BURFC Hall of Fame

In the spring of 2018, on the club’s 45th anniversary, the Boston University Rugby Football Club Hall of Fame was founded to honor, preserve and perpetuate the names and accomplishments of outstanding BURFC athletes, coaches, officers and other contributors who have been outstanding in performance for BURFC.

The induction of the honorees will be held in conjunction with the BURFC 5 year anniversary celebration. The induction program will be determined by the Selection Committee.

Class of 2023

Mike Skiotis ‘84

Not only was he a committed player for BURFC and very involved in all aspects of the club but was also one of the, if not THE biggest, driving force in getting alumni games and reunions started in the first place.  He was not only one of the best teammates you could have, as he had your back no matter what, but when you played against him he treated you like any other opponent - ruthlessly.  Plus, I've never seen someone never get tired like Ski. Player, Coach, Gate Keeper (T's Pub), and Alumnus extraordinaire.

Nominated by Mark Smith, William Bloom, & Others

Charlie Smith ‘79

When Charlie arrived most people that played had never seen or heard of rugby and having the prior playing experience he assisted in coaching and leading from Day 1.  I remember coming to some of his games and he would not only play A side but play B side as well – and C side if there was a game.  This role suited him as he still likes to tell everyone what to do! – Mark Smith

We can talk about individual accomplishments, which are all well and good, but more importantly is what impact did players have on the legacy of the club.  The All Blacks have a phrase that the players “leave the shirt in a better place” than where they found it.  The foundation that Charlie helped build set the stage for Andrew’s years’ success and in turn Andrew and his teammates set the stage for our success in the early to mid-80’s.

Nominated by Mark Smith

Andrew Smith ‘81

It would be impossible to write the story of BU rugby from 1977-1981 without Andrew Smith or the Smith brothers. Following in brother Charley’s footsteps he was there from day-one in the fall of 1977 through to our graduation in 1981. And as I recall now, from his younger brother Mark’s reminder, he actually snuck into the side for a bit while still in high school!

Andrew brought the rare and invaluable quality of prior rugby experience and an English accent to the side and used both where it was most impactful at the fly-half position. Andrew held the #10 starting spot in the side for his entire four years at BU. True to his British pedigree, Andrew was a genuine “artful dodger.” Fleet of foot, and clever with his kicking, he anchored our backfield with elegance, dependability, and durability, despite the fact that he gave away a good 50 pounds to the average opponent. Every extra point and penalty goal charted by BU from 77-81 came from Andrew’s boot. That alone qualified him as our leading point scorer. That alone also qualifies him for the Hall of Fame. But...there is more.

In addition to being one of three brothers that took the field for BU, his father was a highly placed executive in the BU administration, which brought our cause upward into the highest circles of influence. That connection was central to the elevation of BU rugby in the eyes of the upper echelon, from a band of hooligans to a program deserving of a fully funded tour of England.

Andy was a skillful, dedicated, and courageous campaigner for BU rugby, and it is my great honor and privilege to write of his achievements and to see him inducted in the BURFC Hall of Fame.

Nominated by Eric Seiler

Tom Vinick ‘76

Tom Vinick was a rugged, punishing runner who excelled in both 15 and 7-a-side. He was affectionately referred to as the Black Tornado because of his running style and flowing jet-black hair. After playing for BU, Tommy went on to play for the Hartford Wanderers in Hartford, CT, the New England Select side, and then played for the United States Rugby side, the Eagles, notably in a test match against Canada in 1986. He possessed a good kicking foot and was popular among the ladies because of his resemblance to Cat Stevens, a world-famous musician of that era.

Nominated by Tom Bray

Tim Bodzioch ‘81

Timothy Brian Bodzioch, affectionately referred to simply as “Bojack” from day one, showed up at Magazine Beach as a first semester freshman with zero rugby experience, but with a ton of raw talent, and an unusually high measure of guts and spirit. He earned a starting position at prop right away and maintained that position for the entire four years he represented BU on the field.

