The trustees of the University of Arizona Rugby Alumni Association have announced the formation of the University of Arizona Rugby Hall of Fame – and its first inductees.

The Hall of Fame will annually recognize members of the UofA Rugby community who have realized significant achievements and made lasting contributions to the competitiveness, growth, stature and culture of Wildcat Rugby. They have also honored our sport’s ethos and lasting traditions.

Last spring a slate of nominees was assembled and the trustees agreed that late Coach William David Sitton will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, corresponding with the Club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Further, it was agreed that the first member to enter the UA Rugby Hall of Fame will be: Coach Michael Veth.

A loyal servant to Arizona Rugby, Coach Veth gave tirelessly to the Club from 1974 until his retirement from coaching rugby in 2006. During that period, Veth was a formative contributor to a program that spawned many Collegiate All-Americans and eventual USA Eagles, while celebrating the egalitarian brotherhood of collegiate rugby. 

During an astounding 32 years with Arizona, Coach Veth helped over 1,000 Wildcat rugby players prepare for rugby — and life.

Coach Veth will be honored in Tucson at the Arizona Rugby Alumni Dinner, Saturday evening,February 11th, 2017. The dinner is the day following the Dave Sitton Memorial ‘Strong & Tough’ Golf Tournament at Arizona National Golf Club.