. Mary’s
681-298
* D-1A West matches
ALL AMERICANS – Don Pati, Nick Mostyn
Honorable Mention: Mike Sheppard, Les Soloai, Tonata Lauti
2012-2013
LEADERSHIP - President: Mike Juszczak, Tonata Lauti
Coach: Blake Burdette, Haloti Liava’s, Jon Law
SEASON - Spring 2013 (4-3)
The 2013 season was a truly distressing one for the forty year old University of Utah rugby
program. Because of several off the field incidents, the club was placed on suspension for the
year by the University’s administration. The team was told they could continue to play a spring
schedule, so long as they did not represent the University of Utah. Despite this, the club played in a sevens tournament and then began their Pacific Athletic Conference schedule as the University of Utah wearing those uniforms. Ranked eighth in the nation, the Utes were one of the sides named to compete for the new Varsity Cup, but just before their match against B.Y.U., University officials discovered the team was not following its suspension degree and all the remaining matches were cancelled. In April head coach Blake Burdette resigned from his position. In May the University administrators, after review, decided to only suspend the club for the remainder of 2013 and to allow them to play in 2014 under a two year of probation.
SCHEDULE -
W 60-21 Dixie State
W 55- 5 Southern Utah
L 14-41 Life
W 43-10 Arizona*
W 36-11 Arizona State*
L 38-50 UCLA
L 29-51 California
277-189
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – John Cullen, Don Pati
Coach: Blake Burdette, Haloti Liava’s, Jon Law
SEASON - Spring 2013 (4-3)
The 2013 season was a truly distressing one for the forty year old University of Utah rugby
program. Because of several off the field incidents, the club was placed on suspension for the
year by the University’s administration. The team was told they could continue to play a spring
schedule, so long as they did not represent the University of Utah. Despite this, the club played in a sevens tournament and then began their Pacific Athletic Conference schedule as the University of Utah wearing those uniforms. Ranked eighth in the nation, the Utes were one of the sides named to compete for the new Varsity Cup, but just before their match against B.Y.U., University officials discovered the team was not following its suspension degree and all the remaining matches were cancelled. In April head coach Blake Burdette resigned from his position. In May the University administrators, after review, decided to only suspend the club for the remainder of 2013 and to allow them to play in 2014 under a two year of probation.
SCHEDULE -
W 60-21 Dixie State
W 55- 5 Southern Utah
L 14-41 Life
W 43-10 Arizona*
W 36-11 Arizona State*
L 38-50 UCLA
L 29-51 California
277-189
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – John Cullen, Don Pati
2013-2014
LEADERSHIP - President: Danny Christensen
Captains: Tonata Lauti, Spencer Vickery, Jon Kacinski
Coach: Haloti Liava’a, Jon Law, Paul Benson
SEASON - Spring 2014 (6-4)
Due to the dedicated efforts of Danny Christensen and other members for the team, the rugby program was reinstated on January 1, 2014. After an interview period, Haloti Liava’a was named as the head coach. Mark Drown set up the spring schedule. It was a rebuilding year for the Utes as a number of players left the program during the probation period the previous year. The team had little depth, but they had a lot of heart and determination as they posted a winning record, despite playing one of their toughest schedules. All four losses came to teams ranked in the top eight nationally and two (UCLA and Central Washington) were lost in the closing minutes of play. Still, the team finished the season ranked tenth in the country. Utah played in the Pacific Athletic Conference and was invited to play for the Varsity Cup, a prestigious championship made up of twelve of the top collegiate rugby teams in the country, where they crushed Air Force before falling in the Elite Eight on a last minute penalty kick.