Bojack had all the attributes you would want from a front-row forward. He was hard-nosed and fearless; always stuck-in to the roughest stuff on the pitch, doing the dirty work and throwing his body around head-first with reckless abandon. He was an enforcer, never shying away from throwing the first punch, or stepping into the fray when needed.

His courageous character on the field was matched by what an absolute “character” he was off the field. He had a marvelous eye for mischief—always at the center of any off-the-field controversy that became the stuff of legend—like the time he and teammate Matt Murphy, showing unrivaled Christmas spirit, took on an entire fraternity house in a fist fight. So many great stories. Too many to recount here.

Through all the highs and lows of BU rugby from 1977-1981 Bojack was there giving everything he had. I had the unique pleasure of continuing to play ball with him for another 3 years in graduate school at Palmer College where we both ended up studying to be chiropractors. Bojack distinguished himself in this program as well, earning a rugby scholarship, and acting as vice- captain of the side.

The 40-plus years that have flown by in the blink of an eye since our days at BU have cemented our stories into the stuff of legend. And at the center of all that is the story-book character— Bojack.

It is with great pleasure and honor that I see him inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Nominated by Eric Seiler

Dave Harrold ‘96

Dave Harrold 1992-96 was instrumental in the success and leadership of the club during his time with B.U. Rugby. He was vital in establishing the club’s reputation as being the toughest opponent in the New England Conference and helping the club succeed at tournaments across New England and beyond. For many ruggers Dave was a mentor, teammate and friend.

As a former track athlete at B.U., he brought a fierce competitive edge and performed with speed, power, intelligence, and toughness on the pitch. Off-the-pitch he was a tremendous leader that motivated and supported his teammates. He would quietly assess the situation or moment before him and react with the appropriate response, even if it meant burying his fist in an opponent’s face.

Alongside B.U. Rugby Hall of Famer Dan Master, Inside Center and Vice-Captain Harrold led by example and was recognized for his accomplishments and performance by being named to the East All Stars. When DH was about to graduate, the club decided to send him to B.U.’s Head Coach and fellow Hall of Famer, Mark Winder’s club in New Zealand for a season. Many people raised money to help pay for this once in a lifetime experience and off he went. Dave represented B.U. Rugby with aplomb. He was a very popular member of the team, on and off the field. He also finished the season as their top try scorer. To all of us here on Comm Ave. there wasn’t much surprise there. Dave was an exemplary teammate at B.U. who deserves the distinction of being memorialized alongside the rest of the greats who donned the scarlet, black & white of B.U. Terriers Rugby.

Wally Lester ‘91

Part of the BU New England Championship team in 1990, Wally was also a 2-time NERFU Select Side player, a two-time ERU all-star, and a two-time Collegiate All-American.  He played wing on all of those teams, but started his career at prop.  Needless to say, Wally was a lot to handle out in the open field. 

Wally went on to have a distinguished post-collegiate career at Life College, Old Blue, and Mystic River, but he certainly deserves recognition for his play as a Terrier.

Adam “Woobie” Troso ‘95

Woobie's credentials speak for themselves. He was selected four times to the All New England team, an impressive accomplishment that reflects his outstanding skill and athleticism on the field. He was also chosen three times to the All East Rugby team, a testament to his ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport. As if that weren't enough, Woobie was also selected twice to serve as Captain of the Boston University Rugby team, a position that requires not only athletic prowess but also strong leadership skills.

But Woobie's contributions to the Boston University Rugby team go beyond individual accolades. He was also a vital member of the BU Rugby team that won the New England Rugby Football Union championship in 1990. This achievement reflects the teamwork, dedication, and perseverance that Woobie brought to the field every day. And over the course of his four years on the team, Woobie consistently demonstrated these qualities, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates and opponents alike.

