For Girlfriends and Wives--The French Rugby Side

This feature is for the females who visit this site. It is the French rugby side. We are gender neutral on this site. Guys--this gives you something to strive for. Click here.

More Historical Photos from Club Founder Liam Humphreys

The formal opening of the 1967 Cherry Blossom tournament was supposed to feature a ceremonial appearance by SecState Dean Rusk, (whose son was a club member).  But, at the last minute something came up (probably in Vietnam!) and his place was taken by (Former Attorney-General) and Then-Under Secretary of State, Nicolas Katzenbach.  He "reviewed the troops", so to speak, before the match, shook my hand, and said a couple of words to me (I do not remember either of them!) .  Also in the pictures, centers Andy Ferrentino and  D. Rorhbach , with Fly-half Tony Coates, partially in the frame.	We employed the same "running game" approach, in the next match against Yale, to better effect, thankfully.  Here, I have rounded my opposite number and am headed for the line/cornerflag.  My opposite number, the Yale wing, had a bad day.
Memories of club founder Liam Humphreys on the early years. Click here for more pictures from the 1960s including an All Blacks photo from Randall's Island in NYC. Click on any picture to see a larger version of the photo.

Ambassadors Shield Results - Mid-Atlantic Side Falls to Shield Team

Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union (MARFU) Side for 2009
New Zealand Ambassadors Shield Side with Ambassador Roger Fergusson standing in the middle.
PAC had five players and a coach playing for the Shield team,	The Hakka before the game.

On Sunday November 15, 2009 at Trinity University what is turning out the be the permiere rugby event on the east coast took place. Once again the NZ side won the shield. Click here for more pictures.

Club Founder Liam Humphreys Communicates From Thailand

Liam reports from Thailand on Noveber 1, 2009: Out here in Thailand, where I now live, since my 2005 retirement (from the US Foreign Service) and marriage (finally!), to a (still serving) Thai diplomat (2006), I had a couple of fading photos resored (of GW "glory days", as the "Boss" would say!).   Here is one for the archives, in case you don't have it!.    I also have a PRE- GW picture, of our old derby rival and part progenitor Washington RFC 1966-67, taken on the Ellipse, with the White House in background, after defeating Yale in the First Cherry Blossom Festival, 22-3.  That was during my first year at GW, when the Trustees were still refining measures that would allow the varsity gridiron stars to either transfer/stay on, after having already voted to do-away with the University's Football program (within the "Southern Conference")  . The only recruit I was able to get, in '66, was Tony Coates, then my Geology Prof,.so we went to WRFC, where B team player (and fervent rugby expansionist), Dave Rusk (yes, son of Dean!),  urged us to quit (after the first Cherry Blossom Festival Rugby Tourney) and go back to get a team started on GW campus.  He also asked Michael Murphy, a standout 6ft 5in Number 8, and law student at Georgetown (Former Rugby Captain at Notre Dame) to do the same for the Hoyas. The next year we enlisted Ex-GW Gridiron Captain Tom Metz, star running back Jim Isom, field goal kicker Bob Schmidt, and a host of free-agents, etc. and the rest, as they say, is history!   Out here in Asia, I do not have too many contacts from those old rugby days, save for Tony Coates (himself, now in Panama!).  He is well equipped with such memories/photos. I have included as cc's a couple of folks from those days who may not have the photo.  You might know more.   I retired after 32 years of playing, during my first FS posting to Jamaica, scene of some earlier exploits, during a GW tour to the island in 1972. My (slender) winger's frame had already been battered by injury and playing for Kingston against the virile-likes of the Jamaica Defense Force XV was taking an unacceptable toll for a 42 year-old who could still find the gap, but no longer out-race cover defense to the try line!   I now spectate (e.g., 2007 RWC/France and 2009 Sevens RWC/Dubai) and have dream of making a comeback as an Old Boy, now that I'm over 65, and can wear the gold shorts!).  But when my wife accompanied me to the "Wall Street" Bar HQs of the Old Bangkok Bangers to explore the possibility, she soon put paid to that idea!  (Something to do with improper dress/protocol of the waitresses, or somesuch)    Anyway, Cheers, from an old founding father-fart who still loves the game! 'Sic Transit Gloria Mundi!' Webmasters Note: You may click of the above photo to see a larger version of it.

