Olde Originals History

OFFICERS:
Bruce Boucher – VP
bboucher@ carolina.rr.com
704 451-4517

Billy DeRosa - VP
billy_derosa@ hotmail.com
704 451 4517

George Miller- Trs.
rugby7s@aol.com
980 721 5287

Devin Arnett
Match Sec.
carnet@ cdaenviromental.com
704 661 7938

Chris Joyce
Club Manager
803 320 4369

David Hamilton
Coach
dhamilton@
alveolus.com
704 905 5782

	BUMGARDNER, CORDLE, JOHNSON, AMONG OTHERS, WHO START RUGBY IN CHARLOTTE IN THE SPRING OF 1971………. Don Bumgardner, Bob Cordle, and Mary Olive Johnson, along with others, were Instrumental in starting what was first called the Charlotte Rugby Football Club in 1971. With few area teams to play, CRFC played nearby Davidson College home and away. Those first few years and then the club won its first tournament at USC in spring 1974. With the growth of rugby in the late 70’s and the arrival of more players, teams began to field “B” sides and a new club in Charlotte started- called the Charlotte Gargoyles. Former CRFC player Stan Robinson started the Gargoyles in 1974. To distinquish Itself from its new rivals, CRFC added the “Olde Originals” nickname- meaning the first Club.
	THE ORIGINALS MOVED TO “THE AIRPORT FIELD” IN THE LATE 70’S AND PLAYED INTO THE LATE 80’S THERE………. The old CRFC pitch-before Skillbeck Park was built- was adjacent to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. The club was allowed use- of the land- of which one-side line and one –end zone- were bordered by trees. The other sideline was lined by residential houses of the nearby Berryhill neighborhood. Before the club left for Skillbeck Park in 1989- the houses were beginning to be torn down for airport expansion. The goalposts at the Airport pitch were made of the nearby pine trees that made up the dense woods.
	THE ORIGINALS HAD AFTER PRACTICE MIXERS AND GAME DAY PARTIES AT KENILWORTH CAFÉ, RHEINLAND HOUSE, AND ELIZABETH PUB......... The Olde Originals hosted teams at various locations in the 70’s-80’s. The club ventured Over to Kenilworth Café, Rheinland House, and then finally in the mid-eighties- the Elizabeth Pub- on 4th street. Elizabeth Pub is now called “Tonic” club- but many Olde Originals and family and friends remember how good owner Don Burgoon was to us. He had a patio that the Originals congregated on to eat and to sing their songs. Don left and Terry took over in 91’ and the club enjoyed two years of fun at the pub with Terry- Until the Skillbeck Park clubhouse was completed in 1993. Many an Olde Originals first recollections of the club in those years were the after practice mixers That the players enjoyed at the Elizabeth Pub.
	CONCESSIONS AT THE AIRPORT FIELD- 1980’s...... Many Olde Originals recall the days of “the social club” who enlisted support from players, family members, and friends, to run a concession stand- one of the first of such in South rugby. Jaime Puckett-Lee, Susie Rosen, Leonard Burgardner, Rose Cochell, Galen Luse, Bill “flamo” Randell and Judy Randell, Ruth Turton, Scott and Terri Vanderlinden, Betty Watts, Fred Gann, and Kathy Ehler, were among others who served on Olde Originals concession stands at the Airport Field and later Skillbeck Park. They also assisted in other social club functions such as raising money For the first Olde Originals “Old Man’s” banner and paying for and putting in the Mohogany-wood horseshoe-shaped bar at Skillbeck Park. Thank you folks we shall Never forget you! The Originals showed even then a propensity for having dedicated members among their ranks who would later become involved in the building of Skillbeck Park (88-93’) still today one of the best facilities ever built in the US for club rugby.
	THE ORIGINALS PLAYED NORFOLK, ROANOKE, RALEIGH, CAPE FEAR, CLEMSON, ATLANTA RENEGADES, AMONG OTHERS IN 70-80’S…….. By the late 1970’s, the Olde Originals had established themselves as state title contenders And won five consecutive NC RFU Championships from 1979-83. Among the earliest stars for the Olde Originals in the early seventies were Mike Bumgarner (71-83) Eddie Stoudemayer (71-83), Bob Cordle (71-81), and Andy Turton (74-83). Others who distinquished themselves in those years were Henry Barber, Don Bumgardner, Steve Arnsdorff, Bobby Broome (79-89’), Virgil Ehler (76-86’), Jim Cochell (80-89’) and Joe Charles (77-86’), among others. In the 1982, hooker Mike Lee (NCSU) and prop Joe Charles were the first Olde Originals named to the Eastern Rugby Union South Side- later to be joined in 83-88 by Bob Hileman, Tom Dever, Sam Stephens, Raley Miller, Galen Luse, Rich Brendel, Jim Hewins, Dave Dickson, Steve Arnsdorff, and Rick Avate.
	OLDE ORIGINALS FALL TO BLACKTHORN IN ERU FINAL 4 – 1984......... Possibly the most important match of the eighties- the Olde Originals traveled to Philadelphia and eventually fell to ERU champion Philadelphia Blackthorn 16-12. 2nd row Bob Hileman and wing Raley Miller were both named to the ERU select Side team for 1984, after their fine showing at the ERU final four. This was also the first time the Originals had advanced that far in ERU action. Prop Rick Brendle and USA Eagle scrum half Dave Dickson was also on that 84’ team.
