2016 is special as they were the inaugural class. Click each image to enlarge the photo and reveal their full biography.
Dave Chambers - 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
Was a member of the Houston Old Boys RFC from the early1 970s through the end of the decade. While a decent scrum half and a fixture on the Second XVs, his true contribution was as a club leader. He was the unanimous selection for Second XV Captain year in and year out.
He was also elected to several club leadership positions. In 1979-1981 he was elected Treasurer for USA Rugby indicating that he must have had some successful prior experience at the local and territorial level. This was soon followed by his election to the Presidency of USA Rugby 1981-1983. After looking back over some of the club newsletters from that era Dave had a very successful run as USA Rugby President and became a good advocate and spokesman for Texas Rugby while in office.
Gandolf Burrus – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
Former President of the Texas RFU, select side player for Texas RFU, and Western RFU.
Tracy Moens – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
Tracy achieved numerous playing honors at both standoff and center (15s), and at hooker (7s). She played with the New Orleans Halfmoons RFC from 1980-2003.
She was selected for the TRU Select Side 1986-1996, Western RFU Select Side 1987-1996, and Atlantis 7s 1992-1996. Additionally she played on the USA Eagles Women’s 15s team 1987, and the USA Eagles 7s team 1997. She was a coach for the Western RFC Select Side 7s 1997-1999, the Atlantis 7s team 1999(Madrid) and 2001 (Venezuela), and served as the USA Eagles 15s Strength and Conditioning Coach 2002-2006.
Dave Jenkins - 2016 TRU HOF
TRU President 2001-2008
Highlighting a few of his accomplishments: United all the various elements of Texas rugby under one umbrella organization and developed new operating procedures and basis for all TRU competitions.
Established regular development skills clinics, for youth, HS and collegiate players, which were run by ex- international and Super-12 players and USA U-19 coaches and this led to the high performance pathway.
Organized first International test in Texas, USA vs South Africa. 20,000 ppl attended match!
Barry Waite – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
An Englishman who played for Bedford RFC and moved to Houston in the early 1970s. He played for the Houston Old Boys RFC for several years before returning to England where injury forced his retirement from the game. He was an excellent player, leader, and team Captain. He was a regular Select-Side member on both the LAU and TU level for a number of years.
In 1976 he was the starting strong side wing forward for the first USA Eagles International match vs. Australia (01/31/1976).
Gail Tennant – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
Founder and first President of the Texas RFU, as well as a founding member of the Western RFU and the USARFU. He was also the first Treasurer of the latter.
He was also a founding member of the Houston RFU and a regular first XV player and member of the Texas RFU Select XV in the early 70s.
He was a member of the USA Over 40 team that toured New Zealand in 1979.
Alan Sharpley – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
Alan Sharpley has been involved with rugby since the earliest days! Firstly, with the Austin RFC he served as a player, then for many years a club administrator, and again for many years the Austin Tournament Director and host for numerous T.R.U. and Western RFU collegiate and club championship and All-Star events. He was one of the leaders in organizing and developing the effort to establish the Austin RFC clubhouse and grounds.
Later he worked as an administrator on the L.A.U., Western RFU territorial level. Most recently he has been serving on a national advisory panel with USA Rugby. During my tenure as TRU President I always found his counsel to very incisive and on target. His inclusion in the first class of inductees to the TRU Hall of Fame would be the best way to thank and honor him for his long tenure and work.
Nelson Spencer – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
1971 – Created Dallas Harlequins and served as 1st President
1972 – Elected 1st President of TRU
1974 – Helped created Western Rugby Union and USA Rugby
1982 – Became Chairman of USARFC
1983 – Recipient of USARFC President’s Award
2009 – Elected to Dallas Reds HOF
2015 – Received USA Rugby Lifetime Achievement Award
Chris Chefchis – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
My rugby career began in 1974. I was in a bar, and met Ralph Gray. He invited me to a Dallas RFC practice session. I was soon “hooked” on the game, and played for 15 years. Most of my rugby was played at flanker, and scrum-half.
I have been an elected officer for Dallas RFC for almost 40 years, and served as President for seven years. I am currently Club Secretary. In 2002, I was inducted into the Dallas RFC Hall of Fame.
I am proud to have served as President of the Texas RFU from 1984-1988. I also served a TRU Treasurer for two years. I was Northern Counties Secretary for four years in the 1980’s, and served as a Divisional Secretary for the Texas RFU.
I served as Texas RFU Select side manager for six years (1984-1990) both in 15’s and 7’s. I served as Tour Vice Chairman, for the successful Texas RFU Select side Tour of England in 1990.
Richard Prim – 2016 TRU Hall of Fame
Club Rugby
TCU – 1974
Dallas Reds 1979-1982 (Inducted into Dallas Rugby HOF 2005)
South Area Rugby Side/Alamo City 1982 (Player Coach)
Houston Rugby Club 1983-1995 (Captain, Player Coach)
Representative Rugby Texas 1979-1991
Western Rugby Union 1980-1989
USA Eagles 7’s 1983
Coach
Texas 7’s 1992-1995
Western Rugby Union 7’s 1995-1997
The Woodlands Youth Rugby Club 2002-2008
Referee
1991-present (achieved B2 Panel)