Historical Roots
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The Roots of Rugby in Dubuque, Iowa
Veteran Rugby player Mike Weber recalls when his older brother William John (B.J.) Weber initiated Rugby in DBQ in November of 1971: "Yeah, the first practice was at 9th & Iowa streets, downtown DBQ within the structure of the then YMCA. Our first side was a mix of Loras College and University of Dubuque players and some Hempstead High School athletes and other Town locals." The likeable Mike was the connection among the Hempstead football players and competed at inside center as an unlikeable person to attempt to tackle or be tackled by. Additionally, Mike is likely the youngest Rugby player for DBQ with his rookie year being his 16th year of life. Older brother B.J. played winger with a forthcoming bible within one side of his chops and a competing voice in the other side that spoke and delivered no mercy for those who would dare try to overwhelm the newly formed Rugby Club of DBQ.
Veteran Rugby player Mike Weber recalls when his older brother William John (B.J.) Weber initiated Rugby in DBQ in November of 1971: "Yeah, the first practice was at 9th & Iowa streets, downtown DBQ within the structure of the then YMCA. Our first side was a mix of Loras College and University of Dubuque players and some Hempstead High School athletes and other Town locals." The likeable Mike was the connection among the Hempstead football players and competed at inside center as an unlikeable person to attempt to tackle or be tackled by. Additionally, Mike is likely the youngest Rugby player for DBQ with his rookie year being his 16th year of life. Older brother B.J. played winger with a forthcoming bible within one side of his chops and a competing voice in the other side that spoke and delivered no mercy for those who would dare try to overwhelm the newly formed Rugby Club of DBQ.
Mike also calls to mind after the establishment of Rugby in DBQ and subsequent practices, the first match was played on Coyne Field ( named after former Athletic Director Rev. Daniel B, Coyne) on Loras College Campus; Coyne Field is a bit north of the clock atop St. Joseph Chapel on Loras Blvd. The Athletic & WellnessCenter now rests on the majority of Coyne field.
Mike also calls to mind after the establishment of Rugby in DBQ and subsequent practices, the first match was played on Coyne Field ( named after former Athletic Director Rev. Daniel B, Coyne) on Loras College Campus; Coyne Field is a bit north of the clock atop St. Joseph Chapel on Loras Blvd. The Athletic & WellnessCenter now rests on the majority of Coyne field.
Mike as well remembers the first goal posts for the then newly adopted Coyne Pitch emerged from the lumber of a garage donated by player A.J. Clemons. Mike and A.J. constructed the posts upon B.J.’s request. They ripped the long slates of wood one piece at a time from a failing garage and with B.J.’s coaching, envisioned longer posts than the familiar football goal posts with an especially shortened piece of lumber set between the Rugby-ready pillars.
Mike as well remembers the first goal posts for the then newly adopted Coyne Pitch emerged from the lumber of a garage donated by player A.J. Clemons. Mike and A.J. constructed the posts upon B.J.’s request. They ripped the long slates of wood one piece at a time from a failing garage and with B.J.’s coaching, envisioned longer posts than the familiar football goal posts with an especially shortened piece of lumber set between the Rugby-ready pillars.
Interesting enough for some, the birth of Rugby in DBQ was a creation from the birth of Rugby at Iowa State. While B.J. was a student at Iowa State, he had a young Professor from New Zealand who had a strong desire to play Rugby in Iowa. Professor Cornford, B.J., and others started a Rugby side at Iowa State in 1968. About three years later in 1971, B.J. was again a founding father of another club, The Dubuque Rugby Club.
Interesting enough for some, the birth of Rugby in DBQ was a creation from the birth of Rugby at Iowa State. While B.J. was a student at Iowa State, he had a young Professor from New Zealand who had a strong desire to play Rugby in Iowa. Professor Cornford, B.J., and others started a Rugby side at Iowa State in 1968. About three years later in 1971, B.J. was again a founding father of another club, The Dubuque Rugby Club.
The first match for the DBQ Rugby Club resulted in a 17 to 17 tie with Iowa State on Coyne Pitch/Field.
The first match for the DBQ Rugby Club resulted in a 17 to 17 tie with Iowa State on Coyne Pitch/Field.