	82’- JOE CHARLES AND MIKE LEE NAMED TO ERU SELECT SIDE…. OLDE ORIGINALS TRAVEL TO UK IN 85’ TRIP………. With Eastern Rugby Union select side hooker Mike Lee (83-88’), and a back line of flyhalf Rick Avate (Bethlehem RFC PA), centers Paul Kenny (Roanoke RFC VA) and Bill Jones (Washington & Lee College VA), fullback Tom Dever (Spring Hill College AL), and wings Raley Miller and Bobby Broome, the Olde Originals placed second or third in Eastern Rugby Union South competition from 1980 to 84- behind the Atlanta Renegades and the Norfolk Blues. The Olde Originals spring 1985 team finished with a 10-0 record. Led by President Tom Dever and Captain Steve Arnsdorff, the Olde Originals went on their first and only overseas tour- traveling to Great Britain in the fall of 85’ and played teams from Clifton, Stroud, Brecom, High Wycombe, and Haringey. Players who distinquished themselves in the mid- late 80’s were flanker Pat George (NCSU), prop Jim Hewins (Lynchburg RFC VA), 2nd row Mike Vead (Univ. of Miami), center Kevin Robke (Kansas State U), Scrum half Dave Dickson (Vanderbuilt U.) prop Rick Brendle Reading RFC PA), prop Joe “Sax” Charles (NCSU), and 2nd row Wally Judd (NCSU), among others.
	84’ – TONY SKILLBECK- THE COACH- THE LEGEND- SKILLBECK PARK............. Tony took over coaching duties from Tom Dever…… When Tony Skillbeck arrived on the Originals scene in 1984, he took over the coaching Reigns and immediately lifted the Originals to higher practice and game expectations. Tony was especially gifted in back line play knowledge and administration and organization. He was possibly the first real coach in Originals rugby history. Tony Came to the Originals from Australia. He had lived in Atlanta, among other US cities Before settling in Charlotte. Tony bought the land for what is now called Skillbeck Park And was a daily participant in the building of the field and clubhouse. Tony and Bob McCloud were also both instrumental in getting the South to form a Division 1 back in 1995 When the ERU split into territories. Tony’s 94’ team played Old Blue in the ERU Final Four at Orlando.
	AVATE, DEVER, KENNEY, JONES, MILLER, ROBKE, TELFORD-BACKLINE KEEPS ORIGINALS ON TOP- 86-’94’.................. Rick Avate, Phil Langdon, Paul Kenney, Bill Jones, Tom Dever, George Miller, Dave Telford, and Kevin Robke- formed the basis for the Originals back-lines in the late 80’s and early nineties- the Club won 8 NC RFU championships during that time period and played in the ERU Final four in Orlando in spring 1994- falling to New York City Old Blue 65-14. These guys also put together the beginnings of Olde Originals- South domination of the 7’s competition. The Originals hosted their own summer 7’s tournament in the Years of 94-98’. Bill Jones later became 7’s coach for the Originals and sent his 97’,98’, and 01’ teams to the National 7’s Championships held in Philadelphia. The Originals also returned to play at the 2003 national 7’s championships.
	MANGIARDI, WILKINSON, AND YANIERO JOIN ORIGINALS IN 1987............... Prop Tom Wilkinson (Asheville Iquanas RFC), flanker John Yaniero (Johnson City Silver Bullets RFC TN), and number 8 Eric Mangiardi (Columbia Old Grey SC), all arrived in 1987, and made an immediate impact on the playing field for the club. In the early nineties, the Olde Originals could boast one of the largest and experienced front three’s in the south with Tom Wilkinson and Jim Hewins at props and ERU select side hooker Mike Lee in the middle. Prop Mark Chepnek and 2nd row Jim Cochell were also Impact players during those late 80’s- early nineties. 2nd row Tony Hubbard (6’5” 250) Joined in 1987 and with Cochell and Wally Judd (NCSU)- gave the Originals solid 2nd row play from 87’ to 96’.
	PAT GEORGE, GEORGE MILLER, JOE NELIS PLAYERS, ADMINISTRATORS.......... Flanker Pat George (NCSU) was the Originals President in 1988, 2nd row Ken Ewing (NCSU) was President in 1989, Joe Nelis (Appalachian State U.), in 1993. All three were key members of the building and fund raising effort to build Skillbeck Park. George Miller (Belmont Abbey College) continued the effort of dedicated player- officers- when he joined the club in 1986. He has served most recently as match secretary (2002). George was on the 94’ ERU final four team
	WASHINGTON’S BARRY TIDD MOVES TO CHARLOTTE 1994......... Hooker Barry Tidd (Washington RFC) came to The Olde Originals in 1995 and took over for Mike Lee (who moved to Raleigh) as the A- side hooker. With an excellent throw in- Barry was a stalwart at the position from 94- 2000. In 1995 the ERU split into territories and the South formed its division 1 and 2. The Originals struggled with depth concerns and finished in the middle of the five team South division 1 in 95-96, and then won the south division 1 title win 97’ and 98’