SCHEDULE -
W 17- 7 Arizona*
W 46-23 Arizona State*
W 16-14 Weber State
W 58- 0 Oregon State*
L 26-38 UCLA*
L 31-43 California*
W forfeit Montana State
L 21-41 BYU
W 71-24 Air Force
L 25-26 Central Washington
311-216
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Tonata Lauti
Captains: Tonata Lauti, Spencer Vickery, Jon Kacinski
Coach: Haloti Liava’a, Jon Law, Paul Benson
SEASON - Spring 2014 (6-4)
Due to the dedicated efforts of Danny Christensen and other members for the team, the rugby program was reinstated on January 1, 2014. After an interview period, Haloti Liava’a was named as the head coach. Mark Drown set up the spring schedule. It was a rebuilding year for the Utes as a number of players left the program during the probation period the previous year. The team had little depth, but they had a lot of heart and determination as they posted a winning record, despite playing one of their toughest schedules. All four losses came to teams ranked in the top eight nationally and two (UCLA and Central Washington) were lost in the closing minutes of play. Still, the team finished the season ranked tenth in the country. Utah played in the Pacific Athletic Conference and was invited to play for the Varsity Cup, a prestigious championship made up of twelve of the top collegiate rugby teams in the country, where they crushed Air Force before falling in the Elite Eight on a last minute penalty kick.
SCHEDULE -
W 17- 7 Arizona*
W 46-23 Arizona State*
W 16-14 Weber State
W 58- 0 Oregon State*
L 26-38 UCLA*
L 31-43 California*
W forfeit Montana State
L 21-41 BYU
W 71-24 Air Force
L 25-26 Central Washington
311-216
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Tonata Lauti
2014-2015
LEADERSHIP - President: Danny Christensen
Captains: Tonata Lauti, Spencer Vickery, Jon Kacinski, Danny Christensen
Coach: Haloti Liava’a, Jon Law, Matt Wunderli, Elvis Hansen
Sevens: Mark Drown
SEASON - Spring 2015 (11-6)
The Utes concentrated in 7’s play in the fall and then competed in the Pacific Athletic Conference and the Varsity Cup fifteens in the spring. The university was also invited to play in the D-1A collegiate championship after they were eliminated from the Varsity Cup and concluded the 2014-15 season competition by playing in the USA Rugby 7’s Collegiate Championship in Denver. In the autumn the sevens side, under Coach Mark Drown, won the Boise 7’s Tournament, took the consolation championship at the Battle of the Bay, and finished third in the PAC 7’s. The Utes also placed fifth out of twenty-four in the Las Vegas 7’s Tournament in February. Utah did not field the number of players that it had in the past, but those who did play were veterans. The team had a successful season. Of their six losses, five were to the top three ranked teams in the nation (BYU beat California in the Varsity Cup final while St. Mary’s won the D-1A title over Life University). The Utes were 10-1 against all other comers while finishing second to California in the Pacific Athletic Conference and defeating national champion St. Mary’s at home. In the Varsity Cup playoffs the Utes got by Oklahoma and were edged by Central Washington in the Elite Eight. Utah beat Cal Poly in the D-1A playoffs before falling to St. Mary’s and ended the year ranked eighth in the country. The year ended with the Utes finishing fourth in the twenty-four team U.S.A. College 7’s Championship, losing to eventual champion Lindenwood 12-10.
