Short history of USNA Rugby

From Frank Corah: I found Prof. Buffam's history (see below) 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.

The first photo is a team shot of the first "Exhibition Rugby Team" in 1963 which beat the Brits from Dartmouth June week of 63. On the left is Lt. Fournier and on the right are Prof. Buffam and Lt. Paul Revak. Team captain Louis Adriesola from Chili is kneeling above the ball in the front row. I wrote the names on the back of the photo in 63 so I hope they are accurate. Lt. Revak, who was great fun to scrimmage with, was killed in a F-8 accident in May 1965 flying with VU-10 in Gitmo. Ironically, I also flew the F-8 after graduation, and got over 1,500 hours in it.

The second picture is an action shot of me 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.

The next photo shows 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.

The next team photo also has Mr. Duckworth at the front row left. The last photo was from the Spring of 65 and show our "new" uniforms.