Memories from the 1996–1997 Season | Mizzou Rugby Alumni Association

The Last Match of the Season

Two frames from the win over Southern Illinois University Carbondale that closed the 1996–97 season.

Seven men standing arm in arm in front of the goalposts in Mizzou black and gold hooped jerseys after the final match of the 1996-97 season — The graduating seniors after the last match of the 1996–97 season, a win over Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Left to right: Sean Pritchett, Gareth Hanson (exchange student from the University of East Anglia), Geert De Lombaerde, James Richard, Phillip Reed, Josh Meyers and coach Ian Hermann. No date has been recorded for the match.

Mizzou forwards in black and gold hooped jerseys forming up for a lineout during the final match of the 1996-97 season, with school buses parked beyond the far touchline — Forming up for a lineout during the same match. From the foreground going out: Aaron Stoker (back turned), Brady Owen, Bill Brackman, Ed Reed, John McGuire, James Richard and Phillip Reed.

1997 St. Louis Ruggerfest

Mizzou 20, Washington University 5 — five frames from the Ruggerfest in St. Louis.

The Mizzou squad lined up behind the posts at the 1997 St. Louis Ruggerfest — The squad behind the posts.

Mizzou players in a huddle at the 1997 St. Louis Ruggerfest — In the huddle.

Muddy Mizzou players gathered with a trophy after the 1997 St. Louis Ruggerfest — Muddy, and with the hardware.

Match action between Mizzou and Washington University at the 1997 St. Louis Ruggerfest — Match action against Wash U.

The Mizzou squad photographed in front of the posts with supporters behind — The squad at the posts, from Sean Pritchett’s collection. Geert De Lombaerde, Matt Whiteaker, Phillip Reed and Ashley Reed are all named in the thread beneath it.

Posted by Sean Pritchett, captioned “1997 St. Louis Ruggerfest v Washington University @ St. Louis, MO — Final: Mizzou 20, Wash U 5.” Can you name the players, or add a result? Tell us what you remember.

Have More from 1996–1997?

Match photos, team pictures, programs — we want to see them.

These came out of the Mizzou Rugby Old Boys group. If you have more from this season, the form on the season page is the quickest way to get them to us.

Share Your Photos