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KCRFC |
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– Brief History –
The K.C.R.F.C., in keeping with the general development of the game across the United States. Has registered steady progress in all directions. Undoubtedly, the most meaningful contribution to the local rugby firmament was the role played by the Club, very largely through the contacts of the President, Gerard Seymour, in bringing international rugby to the Kansas City area.
Founded in 1964 by Gerard B.A. Seymour, who finding himself with time on his hands, decided to bring much needed culture to this city of football and baseball. The vision at the time was to bring together a group of individuals who enjoyed mild exercise, and excessive drinking. This of course was typical the world over, except in New Zealand, where they cheated and decided the game was about winning.
The club prospered through the 60’s and 70’s with many memorable moments: champions of the Heart of America Rugby Tournament in 1969 and placing second in the years 72-75 and the Sunflower Tournament (Manhattan, KS) Champions 1974 and 1975. The 80’s were also a high point for the club, with success on the field but few records of.
Our highly auspicious inaugural baptism occurred in May 1971, when the White Raven R.F.C. in actuality the Dutch junior national XV), arrived from the Netherlands to play a series of matches hereabouts. The following year the Sanyo R.F.C. from Japan, made a memorable appearance. In 1973 the Mexico City R.F.C., graced us with their presence and in 1974 it was the turn of the Barrie R.F.C., from Ontario, Canada, to take the field here in the heartlands.
Thus, the early 70’s paved the way for the establishment of the present well known and recognized tradition of hospitality which has been evinced by the K.C.R.F.C. and other “Heart of America” clubs. As a direct result, we have attracted to our midst in the 80’s and 90’s a series of touring teams from Argentina, Ireland, Wales(3), Scotland (2), New Zealand (2), Canada, South Africa and Russia. It is naturally hoped that this trend will continue to remain a valued component of the rugby scene in this central part of the country.
Such tours have provided us with many residual bonuses in that the Club has been in the position to provide hospitality to several visiting players who have paid us the great compliment of wishing to remain in the area for an extended period of time. One such example is Tony Palmer, a Welshman from Port Talbot, who decided to continue his education at the University of Kansas, from which he graduated with a Ph. D. Tony made a most meaningful contribution as Club Coach fro 1994-1996, and so set in motion the upward trend in our performance on the field of play which has happily continued to this day.
The reverse but equally important segment of international rugby involvement is, of course, traveling outside of the United States and the Club has over the years, been fully active on the outward bound touring circuit also. Our very first sortie was a short trip to the Bahamas, in April 1973. The years 1982/85/88/93 & 96 saw the Club in action in the British Isles. All of the four “home” countries (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) were visited at on time or another. In 1990 we traveled to play the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Canada.
Apart of their contributions towards the initial organization and administration of rugby at the regional Union level, members of the Club have also been prominent in the higher echelons of the game. President Gerard Seymour was the Charter President of the Western Rugby Football Union of the United States as well as one of the original Charter Directors of the United States of America Rugby Football Union. Gene Roberts, a past President of our Club, has served as both President and Secretary of the U.S.A.R.F.U., Brian McCarthy was the Charter Secretary of the Western R.F.U. and Past President of the K.C.R.F.C., Randy Lionberger, was the Coach of the Junior Eagles squad for a number of years.
During the course of its history the Club has made many notable contributions to the game at the representative level. A number of our players have, over an extended period of time, been called to duty in the colors of the Heart of America R.F.U. “select side.” and in more recent times, several have been chosen to perform for the Western R.F.U Mustangs. Mark Dunning, is the latest to enjoy this honor – which was earned on his return from a 6 months sojourn across the Atlantic. Through the good offices of Tony Palmer, Mark was introduced to the senior club of Dunvant, which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. He lost little time in being promoted to the 1st XV and he held his place for the duration of his stay – indeed a very considerable accomplishment! Mark was also been called up to the Eagles tour of Scotland in 2000.
The greatest achievement by any Kansas City R.F.C. member, is the pinnacle reached by our past Captain (1988-1992) and Coach (2005) Andrew J. Dujakovich. Andy made no fewer than 27 appearances for the United States Eagles VII’s squad. He was selected during the years 1989 through 1993 and took the field on the under mentioned occasions:
Hong Kong 1989, 1992 & 1993
Sicily 1990 & 1991
Canberra 1993
Fiji 1993
Edinburgh 1993
(World Cup)
There have also been three U-19 Eagles on our roster in recent years. Jeremy Dick & Michael were members of the 2001 XV’s squad and Richard Bostic was a member of our countries 2003 U-19 program. In the early 90’s the Club become involved in coaching and assisting with the administration of High School Rugby. Three high school clubs are operating under the umbrella of our own organization. The Park Hill School has been conspicuously successful in local, territorial and national tournaments – thanks to the efforts made by Don Elliott, Rick Houghtlin and Gene Roberts. The rather younger programs Central high school and the Gentlemen of Olathe have made notable strides under the tutelage of Rich Hartke, Jim Shetlar, Wayne Nicholsen, Charles Usher and Michael Cox.
In the area of “officialdom” the Club has also made its mark. Jim Jeffers and Dennis Richard, members of long standing, have served in the capacity of Chairman of the Heart of America Referees’ Society. Chris Holloway has also taken up the whistle in recent years and all have been greatly honored to receive many invitations to officiate in tournaments all across the United States, in Canada as well as overseas.
The early 90’s witnessed the establishment of the Kansas City Rugby Foundation – mainly on the initiative of Dr. ‘Lew’ Alderman. This body, largely consisting of past playing (“alumni”) members, is specifically designed to raise funds to assist the Club in any number of ways. The Foundation now enjoys tax exempt (501 (c) 3) status and it has been particularly helpful in providing monies to underwrite the remuneration of top quality Coaches who have been lured to instruct on the local scene.
What of the future? A permanent clubhouse? Who knows?! However, the original Gerard Seymour/Roland Kolman objectives, the introduction and the subsequent solid entrenchment of the greatest of all sports, which hitherto had been unknown throughout the vast area of the country between the City of St. Louis and the State of California, hereabouts, with the countless genialities resulting therefrom, can most certainly be posted on the plus side of the ledger.
Therefore, regardless of what is in store in the days to come, be it player exchange programs with clubs from other countries, further recognition of our players by the Selection Committee of the United States Eagles, admission to the newly created Super League – or other varied occurrences enormously taxing to the imagination, it can truthfully be recorded that as we prepare to enter the Millennium, that we have traveled far and enjoyed much success.
Originally Composed – February 1998 with additions being added January 2003 & June 2006
From rough draft notes Complied June 1996
Gerard B. A. Seymour,
Lifetime President Emeritus |
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