[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 65 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E762-E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE MONTAUK RUGBY CLUB

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Montauk 
Rugby Club, from the town of East Hampton, Long Island, NY, that is now 
in competition for the National Rugby Championship.
  This local rugby club is a reflection of America at its best. Members 
come from all walks of life, from carpenters and painters, to teachers 
and journalists alike. These fine men work 40-plus hours a week, then 
train in the evening or early morning to keep fit for the game. Many 
club members travel as far as 30 miles to train and practice. These men 
have all demonstrated tremendous self-discipline, courage, and great 
stamina, and that is what has brought them to the cusp of greatness. 
With no paycheck driving them on, these true amateurs are inspired 
simply by their love for the game, the rugby players who came before 
them, and the teammates they play with every week.
  Founded in 1973 by local landscaper Charlie Whitmore, Montauk has 
prospered thanks to the dedication of its players and sponsors, 
Amagansett Building Materials and local chiropractor Dr. Richard Kelly. 
Both have been major benefactors to the team and should be commended 
for their benevolence.
  The men of the Montauk Rugby Club are active members of their 
community, volunteering their free time to help their neighbors on 
eastern Long Island. When not working or playing, you can find them 
cleaning up our town parks and beaches, or donating their time to work 
with local children. This summer, Montauk is hosting a national 
qualifying tournament, ``The Hampton 7's,'' where some of the best 
players and teams in the country will compete, with the victor going to 
the National Championship. The proceeds of the tournament will go to 
several local charities, including the Meals on Wheels Program, the 
East Hampton Village Policeman's Benevolent Association, the East 
Hampton Ambulance Association, and the Peter Landri Scholarship fund.

  Rich Brierley, the youth team's coach, deserves special recognition 
for his hard work and dedication to the children of Montauk. Rich works 
as a carpenter by day, then at night goes to the local park to practice 
with the adult team, or coach the young rugby players of Montauk. 
Driven only by his passion for the game and his love of coaching, Rich 
is an example for all Americans to follow. Our children are our most 
important resource and they should be taught the self-discipline and 
camaraderie that team sports, such as rugby, instill. All of Montauk 
and East Hampton will thank Rich when his proteges mature and become 
leaders on the field and in their communities.
  There is another story here, a story of how what we do here in 
Washington affects the life of ordinary Americans. Last fall, the 
Montauk Rugby Club went 8-0 in the regular season. They were stopped in 
the playoffs not by an opponent, but because Federal Government's 
shutdown made sure that the playoff field they needed was unavailable. 
The teams had to

[[Page E763]]

wait until after the winter months, and only now are able to continue 
their conquest for a National Championship.
  By finishing second in the northeast regional tournament, Montauk has 
qualified for the national quarter finals and will play in Dallas this 
weekend. Entering their league in division III, they battled their way 
to become the 1995 undefeated division II champions and in the running 
for the national crown. Montauk is 1 of 16 teams in the U.S. bound for 
Dallas. They go into this tournament seeded third, if they win they 
will go on to the National Championship round in Chicago on Memorial 
Day weekend.
  Congratulations and best of luck to the Montauk Rugby Club. May you 
bring back many more national titles to our neighbors in East Hampton.

                          ____________________