	DR. MAL REID AND CRAIG ERRINGTON MOVE TO CHARLOTTE- 1997 CENTER RYAN CLAYTON ARRIVES FROM ECU- WAS ALSO PRESIDENT........... The arrival of Dr. Mal Reid in fall 1997 gave the Originals a shot in the arm as his organizational skills and dedication lifted the Originals to South titles in 97-98. Flyhalf Craig Errington (England) came with Mal and comparisons to former Originals scrum-half Dave Dickson have been made since. Dickson is still the only Olde Originals to Have played for the USA national team- having played for the USA Eagles in 1983. Ryan Clayton was a center from ECU who came to the Originals in 1997. Starting Immediately in both 15’s and 7’s action- he was a fixture on the 97-2000’ teams that went to both national tournament championships. Ryan was also club president in 1998.
	RUGBY SQUAD TAKES PERFECT RECORD INTO NATIONAL TOURNAMENT. Joe Nelis says his Charlotte Olde Originals Rugby Football Club became the envy of rugby players up and down the East Coast when it opened a new clubhouse this fall off Old N.C. 16. These days, club members are earning even more respect from their peers for their on-field performance. The Olde Originals carry a perfect 13-0 mark into a Saturday, Dec. 3, match in Orlando against Old Blue of New York City in the final 16 of the men’s national rugby tournament. The Charlotte club earned the trip with tournament victories over teams from Hilton Head S.C., and Atlanta Nov. 19-20 in Charlotte. Only twice before in its 22 year history – in the early 1980s and in 1990 – has the club made the final 16 of the national tournament. It has never carried an undefeated record this late in the year. Mr. Nelis, who serves as club president, says it’s not as if the Olde Originals didn’t have enough to celebrate this season already. Club members dedicated a new 5,800 square-foot clubhouse at he Skillbeck Athletic Grounds – named after long-time team member Tony Skillbeck – in Northwest Charlotte. The facility includes home and visitor locker rooms, a weight room, kitchen, social room, three apartments and an outside deck overlooking the home field. “We’re the envy of every team on the East Coast,” says Mr. Nelis, who plays outside center/fullback for the club. “At most places, you rent a field from the park association, and you change clothes in your car. Here, you step off the field and right into the shower….. We’ve determined there are only two other teams in the U.S. that have a facility like this.” The club, which included 45 active players and 280 social members, rallied behind the construction of the facility, with members performing every task from clearing the land to installing the plumbing. But Mr. Nelis says the construction of the clubhouse carried a toll that may have affected the team’s play for the last couple of years. “A lot of these guys were more interested in building the clubhouse than in practicing,” he says. “Sometimes, instead of practicing, we’d be putting in vents or something. I think we’re better prepared now.” With the headaches of construction behind them, the club has put together its best season ever. Player/coach Tom Dever, a 17-year club member, says a number of players have played a key role for the club this season, including fullback George Miller, forwards Gordon Reid and Eric Mangiardi, prop Tom Wilkinson, team captain Barry Tidd and Wally Judd. Mr. Dever says the new clubhouse even deserves a bit of the credit for the Olde Originals’ success this fall. “I don’t think any magic players showed up because of it,” he says. “I think it has helped. It has brought the guys closer together, so we’re a tighter-knit group.” The clubhouse could be even more of an asset for the team in the future. Mr. Nelis notes the club has already had a number of inquiries from prospective players who were so impressed by the facility that they would like to join the club. Inexperienced players looking for a place to hang out with the guys on the weekend? Hardly. Mr. Nelis says several were serious college players who plan to move to Charlotte after graduation. “I think because of the clubhouse, we are getting more response from potential players.” He says. A win in Orlando would send the Olde Originals on to the national finals next spring in Austin, Texas. But as Mr. Nelis points out, just getting there will be half the problem. The team is looking for a sponsor to help defray part of the $4,000 air fare. In exchange, sponsors will receive free advertising at Olde Original home games during the spring season. Win or lose, thought, ht says the Olde Originals have already made their mark on the world of rugby this fall with their play and their new clubhouse. “We have put a permanent landmark in Charlotte that has earned us recognition as a center for rugby,” he says.