SCHEDULE -
L 15-81 St. Mary’s
W 24- 0 Washington
W 17- 0 Oregon
W 22- 5 Washington State
W 55- 0 Oregon State
L 22-50 BYU
W 38- 0 UCLA*
L 5-82 California*
W 68-13 Arizona*
W 49-21 St. Mary’s
W 75-23 Oregon State*
L 31-76 BYU
W 60-37 Arizona State*
W forfeit Oklahoma
L 7-18 Central Washington
W 31-26 Cal Poly
L 26-72 St. Mary’s
545-504
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Tonata Lauti, Danny Christensen
Captains: Tonata Lauti, Spencer Vickery, Jon Kacinski, Danny Christensen
Coach: Haloti Liava’a, Jon Law, Matt Wunderli, Elvis Hansen
Sevens: Mark Drown
SEASON - Spring 2015 (11-6)
The Utes concentrated in 7’s play in the fall and then competed in the Pacific Athletic Conference and the Varsity Cup fifteens in the spring. The university was also invited to play in the D-1A collegiate championship after they were eliminated from the Varsity Cup and concluded the 2014-15 season competition by playing in the USA Rugby 7’s Collegiate Championship in Denver. In the autumn the sevens side, under Coach Mark Drown, won the Boise 7’s Tournament, took the consolation championship at the Battle of the Bay, and finished third in the PAC 7’s. The Utes also placed fifth out of twenty-four in the Las Vegas 7’s Tournament in February. Utah did not field the number of players that it had in the past, but those who did play were veterans. The team had a successful season. Of their six losses, five were to the top three ranked teams in the nation (BYU beat California in the Varsity Cup final while St. Mary’s won the D-1A title over Life University). The Utes were 10-1 against all other comers while finishing second to California in the Pacific Athletic Conference and defeating national champion St. Mary’s at home. In the Varsity Cup playoffs the Utes got by Oklahoma and were edged by Central Washington in the Elite Eight. Utah beat Cal Poly in the D-1A playoffs before falling to St. Mary’s and ended the year ranked eighth in the country. The year ended with the Utes finishing fourth in the twenty-four team U.S.A. College 7’s Championship, losing to eventual champion Lindenwood 12-10.
SCHEDULE -
L 15-81 St. Mary’s
W 24- 0 Washington
W 17- 0 Oregon
W 22- 5 Washington State
W 55- 0 Oregon State
L 22-50 BYU
W 38- 0 UCLA*
L 5-82 California*
W 68-13 Arizona*
W 49-21 St. Mary’s
W 75-23 Oregon State*
L 31-76 BYU
W 60-37 Arizona State*
W forfeit Oklahoma
L 7-18 Central Washington
W 31-26 Cal Poly
L 26-72 St. Mary’s
545-504
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Tonata Lauti, Danny Christensen
2015-2016
LEADERSHIP - President: Nate Kingsford
Coach: Haloti Liava’a, Jon Law, Elvis Hansen, Mate Moeakiola
Sevens: Mark Drown
SEASON - Fall 2015 (5-0)
The University of Utah went back to playing a fall and a spring competitive season. The autumn was geared to playing in the West Conference of the USA Rugby’s D1A. The spring was focused on the Pacific Athletic Conference and the Varsity Cup. The Utes dominated their West opponents before closing the season with their reserves against Boise State.
SCHEDULE -
W F Colorado State
W 63-12 Wyoming
W 64-20 Colorado
W 41-30 Air Force
W 29-22 Boise State
197-84
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2016 (6-7)
The Utes played another extremely tough spring schedule with their first four matches on the road. They looked impressive however, winning all four before the schedule did them in. The team sent its better players to Las Vegas on the weekend of 4-5-6 where they went undefeated in six sevens’ matches. However, the U had just three days off before returning home to play D1A champion St. Mary’s and then UCLA two days apart. The players were exhausted and the backfield decimated by injuries as Utah dropped two tight matches and then another three pointer to Army a week later. The club struggled as they went on a five-match losing streak before righting themselves with a first round Varsity Cup playoff match victory against Air Force. After losing to Central Washington in the quarters Utah qualified for the D1A playoffs as the winner of the West Conference. There they defeated Arizona before losing to eventual champion St. Mary’s in the semis. Mark Drown coached the U’s sevens program. The team finished fourth in the tough PAC in the Fall as they went 2-1 in pool play before losing to UCLA 19-0 and Arizona State 24-12. As a result, the team needed to win the Las Vegas Invitational in February to qualify for the CRC national championship tournament. And the Utes did just that, using a suffocating defensive game to go undefeated beating American International 12-5 in the semis and Notre Dame College in the finals 12-10 on Chad Gough’s final minute try. In the College Rugby Sevens Championship in June, the U lost a heartbreaker to Dartmouth 19-15 and finished eleventh of the twenty-four teams with a 3-2 record.
