1990's

The 90’s brought change to the Peoria Piggies. Exiled from Detweiler Park due to a more stringent enforcement of the alcohol ban, the Pigs moved their game pitch to Jubilee State Park. A good relationship with the ranger ensued, and soon the parties at Jubilee were better than they ever were at Detweiler. The team embarked on several philanthropic endeavors, and also worked security for several Park District events.

Mike Schubach took an off-field leadership role, becoming a full-time coach and administrator. The team had it’s good years and it’s thin years, but survived the 1990’s, despite Rod Pauli winning the Foreign Phil’s Award four times.

Notable team members from the 90’s include:

Ron Harrer – a prop who played back, Ron was very tough to bring down

Mike Morrow – a late-blooming firefighter who took several leadership roles in the club

Chuck Furness – known state-wide in rugby circles. The consummate Social Chair

Plus the Menefee brothers, Tony Delamaria, Jim Feuchter, Darrin Baumgarten, Danny O’Neil and many, many more.