Colgate rugby players both past and present gathered on Academy Field recently to celebrate important milestones: the 40th anniversary of the men’s club and the 25th anniversary of the women’s squad.
A ceremony on the rugby pitch, which included comments by Hugh Pinchin, the professor of economics emeritus who was the original coach for the men’s club, capped a series of events held during Homecoming Weekend to honor the tradition of rugby at the university.
About 15 alumni from the men’s team returned, representing clubs from as far back as 1975 and as recent as 2007.
On Saturday, Oct. 6, alumni supported the men’s team as they defeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 36-8 and the women as they overcame the State University College at Oneonta 39-3.
Alumni and current players also enjoyed a golf outing and dinner in Parker Commons.
The “old boys” said they were happy to be back at what Pinchin described as “the scene of their past glories.”
“It’s a wonderful game,” said Pinchin. “It builds leadership capabilities. It doesn’t need star players — it needs team work. This will last.”
Current team members were excited to have the alums back, thanking them for their generous support of the club throughout the years.
“We have alumni coming from halfway around the world and the fact that we have new uprights [goal posts] and enough funding for a coach really speaks about our program,” said Adam Dudek ’09.
The long-lasting connections stem from the strong sense of camaraderie that exists within the club.
“Rugby was the first thing I did when I got on campus and that’s where I met all of my friends,” said former captain Ryan Colameo ’07.
Players said it is this bond that allows the rugby club to perpetuate itself.
“It’s great to be a part of. I’m just glad to keep it going and hopefully I can give back to the club and keep it going for another forty years,” said Colameo.
Berl Gottlieb, the fly half from the 1975 team, is a true upholder of the rugby tradition.
“I have a daughter who wants to come here. She’s a soccer player, but when her dad was here, he was in love with rugby. She’s going to want to play once she gets here.”