SCHEDULE -
W 39-31 Arizona*
W 31-10 Arizona State*
W 72-13 Oregon State*
W 83- 0 New Mexico
L 50-57 St. Mary’s
L 34-36 UCLA*
L 26-29 Army
L 19-46 California*
L 12-49 BYU
W 36-31 Air Force
L 3-58 Central Washington
W 36-14 Arizona
L 32-81 St. Mary’s
473-455
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Chad Gough
Coach: Haloti Liava’a, Jon Law, Elvis Hansen, Mate Moeakiola
Sevens: Mark Drown
SEASON - Fall 2015 (5-0)
The University of Utah went back to playing a fall and a spring competitive season. The autumn was geared to playing in the West Conference of the USA Rugby’s D1A. The spring was focused on the Pacific Athletic Conference and the Varsity Cup. The Utes dominated their West opponents before closing the season with their reserves against Boise State.
SCHEDULE -
W F Colorado State
W 63-12 Wyoming
W 64-20 Colorado
W 41-30 Air Force
W 29-22 Boise State
197-84
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2016 (6-7)
The Utes played another extremely tough spring schedule with their first four matches on the road. They looked impressive however, winning all four before the schedule did them in. The team sent its better players to Las Vegas on the weekend of 4-5-6 where they went undefeated in six sevens’ matches. However, the U had just three days off before returning home to play D1A champion St. Mary’s and then UCLA two days apart. The players were exhausted and the backfield decimated by injuries as Utah dropped two tight matches and then another three pointer to Army a week later. The club struggled as they went on a five-match losing streak before righting themselves with a first round Varsity Cup playoff match victory against Air Force. After losing to Central Washington in the quarters Utah qualified for the D1A playoffs as the winner of the West Conference. There they defeated Arizona before losing to eventual champion St. Mary’s in the semis. Mark Drown coached the U’s sevens program. The team finished fourth in the tough PAC in the Fall as they went 2-1 in pool play before losing to UCLA 19-0 and Arizona State 24-12. As a result, the team needed to win the Las Vegas Invitational in February to qualify for the CRC national championship tournament. And the Utes did just that, using a suffocating defensive game to go undefeated beating American International 12-5 in the semis and Notre Dame College in the finals 12-10 on Chad Gough’s final minute try. In the College Rugby Sevens Championship in June, the U lost a heartbreaker to Dartmouth 19-15 and finished eleventh of the twenty-four teams with a 3-2 record.
SCHEDULE -
W 39-31 Arizona*
W 31-10 Arizona State*
W 72-13 Oregon State*
W 83- 0 New Mexico
L 50-57 St. Mary’s
L 34-36 UCLA*
L 26-29 Army
L 19-46 California*
L 12-49 BYU
W 36-31 Air Force
L 3-58 Central Washington
W 36-14 Arizona
L 32-81 St. Mary’s
473-455
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Chad Gough
2016-2017
LEADERSHIP - President: Josh Cisar
Coach: Jon Law, Rob Randell, Haloti Liava’a
Sevens: Mark Drown
SEASON - Fall 2016
Utah was initially scheduled to play in the D1A West Conference, but U.S.A. Rugby declared at the end of the summer that the Utes could not participate in both the West and the Pacific Athletic Conference. Jon Law, who assumed the head coaching responsibilities following the spring season, decided to play his schedule, but to make the fall a developmental season (thus getting as many individuals into each match as possible, rather than focusing on winning, so that the team would gain needed depth for the meaningful spring campaign). As a result, Utah led each match at the half before making substitutions, but got its new players and reserves needed game experience despite losing a number of the contests. The autumn matches were not counted in the Utes’ lifetime record.
