BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott Athletics and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Ryman to the position of head coach for the men’s and women’s rugby programs for the 2014-15 academic year. Ryman, with 31 years of both playing and coaching rugby experience, is coming off five seasons with Tufts and time spent with the Charles River men’s and women’s rugby squads.
“We are excited to have Coach Ryman as our new head men’s and women’s rugby coach,” said Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities and Recreation Mark Kulakowski. “I believe his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game will help bring our rugby program to a new level.”
Ryman made an immediate impact on the Tufts rugby program upon arrival, taking over a team that in the year prior went 2-5 overall, by going 5-2 in his first season with an appearance in the New England Collegiate Rugby Conference (NECRC) semifinals. Over the next three seasons, the Jumbos accumulated an 18-3 record and nearly captured a conference title with either championship or semifinals berths.
By the end of his run at Tufts, Ryman had led the Jumbos to a #6 ranking in the country thanks in part to his squad giving up only 45 points in seven matches in his final year.
“After speaking with Mark and getting a glowing recommendation from Keith Cattanach, the Commissioner of the Colonial Coast Rugby Conference (CCRC), I knew that Endicott was a perfect fit for me,” said Ryman. “It became clear to me that Endicott took rugby seriously, believed in doing things right, and has very high aspirations for these teams which includes elevating the programs to competing at the national level.”
Ryman will be inheriting an Endicott men’s squad that went 7-4 (3-4 CCRC) last season, were the tournament champions at the Plymouth State 7’s, and had three players compete in the CCRC Select Side Tournament. The women’s team, after building and developing players into the spring season, earned their first-ever victory with a 10-5 win over Hartford at the Plymouth State 7’s Tournament. One participant from the women’s side also competed in the CCRC Select Side Tournament.
“The fact that last year’s squads were winning teams and infused with my style of building a program, building confidence, and building unity will allow us to be a successful. Rugby is one of the most team-oriented sports in the world so my number one goal over the next year is to elevate numbers so that when the men and women come to practice there will be a competitive environment in which to hone basic skills and embrace team chemistry and camaraderie.”
While Ryman’s attention will certainly be on continually improving the athleticism and rugby skills of his players the ultimate focus, he says, will be on maintaining a high academic standard and creating a culture of positivity.
“My message to my players is that first and foremost, you are at Endicott to learn and be a student. On the field when we practice stay focused and work hard. It will pay off.”
