The 1977 National Rugby Championships featured USARFU's first installment of the Interterritorial championships while the Monterey National was in its 19th edition.
ITT
The National Selection Tournament involved the four regional rugby unions comprising the United States RFU: Pacific Coast RFU, Western RFU, Midwest RFU, and the Eastern Rugby Union. The region teams are formed from selected players from the sub regional rugby unions. Subsequently, the USA Eagles are selected from the four regional teams after the ITT concludes."Rugby Stars Open Tourney In Colorado". (May 14, 1977). San Francisco Chronicle, p.41 col.6 The selection committee was chaired by Keith Seaber representing the Midwest and also included Ray Cornbill of the East, Kevin Kitto from the West and Denis Storer for the Pacific Coast. The 1977 tournament was the inaugural edition and was played as a round robin from May 14–15 at Jackson Field in Greeley, CO."U.S. National Rugby Trials Program Set". (May 12, 1977). Greeley Tribune, p.35 col.1 The Pacific Coast RFU were the champions and claimed the Governor's Cup."Pacific Team Wins Rugby". (May 16, 1977). Gazette Telegraph, p.4–B col.3"Pacific Coast Ruggers Win Title". (May 16, 1977). Seattle Times, p.E3 col.1 Tom Beckman of the Midwest was named the MVP."Pacific Coast Dominates U.S. Rugby Tourney Matches". (May 16, 1977). Greeley Tribune, p.23 col.3–5 Results:
TeamWLFA1Pacific Coast Grizzlies3055372Eastern Colonials2145223Midwest Thunderbirds1235454Western Mustangs031849
U.S. Eagles selection:"Pacific Coast Ruggers Win". (May 16, 1977). San Jose News, p.7D col.3-4 Jay Hanson (Pacific), Bruce Henderson (West), Mike Sherlock (East), Craig Sweeney captain(Pacific), Bob Casey (East), Tom Klein (Pacific), Jeff Lambard (Pacific), Tom Selfridge (East), Scott Kelso (Midwest), Rob Bordley (East), David Stephenson (Pacific), Dan Wack (East), Don Guest (Pacific), Mike Liscovitz (East), Dennis Jablonski (Pacific).Moss, Al (May 16, 1977). "Pacific Coast Sweeps Rugby Tourney". San Francisco Chronicle, p.51 col.1-2 Alternates: Carl Muhler (Pacific), Brad Andrews (Pacific), Steve Grey (Pacific), Dick Cook (East), Boyd Morrison (East), Bill Brown (West).
Monterey National Championships
The 1977 Monterey National Rugby Championship was the 19th edition of the tournament and was considered to be the de facto national championship."The Money Is Nice, But The Work Annoys Them". (March 20, 1974). San Francisco Examiner, p.52 col.2"Chuckanut Bay Ruggers 18th At Monterey". (March 27, 1975). Bellingham Herald, p.14 col.1-3"UM Rugby Club Enters Title Meet". (March 15, 1974). The Missoulian, p.14 col.3-4"Add: U. Va. Rugby Club". (June 23, 1966). Times-Dispatch, p.21 col.2 This event took place at Pebble Beach, CA from March 19–20. The tournament MVPs were Terry Scott (UCLA) and Ann Fowler (UCLA), Bill Armstrong of the Old Blues won the Running Drop Kick contest while Kurt Huckaby of Chico was runner-up. Rudy Scholz of the Bald Eagles side from San Francisco and former Olympic gold medalist in 1920 and 1924 won the Oldest Player award at the age of 82."BAR Plays For 19th In Tournament". (March 20, 1977). Bakersfield Californian, p.32 col.1-4 Mr. Watson Luke won a special award for having attended all the previous tournaments the sponsors named the perpetual trophy after him.Brockmann, Dave (March 5, 1978). "Oldest Rugby Tourney Around". Santa Cruz Sentinel, p.49 col.1 The Santa Monica Rugby Club went 5–0 to take first place."Barber's Chair". (March 21, 1977). The Daily Report, p.14 col.3"Santa Monica King". (March 21, 1977). Cumberland Evening Times, p.7 col.2"Pebble Beach". (March 21, 1977). Journal Inquirer, p.48 col.1"Monica Ruggers Win". (March 22, 1977). Berkshire Eagle, p.22 col.3"Odds 'n Ends". (March 22, 1977). Nevada State Journal, p.15 col.1
First round
Championship Bracket
Final
Champions: Santa Monica Rugby Club Coach: Ron Nisbet Captain: Craig Sweeney Roster: Brad Andrews, Steve Auerbach, Dave Briley, Tim Desmond, Ron Guss, Richard Harvard, Jerry Kelleher, Brian Kelley, Vic Leopisto, Dennis Murphy, Greg Schneeweis, Jeff Smith, David Stephenson, Jeff Todd.
* Advanced on kicks
* Won on kicks
Consolation Bracket
* Won on kicks
Exhibition matches: B.C. Whoi Whoi 9-14 Bald Eagles UCLA Women's RC 8-0 San Francisco Women's RC
References