ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's rugby program is eager to debut with its inaugural season as a varsity program this fall. The Saxons will welcome a variety of student-athletes to the roster. The men's rugby program transitioned to a varsity program under the Athletics Department in February in 2024 after previously being organized through the Student Experience unit.
Alfred University will be led by Head Coach Dale Russell, who was introduced as the Head Men's Rugby Coach this past May. The rugby coaching staff will include Director of Rugby/Head Women's Rugby Coach Dr. Nicole Bernsen and graduate assistant Cullen Mahoney going into the 2024-25 season.
"It's exciting that Alfred University is investing in the sport of rugby," Russell said. "Going from a club to varsity program, along with the addition of Saxon Hill in the near future, is great. Both the Athletics department and the administration have shown tremendous support for the growth of the sport."
Russell comes to Alfred University from the University of Maine, where he recently led his team to the 2024 National Collegiate Rugby Men's Division II 7s National Championship title. He has worked as the men's rugby coach since August of 2015 and has a 49-20-1 record to show for it. Russell's men's rugby program has qualified for the national tournament for 15's in 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023. His program also qualified for nationals in 7's in 2022 and 2023 outside of the champion season of 2024.
"It's great to be supported as a coach at Alfred University," Russell said. "Nicole has been helpful in this transition for me. Cullen is making that leap from a former player to a coaching role as a graduate assistant. It's exciting to see him on his path to development."
The first match for men's rugby will be held on the road at Le Moyne College on September 14. The first home match for Alfred University will take place on October 20 against Buffalo State. The match will take place at Yunevich Stadium at 11:00 AM, marking one of two regular season home contests for Alfred University. As part of the Lake Effect Rugby Conference (LERC), Alfred University will compete on the road against Ithaca College, Le Moyne College, Niagara University and the University of Rochester. The LERC postseason is scheduled to take place from November 2-23.
"My overall philosophy is that I want our program to get better each day. Our student-athletes are excited to be elevated to a varsity program, and I want to assist in making that transition as easy as possible. We are looking to progress throughout the season. I want us to grow and develop together. Hopefully we can see some success and get into the postseason by peaking at the right time."
-- Swords Forward Saxons --
