About Us
The Colgate University Rugby Football Club was born out of the cold depths of a Hamilton winter in 1966, as a part of the University’s “January Plan”, an independent-study project for students in- you guessed it- January. Stephen Wright ’67 completed his work in the form of a report titled "Why and How Rugby Should Be Developed at Colgate".
Not long after, a group of visionary young men led by Mr. Wright and Pete Stackhouse ’66 organized Colgate's first athletic club, made up mostly of varsity football players and anyone else who was interested. As the modern college leagues would not come into existence for many years, original opponents of the club included East Coast colleges like University of Pennsylvania (Colgate’s first-ever match), and local men’s clubs from central New York. Colgate played its first full season in 1966-67 and had their first All-American, Gene Detwiler '69 named in 1968.
In the spring of 1970, the Colgate Rugby Club moved its operation to Academy Field, a scenic green running along the university’s famous Oak Drive, where they played their first home game against Boston College. A few years later, Betsy Zimmerman '79 would found the Women's Rugby Club and usher in a new era of athletic cooperation between the men's and women's sides. Today Academy Field is considered one of the most beautiful pitches in the nation, and holds the unique position as one of the only active competition grounds at the center of a college campus. Both the men’s and women’s sides continue to proudly call Academy Field their home.
A long and colorful history distinguishes the Colgate RFC program, and we encourage anyone interested to read more in our "stories" section. Some are goofy. Some are heartfelt. All are part of who we are.
Leadership team
Elaine Vassie
Director of Rugby
Head Coach (Men's & Womxn's)
Elaine Vassie is the Director of Rugby at Colgate University. She oversees all aspects of both the men's and womxn's teams, from leading training sessions to implementing game strategies. Elaine utilizes advanced coaching techniques and instills personalized development plans tailored to individual player needs. Her focus on fostering a supportive and competitive environment helps to build strong, cohesive teams. Additionally, Elaine is dedicated to promoting the values of sportsmanship and teamwork within the program, organizing community outreach and team-building activities. Her leadership extends beyond the field, as she mentors players in their academic and personal growth, contributing to their overall success at Colgate University. A fun fact about Elaine is that she can do a great Scottish accent - so good that you would think she was born in Scotland!
Jeff Rudy
Assistant Coach
Jeff Rudy is the assistant coach for Colgate Rugby He brings a dynamic approach to coaching, focusing on developing players' technical skills and game understanding. Jeff assists in daily training sessions and collaborates closely with Head Coach Elaine Vassie on game strategies and training programs. Jeff's hands-on involvement and strategic input demonstrate his dedication to the program. By fostering a positive, competitive environment and connecting well with players, Jeff significantly contributes to the teams' growth and success. His drive for excellence and teamwork makes him an integral part of Colgate Rugby.
C.J. Molina
Director of Recreation, Colgate University
CJ is the Director of Recreation at Colgate University, overseeing intramurals and club sports. He assists with ensuring that both the men and womxn players of Colgate Rugby have access to the resources they need to be successful both within and outside of Colgate's rugby program. Administratively, CJ works closely alongside the Colgate Rugby Alliance and is a vital part of the program's continued success.
Matt Hansen
President, Colgate Rugby Alliance
Matt is the president of the Colgate Rugby Alliance (CRA), the alumni/student/parent organization which seeks to provide financial support, mentorship, and guidance to continue growing rugby at Colgate and beyond. The CRA helps players enhance their Colgate experience, career prospects, and alumni opportunities. Matt played rugby at Colgate, in Minneapolis (Metropolis) and Seattle (Seattle RFC, NOBS), and is a Director in KPMG's Risk Advisory practice.