Life Rugby Alumni

From Bobby Gise – LASTING PURPOSE!

Hey Guys,

It was once again a great weekend in Ft. Lauderdale.  Very powerful, as usual, for Chiropractic with three first place trophies and one second place, all in the name of Chiropractic.  Equally powerful for all of us who could attend and experience the camaraderie that we have all developed.  For those that could not attend, all I can say is that we missed you.  As great as these reunions are there exists a void for every one of you that have not been able to make it that could only be filled by your presence. 
 
Once again for me, it was as if time stood still.  Reuniting with old and new brothers somehow seems to create an almost magical effect that elevates the soul.  Somehow that bond we formed back in our playing days seems to have transcended time and also connects us with those players who were before and after our time.  The genuine feeling of a true brotherhood never ceases to amaze me.
 
We have over the past 30 years built a great Rugby program.  Although our program has benefited immensely by our supporters, the main reason why we can boast is because of the blood, sweat, and sacrifices that you, my fellow alumni have made through the years.  In other words, this is our baby, and for that reason alone it is we that must secure its future.  Nobody has invested what we have, so I am asking you to put two things on your to-do list.  First, plan to come to Ft. Lauderdale and join in the celebration of brotherhood, the brotherhood that you created, and second to become a monthly donator to the existing program. 
 
By giving back in a lasting purpose fashion, we can ensure that our program will impact both American Rugby, and more importantly, people’s understanding and eventual usage of Chiropractic.  We have in our hands the ability to shape the future.  Let us, the Life Rugby Brotherhood, take advantage of it.
 
Already the Life program has received unprecedented recognition; such as, ESPN live coverage of the 2009 Super League Championship, and the more recent article on the Life Rugby Program in the NY Times.  The future with our support can be so much more promising.  Dr. David Palmer, in 1960, envisioned when he started Rugby at Palmer, that it would be the vehicle to which Chiropractic would reach the world.  Dr. Sid, in 1980, saw that vision.  Now we can ensure that they were both correct.
 
Our goal is to have 200 Alumni giving $50 per month donations.  If I had to I could find the blood and sweat of at least 200 fellow Life Rugby mates on the Life Pitch.  So why not continue the job we started by coming together in a display of unity that our profession has never seen.  If $50 is too much, then give whatever you can because the most important thing is that we deliver the message.  This is the same message that Team Chiropractic has sought to deliver these past two years.  Together as one we are so much more powerful than we are apart. 

There was an apparent magical moment Saturday evening when both Dr Sid, the old guard, and Dr Riekeman, the new guard, unified together around the principle of Lasting Purpose.  They both presented their rendition as to the role Lasting Purpose played in the success of the Life Rugby Program, On a personal note it was comforting to me to see them both acknowledge each others place in our Life Rugby Family.  Once again the coming together idea seems to shine.

One more thing…it has been suggested that we tithe our first month’s donation to Michael Jones, the player seriously injured this past weekend.  This would follow the lead of Coach Dan Payne’s decision to give the $2000 tournament prize money to Jonesy and his family.  None of us can imagine the challenges that face Michael and his family; however, we can take a small amount of comfort in knowing that our actions could relieve their burden if just a little bit.
 
Your Life Rugby Brother,
Bobby Gise

TONY DAVIS MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND, INC.

 Tony Davis was a student athlete that was attending Life University, in Marietta, Georgia. In August, 1996 Tony played with the Life Rugby team at the Sevens National Championships in Conshohocken, PA. Tony was a major contributor to the Life performance that weekend, where Life eventually lost in later rounds to the eventual National Champions, NOVA. Tony’s performance was highly regarded by the USA Eagles Team Scouts, enough for them to invite Tony to the Eagles 15’s camp. Tony was under the weather with what everyone thought was the flu throughout this tournament. This continued for some time, he underwent testing and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around Thanksgiving of 1996. Tony underwent aggressive treatment for his cancer. Even then Tony would come out to the Rugby field briefly to watch part of a match and say hello to his teammates. Tony Davis passed away in March of 1997.

Tony Davis was a model student, committed athlete, dedicated teammate and exceptionally nice guy. He worked in the school gym and was always helping teammates push themselves and reach higher goals. Tony also proudly served in the US Army during the first Gulf War. To many of those who knew Tony, he was a source of inspiration. Even today there is a picture of Tony Davis mounted above the door when leaving the Locker room at the Life stadium.  

Several teammates wanted to do something in honor and memory of their fallen teammate. These teammates decided to set up an endowment fund in Tony Davis’ name to help promote the sport of rugby and the rugby club that Tony loved so much. 

 The Tony Davis Memorial Endowment Fund, Inc. was set up on February 12, 2002. A federal tax ID number was applied for and received.