SCHEDULE (Developmental) -
L 26-66 Air Force
L 20-36 Colorado State
W F New Mexico
W 32- 5 Colorado
W 47-14 Utah State
L 26-44 Wyoming (Utah played all reserves)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2017 (6-3)
Utah played a well-balanced spring schedule, traveling to California for three tough matches early in the season. The team made tremendous strides throughout the year as numerous first year players improved and strengthened the Utes as a team. Midway through the spring Utah announced that they were leaving the Varsity Cup to play strictly D1A post season. BYU and Air Force had done the same several months earlier. After losing to St. Mary’s (which won the D1A national championship) and California-Berkley (which won the Varsity Cup), the team won four in a row before dropping a D1A playoff match to San Diego State. The Utes finished second in the strong Pacific Athletic Conference and fourteenth in the country. Coach Drown took Utah to the D1A National Sevens Rugby Championships in June with a team of three upper classmen and seven freshmen. After finishing second in pool play, the Utes beat Ohio State 15-5 in the quarterfinals before falling to tournament champion Lindenwood in the semi-finals. They took fourth place. Chad Gough was named the top forward in the PAC. Kelsin Pupunu and Levi Hunt were named as two of the top twenty-four freshmen in the nation.
SCHEDULE -
W 56-15 Dixie State
L 12-55 St. Mary’s
L 12-92 California*
W 49- 8 UCLA*
W F Arizona State*
W 36-13 Utah Valley
W 83-12 Utah State
W 53- 3 Arizona*
L 31-41 San Diego State
332-239
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Chad Gough
Coach: Jon Law, Rob Randell, Haloti Liava’a
Sevens: Mark Drown
SEASON - Fall 2016
Utah was initially scheduled to play in the D1A West Conference, but U.S.A. Rugby declared at the end of the summer that the Utes could not participate in both the West and the Pacific Athletic Conference. Jon Law, who assumed the head coaching responsibilities following the spring season, decided to play his schedule, but to make the fall a developmental season (thus getting as many individuals into each match as possible, rather than focusing on winning, so that the team would gain needed depth for the meaningful spring campaign). As a result, Utah led each match at the half before making substitutions, but got its new players and reserves needed game experience despite losing a number of the contests. The autumn matches were not counted in the Utes’ lifetime record.
SCHEDULE (Developmental) -
L 26-66 Air Force
L 20-36 Colorado State
W F New Mexico
W 32- 5 Colorado
W 47-14 Utah State
L 26-44 Wyoming (Utah played all reserves)
* * *
SEASON - Spring 2017 (6-3)
Utah played a well-balanced spring schedule, traveling to California for three tough matches early in the season. The team made tremendous strides throughout the year as numerous first year players improved and strengthened the Utes as a team. Midway through the spring Utah announced that they were leaving the Varsity Cup to play strictly D1A post season. BYU and Air Force had done the same several months earlier. After losing to St. Mary’s (which won the D1A national championship) and California-Berkley (which won the Varsity Cup), the team won four in a row before dropping a D1A playoff match to San Diego State. The Utes finished second in the strong Pacific Athletic Conference and fourteenth in the country. Coach Drown took Utah to the D1A National Sevens Rugby Championships in June with a team of three upper classmen and seven freshmen. After finishing second in pool play, the Utes beat Ohio State 15-5 in the quarterfinals before falling to tournament champion Lindenwood in the semi-finals. They took fourth place. Chad Gough was named the top forward in the PAC. Kelsin Pupunu and Levi Hunt were named as two of the top twenty-four freshmen in the nation.
SCHEDULE -
W 56-15 Dixie State
L 12-55 St. Mary’s
L 12-92 California*
W 49- 8 UCLA*
W F Arizona State*
W 36-13 Utah Valley
W 83-12 Utah State
W 53- 3 Arizona*
L 31-41 San Diego State
332-239
* PAC matches
ALL AMERICANS – Chad Gough