Short history of USNA Rugby

In my notes, I have that Jim Sims, Col., USMC and a graduate, was part of the start of the team, as I believe he was stationed there in 1969-71. But what follows is a history that predates the late 60s....

From Frank Corah: "I found Prof. Buffum's history [see below after all the pictures] fascinating because those of us who had the privilege of playing in the sport he instigated at the academy had no idea of his struggle to make it happen. I can add some details and photos."

Team shot of the first "Exhibition Rugby Team" in 1963 which beat the Brits from Dartmouth June week of 63. Kneeling, L to R: Bob Friedrick, Judd Halenza, Jay Fyfe, Louis Adriasola (team captain from Chile), ???, and John aka JJ O’Dwyer, Standing, L to R: Lt. Paul Fournier, Frank Corah, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, Don Bonsper, Ron Bancroft, Prof. William Buffum, Paul Revak

Frank Corah contesting the ball against the Baltimore Rugby Club May 5, 1963. On the right giving chase is Bob Friedrick. We hung in there for the first half trailing by 10-5, but lost 28-5 when their superior kicking game wore us out.

Don Bonsper, number 40, in the same game with scrum half Judd Halenza trying to clear the ball. That year we also played the Washington Rugby Club on May 12, 1963 winning 23-3.

Sitting, L-R: Mr. Duckworth, ???, Frank Corah, ???, ???, ???, Judd Halenza, Bob Friedrick, and JJ O’Dwyer, Kneeling, L-R: ???, ???, ???, ???, Jay Fyfe, ???, ???, ???, ???, and ???, Standing, L-R: Lt. Paul Fournier, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, Ron Bancroft, Don Bonsper, Lt, Paul Revak, and Prof. William Buffum

Spring 1965 and NEW uniforms; Kneeling, L-R: JJ O’Dwyer, Jay Fyfe, ???, Judd Halenza, ???, Bob Friedrick, and ???, Standing, L-R: Lt. Paul Fournier, Prof. William Buffum, Frank Corah, ???, Ron Bancroft, ???, ???, Bruce Davidson, ???, Don Bonsper, and Lt. Paul Revak.

Sitting, L-R: Jay Fyfe, ???, Bob Friedrick, (maybe) Bill Erickson, JJ O’Dwyer, ???, and ???, Kneeling, L-R: Judd Halenza, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, and ???, Standing, L-R: Prof. William Buffum, Dee Burrows, Bruce Davidson, Ron Bancroft, (maybe) Dick Piatt, ??? (maybe Sted Garber), ??? (maybe Tim Kelly), ???, ???, ???, ???, and ???

# 10 Bonsper, #2 Frank Corah, At the back of the lineout is Ron Bancroft

#10 looks like Bonsper, Corah is to the far right, and Halenza is heeling the ball from the ruck. #3 in the ruck looks like it may be Jay Fyfe and at the opposite side of the ruck in the picture, with the white tape around his head, is Bruce Davidson (in an offside position-smile)

#10 is Don Bonsper, Frank Corah is to the right, Judd Halenza kicking at the ball