Hall of Fame

Overview:

Claremont Rugby has over 100 years of winning Rugby tradition. While the strength of the program has always been the players’ close brotherhood and team-first attitude, certain exceptional individual leaders and athletes have played a crucial part in shaping the program’s legacy. Starting in 2021, Claremont Rugby will induct deserving individuals into the Claremont Rugby Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon anyone associated with the program—alum, coach, supportive member of the college administration, etc. In exceptional circumstances, whole teams may be elevated to the Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame serves to recognize the best of the best and give current players and coaches a blueprint for success—something for which to strive. It also serves as an opportunity to reconnect with foundational contributors to the program’s legacy and a medium through which to pass on the program’s storied history.

Procedure:

Any coach or alumnus may nominate an individual who played for and/or coached the Claremont Rugby Program for induction into the Hall of Fame. There is no mandatory period a candidate must be removed from playing or coaching for the program before being considered for induction. Nominations must be sent via email to: claremontlionsrugbyclub@gmail.com. The nomination should include at least the following:

The nominator’s name, college, and years played
The nominee’s name, college attended, positioned played, and years played/coached for the program
How the nominee has contributed to the program and generally why he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Relevant information includes, but is not limited to:
- Individual playing and/or coaching success;
- Impact on team leadership, culture, relationship with the colleges, alumni engagement, etc.; and
- Exceptional support of the program as an alumni.

Hall of Fame Committee:

Hall of Fame inductees will be chosen by a Hall of Fame Committee, comprised of individuals who fit into the following categories:

2 members of the current Claremont Rugby coaching staff
2 Claremont Rugby captain alums
2 at-large members

The current Hall of Fame committee consists of:

Jeremy Ognall - Head Coach (current)
Scott Bracken - Assistant Coach (current)
Grant Frazier - Captain (2013-2016)
Sean Pyne - Captain (2017)
Marc Cantwell - Captain (2000-2001)
Woody Fox - Assistant Coach (previous)

*Anyone interested in serving on the Hall of Fame Committee may submit a statement of interest to: claremontlionsrugbyclub@gmail.com.

Selection Criteria:

Distinguished participation in, or contribution to, the Claremont Colleges Rugby Program by an individual alumnus, coach, or administrative member. The Selection Committee will also consider the admittance of whole teams to the Hall of Fame.
While each nominee’s rugby achievements while playing with the Claremont Rugby program are of prime consideration, the nominee’s conduct and record as a citizen during and after the conclusion of his Claremont rugby athletic endeavors is to be also weighed – this includes continued support of the Claremont rugby program.
With respect to the elevation of whole teams to the Hall of Fame, the Selection Committee will consider each nominee’s (a) degree of achievement; (b) the uniqueness of their accomplishment; (c) the degree of difficulty of their achievement; and (d) the likelihood the accomplishment(s) they achieved are replicable by another team in the near future.

Selection Process:

The Hall of Fame Committee shall meet at least once annually to discuss nominations to the Hall of Fame. The Committee does not need to select any inductees, but may not select more than 5 inductees in a given calendar year.

Each nomination shall receive discussion and a vote. Each member of the Committee shall have one vote for every nominee. For a nominee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, he must receive 5 or more out of 6 possible Committee votes. If one of the Committee members has been nominated, he must recuse himself from the vote on his nomination and must receive 4 or more of the possible 5 Committee votes to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.