Awards

Club playing awards are voted on by the membership and presented at the end of each season in recognition of a season of outstanding performance. Each season we present awards to the outstanding forward, back, and rookie, and to the most improved player (who is not a rookie) that season.

The "Alan Chapman Award" is presented annually to a club member in recognition of their contributions to the club both on and off the field. It is the highest award that can be bestowed on a member of Truman Rugby.

• Alan Chapman Award

• Outstanding Forward 

• Outstanding Back

• Outstanding Rookie

• Most Improved Player

• Most Valuable Player (only awarded in 1991)

ALAN CHAPMAN AWARD

In honor of Allen Chapman, a man whose vision and unselfish dedication to rugby
taught us to "recognize the importance and value of our custodial responsibilities."

Presented annually to a member in recognition of exemplary service to
Truman State University Rugby both on and off the pitch.

When I arrived at Kansas State in fall of 1979 to begin my Ph.D., Alan and Margaret Chapman were both on faculty in the School of Architecture. Alan had continued his rugby involvement from his days at University of Kansas when he moved to K-State, and he was instrumental in organizing the K-State Rugby Club (lots of dots and all). He was a very big influence on me personally. Alan had an eye for organization and detail, and he was adept at team management. I was fortunate to tour with the Kansas University club to England, Wales and France in 1981. Alan was the tour manager and arranged a dinner in Cornwall, his home.  He was thrilled to show everyone his home country.

Alan and Margaret left K-State around 1982 to take faculty positions at Miami of Ohio in Oxford, OH. All too soon, Alan was diagnosed with brain cancer.  The cancer slowly robbed Alan of his senses and his faculties.  He passed away after an long and amazing fight in November 1993. I last saw Alan at a KU Alumni event in spring 1992. He was remarkably lucid (probably more by shear will of personality) and the turnout in his honor was spectacular and inspiring. As I recall 165 people attended the dinner that night to honor Alan.  It was a touching and well-deserved tribute.

Alan believed it was critical to recognize those in rugby who work behind the scenes, not just the players on the pitch. He created the "Kernow Cup" at KU, and later the "Simpken-Smith Award" at K-State.  As president of the K-State Rugby Football Club, I received this award in 1984. Each of these awards recognizes contributions made by a member off the field. Sadly ironic, Alan passed away just days before we awarded the first "Alan Chapman Award" at Truman State University in November 1993.  I suspect he would have been mortified to have an award named after him (he always dreamed interesting names for these awards).  Photos and notice of the award, with heartfelt condolences, were sent to Margaret soon after. She was pleased to hear of the award, and a small bit of recognition for Alan's legacy and impact on rugby.  Truman Rugby presents the "Alan Chapman Award" annually in the fall to recognize the service and contributions of a member made both on and off the pitch during the past year.

Bill Sexton
Coach, Truman Rugby
Kansas State Rugby Alumnus

• 2008 - Justin Lacy

• 2007 - Tim Hage

• 2006 - Tim Hage

• 2005 - Not awarded

• 2004 - Matt O'Brien

• 2003 - Joe Donley

• 2002 - Joe Donley

• 2001 - Joe Rothermich

• 2000 - Brian Newcomb

• 1999 - Zak Wilson

• 1998 - Bob Hirth

• 1997 - Mike Arnold

• 1996 - Kyle Roach

• 1995 - Ben Douglas

• 1994 - Guy Hagen

• 1993 - Guy Hagen