PARMR fund made its inaugural presentation of the Phil Rogers ’79 Memorial Rugby Prize on June 1st 2007 at the annual Princeton University Rugby Football Club Awards dinner. Board members Ieva Rogers, Martin Rogers and Henry Maguire were present . Although the presentation took place during a heavy downpour and thunderstorm, the mood was upbeat.
Many of Phil’s team mates, including Julian Heller, George Wood, Bill Ford, Mitch Maloney, Jeff Shaw and D.D. Lewis were there to honor their good friend and join in the festivities. Julian Heller set the stage with his poignant remarks about playing with Phil (to read Julian's words click here). Phil’s teammate and brother Martin and wife Ieva, introduced the trophy with the help of the five teamates, Maguire, Wood, Shaw, Ford and Heller (who were required to lift the darn thing.) It was raised high to a standing ovation. All who were present complimented the design and originality of the trophy.
The inaugural winner, Rachel Schupack ’08 (prop forward) was unable to attend since she was flying abroad that day. The prize was received on her behalf by her coaches.
Dinner with Rachel Schupack.
We were able to meet our winner for dinner in Princeton, N.J. on Friday, November 9, 2007. Board Members, Ieva Rogers, Henry Maguire, Martin Rogers along with brother Peter were on hand to present Rachel with her framed calligraphy of the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling and her "boot money" certificate for Rugby Imports an online rugby outfitter.
