Inaugural “Founders Cup” to be played this Saturday

This Saturday, USD rugby will play crosstown rivals SDSU. This will be the first annual contest for the “Founders Cup”, played in honor of the founders (and all alumni) of both programs.

SDSU rugby was founded in 1958 with USD following in 1980. Both programs have had success at both the regional and national level, and have always enjoyed a healthy rivalry.

Tim Kleier (one of USD’s founders) had this to say regarding the founders cup, and the rivalry-

     The Founders Cup Trophy is an important symbol recognizing the close ties, mutual support, and respect that has existed between the SDSU and USD Rugby Programs for the past four decades.

              These ties go back to 1978 when Gary Howat, the Head Rugby Coach at SDSU, allowed two USD students to play for SDSU because USD did not have a rugby program.  Two years later the SDSU Rugby Program provided important encouragement and support to these two SDSU Rugby players in their efforts to create a new rugby program at their collegiate home - USD. 

              In the years that followed, SDSU and its club team the Old Aztecs continued to provide significant encouragement and support to the USD Rugby Program including coaches (e.g., Teddy Wallace); assistance in navigating issues with SCRFU; allowing USD players on their rugby tours; and cooperation and coordination in scheduling for the season, selecting County rep side teams, and mutual travel arrangements for out of state venues. 

              Because of these close ties, the rivalry and comradery between SDSU and USD rugby players have been epic and continue to bind the two teams and their players together long after college.    The Founders Cup Trophy is a worthy tribute honoring this continuing legacy.   

              Although to the victor go the spoils such there can only be one team who takes home the Founder's Cup Trophy each year, regardless of upon which team's mantle the Trophy currently resides, it will honor both teams throughout the year until they meet again on the rugby pitch - Hopefully for another four decades of time.

              - Tim Kleier (Former SDSU, USD, and Old Aztec rugby player)