The tie was a monumental accomplishment for the rookie DBQ Club considering that Iowa State had previously been Big Eight Champs. Mike Weber distinctly summoned up Rugby memories that DBQ tied the score late in the second half with a well-coordinated push by the forward pack complimented by the aggressive play of the backs: Speed demon Steve Whitehead, who was at the time bound for Dartmouth on a football scholarship until he messed up his knee on the rugby pitch, blocked an Iowa State kick and reliable back Billy Meyer picked the ball off in mid air subsequently darting for the only open angle to the tryline tying the score. Unfortunately, the far corner conversion kick assisted Iowa State in preserving a tie as time ran out in the match.
The tie was a monumental accomplishment for the rookie DBQ Club considering that Iowa State had previously been Big Eight Champs. Mike Weber distinctly summoned up Rugby memories that DBQ tied the score late in the second half with a well-coordinated push by the forward pack complimented by the aggressive play of the backs: Speed demon Steve Whitehead, who was at the time bound for Dartmouth on a football scholarship until he messed up his knee on the rugby pitch, blocked an Iowa State kick and reliable back Billy Meyer picked the ball off in mid air subsequently darting for the only open angle to the tryline tying the score. Unfortunately, the far corner conversion kick assisted Iowa State in preserving a tie as time ran out in the match.
The second full-season of DBQ Rugby harvested a match played at the University of Dubuque against the defending Big Ten Champs: The University of Illinois. DBQ rallied in the second half after Illinois had scored early back to back tries in the first half. With DBQ up 2 tries late in the second half, Mike and B.J. Weber can still echo the words of their opposition with that of a bewildered voice from the Illinois forward pack crying out :
The second full-season of DBQ Rugby harvested a match played at the University of Dubuque against the defending Big Ten Champs: The University of Illinois. DBQ rallied in the second half after Illinois had scored early back to back tries in the first half. With DBQ up 2 tries late in the second half, Mike and B.J. Weber can still echo the words of their opposition with that of a bewildered voice from the Illinois forward pack crying out :
“ Push you bastards ! I don't even know where in the hell Dubuque is ! "
“ Push you bastards ! I don't even know where in the hell Dubuque is ! "
Later in the mid 70s according to veteran player Don Rusk, DBQ played a rookie Rugby team at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, north of Madison. DBQ agreed to play the match even though they had traveled with only an 11 member side of the normal 15 players required. The captain of the Beaver Dam team agreed with DBQ’s captain that if the match would be a lopsided score at half—the two teams would simply choose up sides and continue the second half with both sides having an even number of players. DBQ led at half 21 to nothing. DBQ’s captain said in jest to the opposing captain at half: “We can still choose up sides to make it even !”
Later in the mid 70s according to veteran player Don Rusk, DBQ played a rookie Rugby team at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, north of Madison. DBQ agreed to play the match even though they had traveled with only an 11 member side of the normal 15 players required. The captain of the Beaver Dam team agreed with DBQ’s captain that if the match would be a lopsided score at half—the two teams would simply choose up sides and continue the second half with both sides having an even number of players. DBQ led at half 21 to nothing. DBQ’s captain said in jest to the opposing captain at half: “We can still choose up sides to make it even !”
The laughter continued after the match at the Rugby social. With the home team usually supplying at least the first keg of beer, the two teams agreed that the winner of an arm wrestling match would pay the tab for the second keg of beer. Beaver Dam did not want to take any chances. They recruited a burly biker dude from a nearby bar to represent the rookie Rugby club. DBQ unleashed the talents of inside center Dick Rusk.
The laughter continued after the match at the Rugby social. With the home team usually supplying at least the first keg of beer, the two teams agreed that the winner of an arm wrestling match would pay the tab for the second keg of beer. Beaver Dam did not want to take any chances. They recruited a burly biker dude from a nearby bar to represent the rookie Rugby club. DBQ unleashed the talents of inside center Dick Rusk.
At that time, Dick had been more respected for his reliable tackling abilities and his dummy-pass to fake out would be tacklers; however, on that occasion , did a new talent emerge ? Dick smiled ever so confidently as he knew he was competing for free beer. Consequently, the confident grins as well as Dick’s firm grip produced a slamming victory. Dick’s momentary victory smirk transitioned to laughter as he and teammates drank from the second free keg of beer.
At that time, Dick had been more respected for his reliable tackling abilities and his dummy-pass to fake out would be tacklers; however, on that occasion , did a new talent emerge ? Dick smiled ever so confidently as he knew he was competing for free beer. Consequently, the confident grins as well as Dick’s firm grip produced a slamming victory. Dick’s momentary victory smirk transitioned to laughter as he and teammates drank from the second free keg of beer.
