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Hodgins Hired as Head Coach of UB Men's Rugby
Hodgins Hired as Head Coach of UB Men's Rugby - Jul 16, 2010
McGuire Steps Down After 23 Years, Enthusiastic About New Hire
Hodgins Hired as Head Coach of UB Men's Rugby
Hodgins Hired as Head Coach of UB Men's Rugby
McGuire Steps Down After 23 Years, Enthusiastic About New Hire
Friday, July 16, 2010
BUFFALO — The University at Buffalo Men’s Rugby program has appointed Michael Hodgins of Batavia, NY Head Coach. Hodgins is replacing Mickey McGuire who announced his retirement in May after 23 years as Coach of UB Men’s Rugby. During McGuire’s tenure, UB Men’s Rugby grew from a competitive, social team with a loose affiliation to the University into a highly competitive club with Division I and Division III teams.
A perennial contender in the Northeast, UB has high hopes for Hodgins’ leadership. McGuire will continue to assist the club on alumni-related projects and stated, “We couldn’t be happier with our choice of Mike for the position. His knowledge and experience assures us that the UB Rugby will continue to flourish for years to come.”
Hodgins, most recently Head Coach at The College at Brockport, brings impressive rugby vita with him. Hodgins is currently Head Coach of the Northeast College All Stars, and coached the Genesee Men’s and High School clubs in years past. Mike works for USA Rugby in the Coach Development Department as a Coach Educator and is an IRB Licensed Educator. He is currently President of the New York State Rugby Conference, a board member of the United States Collegiate Rugby Association, and a member of the USA Rugby Congress.
On his opportunity to coach at SUNY Buffalo, Hodgins stated, “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be part of the University at Buffalo rugby program. There is a long standing tradition of excellence here that permeates throughout the entire organization. This is a wonderful chance to build something unique for the future here at UB.”
Don’t expect the new Head Coach to rest on the laurels of UB’s tradition. Hodgins recognizes the support of the Rugby community on campus, stating, “The culture and environment at UB are based on the quality of everything we do as a Rugby organization both on and off the field and that makes my job easier from the start.”
Brandon Wood, President of the UB Men’s Rugby Club expressed his enthusiasm for the new Head Coach, saying, “Mike Hodgins' coaching platform is exactly what UB needs to bring us to the next level of competition. With the program he intends to bring to UB, the team can continue to grow and develop into one of the top rugby teams in the country.”
On the upcoming season, Hodgins shared “I am grateful to the University and the Alumni for having the confidence in me to take the program forward and can’t wait to get stuck-in for the upcoming fall season.” Hodgins tenure as head coach will be put to the test with their season opener at St. Bonaventure. Bonnies Head Coach, Clarence Picard is “… very excited to open our season with such a big match, especially with Coach Hodgins taking over at University at Buffalo.” Picard continued, “Mickey McGuire left some big shoes to fill, but I know Mike is up to the task."
For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with either Mike Hodgins or Mickey McGuire, contact John McTigue at 716.824.5495 or ubcoach@chsrugby.org.
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Posted Until Aug 16, 2010
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