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UMF rugby team honored at State House

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UMF players Sam Hill and Chip Burnham get comfortable at the governor’s desk. Behind them (left to right): Senator Walter Gooley of Farmington, Rep. (and long-time UMF rugby supporter) Lance Harvell of Farmington, Woody Hanstein, Malachi Belluscio, Tony Solis, Tom Ross, Governor John Baldaci, Roger Tracy, Derek “Gump” Beaudet, Taylor Steeves, Josh McMahon, Derek Hanrahan, Barry Coolbrith, Craig Bailey, Rep. (and host) Tom Saviello of Wilton.

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, members of the University of Maine at Farmington’s men’s rugby team were invited to Augusta by state Rep. Tom Saviello of Wilton, to meet Gov. John Baldaci and also to be recognized by the Maine House of Representatives for UMF’s recent championship rugby season.


FIT TO BE TIED: UMF rugby coach (and former standout flanker) Tony Solis shares a moment with sartorially-improved Rep. Tom Saviello.

The UMF men brought their 2009 New England Rugby Football Union trophy along for the ride, and they got a chance to chat with Gov. Baldaci about both the stellar season just completed as well as the team’s upcoming tour of England in April when it will take on three rugby teams there and also enjoy a spot of cricket.

The UMF men presented both Gov. Baldaci as well as the usually bow-tie-bedecked Rep. Saviello with stylish UMF rugby ties, and also made a gift to the Governor of a signed rugby ball which immediately took a place on his credenza beside a baseball bat sent by Red Sox slugger David Ortiz as well as other memorabilia.

Before being recognized by the full house of representatives, the UMF players found time for a little training and ball handling under the State House rotunda’s dome (see video below), and then headed back to Farmington to hit the books and begin preparing for England in the springtime.

 Above: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hannah Pingree, introduces the UMF men’s rugby team on Tuesday.


MOVE OVER BIG PAPI: A rugby ball signed by the UMF men takes its place on the Governor’s credenza right beside a baseball bat provided by Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.
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4 Comments

  2. Thanks to Tom and Lance for their support and the opportunity to visit with the Governor. Later that day I critiqued the Governor on the language in his state of the State address.

  3. I am incredibly proud of the University of Maine at Farmington’s scholastic and athletic prowess. This academic institution offers unparalleled undergraduate research and cultural opportunities while fostering respect and leadership traits.

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