Navy Rugby Alumni Association News
Dale Lawson ‘69 leaves a Legacy to the Rugby Excellence Fund: “The height of a blue heron, The heart of a blue whale . Bravo Zulu Brother” Stan Antrim ‘69, teammate for life
2026 5th Annual Army Navy Rugby “Honors” Alumni Match was played Saturday, March 28th at Stan’s Farm (22006 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie VA 20105).
Capitol visit, comradery, Match, combined match vs Roosters, more socializing, and visit to Arlington. If you didn’t make it, you missed something very special.
On Friday March 27, a group from Army and Navy travelled to the Longworth building and met up at the office of the Honorable Richard “Smooth” McCormick, GA-7. Congressman McCormick is a Marine Corps Helo Pilot, ER Doctor, American Gladiator, and most of all, Rugby Player. Smooth was kind enough to set up a personal tour of the Capitol. We traveled from the Longworth HOB, through the ‘infamous’ tunnel and to the Capitol. The tour was great and we got to see many interesting sights. Thanks Congressman to you and your staff.
Saturday March 28, started off as a cold morning, but Saturday is a Rugby Day. The alumni met at the pitch at Stan's farm in Aldie, VA around 1000 and we started counting players. As usual, we were a little short in the 50+ arena and lacked subs. Army was short also and with that, we took the pitch for the first 30 minute half. Almost everyone played the full 30 minutes. At the end of the first half, it was Army 10 Navy 5. We switched to true Old boys, 35+. The younger lads came in and took care of business. Supported by several of the older alums, the younger lads proved too much for Army. Final score after 60 minutes of play Navy 26 Army 22. After both teams sang our alma maters, the players who were still standing without a beer in their hands combined to form an Army/Navy side to play against the home team, the Roosters. After beating on each other in the first match, the lads played as a team and showed the Roosters how the military plays rugby. The alums did a great job and really showed some great teamwork. After the match, everyone enjoyed a great pitch-side gourmet meal cooked by Stan’s personal chefs. The food was absolutely fantastic. Stan, who happens to be a capped Frenchman, extended an invitation to host the match again next year. After the match, both sides traveled to the Lark Brewing Co to continue the comradery of the weekend. We socialized, ate, drank, and enjoyed passing stories and trading barbs. It was a great time.
Sunday morning, March 29, a group met at Arlington and traveled to the gravesites of several of the fallen of both Army and Navy. As always, it was a humbling experience. If you have not visited Arlington, I urge you to go. We have many of our ruggers there and they should not be forgotten. As I mentioned in the Signal Post, but for the grace of God, it could have been any one of us. Never forget. As always, this was a great event and great weekend. I want to thank everyone who came out and participated. We had players, spectators, supporters, and parents. Hopefully, next year we can get more people out to continue this tradition.
With you,
Migs '85
NOTES FROM RUGBY ALUMNI PRESIDENT MAY 8, 2026
Bottom Line Up Front: Closing out Q1 CY26, we strengthened routine communications, executed targeted engagement efforts, and maintained positive fundraising momentum. The primary opportunity remains converting strong engagement into predictable recurring support and sustained volunteer capacity. As we roll into the summer months, attendance and engagement wane due to family commitments and travel. In August things pick back up as HALL OF FAME nominations, our ANNUAL DINNER, the FALL SEASON come into view. We need next level drivers if we want next level results. Hope to see some of you decide now is the time to step up and grab one of these gapped billets.
Where We Are Headed
Success criteria for CY26
To consider 2026 a successful year for program growth and NRAA execution, we will continue to focus on the following measurable outcomes:
Meet our minimum target of 400k per/yr OPEX
Increase the Rugby Excellence Fund (REF) 10% YOY ACTION TO YOU
Build the Coaches Fund 7% YOY ACTION TO YOU
Provide absolute clarity on our fundraising priorities
Increase our Alumni base by 5% YOY ACTION TO YOU
Nominate a clear target for each Giving event (Class Challenge, Annual Dinner, Giving TUES, etc.) ACTION TO YOU
Drive more engagement opportunities for MIDN-Alumni ACTION TO YOU
Energize more Volunteers to support NRAA ACTION TO YOU
Key execution risks that continue to constrain growth
Volunteers for key positions inside NRAA
Women Alum participation ACTION TO YOU
Interest in monthly NRAA calls ACTION TO YOU
Creating a community engagement strategy that pulls in events organized by geography to support away matches as well as galvanize our alumni base outside of Annapolis. ACTION TO YOU
Regional engagement & collaboration ACTION TO YOU
Key Metrics & Highlights
Membership count was largely flat quarter-over-quarter; retention remains strong (96%); we have stability but need to accelerate new member growth.
