Erics’ love for rugby started in 2012 when he saw a rugby team practicing during his wife’s softball game. He was invited to join the practice, so he grabbed an old pair of cleats out of the back of his car and was embraced as part of the Corpus Christi rugby football club from that day forward. During his time with the Corpus Christi rugby football club, Eric started playing as a flanker where he learned to harness and use his aggression on the field. Since Eric was in the Coast Guard, he got to experience playing with and learning from different teams including the Savannah rugby football club, battleship rugby football club in Mobile Alabama, and the Texas select 15s squad. Eric spent six years playing with the Coast Guard rugby team and spent three years with the Armed Forces Select team. One of Erics’ favorite tournaments that he had the opportunity to play in was the international tournament called Rugby Town 7’s in Glendale, Colorado. Eric played many different positions, but his two favorite positions are inside and outside center. Eric’s passion for rugby is rooted in the camaraderie, brotherhood, and the mutual respect found on his team and with the opposing team. Eric has coached many different youth sports to include football, hockey, and rugby.

Jason found an interest to rugby when it was introduced to his family a couple of years ago.  Jason has experience coaching other sports but this will be his first year as an assistant coach for youth rugby, after receiving Level 200 accreditation through USA Rugby. Jason works as a biomedical technician at UC Denver.  

Damon played rugby for Fort Collins Youth Rugby and won 3 state championships, then played at the University of Montana, and then for the Fort Collins Flamingos.  He received his USA Rugby Level 200 coaching certification in 2016 and has coached youth rugby the past 7 years and co-founded BYRA with Jeff McEntee in 2019.  Damon works as a Project Executive for Hyder Construction in Denver, and also is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 109.

Hi! I’m Jamie. I’m a wife and mom of 4. I enjoy being outdoors, hanging out with family & friends, exploring Colorado, and trying new things. In the 2yrs we’ve been with BYRA, rugby has found a special place in my heart for the friendships my family has made. It is amazing to watch the kids come together as teammates and their families supporting each other. I believe we are more than a sport, we are a rugby family. 

Come back soon to read Coach Halle's bio. 

Jeff played 4 years of college rugby for the Colorado School of Mines. 2 of those years the CSM Rugby team placed 2nd in their ERRFU conference and qualified for Nationals. Jeff is also a Level 200 Certified Rugby Coach and 2023 will be his 9th year coaching youth Rugby. Jeff works as a Commissioning Engineer for Mead-Hunt in Denver.

Kris played High School Club Rugby in Greeley for 2 years and came back to the sport when his kids joined BYRA 2 Years ago. After spectating the first year, his love of the game and organization opened a path to become more involved with Rugby again. He received his Level 200 Certified Rugby Certification in 2022 and has helped coach on both the U10 and U12's for the Spring and Fall teams. This will be Kris's 2nd year coaching with BYRA. Kris works as a Civil Designer for an Engineering Firm in Denver.

Hello Rugby family
My name is Sam, I’m a mom of a 7 year old boy on our 3rd season of being a Tiki. I love hang out with family and friends, taking walks on a nice day outside and listening to music. We are definitely excited to see the journey this Tiki life bring my family. BYRA has become part family and we look forward to every season that starts!

I am the marketing/sponsorship co-chair.  My son joined youth Rugby in 2018.  Our family immediately fell in love with the sport and the community that surrounds it.  I am excited to be a part of BYRA and love watching this amazing sport grow.  I work as a Kindergarten thru 8th grade Special Education para and attend school at CSU.