March 14,2016
Xavier Rugby Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Photo: Xavier Rugby
Xavier High School Press Release: Xavier Rugby 40th Anniversary, March 11, 2016, Shawna Gallagher Vega
Xavier Rugby marked its 40th anniversary at a spirited celebration attended by more than 300 alumni, family, and friends on March 11.
Members of each of Xavier’s four national championship teams (1985, 1993, 2007, and 2010) were in attendance at the event, which began with a Mass celebrated by Rev. Vin Biagi, S.J. ’67—a trusted figure to generations of Xavier ruggers—in Xavier’s Student Chapel.
Xavier Director of Rugby Joe Sweeney ’85, a member of the 1985 national championship team, emceed the main event, held in the Xavier gym. Mike Tolkin ’85, former head coach of the USA Men’s Eagles, spoke to the crowd, as did Bo Kendrick-Holmes ’16, who told event-goers about the importance of rugby in his life. Kendrick-Holmes will attend the U.S. Naval Academy next year.
Notable Xavier Rugby alumni in attendance included program founder Tom O’Hara ’69, Nigel Milton, Tolkin, and former USA Men’s Eagles Mike Petri ’02 and Seamus Kelly ’09.
For photos from the 40th anniversary celebration, click here.
