|
||||
| Beantown Coach Rutkowski Steps Down |
| Clubs - Women's Clubs |
|
On December 9, following the completion of her sixth year as Beantown RFC’s head coach Jan Rutkowski retired from her position. Rutkowski, who has lead Boston’s only Women’s Premier League rugby team since 2004, and was assistant coach from 1999-2003, made the announcement at the annual team meeting last week. Since Rutkowski took Beantown’s reins, the team placed in the top four at the National Championship four times. Last month, they matched their 2007 showing with a second place finish. They have been NERFU champions six times in as many years. Overall, Rutkowski has amassed a winning record and coached over 100 matches for Beantown. Outside of the impressive record, Rutkowski led the team to invitational participation in the newly formed Women’s Premier League (2009) and a tripling of the roster which led to the creation of a NERFU Division III team. The Division III side went undefeated in their inaugural season (2010). The highly-respected Rutkowski has coached over 10 USA Women’s National Team (WNT) players during her tenure with Beantown and dozens more have been selected to participate in the NRU select side each year. Rutkowski was an Eagle herself, playing on the WNT from 1987 – 1994, during which time she scored tries against USSR (1990 New Zealand Fest) and Ireland (1994 World Cup). She captained the side in the Canada Cup against Wales (1993) as well as the side in the World Cup game against Ireland (1994). She was also part of the team that won the first Women’s Rugby World Cup for the USA in 1991. "Jan Rutkowski deserves our heartfelt thanks for guiding the Beantown family over these past six years. When I joined in 2003, the program had a great history, but limited numbers and hadn’t placed at Nationals in a couple of years," says outgoing President, Monica VanBuskirk. “Under her leadership, we’ve grown in volume, passion, and talent. She’s not only brought us amazing stats, she’s also created a rugby home for hundreds of women and is responsible for considerable rugby growth in this country.” "Regardless of where I go from here, I will always love Beantown" says Rutkowski whose announcement about retiring last week paves the way for Beantown’s next head coach. Currently Annie Flavin, Richard Ashfield, and Laurie Bourdon comprise the coaching staff for Beantown RFC. The search for Rutkowski’s successor will begin in the near future. In a message to the team, Rutkowski emphasized that she wishes the best for all the players, and looks forward “to following your rugby growth.” |
