Robert Markel
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Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, 1949
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First played for New Orleans Blues vs Hammond RFC Summer of 1968.
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Founded Spring Hill College RFC Fall of 1968. 5 times Captain/Coach through 1973.
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Co-Founder of Jackson Mississippi RFC 1973. 3 times Captain/Coach.
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Moved back to New Orleans1977 played center, flyhalf, wing, fullback, flanker, prop, and 2nd row as a started through 1990. Captain/Coach or Co-Captain 1978-1983
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Played a player/coach's role in New Orleans rugby sevens from 1980 through 2000 leading four trips to Trinidad International Seven's Tour, highlighted by a close but losing effort vs. The Australian National Team. In that same trip New Orleans Women's Team led by Tracy Moens, Tanya Hahn and B.B. Alley finished second to a strong Canadian National Team.
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Started the first youth touch rugby teaming New Orleans with the help of Mike Kerrigan and Jack Biven. That team placed second in the first Touch Rugby Jr. Olympic Touring Des Moines Iowa. Players of note were Jeff Reuter, Gabe Markel, and Ricky Biven.
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Started first U-19 tackle rugby team in New Orleans in 1998 'The Smiley Face Warriors". Notable players Chad Minor, Sean Malek, Wes Eustis, Jeff Reuther and Gabe Markel.
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Started Jesuit High School Rugby in 2001, Coached there through 2013 winning 9 state titles, 3 regional titles, and 2 trips to U-19 national tournaments.
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Long time friend and supporter of women's rugby and summer touch, started in1977 by myself, Gene Gertis and Tom Crosby.
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Special thanks to my wife of 49 years Dianne, Gary Geipert, Sam Farnet, JR Vendetta, Tracy Moens, Tim Falcon, Fran Thompson, and tom Crosby for keeping me motivated and grateful through it all.
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Final note. I am very proud of my oldest son, a two time Collegiate All American sevens player 1996 and 1997.