Men's Rugby

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University men's rugby team held its first varsity awards banquet on Nov. 18. Fifty-two members of the team, along with coaches, administrators, parents and friends, gathered at the American Legion banquet hall to celebrate the accomplishments of the program and recognize individual achievements.

Head coach Bob Weggler called up four-year seniors Brad Panasiti, Matt Burke, Tom Hansen, Jamie Corcoran, and five year senior Miley Massed, all of whom received watches from the University in recognition of their athletic achievement.

In addition, Hansen, Panasiti and Burke received special engraved plaques for serving as captains this year. Hansen also received the Coach's Award.

The Ruggadillo award went to Tim Chun. The Rookie Award was presented to Drew Poalino. The Ball Retention award was given to Brandon Dennin.

John Lupo was the recipient of the Mitch Award. The Mitch Award was established in 1995 in memory of Richard W. Mitchell II. It is awarded annually to the underclassman showing the most dedication to the sport of rugby.

The Man of the Match award (for league matches) was given to the following players. Northeastern - John Lupo; Connecticut - Greg Boyer; Army -Tom Hansen; Dartmouth - Matt Burke; Harvard - Miley Massed; Boston College - George Rouson; Yale - Brad Panasiti.

Ruggadillo patches, awarded to players who have played two fall seasons, were given to Eric Poalino, Dominic Cloutier, Ryan Grogan, Tim Chun, Brendan Anderson, Joe Garcia, John Drue Mabb, Jason Heiser, Joie Niosi and Dan Taube.

Weggler also recognized the strength and conditioning staff - Jeff Kruger and Jo Lynn Ostler; Mia of the medical staff; and thanked the following individuals for their contributions to the success of the season: assistant coach Justin Howard '08, special advisor George LePeltier, staunch supporter Professor David Orrick, and announcer Dan Poalino.

The following players received the first varsity letters ever awarded to members of the Norwich University rugby team:
Frank Anello  09                                      
Aaron Botenhagen 12
Greg Boyer 09
Matt Burke 09
Tim Chun 09
Jamie Corcoran 09
Brandon Dennin 12
AJ Fitzpatrick 10
Tom Hansen 09
John Lupo 09
Miley Massed 09
Trevor McKenzie 12
Brad Panasiti 09
Drew Poalino 12
Eric Poalino 11
Mike Presseau 10
Kaleb Roberts 10
George Rouson 10
James Wuestman 12

The following players received numerals:
James Aird 12
Trevor Albrecht 10
Brendan Anderson 11
Tyrel Armstrong 12
Justin Bair 12
Josh Bowen 12
Kyle Capps 12
Scott Chisholm  12
Dominic Cloutier  11
Jarret Concannon  12
Graig Couton  11
Scott Downs  09
Peter Fisher  12
Joseph Garicia  11
Roger Greenidge  12
Ryan Grogan 11
Jr-Jung Guo 09
Jason Heiser 11
Sam Hoxie  12
Brandon Jennings  12
John Drue Mabb  11
Andy Maio 10
Mike Mallon 09
Sean McCartin 12 ***
Zachary McLaughhlin 12
Kevin Morse-Barry 12
Ben Munkittrick 12            
Joe Niosi 09                      
Josh Nowak 12
James Plamondon 12        
Marc Rappa 12 
Ross Reid 12
Richard Savino 12
Dan Taube 10  
Stephen Townsend 10
Adam Weeks 12