Honors
Induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, and members of the University of Florida Rugby Community. These inductees are key to our history and inspiration to our future.
Name
Years Involved
Year Inducted
Inaugural
Ken Simmons
2006–2025
2019
Howard Ehrsam
1989–1995
2019
Dennis Frisch
1973–1977
2019
Roy Brewer
1970–1978
2019
Tony Barker
1969 - 1971
2019
Dan Carter
1974 - 1978
2019
Austin Dacanay
1996 - 1999
2019
Mel Fried
1969 - 2009
2019
George Rozelle
1969 - 1979
2019
Jim "JT" Thul
Player 1976-1986, Coach 1976 - 1977
2019
Jon vanBlokland
1980 - 1987
2019
Phil Whyatt
1969 - 1972
2019
John Young
1969 - 1973
2019
Gary Byrne
Men's Coach 2007 - 2018, Women's Coach 2018 - Present
2020
Sergio Lopez
1971 - 1974
2020
Dan Marvel
1972 - 1990
2020
Gill Ruderman
1972 - 1976
2020
Mercer Russell
1990 - 2002
2020
Haylee Slaughter
2000 - 2003
2020
George Luttrell
1973–1974
2021
Brian Whitfield
1995 - 1998
2021
Kerri O'Malley
2000 - 2008
2023
Chris Brown
1994–1998
2023
Bill Crusselle
1975 - 1978
2023
Kelley Wiltbank
1971 - 1974
2023
Norm Litwack
1977–1981
2024
Carlos Ballbe
1981 - 1985
2024
Conrad Merry
1981 - 1984
2024
Kristen Hall
2014 - 2016
2025
Nominations
1
A player, coach or alumnus submits a Hall of Fame nomination.
2
Three nominations for the same person trigger a Hall of Fame Committee review.
3
The committee reviews and determines awards in the November to December window.
4
Awards are presented at Alumni Weekend.
For the basis, cover what the nominee did during their time at UF, what they have done for UF rugby since leaving, what they have done for rugby beyond UF, and their professional accomplishments outside the game.
Nominees require three nominations, so please contact others who share your interest in seeing this person considered. Your personal nomination matters, but so does your ability to gather supporting letters from others. For both award categories, the more information the committee receives, the easier the decision. The committee cannot chase down facts about people it may not know. If it matters to you, make it matter to others.
Acknowledging sustained and exceptional achievement by a University of Florida rugby athlete, coach, referee or advisor in any aspect of the game, during or after one's tenure at the university, including but not limited to: on the pitch as a player; as a referee; as a coach; significant leadership roles on the university team and other rugby teams; selection to or leadership roles with select, representative or national teams; significant leadership roles in club or RFU administration, management or creation; significant direct and individual contributions to the evolution of the sport at the university or in general, including that of an enthusiastic devotee of the university teams; and such other achievements as the selection committee concludes warrants special recognition.
Distinguished Achievement Award criteria
Acknowledging exceptional achievement by a University of Florida rugby athlete, coach, referee or advisor in any aspect of the game, during or after one's tenure at the university, including but not limited to: on the pitch as a player; as a referee; as a coach; significant leadership roles within the club or team or RFU management; selection to select or representative teams; significant direct and individual contributions to the evolution of the sport at the university or in general, including that of an enthusiastic devotee of the university teams; and such other achievements as the selection committee concludes warrants special recognition.
FAQ
The University of Florida Alumni Rugby Hall of Fame honors players, coaches and contributors from across the program's history. Ken Simmons, now Director of Rugby, was inducted in 2019 after serving as men's head coach.