Email engagement remains well above typical benchmarks; strong path to convert engagement into recurring giving and volunteer participation.
Priority initiatives (Rugby House, Alumni Directory, Class Captains) are advancing and represent the clearest near-term opportunities to expand the alumni base and improve fundraising trajectory.
Management focus areas for the next quarter
100k target per quarter goal for 400K annual OPEX.
Clarity of purpose and mission for Fundraising.
Tie-in to NAAA for NRAA admin & operations.
Campaign objectives, facility capital improvements, and adding experienced capacity to men’s and women’s program staff.
Develop and invest in AD + COS + Assoc AD relationship to create support and energize interest in program.
Gapped Billets
NRAA Social Media Chair- Time: Moderate (steady) — keep a consistent weekly posting rhythm. Share alumni/program updates that support NRAA priorities and engagement. Promote events and fundraising campaigns in coordination with NRAA leads. Provide quick updates/results (reach, clicks, engagement) to NRAA leadership
NRAA Secretary- Time: Low (steady) — capture notes and send concise meeting summaries. Take minutes / key decisions / action items and distribute to the group. Keep basic records organized and accessible for continuity. Support clear communications that help Officers/committees execute NRAA work.
NRAA Fundraising Lead (Mike L stepping down)- Time: Seasonal (spikes) — heavier around major campaigns and recognition cycles. Coordinate fundraising efforts and opportunities that support NRAA goals. Organize volunteers/timelines for campaigns and donor outreach. Share simple progress updates and results to NRAA leadership/Board rhythm.
NRAA Event Chair- Time: Seasonal (spikes) — planning bursts leading into key events. Plan and execute events that strengthen alumni connection and participation. Coordinate logistics, volunteers, and run-of-show for event day execution. Partner with Comms/Social and Fundraising to promote and maximize impact.
With you & Vr, Pat
2026 NRAA Rugby Hall of Fame
Navy Rugby Alumni,
The NRAA Hall Of Fame Board is soliciting nominations for induction into the NRAA HOF at the 2026 “With You”/ HOF dinner on 23 October 2026 at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in the N* Room. Nomination forms for players, teams, coaches, supporters, and In Memoriam individuals are available in the Hall of Fame section of this Navy Rugby Alumni website and via the link buttons here. Rugby is unique in that individual statistics are not tracked. Please use the written summary section of the form to help differentiate your candidate/team from others. Help us add deserving members to the already distinguished 58 HOF inductees.
Mission of the NRAA Rugby Hall of Fame
Honor individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to United States Naval Academy Rugby and to educate the public regarding the development and growth of Service Academy rugby as an important part of the warrior culture fostered at USNA, contributing to promotion of the positive values of teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 31 MAY 2026
Email your nomination form or ask a question by clicking here
If you are interested in being involved with the HOF committee, please reach out to me individually here or find me on LinkedIn. Thanks for your time.
Cheers- Rob Sinram '97, NRAA HOF Chairman
-Trajectory Bending Moves
Ruggers past and present,
Since the formation of NRAA, I have been especially grateful to contribute to the development of our Alumni Association and our Navy Rugby program. I am beyond humbled by the opportunity to be your President and build on the exceptional progress we've made thus far. Further, we are anxious to see what we can do with strong numbers and more involvement. To that end, with the authority, responsibility, and accountability that comes with leading this team, we will endeavor to make you proud. More specifically, we will be laser focused on 3 strategic interests
1) Building our Alumni Membership and Network. Remember? The Might of The Chain
2) Leveraging our Capacity to Contribute. Remember? "With You"
3) Unlocking our Philanthropic Potential. Remember? Strength in Numbers...
All of us are stronger than one of us. To these endeavors we commit ourselves, and by doing so, we commit ourselves to the men and women of Navy Rugby...yesterday, today, and tomorrow. With you & Vr, NRAA President
-2025 “With You” Dinner Message to USNA Rugby Alumni
NRAA Recognizes Mr. Chet Gladchuk, USNA Athletic Director 2001-2025, with inductuction into the Navy Rugby Hall of Fame.
