Kansas City Blues RFC
est. 1966
"42 Years of Excellence"
Based on a loose affiliation with both UMKC and Rockhurst College, the Kansas City Blues Rugby Club was established in 1966. Strides were taken early on to develop a unique Club identity and culture by the founding members, and throughout the 70's and 80's, the Blues elevated their rugby knowledge and skill level to become one of the dominant teams in the United States. In 2008, the Blues field an active roster of 40 players, an Old Boys side (35+ years) called the Blues Brothers, a U-19 high school side (Jr. Blues), and an even larger supporting cast of non-playing members.
Since 1993, the Blues have participated in two Division 1 National Championships in 15's rugby, placing 4th in 1993 and 3rd in 1994. The Blues have also been a fixture in the 7's National Championships, competing at Nationals in 8 of the last 15 years, placing 2nd in 1993, 5th in 1998 and 2nd in 2000.
A founding Club in 1996 and 10-year member of the United States Rugby Super League, the Blues compiled a 19-18-2 record in their first five seasons, advancing to the League semi-finals in 2000 and 2001. However, from 2003-2006 the Blues struggled to a combined 5-23 record and saw their numbers decrease under the burden of player turnover, and the overwhelming financial demands of competing in the nation's top competition.
In an effort to rebuild a proud Club that celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2006, the Blues made the difficult decision, following the departure of many other National Top Clubs to deparrt from the League they helped build since 1996. Exiting as a 10-year member and partner in the widely successful Super League, the Blues wish for the continued success of the competition, and have established a long-term plan for potential re-entry. The Blues re-joined the USA Rugby's Division 1 ranks in the fall of 2007 with high expectations and a bright future.
Over the years, countless Blues have represented the Western Territory at the National All-Star Championships, and on tours with the Western Territory to New Zealand and Canada. 2006's Western Mustangs Select Side featured two Blues players on the Western Colts Developmental Side. The International Rugby Board (IRB) initiated North American Cross-Border Competition, the 'North American Four', was developed in early 2006 to provide an elite, professional level of rugby just below the international level for both Canada and the United States. Two Blues were members of the inaugural NA4 competition.
The Blues have also recently sent a number of players to the US National Team, The Eagles, in both 7's and 15's rugby. Doug Brown, Michael Skahan, and Steve Robke all spent a considerable amount of time on tour with the Eagles 7's side in the late 90's and early 00's. Maika Sika has been capped over 45 times for the both the 7's and 15's sides. Tim Kluempers represented the US in 15's three times in 2001, and most recently, former Blue Fraser Leavasa was invited to try-out for the Eagles 7s side in 2007 while Jr Blue Casey Cummings has been a regular in the US U17 and U18 sides.
The U.S.A. Eagles Rugby Players Association, better known as "Team America" and "Classic-Eagles", was formed in 1986 by a group of former U.S. National Team players and has established participation in international competitions over the past 10 years, including the World Rugby Classic, held each November in Bermuda. Team America has played in the Bermuda Classic since 1988, and has proven that it can play against any classic rugby team (players of age 32 and up), having beaten England, Scotland, Wales, France, New Zealand and South Africa. Team America musters a squad of 25 men every year for Bermuda, and the Kansas City Blues are always well-represented in the line-up. In 2007, five current and former Blues represented the United States at the World Rugby Classic.
The Kansas City Blues are made up of men from all walks of life. The active roster boasts a range in player's ages from 19 - 41, consisting of students, doctors, lawyers, sales professionals, corporate executives, teachers, and more. The Blues lead a very demanding lifestyle, adding 2 practices a week and outside training to their busy work schedules and families. Most importantly, the Blues are a family, a brotherhood, and we pride ourselves on the bonds formed and fostered both on and off the pitch.
Kansas City Blues
"Hall of Fame"
The KC Blues Hall of Fame was founded in order to recognize the importance of the history and heritage of the Blues style of play, and the support that should be recognized for those to come. The function of the voting members is to recognize those players, coaches, and administrators who had a significant impact on the Blues game in their era.
Every year, the Kansas City Blues inducts a new batch of Rugby Greats in a prestigious ceremonial dinner.
The Hall of Fame boasts simply ‘the best of the best’ to have played for the Blues since 1966. To be inducted into The Kansas City Blues Hall of Fame (KCBHOF) is the pinnacle of recognition for Rugby players and supporters of the Blues.
1998
Frank Mirikitani
Mike Gabhart
Pat O Neal
Tommy Doyle
1999
Hal Edwards
Steve Wubbenhorst
Andy Brown
Kirk Miles
2000
Chris Stockard
Ken Coleman
2001
Walter Finger
Jim Lyons
Gary Massey
2002
Charlie Nelson
Wally Morgan
Joe Waeckerle
2003
Joe Wilcox
Mike Ryan
2004
Jake Jacobi
Kelly Miller
2005
Jerry Rutherford
Mike Mercer
2006
Eddie Cummings
Frank Kennedy
Chuck McKeon
2007
Liu Tali
Carl Tripp
2008
Tom Bolin
Ray Ritchey
Steve Terrill
2009
TBA - Please send your recommendations letters to: Tim Kluempers