Nominated by John Hemeway

The inaugural BURFC Hall of Fame class

Class of 2018

Donald Barker (Advisor)

Donald Barker began his interest and nurturing of BU Rugby in the mid 70s. He quickly developed an intense love of the game and connected with the early “pioneers” of BU Rugby. He brought his unique gentlemanly qualities of dignity and respect and creative accounting which set the standard of behavior and success that endures to this day. When the team was invited to its first national competition in New Orleans, returning home victorious, Mr. “B” arranged for the great majority of the traveling expenses to be covered. He was our University’s ambassador on countless fundraising and entertainment occasions. He traveled with the team on its tour of England in the spring of ‘81. He proclaimed the 1983 team’s victory over Harvard (from where he received his MBA in 1947) for the New England Championship as “the greatest day of my life.” Speaking at Mr B’s memorial service, which was attended by many BURFC alumni, Chancellor John Silber called him one of BU’s finest servants. He went on to say that “in the transformation of Boston University, Donald Barker ranks among the ten or twenty individuals who contributed the most”. To all of us, he was our father, our life coach, our dear frient. Without question, no other person affiliated with Boston University Rugby did more to shape the lives of so many “gentlemen”.

Nominated by Mark Nugent

Paul Cragin (Coach 1973-1975)

Paul was the founder and coach of the club in 1973. Paul initially played for Boston Rugby Football Club along with Eric Cooper, a Liberian. They decided to break from Boston RFC and founded the BURFC. For the first several seasons membership was sparse and the club was neither recognized nor funded by the University. However Paul remained dedicated and the team eventually evolved into a staple on the New England college rugby scene. Paul played Prop Forward and was one of the last players to use the torpedo-style kick to goal. Paul left us on February 11, 2018.

Nominated by Tom Bray

Mark Miliotis (LAW ‘77)

Mark played at BU while a BU Law Student back in the mid 70’s after playing at Amherst College and Johnstone State. Sometimes referred to as a “keg on legs” he excelled at Inside Center. In addition to his knowledge of the support he supplied grit, determination, dedication and enthusiasm. He broke his jaw in one match and came back and played the following week. He went on to have a long career with the Mystic River Rugby Football Club in Boston.

Nominated by Tom Bray

Eric Seiler (CAS ‘81)

Eric played at BU from 78-81 and was the clubs only player to be Captain, Coach and President for three straight years. Eric grew up in Bahamas and was the rare BU rugger who showed up with playing experience. Eric organized the first overseas tour of the club (England). Eric led the BU side that won the Mardi Gras Tournament in 1979.Eric played for the Under 23 side after BU and received a full scholarship to play at Palmer College where he made the local union select side and was invited to Mid West Trials twice. Eric is a chiropractor and lives with his family in Florida.

Nominated by Mike Skiotis

William Bloom (Questrom ‘84)

Billy, a wing forward, played for four years at BU invluding leading the club as Captain during the 1983 Fall Season when BURFC won the New England Division 1 Championship for the first time with a victory over Harvard. Though bowlegged, Billy was adept at crushing the opponent trying to sneak around the base of the scrum. Billy was as dedicated off the pitch as he was on the pitch and was the first on e on the pitch for practice and the first one to T’s pub for free wings after Friday practice.

Billy and his wife are the largest benefactors to the program and have made numerous generous donations to the program including being a founding donor to the Donald Barker Endowment Fund. In addition, Billy - now a trustee at BU - was instrumental in securing that BU Rugby could play their home matches at Nickerson Field. Billy and Ruth were generous donors to the New Balance Field across from Case Center which allowed BURFC to get the necessary field time at Nickerson for practices and matches.

Nominated by Mike Skiotis.

Rupert Mucklow (CGS ‘84, Questrom ’86)

Rupert Came to BU from Millfield School, England, where he had been a standout schoolboy rugby player and received an English Schoolboys training invite.  Rupert joined a short list of players at BU that started “A” side hist first game freshman year, claiming the number 10 jersey.  Rupert had a combination of speed, finesse, and power that helped lead BU to back-to-back New England Championships in ’83 and ’84 and runner-up in ’82.  Many opponents, once they realized his talent, would try and knock Rupert out of games but this never deterred him.  Rupert represented BU playing for the New England U23s select side and was an active alumnus after graduation traveling regularly from England.

Nominated by Mark Smith and Neil Herlocher.

