Ruggers Reunite During Homecoming 2000

by Stephanie Slaney, BA ’00

(Grey Beards jumpin' all over the ball during alumni rugby game.)

There was music, there was dancing, there was fellowship, and of course there was rugby. In keeping with tradition, STU ruggers, old and new, took to Loyalists Field for a rugby reunion during Homecoming 2000. It would take more than a cold breeze to keep these strong winds off the field.

Rugby has enjoyed a long history at STU, which dates back to the old days on the Miramichi. Many old-timers came out of the woodwork to play their game - and boy did they “try”! In the first match at noon, the old boys of the rugby field at St. Thomas (aka The Grey Beards) squared off against the Loyalists Legends. On the roster for the Grey Beards was Peter Pacey, current day coach who brought the program out of hiatus 10 years ago, nurtured it, and helped bring the Stompin’ Tommies to victory in the NB/PEI Conference of Maritimes Universities Rugby League in late October. The Grey Beards brought the Loyalists down by a score of 30-5.

(St. Thomas Grey Beards reunite for Homecoming Reunion 2000)

Following the first game, the current day provincial champs met the recent grads. The Stompin’ Tommies Old Boys (STOBs) dominated the high tempo altercation by a score of 21-10. Gary LeRoux, BA ‘93, on the roster for the STOBs, was part of Pacey’s rugby revival 10 years ago. A number of the STOBs who suited up for the alumni game were members of the Stompin’ Tommies when they also enjoyed provincial victory back in 1997. Chris Peters, Brent Rowney, BA ‘99, Rod MacDonald, BA ‘99, BEd ‘00 and Ben Kean (to mention a few) were part of the squad that brought the boys to the victory three years ago and again on the field Homecoming weekend.

(1997 Provincial Rugby Champs, the Stompin' Tommies Old Boys gather once more for Homecoming Reunion 2000.)

The rugby reunion festivities were brought to a close with a presentation by Peter Pacey. He told the group that he is attempting to set up a programme, “Friends of the Stompin’ Tommies”, that would work in generating much deserved funds to help many of the players. Many are struggling to make ends meet, some working part time or full time jobs, attending university, and playing the game they love, rugby. In a recent conversation with Pacey, he informed me that the initiative is part of an alumni involvement program that allows old ruggers to purchase memberships in the program. A great deal of interest has been expressed, a number of memberships purchased, but more are available by contacting Peter Pacey through the STU Athletics Office.

Overall, the day, like Homecoming 2000, was a huge success. It was filled with good sportsmanship that helped reunite teammates from years gone by. Next year, same place and around the same time, the STU ruggers will face off again in an attempt to keep the reunion a yearly tradition and help St. Thomas its respectability on the rugby field.