Below is a listing of the full, mostly unedited interviews produced by Chris Galvin ’72 for the 50th Anniversary commemorative DVDs. They include all of the interesting FURFC history and stories that did not fit into the final 50th DVD set. The interviewees did a great job of representing hundreds of Red Ruggers, all part of a rich history and tradition we can savor with pride. Thank you, Chris!
Chris Knauf '95
Chris Knauf ’95, for the FURFC 50th Anniversary, remembers tours & tourneys, playing Army as cadets jumped out of a helicopter, selections, & the real story of how the women’s team got started. (12:01 minutes)
Brian Duffell and George Hemmer III share Fairfield Rugby stories from the 90's
Brian Duffell ’97 and George P. Hemmer III ’98 reflect back for FURFC’s 50th Anniversary and remember an undefeated season, the Grauert Field controversy, a protest practice on Bellarmine Lawn and other highlights. (19:53 minutes)
Kirsten Powers '97, Amy Shanle '97, and Laura McHugh '99
Kirsten Powers, Amy Shanle & Laura McHugh, members of the first Fairfield University Women’s Rugby team, discuss learning a new game, the challenges of being the first team, and always winning the social competition after the games. (26:31 minutes)
The O'Connor Family
Tom O’Connor ’75, wife Mary Lou, and daughter Colleen Kelleher ’09 are interviewed. Colleen recalls her first tackle and playing on the women’s team, Tom looks back on playing with his son in a game together and coaching the FU men’s team, and Mary Lou fondly recalls PID and her role as the team’s “den mother”. (12:10 minutes)
George P. Hemmer, Jr. '71 and George P. Hemmer III '98
Two generations of Hemmers, George P. Jr. ’71 and George P. III ’98 recall the undefeated ’98 team, tours overseas, the Grauert Field controversy and which of the two was better. (29:20 minutes)
Dave Smith '00, Pat Boyle '00, and Rob Stano '00
Dave Smith, Pat Boyle, & Rob Stano (Sparky, Poky and Elmer) recall how rugby helped in their careers, how their late coach Sean Lagano (9/11) inspired them, how they handled the Field Controversy and witnessed 2 wise-guy Prep footballers get their clocks cleaned. (25:39 minutes)
Colleen Grinnell (Paull) '00
Colleen Grinnell (Paull) ’00 interview for FURFC 50th Anniversary, recalling early women’s history, beach games, their early uniforms and unique rugby patch, as well as library cocktails and the president’s toilet. (12:09 minutes)