Dan Cockerell (CAS ‘91)

Dan is one of the most accomplished players to wear the BU jersey.  He captained the team from the fall of 1989 to the spring of 1991, leading them to the NERFU Championship in the Fall of 1990.  He was a two-time selection to the NERFU select side, the ERU select side, and the National Collegiate All-American Team - captaining that team in his second year.  He also captained the ERU Collegiate team to a national championship in 1990.  Playing skills aside, Dan was an accomplished and respected leader of the BU Rugby Club.  He was a fantastic role model and mentor for younger players and he helped change the mentality of the Club into one of a focused and competitive team.  Dan was instrumental in bringing BU back to prominence in NE Rugby. 

Nominated by Glen Wolland and Rob Getreau.

Dan Master (CGS ‘93, SED ‘96)

Dan played for BU in the mid 90’s under the coaching of Mark Winder. Dan was A side captain for several of these years. During this time Dan lead the side to a crucial win keeping the club in D1, led the team to a New England 7’s title and led the club to the Plate Division at the National Cherry Blossom Tourney in DC. Dan was an immense leader on and off the field and helped get the BU Women’s team back up and running as well as Brookline High. Dan went on to play for many years for Boston Rugby Club.

Nominated by Coach Mark Winder

Coach Mark Winder (Coach: 1992 – 1996)

Mark Winder has left a lasting impression not only on the B.U. Men’s Rugby program that still lives on today, but he has also touched the lives of hundreds of young men, developing them into better rugby players and respected positive contributors in the communities in which they live. As a native Kiwi from New Zealand, Mark instilled his love of the All Blacks and what it takes to be a successful rugby player with the club. During his time on Commonwealth Avenue, Coach Winder was instrumental in changing the culture of club, encouraging a team first approach and demanding that every one of his player be a man for others. He quickly became the patriarch of a tight knit group that at its height, fielded A, B, C, and D sides which had an unmatched mental and physical toughness. Along with his affable Kiwisms and accent, Coach Winder and his best friend and Assistant coach the late Stuart Campbell, embedded a wealth of international rugby knowledge in his players. He demanded a level of fitness and dedication from his players that allowed B.U. Rugby to compete and excel against teams from universities across the country as well as international sides. He supported the growth of the club and player development by organizing rigorous practices and conditioning programs along with booking tours and entering B.U. into tournaments such as the New England 7’s, Beast of the East, Cherry Blossom, and the Worcester 7’s with championship results. Mark was a trusted mentor and role model for a team of young men transitioning to adult independence. Coach Winder is extremely deserving of entering the B.U. Men’s Rugby Hall-Of-Fame inaugural class as he embodies the core values of the university to develop resourceful individuals that are prepared to lead and he certainly instilled in us that rugby is a hooligan sport played by gentlemen.

Nominated by Dan Farmer

Aaron Stanley (CAS ‘12)

As dedicated and hard-working on the pitch as off it, Aaron Stanley gave everything for the club. A fearless, mobile prop with a high rugby IQ, Aaron was the cornerstone of the scrum during his four years at the club. For two years he acted as captain and president during a period of sustained success by the club. Despite a horrific injury in his sophomore year, he returned to lead the side the following year and guide the team to a dramatic 38-34 victory over URI to win the New Championships final a year later. His teammates may never know how much work he did the behind the scenes to organize and prepare the club, but there was never any doubt who was their leader once practice or matches started.

Nominated by coach Justin Evans

Alex Lin (SAR ‘10, SAR ‘12)

Alex was a gifted player for BU who played all four years for the first team. His skillset and knowledge of the game allowed him to play every position from 9 to 15, but it was his final year as captain and fly half where he was able to call the shots and orchestrate the backline into scoring some mesmerizing tries. His influence on the field was matched by his vision and determination off the field to improve the BU team. After a losing season in his junior year Alex set about changing the mindset of the team, organization of pre-season, commitment to training, and preparation for each match. In his final year the team won their division and qualified for the New England Championships. Two years later, after he had graduated, the team became new England champions. It was fitting that he was there on the sidelines that day, as many observed that his hard work and dedication had laid the groundwork for future success.

Nominated by Coach Justin Evans