Comments on: Scrum’licious

By: Rory Corrigan C’72

Rory Corrigan C’72 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:07:28 +0000

In the spring of 1968, I, a prep rugby player and Drew applicant, had the painful experience of being turned into a teen pretzel by rugger Harry Litwack C’71 and his Drew mates. They went on to beat Princeton, Army, Duke, Penn, Columbia, Fordham, Rutgers and other Eastern powerhouses in their undefeated season of ’68. My tennis coach, George Davis, resented my “double dipping” from the courts to the pitch, but some of my best friends and memories remain Mick Colella, Ben Alexander, Geoff Barger and Tom McMullen, all Class of 1968; Rich Whittaker, Dwight Davies and Tom Brown, all C’69; Chris Kersey C’71 and others from that golden era of Drew rugby. Thanks for upholding and honoring the tradition.

By: tonybutts

tonybutts — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:19:35 +0000

Pamel,John ,Sheri,Ron, Thank you !!!

By: Pam Brill

Pam Brill — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:07:20 +0000

Tony – great article! These beautiful fall days bring back fond memories of watching rugby at Drew – glad to hear the tradition is still alive and well (although I have to say, my knees hurt just thinking about it).

All the best – Pamel

By: John Stobierski

John Stobierski — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:25:50 +0000

Hey Butts,

Nice piece. Brings back some great and some foggy memories. ie-blue bus, “u can’t use you arm like a club”, where’s the keg-ace?…….. The best, though, is how DRFC melded boys, including me, from all walks of life into a family of men forever bonded by the ethos of rugby and team. I was privledged to be a part and will carry the lessons learned and friendships for life.

Cheers all,

Stub

By: Ron Fischetti

Ron Fischetti — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:10:59 +0000

Tony,

As usual, well stated, eloquent, and straight from the heart. I couldn’t think of someone better to sum it up and express the deep tie those of us who played for DRFC have.

Nice job Brother.

Best,

Ron Fischetti ’85

By: tony buttacavoli

tony buttacavoli — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:49:23 +0000

Brother rory thanks for the note,and for the history lesson,in our day,the collective memory only stretched back to the early 70s, so for us charlie and company were the ur ruggers, it was a very good thing to hear of the 68 season and those early stalwarts. Cheers amigo !tonybutts

By: Sherri C. C'85

Sherri C. C'85 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:38:17 +0000

Reading this made me very proud to be a Drew Alum. I have often entered into conversations with people who just don’t understand that two of the main reasons that I selected Drew (aside from the tremendous education) were just as Tony said:

1) No “Greeks”
2) No American Football

Both this and Tom’s articles are terrific and greatly express what a great community rugby players form. Always welcoming (as long as you are a good sport and can take a ribbing from time to time), but yes, DRFC really was a focal point for all things entertaining, no need for the “Frats” when you have Rugby!

Thanks Tony (and Tom).

sherri

By: rory corrigan

rory corrigan — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:01:55 +0000

Tony…loved your note and memories and they reflect well on your earlier Drew rugger classmates. Please see prior notes to Tom….with all due respect to Charlie and Bill, who had stellar careers, some of those late 60s, early 70s stalwarts like Hunt Jones, Biff Clark, Don Clarke , Jon Hudak left Drew to make their marks with NY, Phila and national clubs .Then there was Dwight Davies, All State QB and Baseball player from Westfield HS before playing football at NAVY as an understudy to one Roger Staubach….Dwight transferred to Drew where the course load was easier and the 60s women more attractive and he starred in basketball and rugby…. regards, rory corrigan 72