Mr. Chet Gladchuk, originally from Massachusetts, lettered in football at Boston College University, graduated with honors and subsequently earned a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Mr. Gladchuk took over as the USNA Athletic Director (AD) in 2001 after tenures as AD at Tulane, Boston College and the University of Houston. Mr. Gladchuk’s 24 year tenure at Navy took Navy sports to new heights at both the varsity and club sports levels. His many accomplishments included: adding 6 varsity sports (including rugby) bringing the total to 36 varsity sports which tied for the most at any FBS university; helped transition Navy football to the American Athletic Conference in 2015; Navy athletic dominance in the Patriot League winning 10 consecutive President’s Cup titles and consistently finishing either first or second for 17 years; dominated the N-Star rivalry with Army winning the series 21 times in 23 years. Mr. Gladchuk’s exceptional leadership and dedication to college athletics has ben nationally recognized as the recipient of the John L. Toner Award from the National Football Foundation for outstanding dedication to college athletics, and the Bobby Dodd Athletic Director of the Year Award. Through his support and partnership with the Navy Rugby Alumni Association and hiring a world class Navy Rugby coaching staff, the vision of a prominent dedicated rugby facility became a reality as the Prusmack Rugby Complex opened in 2016. Additionally, Mr. Gladchuk recognized the outstanding contributions that both the men’s and women’s Navy Rugby teams make in supporting the Naval Academy’s mission “to graduate leaders dedicated to a career of naval service with the potential for future development to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government”. Mr. Gladchuk established the framework for men’s and women’s Navy Rugby to become varsity sports and was present when Navy won the men’s 2023 National Championship in it’s first year as a varsity program!
-NRAA Legacy Leaders:
This is the first salvo of many that we hope will build a connection with our scholar warriors headed to the FLEET. Dennis Volpe ('96), Executive Performance and Transition Coach, Severn River Leadership Group, LLC, a rugger skilled in the art of executive coaching and professional development, has volunteered to lead our Legacy Leaders Program. As you may recall, we've recently established this program as a vehicle to (1) Create and sustain a connection with graduating Firsties and rising Midn to mentor and develop our rising leaders; and (2) Connect Alumni to Alumni for professional support, mentoring, and networking. Jack McAuliffe ('15) will be assisting Dennis in this endeavor. The initial moves relate to our Class of 2025 service selectees and how we'll do more to connect with them ahead of joining the FLEET.
With you & Vr, NRAA President
-Class Captains: NRAA Class Representative Program:
Greetings All - Rick "Pokey" Keller, class of 81' coordinating our Class Captain efforts as we look to take the next steps toward continued Navy Rugby Excellence. I am reaching out to men and women Navy Rugby Alumni asking for volunteers to act as the "Class Captain" for your class. We are looking for someone in each class to help rekindle the enthusiasm we all had as classmates/teammates and use that to get behind our current Navy Rugby programs. As the Class Captain you will be a conduit to your classmates amplifying messaging, helping ensure that we have as complete a roster of alumni as possible, and tailoring information to your class and their particular situations among other things. Contact me direct with questions if needed: pokey.keller@gmail.com / 256-558-0235
CLASS CAPTAIN LINK UP SUMMARY - 27 May 2025
-Highlighted the role Class Captains play in ensuring that each class roster is complete and up to date and that Class Captains are the focal point for class involvement in supporting Navy Rugby across the board (Fundraising, volunteering, general support, etc.).
-Emphasized that NRAA is for all Navy Rugby - both Men's and Women's - and a strong point for us... Mentioned plans for recognizing Women's program founding anniversary at this years HoF dinner.
-Shared NRAA Vision documents for our support to Navy Rugby and continued growth of the Alumni Association.
With you and VR, Pokey ‘81
UPDATE (4/11/2025): Still need Class Captain volunteers for the following classes/teams, Thanks!:
Men's - ‘67, ‘68, ‘72, ‘73, ‘04, ‘08,
Women's - ‘02, ‘05, ‘06, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘17, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24, ‘25
Sincere Appreciation to those that have volunteered: BEAT ARMY!
