A special year end message from UB Rugby Alumni Association President Pete Mancuso:
Seasons Greetings fellow UB Rugby Alumni,
Although the COVID pandemic put a kink in our plans over the past two years, UB Rugby and the UBRAA returned to action in 2021 and we would like to take this time to list some of our accomplishments from the past year, and preview some of what we can all look forward to in 2022.
2021 Year in Review
This year saw a return to fundraising by the UBRAA and support for UB Rugby. Although we could not hold all our traditional events, we were able to host a Parents Weekend tailgate and a year-end happy hour in NYC.
2021 also saw a return to action by UB Rugby with a successful fall campaign. The team finished with a regular season record of 4-2 and was invited to the NCR Men's D1 national playoffs. The team came up short against two seasoned opponents in the national tournament but fought hard in both matches. UB's starting side is made up of a majority of underclassmen, so UB Rugby looks forward to future playoff success as this team matures together.
Thanks to your generous contributions, the UBRAA raised over $17,000 in 2021, which is our largest fundraising year to date!
These funds paid for many necessary contributions to the team, including:
Fully funding our "First XV" Scholarship. We have four UB ruggers receiving a four year scholarship of $500 annually.
Registration fees for 3 UB Rugby members to represent UB and the Liberty Conference at the 2021 NCR 10's select tournament held in New Orleans, LA.
Lodging, travel expenses and dinner for 25 A-side players to the NCR playoffs.
Last but certainly not least, our crowning achievement of the year. We are happy to formally announce that the UBRAA has purchased, donated and facilitated the installation of professional grade rugby goal posts at the UB Rugby pitch! This has long been on the UBRAA wish-list and we look forward to further facilities upgrades in the future.
2022 Preview
In 2022, we look forward to a full return to action with in-person events and many social activities. Please look out for the following events in early 2022, dates will be announced as they are confirmed.
Super Bowl and NCAA squares (February)
Six-Nations Rugby Social and Viewing Parties in NYC and Buffalo (March)
MLR Rugby United New York home game and tailgate (April)
Alumni Weekend 2022 at UB (May)
We hope to share more events with everyone as the year progresses.
Finally, for those of you who have generously donated this past year, be on the lookout for a letter from us reflecting your donation. If you did not have the opportunity to give in 2021, it's not too late to make a fully tax-deductible donation to the UBRAA to support our plans for 2022.
If any member wants to get more involved with the UBRAA in the coming year as a possible board member, committee chair or volunteer, please contact Pete Mancuso at pmancuso@ubraa.org.
The UBRAA wishes all our members, family, and friends a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to seeing everyone in the spring!
Thanks,
Pete
The UBRAA is registered with the New York State Department of State as a not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
UB Rugby