Liam Humphreys says: The big fella (without the headband) is the legendary "Mike Murphy" previously captain of Notre Dame U. Rugby, later founder of Georgetown U. RFC!  (He once was aboard the Magic (Yellow) Bus with Ken Kesey of "Cuckoo's Nest fame). The stocky full back, back row, far right is Bernardo Branson, In 1966, Number One Varsity Football Field-Goal Kicker in the Nation at U. of Maryland  (And finishing the season ahead of Charlie Gogolak, I seem to recall). I think he was from Chile (or Argentina). Front row Center is the legendary hooker, Gerry Fenton.  Is he still going, I wonder? Front row, far left, is wing Jack Gordon, later and for many years the MD. for the Eagles. Please click on the photo for a larger version of it.
More from Liam Humphreys: And yes, I was fortunate to create a great band of ruggers, out of ideal conditions, in those early years. However, and of course, Club Sud-Americano, my favorite other club in DC, that actually owned the party headquarters at the "Bottom Line," before PAC appropriately took it over, deserves at least half the praise for the spawning of PAC.  The Greene family (father and son) were great pals of mine and I like to think I would have ended up playing for SUD had I not started GWRFC   Contrary to the recollections of your (presumably more senior/senile) alumnus, the picture was actually taken right after our first game of 1968, by  then-GW Hatchet reporter Sue Cohen, at our first field, at a playground opposite the entrance to American U.in April The game was against the University of Maryland and GW won on a still snowy & muddy field 13-0, by three tries, 2 converted by Bobby Schmidt (in those days a try was worth 3 points!).  The tries were scored by a smug and much overrated  three-quarter, whose wise-alecky, boastful smile in the photo, gives him away!   Reports that he was perfectly set up by runs by Isom and Metz are entirely true!  Also, the ref that day, (a former Welsh international, I seem to recall) told us that, especially given the conditions, he had never seen a better, more attacking style of rugby played, in the USA).    Since the only guys I can remember playing with are in your picture of the wake for Phil Turner (and none of those ever quite played for GW in the earliest years), the wake photo does contain one eye-witness player of that game. He was then fly-half for U. of MARYLAND, that day!  (He should be able to corroborate, add detail and, possibly, provide a more balanced perspective!). My congrats to all the vets for their fine form in that pix!   I'll pass on the First Cherry Blossom WRFC team pix (where Coates and I are only recognizeable by comparing the picture to the contemporary GW one.  And I'll send you a couple of me as I am now (OUCH!). Here are more of Liam's memories of that first season--click here.

Annual New Zealand Embassy Ambassadors Shield Takes Place Sunday November 15

This is the premier rugby event on the east coast each year featuring the best mid-Atlantic American players and the best New Zealand players in North America. Above are last year's two opponents. On top are the DC Barbarians organized by PAC's own Brian Olmes. Below is the Shield team with various PAC players including Daniel Bakke. November 15 will be a busy day of rugby with matches beginning at 9AM and the main event at 2:30PM. It takes place at Trinity University at 125 Michigan Avenue, NE in Washington, DC. See ambassadorsshield.com for more details. Click on either of the above pictures for a larger version.

PAC Alumni Weekend and Banquet

Alumni Day's Over 35 Team	Alumni Day's Under 35 Team
All together prior to the alumni game.	Assembled after the game.

On Saturday, September 12, PAC Rugby hosted the annual Over 35 v. Under 35 alumni game. The Under 35 Team won 67-47. The day also included the Ray Honda Memorial banquet at the Front Page in Arlington, VA. There was will also a silent auction. Click here for more pictures. Click on any picture to enlarge it.

PAC Teams Compete in Sevens Tournament

Above is Mike Fabling's Mister Zippy team which had won two games at the time. Check the PAC website for tournament results. Click here for more pictures of the action.

PAC Falls to NYAC 35-10

Srumhalf David Etches on the move.
	Former PAC player Adrian Myers is in law school at Fordham in NYC and now plays for NYAC.

On a beautiful afternoon on the National Mall on April 18, 2009 Super League opponens Potomac Athletic Club and New York Althletic Club faced off. NYAC are defending national champions. Click here for more pictures. Click on any picture to see a larger version of it.

Boston Falls to PAC 14-7

PAC's Super League Team	Daniel Baike to David Etches.
Justin Cupps played in the second game against Lancaster.	Chris Schricte and family.

On March 21, 2009 under a mostly suny sky and termperatures in the high 50s, PAC's Super League side defeated Boston 14-7. PAC's scoring took place in the first half with tries by Daniel Bakke and Mark Cyphers. PAC held off a furious Boston assult in the second half to preserve the win. Click on any picture to see a larger version ot it. Click here for more game pictures.