1963-Ernest Blake 1964-Ernest Blake 1965-John Fyfe 1966-Andre Simonpietri 1967- 1968- 1969-Thomas Meteer
1970-Michael Knudsen 1971-John Cherry 1972- 1973- 1974-Rusty Kollmorgen 1975-Michael Langley 1976-Frederick Yarger
1977-Jim Bethmann 1978-John Wissler 1979-Peter Long 1980-Richard Carlquist 1981-John Burke 1981-Patrick Keller
1982-Matthew Aylward 1983-Mike Coughlin 1984-Randy King 1985-Marty Migliori 1986-JT Young 1987-Joe Buenavista
1988-Bob Strong 1989-Rob Cassady 1990-Rob Garretson 1991-Christian Bonat 1992-John Tarzon 1993-Brandon Lewis
1994-Jason Hedberg 1995-Daniel Morris 1996M-Sean Donovan 1996W- Jen Goddard 1997 M-Daniel Freedman
1997W-Nikki Peoples 1998M-John Maguire 1998W-Ashley Sullivan 1999M-Pat O'Mahoney 1999W-Sarah Jansen
2000M-Devin Smiley 2000W-Lindsay Hawkins 2001M-Seth Stegmaier 2001W-Kathy Borkoski 2002M-Rob Stimis 2002W- 2003M-Ryan Curry 2003W-Aileen Kenney 2004M- 2004W-Bridget Seymour 2005M-Nick Ralston 2005W- 2006M-Mac Marrone 2006W- 2007M-Lindsay Blake 2007W-Catherine Long 2008M- 2008W-Sasha Frankhouser 2009M-Patrick Wheatley
2009W-Marianne Carlson 2010M-Kyle Millerd 2010W-Danielle Cicuto 2011M-Sean Rohrs 2011W-Jennifer Sandifer
2012M-Michael Bressler 2012W- 2013M-Matthew Kelley 2013W 2014M-Broderick Neel-Feller 2014W- 2015M-John McAuliffe 2015W-Hailey Brunette 2016M-Henry Dewing 2016W-Samantha Casey 2017M-Jake Martin 2017W- 2018M-Gardy Lebon
2018 M-Ben Johnston 2018W-Liz Pitman 2019M-Cole Euverard 2019W-Sidney Knipple 2020M-Bo Kendrick-Holmes
2020W-Robyn Roper 2021M-Dallas Elliston 2021W-Kayla Ann Eshleman 2022M-Eddie Howell 2022W- 2023M-Connor Bradisch 2023W- 2024M-James Downing 2024W- 2025M-Ryan Hotaling 2025W-
-US Naval Academy Letter Winners Association: Honoring all varsity and club athletes:
If you played A or B side rugby before USNA issued letters/sweaters or need a replacement here is the link to the Navy Lettermen's Association to obtain one. The Letter Winners Association is working hard to finalize our rosters but needs input from the class captains in some cases. From the website:
Lost or Damaged Letter Sweater? No Problem!
The Navy Letterwinners Association is happy to offer a letter sweater replacement program for verified letterwinners. For more information, visit our letter sweater page on our website at the link below.
Be ready to show off your letter sweater at your next alumni gathering!
-A great podcast interview with Coach Gavin Hickie, Director of Navy Rugby, covering rugby life at Navy, the legacy of the program, training techniques, and the road ahead!
NAVY RUGBY 2025-2026
-Navy Men’s Rugby 2025-2026: 11-2
-5/2/2026 Navy falls to Cal, 22-35, in D1A National Championship game
-10/25/2025 Navy Wins it’s 4th straight Rugby East title
-Navy Women’s Rugby 2025 (15’s) 4-5
2026 (7’s) 14-5
(Go to our website Links page and select Navy Sports for the latest information on Men’s and Women’s Navy Rugby schedules, rosters and news!! Go Navy Ruggers!)
Navy Rugby National Powers
(Reference: Wikipedia-
Men’s National Invitational Tournament (1972-1979) : 1972 2nd
Men’s USA Rugby D1A National Collegiate Championship Tournament (4 team final bracket) : 1980 4th; 1983 3rd; 1994 2nd; 1996 4th; 1998 3rd; 1999 3rd; 2001 3rd; 2004 3rd; 2005 3rd; 2007 3rd; 2023 1st; 2024 2nd, 2026 2nd
Women’s USA Rugby Div 1 Club National Collegiate Championship Tournament: 2019 (fall) 2nd; 2022 (fall) 1st ; 2023 (fall) 1st
This is now the Navy Rugby Alumni Association website.
Rugby players interested in attending the Naval Academy and playing varsity rugby, please visit the Naval Academy Athletics websites below for detailed team, schedule and recruit information.
THANK YOU TO OUR VARSITY PROGRAM DONORS!
In special recognition of those donors who supported the final varsity rugby campaign between August 1st, 2021 and March 15th, 2022. Click the DONOR button to view the individuals that supported this effort.