 Unfortunately there was very little follow up on using this fund at that time and this fund sat idle for the next seven years. This explains why there was no income or expenses in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

 In 2009, team members decided to reactivate the Tony Davis Memorial Endowment Fund, Inc. and to use it for its original purpose.

 The specific purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized and shall be operated are:

 To preserve the integrity of the rugby club of Life University and to foster the relationship between students and alumni of the Life University Rugby Club;

1. To provide financial support for an amateur rugby team, the Life University Rugby Club, as it travels and competes in regular season amateur rugby;
2. To provide the financial support necessary to host visiting international and national rugby teams and to allow the Life University Rugby Team to compete on a national and international level;
3. To educate players and the general public in the sport of rugby football;
4. To inspire the strong traditions of fair play and good sportsmanship of rugby football and to in all ways possible provide opportunities for its unique athletic, social and cultural exchanges.

 There will be no pay or compensation to the Board Members or Directors of this fund. Most of the activity of this fund will be directly done by the Board Members. There will be no paid employees of this fund. There will be no facilities or assets owned or leased by this fund.

 Funding for this fund will come from the general public. This will include donations from businesses, individuals, and hopefully from several of the alumni of the Life University Rugby Club. These donations will come from email and telephone solicitations to these alumni and other known supporters of the game of rugby.

There are alumni and supporters that may be called for donations that may be from any of the fifty United States. There are also alumni from Canada, Australia, South Africa, England, Italy, Scotland, Belgium, and New Zealand that may be willing to make donations to this fund.  

 As mentioned above, one of the main focuses of this fund is to preserve the integrity of the amateur rugby club of Life University. It is anticipated that the main expense of this fund will be to help support the Life Rugby Club in their travel expenses during competition. Other expenses of the fund will include providing the Life Rugby club and other amateur rugby clubs with funds to help these clubs in their day to day operations and expenses that are a must to compete in their respective leagues.

 Meetings of the board members will be held quarterly. Daily operations of the fund will be carried out by the board members.

 The present Board Members are:

            President:                     Wally A. Lester

            Vice President:             Pasquale Calcagno

            Secretary/Treasurer:     David P. Eugster

 I hope this answers any questions you may have about this Fund and its purpose. If you do have any further questions, please feel free to contact David Eugster at 608-833-7080.

 Sincerely yours,

 David P. Eugster, DC

 Secretary/ Treasurer

Some Shared Stories about Tony Davis

Sent: Thu, 28 May 2009 6:03 pm
Subject: Tony Davis – From Coach Mel Smith

Doc,

I am pleased to hear that an endowment fund is being set up in Tony’s name, I assume you have contacted his parents to inform them. I know they will be very proud that his name will live on in this way.

Tony was diagnosed at his home during the Christmas holidays of 1996. He returned to Atlanta in January 1997 and passed away in March 1997. Britt Howard and I arrived at the hospital on that day, but he had just passed on. We went in to see him and give our final good byes.

Tony made his first appearance in uniform for Life Rugby on Monday 18th, September 1995, against Bristol University, UK. Bristol’s number 10 that day happened to be Alex King who went on to play for the Wasps and England. Tony was a replacement that day, Life 35 Bristol 24.

Tony made his 1st team debut on Saturday 23rd September against Boulder in Aspen, Colorado, Life 13 Boulder 0. The team that day was:

15. Grant Butterworth
14. Tony Davis
13. Brian Geraghty
12. Brian Watson
11. Paul McCartney
10. John Garrigan
  9. Tom Liddle
  8. Brad Nelson – Captain
  7. Greg Shor
  6. Scott Littlejohn
  5. Storm Singleton
  4. Phil Dembowski
  3. John Connery
  2. Nick Digeralamo
  1. Pat Calcagno

Tony represented Life Rugby in 12 games in total, playing Wing in 8 games and Full Back in 4 games. His final XV game was at Life on Saturday 18th May 1996. As you know he played 7′s during the summer of that year.

Thought you may like this additional information.

                      Best wishes always!

                           Mel Smith.

From Paul McCartney ‘Rock’

I will send this to you as I want to give you more details on Tony.  When Tony entered school I was the 1^st 15 wing.  Tony played behind me and I was honored to help him learn the game at a different level.  He had blazing speed and had a knack to be were the ball was going to be.  That is what made him such a good player.  I formed a bond with Tony that I had never formed with any other player.  In fact he was the person to introduce me to Samuel Adams Cherry Brew.  Every time I see that brand I think of Tony.  He was like a little brother to me.  I was happy to pass the torch unto him. 

When he was sick I had already moved to Austin.  I called him a few times and he seemed embarrassed that he was sick.  In fact there were times that he wouldn’t take my phone calls because (I believe) he was frustrated that he couldn’t beat his illness.  I even flew back to Atlanta to visit him in the hospital but he had just been released.  I had thought he was recovering, only to find out he passed a few weeks later.  I have a memorial plaque for him in my office.

