Men’s Rugby Alumni Association Honors Matt Heafey ’88 with the 2025 Patrick. B. Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award

by Rebecca Harper, Executive Director of Campus Recreation and Club Sports

Saint Mary's College welcomed alumni, families, supporters, and friends to the Soda Center on Saturday evening for the 16th Annual Patrick B. Vincent Fundraiser Dinner, an event dedicated to celebrating the tradition of Saint Mary's Rugby and raising critical support for the Men's Rugby Program. The Gaels were especially in the mood to celebrate, fresh off a 118–0 win over the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos the afternoon of November 22.

Looking forward, along with a season now underway, Gael Rugby has a couple major events on the horizon. In January 2026, the program marks the centennial of the birth of Pat Vincent, who had such a profound impact on Saint Mary's rugby, and was born in New Zealand in 1926. As part of this historic anniversary, the Gaels are also heading overseas: From January 17 to February 1, the team heads to New Zealand.

The Pat Vincent Dinner began with a vibrant cocktail hour in Claeys Lounge, where attendees gathered for conversation, music, and a warm welcome from the Gael Rugby community. Guests then moved into the Moraga Room for the formal program, which opened with an invocation led by Father John Morris and remarks from President Roger Thompson, celebrating a community at Saint Mary's that goes beyond the classroom.

Recognizing Leadership and Community Support

Throughout the evening, Bob Lenz '86—who credits his four years of playing rugby at Saint Mary's as teaching important life lessons—honored the many individuals who strengthen and sustain the rugby program. He recognized the dedication of Rugby Alumni Association board members and extended a special thank-you to Jerry Murphy '72 for his years of service and leadership.

 "Murphy embodies the spirit of Saint Mary's," Lenz said, "through over five decades of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative contributions to the College. He built a board with representatives from every graduating decade, from the 1950s through the 2020s. Under his remarkable leadership, this initiative has helped raise over $20 million for the College."

 "Murphy embodies the spirit of Saint Mary's—through over five decades of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative contributions to the College. He built a board with representatives from every graduating decade, from the 1950s through the 2020s. Under his remarkable leadership, this initiative has helped raise over $20 million for the College." 

— Bob Lenz '86, 
Rugby Alumni Board Chair

Lenz also expressed gratitude to the event's sponsors, whose generosity helps provide student-athletes with opportunities for growth, excellence, and international competition. Updates were shared on the progress of the Rugby Club House and the upcoming Gael Night at the Basketball Game on January 4, 2026, followed by the announcement of this year's New Zealand Raffle winner.

One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the presentation of the Patrick B. Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award to Matt Heafey '88. Presented by Lenz, the award recognized Heafey's longstanding commitment to Saint Mary's Rugby, his leadership within the community, and his enduring impact on generations of student-athletes. Heafey delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the program's history and mission.

The experience of those who have worked closely with Heafey underscore his sense of teamwork. "Some people go out of their way to take credit for things they did not do," observed Marty Storti '85. "Matt is the opposite. He rarely takes credit, even when he thoroughly deserves it. His leadership, humility, and steady commitment have made a lasting impact."

"Some people go out of their way to take credit for things they did not do. Matt is the opposite. He rarely takes credit, even when he thoroughly deserves it. His leadership, humility, and steady commitment have made a lasting impact."

—Marty Storti '85

Coach Tim O'Brien, who has led the team to multiple national championships, also shared remarks on Heafey's impact to the program. "Matt has been invaluable to me at the College," O'Brien said. "On the people side of the ledger, he has a unique ability to check in on me when I desperately need a shoulder to lean on. For 10+ years, he seems to have a sixth sense when I need a bit of balance, clarity, and perspective in the coaching arena."

"Matt has been invaluable to me at the College. On the people side of the ledger, he has a unique ability to check in on me when I desperately need a shoulder to lean on. For 10+ years, he seems to have a sixth sense when I need a bit of balance, clarity, and perspective in the coaching arena."

—Coach Tim O'Brien

History of Men's Rugby at Saint Mary's College

Video production by Brian McKeon '25, MBA '26. Narration by Mario Storti '25, MBA '26

Saint Mary's Rugby is one of the oldest and most respected collegiate rugby programs in the United States. Over the past century, the program has grown into a national powerhouse—earning multiple D1A National Championships, producing numerous All-Americans, and developing athletes who have gone on to compete internationally and represent USA Rugby. 

Beyond wins and titles, the program is built on values of sportsmanship, discipline, family, and academic excellence. This storied legacy is precisely what the Patrick B. Vincent Fundraiser Dinner seeks to honor and sustain each year.

Fund-a-Need: A Powerful Display of Support

The night's fundraising portion, Fund-a-Need, brought the current USA Rugby players to the stage to share personal insights tied to each giving level. The segment encouraged contributions toward the program's essential needs. Guests responded with generosity, demonstrating their ongoing support for the players and the future of the rugby program.

The program continued with remarks from Coach Tim O'Brien, who spoke about the team's development, goals, and appreciation for the community that stands behind the athletes. Special guest Bo Hanson, a four-time Olympian and internationally recognized performance consultant, delivered an impactful message on leadership, teamwork, and resilience—drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

A Night of Community, Tradition, and Impact

In closing, Lenz thanked attendees, sponsors, and donors for their contributions to the Men's Rugby Program and Saint Mary's College. Many guests lingered to connect with one another and celebrate Saint Mary's Rugby's proud legacy.

Those who were unable to attend or who wish to make an additional gift are still welcome to donate in support of the program's operational needs.