Dubuque Rugby Timeline:
Dubuque Rugby Timeline:
1971: The Dubuque Rugby Club is established by B.J. Weber & others
1971: The Dubuque Rugby Club is established by B.J. Weber & others
1982: The Club is still afloat yet needs reorganization
1982: The Club is still afloat yet needs reorganization
1983: The Dubuque Dogs emerge led by Steve Herrig & others
1983: The Dubuque Dogs emerge led by Steve Herrig & others
1995: The club is somewhere out there; yet again, needs reorganization
1995: The club is somewhere out there; yet again, needs reorganization
1997: The Gentlemen of Dubuque emerge led by Dan Smith & others
1997: The Gentlemen of Dubuque emerge led by Dan Smith & others
2011: Dubuque Rugby celebrates its 40th Anniversary
2011: Dubuque Rugby celebrates its 40th Anniversary
2012: Gentlemen qualify: Midwest Final Four coached by Dan Dougherty, OldBoy
2012: Gentlemen qualify: Midwest Final Four coached by Dan Dougherty, OldBoy
2013: Gentlemen host a segment of the Iowa 7s Series: June 15, Dyersville
2013: Gentlemen host a segment of the Iowa 7s Series: June 15, Dyersville
2014: The Gentlemen and Clinton Muddy River Rugby Club combine teams due to attrition
2014: The Gentlemen and Clinton Muddy River Rugby Club combine teams due to attrition
2017: Dave Schlueter Memorial Match: Dubuque/Clinton vs Cedar Rapids at the Loras College Rock Bowl April 22nd honoring Dave's contributions to local and State Rugby and love for the sport as a fan, player, & President
2017: Dave Schlueter Memorial Match: Dubuque/Clinton vs Cedar Rapids at the Loras College Rock Bowl April 22nd honoring Dave's contributions to local and State Rugby and love for the sport as a fan, player, & President
2022: The DBQ Riverboat Gamblers Rugby Club emerges led by Don Rusk & others: First match played at Dalzell Field/Pitch in DBQ—said match was generously sponsored by Premier Bank of Dubuque and Rusk Metals; note, Club Founder B. J. Weber sponsored the Gamblers' uniforms—bless his Soul—now among Rugby Heaven ~
2022: The DBQ Riverboat Gamblers Rugby Club emerges led by Don Rusk & others: First match played at Dalzell Field/Pitch in DBQ—said match was generously sponsored by Premier Bank of Dubuque and Rusk Metals; note, Club Founder B. J. Weber sponsored the Gamblers' uniforms—bless his Soul—now among Rugby Heaven ~
Note: 7s Rugby made its debut on an Olympic stage at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio/Brazil.
Note: 7s Rugby made its debut on an Olympic stage at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio/Brazil.
As well, 15s Rugby made its debut on a world stage at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris and then again: the Olympic Games of London 1908; Antwerp /Belgium 1920; and Paris again in 1924.
As well, 15s Rugby made its debut on a world stage at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris and then again: the Olympic Games of London 1908; Antwerp /Belgium 1920; and Paris again in 1924.
The USA captured its first Rugby Gold in 1920 defeating France with an 8 -0 victory with a team based out of northern California. Checkout the link below for more details; interesting enough if you dig Rugby history in the USA: http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2012/6/18/3062137/1920-rugby-cals-first-olympic-gold-medalists
The USA captured its first Rugby Gold in 1920 defeating France with an 8 -0 victory with a team based out of northern California. Checkout the link below for more details; interesting enough if you dig Rugby history in the USA: http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2012/6/18/3062137/1920-rugby-cals-first-olympic-gold-medalists
For past, present, & future Ruggers as well as supporters, it is worthy to note the history of our club and to show appreciation for individuals who have contributed to the life of DBQ Rugby over the decades. It is unfortunate that it is nearly impossible to name all the worthy contributors who have nourished the life of DBQ Rugby. You most likely know who you are as well as the others by gestures of helping out—to more monumental deeds—complimented by other resources you/they gave without expectation—our Family of Dubuque Rugby thanks all of you so from the decades of Rugby love alive in our Souls !
For past, present, & future Ruggers as well as supporters, it is worthy to note the history of our club and to show appreciation for individuals who have contributed to the life of DBQ Rugby over the decades. It is unfortunate that it is nearly impossible to name all the worthy contributors who have nourished the life of DBQ Rugby. You most likely know who you are as well as the others by gestures of helping out—to more monumental deeds—complimented by other resources you/they gave without expectation—our Family of Dubuque Rugby thanks all of you so from the decades of Rugby love alive in our Souls !
