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Rugby Commendation letter from Alfred University’s Student Affairs Department Dan Napolitano

Center for Student Involvement
One Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802
607.871.2175
Fax: 607.871.2088

March  23,  2012  

It  is  my  pleasure  to  write  this  commendation  letter  recognizing  the  outstanding work  of  the  Alfred  Rugby  Team.  

Alfred  Rugby  is  recognized  as  an  official  student  organization  by  the  Center  for Student  Involvement  at  Alfred  University.  Our  records  seem  to  indicate  the  club was  first  recognized  in  1985  and  has  maintained  recognition  and  competed regularly  through  most  of  the  past  27  years.  Membership  has  varied  over  the years  including  a  mix  of  AU  students,  Alfred  State  College  students,  and community  members.  While  the  organization  is  recognized  by  Alfred  University  it is  currently  not  an  officially‐recognized  organization  of  Alfred  State  College. Their faculty  advisor  is  Dr.  Jeff  Sluyter‐Beltrao  and  their  coach  is  William  W. Pulos.   

In 2009 Mr. Pulos re-connected with the Alfred Rugby program.  He  had  previously been  involved  coaching  the  team  during  the  early  years  of  the  1980’s.  Today, the  program  has  seen  an  incredible  revival  under  his  tutelage.  His  leadership has improved  the  quality  of  the  program  both  on  and  off  the  field.   

The  athletic  integrity  has  improved  as  the  team  has  become  members  of  a regional  rugby  league.  Also, Mr. Pulos serves this league as part of their leadership board.  The  competition  and  schedule  created  by  this  league  has  given  the  Alfred club  legitimate  and  challenging  opponents.  Mr. Pulos’  commitment  to  practice  and preparation  make  Alfred  Rugby  better  suited  to  proudly  represent  Alfred  and  win games.   His  diligent  work  with  the  University  grounds‐crew  on  field  preparation has  also  made  an  impact  on  the  team  and  their  preparation.  

The team also incorporates civic responsibility into their program.  The  players  have repeatedly  cleaned  highways,  helped  local  businesses  move  heavy  equipment,  and served  as  a  security  force  for  major  concerts.  Their  presence  at  these  concerts is  not  sought  due  to  their  physical  strength  but  rather  due  to  their  reputation as a  unified,  dependable,  and  responsible  young  men.   

From my observations, Mr.  Pulos  and  Alfred  Rugby  provide  an  invaluable  service in both  positively  impacting  and  successfully  retaining  these  students  for  both  Alfred University  and  Alfred  State  College.  I  look  forward  to  seeing  the  program  grow and  flourish  in  the  years  to  come.   

Dan  Napolitano   — Director  of  Student  Activities   — Alfred  University   

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