Still don't like no mellow :) !
Hall of Fame Members
2004
Chuck Rappazzo
2005
Timmy Walsh
2009
Wences Rodriguez
Andy Lee
John Durant
Chuck Rappazzo, inducted in 2004
was a captain, player coach and
asst coach for UAlbany Rugby. Chuck was pound for pound the best rugby player Albany has
produced. Chuck combined defensive tenacity with explosive offense. He utilized his speed
and quickness to raise a whole lot of havoc on the opposition. His off field antics and
leadership are legendary.
Chuck went on to play for, and captain,the Albany Knickerbocker Rugby Club. He was named
to the Knick's "25 Players of All Time" Club. As a coach at UAlbany, he was responsible
for teaching much of the offensive schemes we still run today. His vision and on field
presence was and still is felt today.
Timmy Walsh, inducted 2005,
captained and led UAlbany as a scrum half out of famed Xavier High School in NYC. Timmy used his tough, gritty style to lead the Danes on and off the field.
Timmy's rugby resume includes winning a national high school championship as a player and asst. coach at Xavier, captained the New York Rugby Club and played various levels of select side. Timmy currently is an asst rugby coach at his alma mater Xaveir High School.
Wences Rodriguez, inducted in 2009
Wences was a hard nosed rugby player who was nearly unstoppable near the opponents try line. His play
on offense and defense led the way for the mid 70's version of "Albany State" Rugby. Wences went on to play for the
Albany Knickerbocker Rugby Club.
Andy Lee, inducted 2009,
Andy put the razzle in razzle dazzle. A frustrated UAlbany Football offensive lineman in a runninng backs body, Andy made the
transistion to center on the rugby squad with ease and enthusiasm. Andy would later take on the scrum half posistion and played for some 20 years with
the Albany Knickerbocker Rugby Club.
John Durant, inducted in 2009
was a captain, player and
is currently the coach for UAlbany Rugby. John was a fullback on UAlbany's gridiron squad who made the transistion to
the gentlemen's game during the spring seasons. Run to face, not space, exemplified his no nonsense style of play. John went on
to captain the Albany Knickerbocker RFC. He is currently in his 25th season as head coach.
Outstanding Rugby Alumni
Steve Shoen, recognized 2006
Steve entered the University at Albany Athletics Hall of Fame on October 20,2006.
Steve inducted as a standout football player
but also excelled in rugby. Steve was a hard nosed, athletic prop for the Great Danes.
Steve played rugby all over the globe as a career
Navy officer. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Shoen was the Commanding Officer of the USS Avenger.
He retired from the United States Navy with the rank of Commander and currently works as a
Senior Civilian Superintendent.