To name just a few of the invaluable DBQ Rugby Family members that have freely given of their time and other countless resources—of course we give thanks to our founding Father B.J. Weber, Professor Cornford, and that entire First Side and their loved ones for giving birth to such a beautiful Rugby Club. We can additionally thank Bob Mulgrew as being one of the original Side members and key contributors; moreover, Bob’s Mother served as Vice President of such a wild group ! God bless her soul for Mary Lou is indeed in Rugby Heaven.
To name just a few of the invaluable DBQ Rugby Family members that have freely given of their time and other countless resources—of course we give thanks to our founding Father B.J. Weber, Professor Cornford, and that entire First Side and their loved ones for giving birth to such a beautiful Rugby Club. We can additionally thank Bob Mulgrew as being one of the original Side members and key contributors; moreover, Bob’s Mother served as Vice President of such a wild group ! God bless her soul for Mary Lou is indeed in Rugby Heaven.
We also of course thank the other founding Fathers Steve Herrig & Dan Smith as well as the coaches, staff, players, referees, sponsors, and supporters throughout the decades of Rugby in Dubuque.
We also of course thank the other founding Fathers Steve Herrig & Dan Smith as well as the coaches, staff, players, referees, sponsors, and supporters throughout the decades of Rugby in Dubuque.
Furthermore, Dave Schlueter has been at the core of DBQ Rugby since about the mid 1980s and remains a constant and valuable force among the current team, The Gentlemen of DBQ. Basketball has its sixth man—often considered the most valuable player. Men’s Rugby equivalent is perhaps the 16th man—having written that—veteran player and current Club President Dave Schlueter has often been considered the most valuable player for Rugby in Dubuque by an overwhelming consensus of team members, fans, and veteran supporters. Dave’s relentless devotion to willingly be a resilient bond that sustains breath in the DBQ Club is most certainly appreciated. Moreover, Dave is respected and well-liked among the Rugby communities across Iowa and neighboring States. You can usually see the President of The Gentlemen of DBQ running up and down the pitch as a touch judge and as well note his supporting voice for the DBQ Side. Dave would be quick to point out that so many others have done and continue to do so much for Rugby in DBQ. One of the those Dave often gives praise to is Ron Pole for his coaching, playing, filling in—no matter what is needed to be accomplished at all hours—Ron has been a key contributor to DBQ Rugby in so many ways.
Furthermore, Dave Schlueter has been at the core of DBQ Rugby since about the mid 1980s and remains a constant and valuable force among the current team, The Gentlemen of DBQ. Basketball has its sixth man—often considered the most valuable player. Men’s Rugby equivalent is perhaps the 16th man—having written that—veteran player and current Club President Dave Schlueter has often been considered the most valuable player for Rugby in Dubuque by an overwhelming consensus of team members, fans, and veteran supporters. Dave’s relentless devotion to willingly be a resilient bond that sustains breath in the DBQ Club is most certainly appreciated. Moreover, Dave is respected and well-liked among the Rugby communities across Iowa and neighboring States. You can usually see the President of The Gentlemen of DBQ running up and down the pitch as a touch judge and as well note his supporting voice for the DBQ Side. Dave would be quick to point out that so many others have done and continue to do so much for Rugby in DBQ. One of the those Dave often gives praise to is Ron Pole for his coaching, playing, filling in—no matter what is needed to be accomplished at all hours—Ron has been a key contributor to DBQ Rugby in so many ways.
Additionally, veteran Rugby Player Don Rusk has been involved with the Club since 1974. Don usually has a story or two to share about Rugby or helping hands and voice to promote Rugby in DBQ. Moreover, among the three teams of Rugby in DBQ since the early 1970s, Bill Hedrick along with Don are among the few Rugby players to have played on the original Dubuque Rugby Club, Dubuque Dogs, and the present tense Gentlemen of Dubuque—no wonder those two Ruggers have so many stories to tell !
Additionally, veteran Rugby Player Don Rusk has been involved with the Club since 1974. Don usually has a story or two to share about Rugby or helping hands and voice to promote Rugby in DBQ. Moreover, among the three teams of Rugby in DBQ since the early 1970s, Bill Hedrick along with Don are among the few Rugby players to have played on the original Dubuque Rugby Club, Dubuque Dogs, and the present tense Gentlemen of Dubuque—no wonder those two Ruggers have so many stories to tell !
Moreover, the DBQ Rugby Teams over the years especially thank the sponsors, fans, and other supporters for their devotion to the life of Rugby in DBQ. It is often the unnamed participants and supporters of a sport that have given the most—for that—the Rugby Teams of DBQ sincerely thank you !
