The Founding Years (1973)

It all began in the early 1970s at Bob's Taproom near Baptist Hospital, under the Hawthorne Curve in Winston-Salem. A group of friends, led by Dan Linville and "Big" Jim Morris (RIP), decided that Winston-Salem needed a rugby club. Armed with six rugby balls and six rule books, they set out to bring the game to the area.

In the fall of 1973, Larry Rosenbaum, a graduate student at Wake Forest who missed the sport from his undergraduate days at Northern Illinois University, took the first steps. He organized an event on campus, showing a film about rugby that drew around 50 interested students. Of those, approximately 20 attended the first practice.

Dan Linville soon joined the effort, bringing his experience from North Carolina State University (NCSU) along with a bag of rugby balls and a set of rule books. With his handful of experienced players joining the student group, the Wake Forest Rugby Club was born. The early days were about learning and teaching, with Larry and Dan providing guidance to the new players.

NCSU became a key early connection, with their team coming to Winston-Salem for a learning scrimmage and helping to establish a spring schedule. The club played seven games that spring, and despite their inexperience, they even managed to win one – a promising start for the fledgling team.

 

The Early Players and Leadership

The founding group of players included a mix of students and experienced local players. Notable names from the early days include Jim Morris (RIP), Andrew Chrzanowski (RIP), Grant Lynch, R.B. Deal, Robbie Robertson, Professor Jim Clapper, Lawson Newton, George Daniels, Tom Green, Mike "Hands of Stone" Gaffney, and Larry Rosenbaum, who is recognized as the club’s founder.

Over the years, the club grew, thanks in large part to the leadership and guidance of early members like Dan Linville. Larry Rosenbaum eventually graduated and moved on, continuing his rugby journey in Australia and later Sweden, while Dan continued to support the club.

 

The 50th Reunion and Reflections

On February 22, 2022, the WFURC celebrated its 50th Reunion at Gatsby’s Pub in Winston-Salem. Founding members like Dan Linville and other alumni gathered to share stories, relive memories, and honor those who had passed.

The reunion was a chance to reflect on the club’s journey from a small group of students and local players to a fully established rugby program. Special recognition was paid to influential figures like Jim Kellenberger (NCSU and Referees Society) and Johnny "Geechy Dog" MacClean (RIP) from UNC and Greensboro.

By the fall of 2023, the 50th anniversary was celebrated in full, with over 80 former players attending in person and several joining via Zoom from overseas. The club's rich history, its founders, and the memories they built together remain a vital part of the Wake Forest University Rugby Club legacy.

 

A Tradition of Brotherhood and Growth

Wake Forest Rugby has always been more than just a club. It is a community where lifelong friendships are formed, and where players learn not just the game of rugby, but the values of leadership, camaraderie, and resilience. From the humble beginnings at Bob's Taproom to the international adventures of its founders, WFURC continues to grow and thrive, honoring the legacy of those who laid the foundation.

 

Confirmed Accounts and Personal Memories

Dan Linville and Larry Rosenbaum’s accounts of the club's founding are verified by several early members, including Kevin Frazier, Lawson Newton, and Dan Litteral. These individuals were among the first to don the Wake Forest Rugby colors, and their memories of fierce matches, team road trips, and post-game celebrations paint a vivid picture of the club’s early culture.

From local fields in Winston-Salem to international pitches in Australia and Sweden, Wake Forest Rugby has left a mark on all who have played. The story of WFURC is one of passion, perseverance, and brotherhood—a story that continues to be written with each new generation of players."