The Penn State Rugby Alumni Club Inc was incorporated in 2000 to provide financial and administrative resources to the men's and women's Rugby Clubs at Penn State University. We are registered as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit Corporation and are also registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. We govern through an elected Board of Directors which meets quarterly. Day to day operations are conducted by an Executive Director, who reports to the Board and is assisted by part-time professional staff, interns and volunteers.
Although Coaches interact with the Alumni Club constantly, they officially report to the Coordinator of Team Sports at the University.
History of Rugby at Penn State
Penn State Rugby began in the fall of 1962 when New Zealand grad student Ivan Jackson and a young research associate, Pat Denny from England, met and were upset about the lack of any sort of team field game at Penn State. Through personal contacts and a notice in the Hetzel Union Building, “20-30 "players" showed up to the first practice on a field by the White Golf Course.
The first game was played on October 13, 1962, a home match against Villanova. Penn State lost 35-3 but improved rapidly to win the next game against St. Joseph's and completed their first season with two wins and three losses. The schedule for the first season is as follows:
October 13
|
Villanova
|
Home
|
3-35 (L)
|
October 21
|
St. Joseph
|
Home
|
6-0 (W)
|
October 23
|
Baltimore
|
Home
|
Cancelled
|
November 3
|
Temple
|
Away
|
0-14 (L)
|
November 11
|
Cornell
|
Away
|
0-16 (W)
|
November 17
|
Penn
|
Away
|
9-0 (L)
|
Members of the original Penn State team, in addition to Ivan and Pat, included Al Jones, Ed Kabala, Gerry Norman (also coach and faculty advisor), Bill Shoproski, and Mike Creswell.
Other important dates of the inaugural season were:
10.7.62 - Penn State becomes an affiliated member of the ERU
11.27.62 - Officials elected and constitution drawn up
2.21.63 - Penn State Rugby becomes an official student organization
The tradition that started in 1962 is carried on today by both the Men’s and Women’s Rugby programs as each have established themselves as elite programs in the country.
The women's team have claimed several national championships and have toured overseas. CLICK HERE to find out more
Home On Campus
Securing a permanent field and clubhouse on campus remains the number one priority of Penn State Rugby. A permanent facility will:
- Improve the efficiency of our teams preparation and play
- Help us recruit players and staff
- Increase involvement of our alumni
- Give us heightened credibility and publicity on campus
- Allow us to host more events
- Give us a chance to dramatically increase revenues
The University remains committed to assist us in this effort.
Everyone believed we had the solution at East Campus in 2004 when the salvage storage building was offered for renovation and primary use by rugby. However, when the project budget was finalized, it became apparent that this particular renovation would be more expensive then new construction and the plans were subsequently abandoned.
Penn State University's main campus faces a critical, short-term shortage of athletic fields to support a growing student population and surging popularity of club sports and intramurals in addition to 29 varsity programs. There are several long term plans being finalized for new recreational space and of course, there are plenty of expansion options available in University Park. There are several active investigations underway by the Athletic Department on behalf of the rugby program to identify a suitable site and we have access to the decision-makers at the University to support us as soon as we identify and agree on the right project.
Until then, we appreciate the understanding and patience of all the players, staff, alumni, parents and friends of the program who are eager to see this become a reality.