Steve J. Hochman Passes

HOCHMAN STEVEN J. HOCHMAN (Age 57) Of Chevy Chase, MD. passed away on March 20, 2009 after a courageous battle against brain cancer. He is survived by his wife of 25 years Kathleen Thorne Hochman and their two children Shannon and Sean; his brother Dr. Rod Hochman and wife Nancy; his father- in-law John F. Thorne, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Mary Lou Thorne, and nieces and nephews Alyssa, Lindsey, Jacqui, and Alex. Steve was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Huntington, New York. He was a graduate of Bowling Green State University and received a Masters degree in International Relations from American University. Since his graduation from American he has spent the last 36 years in the Washington,DC area. For the last 22 years, Steve was employed by Blake Real Estate where he was the Vice President for Commercial Leasing. He was an avid sports enthusiast and former rugby player who dedicated many years coaching youth soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. Steve loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling, skiing, and hiking with his family and friends. Please contact Mr. Marcus at JMarcus887@aol.com for more information.

PAC Wins 29-24 Against Reading

PAC on Saturday March 7, 2009 against Reading Rugby. While our Superleage side was in Gerogia playing Life College the in town crew hosted a Pennsylvania team. Click on the picture to see a larger version. Please submit names of players.
Tonga making the pass on the left. Please submit name of player on right. Click on a picture to see a larger version.

Irish Wake for Phil Turner

Irish wake at Ken Wards house on January 25, 2009. Top row from left to right: John Marcus, Ken Ward, Roberto Infante, Jim Trump, Mike Hincewicz, Drew Conway, Mick Skully, x, and Jim Hunt. Middle row from left to right: Lane Potkin, Joe Bender, Patrick Dynes, Tom Hartney, Ken Worn, Tom Fromme, Jim McPhearson, Ed Staunton (above), and Kirk McConnell. Front row from left to right: Laim O'Grady, and Keyvan Kiampour. Click on the picture for a larger version of it.
Line out with GW player Phil Turner third from the right. GW players from the left are Joe Bender, Mike Hincewicz, Brad Gwehr, Steve Verna, Phil, Jim Trump, and Bob Elmore. Neil Conway say that this picture is from a tournament played in D.C. and the opponent is the Bethleham, PA Holligans. Please provide any additional information about this picture-by sending an email here. Click on this picture to see a larger version of it.
The continuation of the Irish Wake for Phil Turner at the Verizon Center on March 23. Front row from left are Kent Hughes, Kirk McConnell, and Ed Staunton. Behing them from the right are Tim Coursen, Ken Ward, Bill Inglee, Jim Trump, Joe Bender, Steve Rukavina, Rod Campbell, and Patrick Dynes. Bill Inglee sponsored the event.

Unfortunately the first news item of the year 2009 is Phil Turner's death. Born November 19, 1950. Died January 11, 2009. Mary Turner phoned Bill Inglee recently to report that Phil died of a heart attack at age 58. He is survived by wife Mary, Nigel (35), Paul (32), Claire (30), and Heather (27). Phil and Mary were active in the Bognor Chichester Cycling Group and traveled the world with their club including trips to Australia, Greece, Italy, and South Africa. They also trekked in Nepal and Peru. Phil was an actuary. Nigel is a transport manager in Australia. Paul is a tax accountant, is with the British Army, and has served in Iraq. Claire is a conservationist, is married, and lives near home in West Sussex. Heather lives in the Washington, DC area. Steve Emery attended the funeral and celebration of his life recently and we will get a full report from him once he returns to DC. Those who payed during the late 1970s and early 1980s have vivid memories of the wonderful Turner family. We remember the kids along the sidelines in Anacostia Park and at the club house in DC. I think Nigel and Paul knew the words to the songs better than the rugby players did. For more pictures from the Irish Wake click here. Mary Turner can be reached by email at philnmary@talktalk.net and by mail at

Mary Turner
Blackbirds, Brookside Close
Runcton, Chichester West
Sussex PO20 1PY
United Kingdom

2005 Rugby Reunion Took Place October 7 and 8 in the Washington, DC area!

PAC Under 33 Versus PAC Old Boys Click on the photo to enlarge it. Bottom Row L to R Nathan Stokes, Lane Dixson, Danzel Van Zyl, Josh Stallings, John Rudd, Mike Fabling, ???, Ed Smith, Mike Smith, Brett Gaba, ??, Stefan Hankin, Mark Crick, Richard Butcher, Tom, Peter Forman, Gilles Sado, Kevin Canary, Jonah Pozen, Dan Raucher, Pete Walton. Top Row L to R Irakly, Brandyn Hardnett, Patrick Malloy, Justin Prud'Homme, Greg Cohen, Nick Hildebiddle, Mike Gooley, Olgalvie, Ivan Hardnett, Tom McHale, Tom Kenney, Paul Devaux, Pete McCall, ??, ??, Joe Purcell, Brian O'Sullivan, McNutt, ??, Cameron Dunlop, Dan Baikie, Jim Richards, ??, Diggy, ??,??, ??, Bill Barnett, Gerry MacDonald, Dair DiRimeggio, Hank Gorecki. Please send names of players.

