Sometimes, the strongest legacies arise from the humblest beginnings. For UMBC’s rugby team – one of the oldest clubs on campus – it all began with a bag of chips, a few cold ones, and a group of determined guys.

On May 3, the team proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary – a true legacy for UMBC and the ruggers.

Andrew Gaither ‘94, history, a current rugger and member of the Alumni Association Board, is overwhelmed and honored that the team has lasted this long. “I don’t think anybody thought we’d get this far,” says Gaither. “Having endured 30 years and seeing what it was and what it is now is kind of amazing – I’m looking forward to the 50th.”

The story begins back in 1984 when the rugby team first started and became part of the Potomac Rugby Union (PRU) – the official governing body of all rubgy for the areas of northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and parts of Pennsylvania. It was in 1992 that the first alumni game was held at UMBC. Gaither explains that what started as small and simple has turned into their annual Alumni Weekend featuring a match, fellowship, and the “Best Damn Awards in All of Rugby.”

Gaither talks of the levels of fraternity and community that most people don’t understand. “I have a lot of rugby brothers,” Gaither says. “I always say to the younger players, ‘Look around. These guys will be here with you and for you in 20 years.’” For many, this camaraderie is what rugby is all about.

There’s something else special about UMBC Rugby: the Haud Collumi Scholarship. It’s the only scholarship formally endowed by an athletics alumni group and was named after the famous pre-game ritual of the Dance of the No Neck (Haud Collumi in Latin). Since 1984, the ruggers take part in this dance before every single game. The exact origins are unknown, but it’s a part of tradition; and for the rugby team, tradition is just as important as camaraderie.

“It’s a great feeling to know that you’re helping your brothers get to the next level,” Gaither remarks.

The motto of the rugby team is one that speaks to the culture of their sport: “For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother (Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3).” There is a sense of brotherhood formed on the field that will last for years to come. The 30th anniversary for UMBC and the ruggers is a huge accomplishment and Alumni Weekend was nothing short of phenomenal as these brothers came together to play, sing, dance, drink, and be merry. The whole thing was a field day (pun intended)!

- by Jessie Orsburn

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1. In what ways were you involved in Sustainability efforts on campus during your time as a student?

This year I was the Secretary of the Environmental Task Force, a new organization started with the focus on changing the environment through volunteering and acts of service. In this role I had the opportunity to be a part of a number of sustainability projects such as: UMBC Sustainability Leadership Retreat, EcoFest, Harvest Fest, and Fort McHenry’s Ivy Removal. As secretary I met a number of awesome UMBC students from different cultural backgrounds and majors, but what united us was our passion for changing the environment.

2. What compelled you be involved? What did you get out of the experiences?

Last Summer I interned at the Maryland League of Conservation Voters as a legislative intern. During my time there I discovered that our sustainability coordinator, Tanvi, previously worked with the same organization. I’ve always been interested in improving sustainability at UMBC, so I reached out to her and she quickly put me in contact with Jasmine Wands, ETF’s president, and from there its all history.

To be around like-minded people who share similar views and concerns about the environment as myself has been by far been the best experience. Also, to have the opportunity to experience first hand that regardless of cultural backgrounds, academic majors, or age, the topic of sustainability concerns EVERYBODY! To be a part of the initiatives to help students understand this was awesome and to witness how many UMBC students, who aren’t GES majors, take action to have a more sustainable campus gave me great hope for the school’s future.

3. What changes have you seen take place during your time at UMBC?

I’m a huge fan of The Community Garden being built. It shows that you if you want change to happen on campus, then you have to be willing to take action. Also, during my time at UMBC I have witnessed many of the environmental organizations become more diverse, which is a trend I would love to see continue for years to come.

4. What is your vision for the state of sustainability at UMBC 5 years from now?

For the next five years I am confident that more student led initiatives, similar to The Garden, will begin to take shape. I am also hopeful that as students become more educated on campus sustainability, events like EcoFest, Harvest Fest, or RecycleMania will draw much larger crowds. With that education, I hope even by next year when students see a bin labeled “Landfill” or “Compostables” in The Commons, they won’t spend a day and a half thinking about which bin to dump their trash.

5. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned through your work and efforts that you wish to share with UMBC students?

I know you’ve heard it a billion times before, but seriously, DON’T BE AFRAID TO STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE! There are so many awesome students and professors at UMBC. If I could travel back in time, I would take the moment to get to know every single one of them. Take a break from studying every once in a while and have some fun. Wiz Khalifa said it best “WORK HARD, PLAY HARD!”

Michael is graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Science, and a minor in Political Science. He is the Secretary of the Environmental Task Force, and a Geography and Environmental Systems tutor for the LRC. Thank you, Michael!

Photo of Michael and Jasmine Wands, creating a collage from hand drawn visions for a sustainable future at Harvest Fest.