1990s Photo Gallery

Paul Emerick was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa about 130 miles north-west of Ames. Very early in his Rugby career he played in a pickup match for the Gentlemen of Dubuque in a Wisconsin Tourney respectfully noted former DBQ Club President Dan Smith. Thus far, it is highly likely Paul is the most achieved as well as polished and talented Rugby  player to have ever put on a Dubuque Rugby jersey and play; moreover, Paul rose from pickup Rugby matches to the professional ranks.

Case in point, Paul humbly chased down his Rugby dreams and eventually made it as a USA Eagle competing in the UK as a USA International Rugby player with a professional status. He last played for the London, Wasps and rose to that rank from teams that included the UNI Panthers to the Chicago Lions to the Italian Rugby leagues.

The photo above is Paul as a Sir/ref among a group of Florida OldBoys at an Aspen OldBoys tourney. Paul retired in August of 2013. Thank you Paul for role modeling such dedication and determination for the new and up and coming Ruggers what can be accomplished in the long-term of a Rugby career.

Verbatim from the August 7th, 2013, online edition of  USA Rugby.org: It is a reluctant retirement for the 33-year-old after he was sidelined by an ankle injury in November last year: 

"No one wants to retire because of injury,"   Emerick said,  "but as we get older our bodies start to defy our minds. I've been fortunate to make a career out of playing Rugby. Hopefully I will be remembered as a guy who always played his guts out for his team."