And, just to set the record straight, I was on the team that went to the 7’s national championships.  In our opening game we played OMBAC and lost 20-19.  The last play of the game Richard Tardis ran over a guy and had me and Tony on his outside with one player to beat.  The referee called a penalty on Tardis for “rough play”.  (Imagine that, calling the Eagle captain for rough play in 7’s).  I have no doubt in my mind that we would have scored and won that game.  It would have made a huge difference in the outcome.  Losing the first game pretty much took us out of contention.  OMBAC went on to win.  It was at this tournament that Tony was noticed by the Eagle program.  We went on to win three and lost our final match against Washington.

Anyhow I wanted to pass this on to you.  I really appreciate all you have done to re-create our family and to continue to push us to remain close and vested.  Your efforts will not be forgotten. 

See you in Colorado,

Rock – Paul McCartney

Sent: Thu, 28 May 2009 9:30 am
Subject: RE: You should be proud. Please Read.

From Keith Warde

In the Tony Davis description, there are some factual errors and some missed points on Tony.

Tony died in 1997. Life entered the sevens national championships in Conshohocken (Spelling)?, PA in August of 1996. Tony was a major contributor to the Life performance, where Life eventually lost in later rounds to eventual National Champions, NOVA. His performance was highly regarded enough for him to get a call up for the Eagles 15’s camp. He was under the weather with what we all thought was the flu throughout this tournament. This continued for some time, he underwent testing and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around Thanksgiving of 1996 He underwent aggressive treatment and came out to the field a couple of times, briefly to watch part of a match and say hello. He passed in March of 1997.

Tony Davis was a model student, committed athlete, dedicated teammate and exceptionally nice guy. He worked in the school gym and was always helping teammates push themselves and reach higher goals. He also proudly served in the US Army during the first Gulf War. To many of us that knew him he was a source of inspiration and for the remaining years that I was At Life we had his Picture mounted above the door when leaving the Locker room at the stadium.

We had 16 players starting every match, and I distinctly remember looking up at his photo before playing in a match against Ombac in 1998. We had a barnstormer of a match as a team.

Cheers,

Keith Warde 98

Sent: Fri, 29 May 2009 9:59 am
Subject: RE: From: Dr. Rock – Re: Tony Davis

To add some more….

When we decided to make a run for the 7s National Championship that year it was with one qualifying 7s tournament left and almost 0 prep time.  We were actually on break from school and the 15s season had just ended.  Led by Britt Howard and Boner we drove down to Tampa FL in July with 7 guys.  One was a kid named Pear that played rugby for my high school and just graduated.  We had a great tournament and thanks to Tony smoked the competition.  It was so hot we would put our heads in the cooler to cool down after games.  Another side note was Eric “Buzzsaw” Backhouse was so hung-over he couldn’t eat the whole day.  I remember Britty chewing his ass off all day long.  Britty yelled at him so much he gave me a headache.  Buzzsaw came through though.  On the last play of the semi-final game Pear separated his SC joint.  He literally couldn’t lift his arm.  We should have changed his name to Cool Hand Luke because from then on he was a bluff.  I think Boner told him that anytime his opposition got the ball he should run at him and yell.  Like what you would do to scare a bear in the woods.  It was not until late in the 2nd half before the other team in the finals realized he couldn’t tackle anyone!  We won the game…Tony was all over the place.  He was our burner…no doubt about it.  Tony won MVP of that tournament.  It was funny seeing him accept the award because he was such a humble guy.   There is no better feeling than winning with your boys.  I have some pictures I will try and scan and email out. 

Sad part is a year later when we ramped up to go back to the 7s national championship we were playing in memory of Tony.  Life is short and there are very few opportunities to win a tournament, a league title or a national championship. 

Hope everyone is well.  Good luck to the boys in CO. 

Brucey – Mike Bruce

Subject: Instructions for Donating to Mike Jones Fund
   
We have  linked up paypal to allow all donations to Mike Jones to be collected into 1 spot. 
We will collect donations via Paypal until 3/31/2010  at which time we will cut a check from Team Chiropractic to Mike Jones.

Already Dan Payne has donated the tournament winnings from the Premier Division of $2,000 to Mike and his family as a way to kick start the effort.  Let’s follow suit.

Instructions:
Please go to  www.liferugbyalumni.com  to make donations to Michael Jonesy Jones and his family. Just click on the Donate Button found on the middle right hand side of the screen. 

This rugby brother is going to have a long road ahead and its important that we strike now to do our part in building a fund for his family that will last past the immediate hurdles.  I will be asking co-workers and friends not associated with rugby to donate as well. 

Lasting Purpose,
Scott