Ancient PAC Old Boys--GW Versus SUD Match Click on the photo to enlarge it. Please send names of players. Back row from the left: x, Steve LaBell, Kevin Canary, x, Gilles Sado, x, Cameron Dunlop, Bruce McCarthy, Mike Sorrell, Peter Henley, Steve Snyder, Ian Green, Mac Norton, Mike Green, John Shepherd, Steve Rukavina, & Chris Coburn. Front row from the left: Stefan Hankin, Dave Van Fossen, x, Patrick Dynes, Tom Hartner, Kirk McConnell, Kent Hughes, Jorge Diaz, Diego Hernandez, Ed Staunton, Brian O'Sullivan, BJ Jones, & Ken Worm.

Potomac Athletic Club 1995 National Championship Team

Click on the above image to enlarge it. The national championship game was between Old Mission Bay Athletic Club (OMBAC) and PAC in Austin, Texas. Flanker Reza scored the first try. Fabling added the conversion to put PAC up 7-6. Mike Fabling followed up with a penalty kick to give PAC a 10-6 lead. At the half it was 10-9. In the second half Mike scored on a penalty kick to make it 13-12. The remainder of the second half was a PAC offensive onslaught. Fabling booted another through on a penalty for the last points of the day. PAC won 16-12. Players on this team included (back row from left to right) Brian O'Sullivan, Fusi Feaunati, Steve Amitay, Scott Keith, Brendan Malloy, Bill Ogilvie, Manus Cooney, John Malloy, Chris Schricte, Joe Belotte, Jim Trump, Dave Farling, Tom Lyons, and Lance French. Kneeling from left to right are Butch Bernier, Bob Obrist, Tom Williams, Tom Kenny, Commando, Mike Fabling, Leo Fitzsimon, Phil Vivaldi, John Trauth, Reza, Fritz Schricte, and Graeme Thompson. Mike and Dean Orbell missed this team photo. Please submit incorrect names of names out of order. Picture from Rugby magazine.

Geroge Washington Rugby - Team Photo Vs. Orleans in 1977 and Potomac Rugby Union Chapmions in 1982

Here is a GW side that played Orleans in 1977. On the top row from left to right are Tom Cullen, Chris Russell, Kent Hughes, Eric Ackerman, Drew Conway, Steve Verna, Mick Scully, Paul Wolfe, Steve Mann, Joel Goodman, Keith Baggett. On the bottom row are John Marcus, Daryl Powell, Jim McPhearson, Tom Fromme, Ed Staunton, Ken Ward, and Phil Mosser. Click on the above image to enlarge it.	Click on this image to enlarge it. Players on this team included (standing) Steve Verna, Mike Hincewicz, Al Long, Jim Trump, Joe Bender, Oliver Walsh, Drew Conway, Ken Worm, John Malloy, Kent Hughes, Phil Turner, Rich Switzer, Steve Rukavina, Dave Lyle, John Marcus, (on knees), John Shepherd, Ed Staunton, Liam O'Grady, Tom Fromme, Kevin Connolly, Ken Ward, Kirk McConnell, and Tim Ronin.

Club Sudamericano de Rugby - 1972 Team Photo & 1988 Old Boys Side

Here is a SUD team from 1972. Click on the above image to enlarge it.

Click on this image to enlarge it. Players standing are from left to right Terry Collins, Sam Napolitano, Mick Scully, Quentin Lawson, Bruce McCarthy, Ian Knox, Peter Tillotson, Don't Know (DK), DK, Pete Thomas, Tom Walsh, Lee Barrett, DK, Dickie Heidenberger, Tom Cooney, and Al Feldt. Players on knees from left to right are John Griggs, Bob Andretta, Jorge Diaz, Peter Heley, Bob Macaughey & Diego Hernandez.

Here is a SUD versus (we think) GW match in about 1974. For SUD from left to right are Ken Schultz, Terry Larimer (7),  David McCarthy (10), Art Weber, Jerry Coleman, Bob Dern (15)  and Tom Wilson. Alan Crabbe and Noel were in the original but may have been cropped out of the photo. Submitted by David McCarthy. There is some dispute about whether the team in stripes in GW. If you have any more information about this photo please submit it. Daryl Powell says this photo with the throw in in front of the Capitol - - no question that is GW - Sud. That is the A side, I played on the B side that day. We used to play back then on the south side of the National Mall. Either Matty Godak or Woody Hinckle took that picture, it was on my wall for years. A great shot.  Neil Conway says that there is no question in his mind that the teams in the photo are Sud and GW. Terry Collins (SUD 1971) says that yes the other team was GW - the photo was taken by Matt Godak - and we used it as a cover for on rugby gear catalog at Leather Balls. ltd back in the 70's. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Click on the Rugby Photos button on the left hand side for more team pictures!