Moreover, the DBQ Rugby Teams over the years especially thank the sponsors, fans, and other supporters for their devotion to the life of Rugby in DBQ. It is often the unnamed participants and supporters of a sport that have given the most—for that—the Rugby Teams of DBQ sincerely thank you !
The culture of Rugby is profound with traditions that include sportsmanship, a post-match social gathering, and of course Rugby Friendships—for the Friendships forged among Rugby—most of us are truly appreciative of Rugby culture.
The culture of Rugby is profound with traditions that include sportsmanship, a post-match social gathering, and of course Rugby Friendships—for the Friendships forged among Rugby—most of us are truly appreciative of Rugby culture.
Most who know Dave Schlueter are familiar with his fondness to say "brilliant." Hopefully, success will be among the future of Rugby in Dubuque for infinite decades to come. However, a "brilliant" future will be much more sustainable if the Club will continue to serve the community in ways that foster young athletes to want to play for a Rugby team that focuses on teammates from the past, present, and future and transitions all future Rugby Banquets to an open invitation status for all Rugby enthusiasts.
Most who know Dave Schlueter are familiar with his fondness to say "brilliant." Hopefully, success will be among the future of Rugby in Dubuque for infinite decades to come. However, a "brilliant" future will be much more sustainable if the Club will continue to serve the community in ways that foster young athletes to want to play for a Rugby team that focuses on teammates from the past, present, and future and transitions all future Rugby Banquets to an open invitation status for all Rugby enthusiasts.
Moreover, consensus looks forward to celebrating the Hall of Fame Banquet in conjunction with any current Rugby Club banquet bearing Dubuque in its name—yearly Banquets on the same evening at a venue that allows for flexibility for numbers at the event.
Moreover, consensus looks forward to celebrating the Hall of Fame Banquet in conjunction with any current Rugby Club banquet bearing Dubuque in its name—yearly Banquets on the same evening at a venue that allows for flexibility for numbers at the event.
Furthermore, consensus looks forward to any current Dubuque Rugby Football Club providing consistent and timely postings of match scores to its Facebook page as well as other resources and to ensure accurate communications to newspapers, radio stations, etc., regardless of whether winning or losing a match(es). As well, in a timely fashion members/officers of the Club will serve the community, inwhich the Club asks for donations when participating in fund raisers—with updated schedule changes whether it be start times or change of dates, venues, or other changes that effect, and perhaps only a few at times, community members who go to the Facebook page as a reliable resource for current information and plan on attending a scheduled match.
Furthermore, consensus looks forward to any current Dubuque Rugby Football Club providing consistent and timely postings of match scores to its Facebook page as well as other resources and to ensure accurate communications to newspapers, radio stations, etc., regardless of whether winning or losing a match(es). As well, in a timely fashion members/officers of the Club will serve the community, inwhich the Club asks for donations when participating in fund raisers—with updated schedule changes whether it be start times or change of dates, venues, or other changes that effect, and perhaps only a few at times, community members who go to the Facebook page as a reliable resource for current information and plan on attending a scheduled match.
As a final point, in the sport of Rugby the phrase “with you” is often conveyed from one teammate to another as the ball is passed among the pitch. It is within the spirit of “with you” and “getting the ball out” to teammates that DBQ Rugby will continue to thrive and as previously conveyed—hopefully decades upon decades into the future.
As a final point, in the sport of Rugby the phrase “with you” is often conveyed from one teammate to another as the ball is passed among the pitch. It is within the spirit of “with you” and “getting the ball out” to teammates that DBQ Rugby will continue to thrive and as previously conveyed—hopefully decades upon decades into the future.
Again, thank you for the part you have done and continue to do to support Rugby in Dubuque. In return, somehow, way, shape, or form—the local support of rugby connects to supporting regional, national, and international Rugby.
Again, thank you for the part you have done and continue to do to support Rugby in Dubuque. In return, somehow, way, shape, or form—the local support of rugby connects to supporting regional, national, and international Rugby.
Always “with you” in the Spirit of Rugby—Cheerz, Jungo
Always “with you” in the Spirit of Rugby—Cheerz, Jungo
Blessed is Rugby and those united with the sport—for we
Blessed is Rugby and those united with the sport—for we
know the Joy Rugby imparts to one another.
know the Joy Rugby imparts to one another.
Indeed, Rugby ignites & nourishes the Soul !
Indeed, Rugby ignites & nourishes the Soul !
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