How he plays: Paul Stich ’79, who was awarded the 2024 Patrick B. Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award—on the rugby pitch (left) and sharing his musical talent as a Saint Mary’s College student (right). / Images courtesy Stich Family
Gaels Men’s Rugby Celebrates Tradition, a National Championship, and the Contributions of Paul Stich ’79 at the Annual Patrick B. Vincent Dinner
Alumni, Parents, and Fans came together for the 15th annual dinner named in honor of Pat Vincent, a legendary player who coached Men’s Rugby at SMC for more than 15 years.
For the past 15 years, the Saint Mary’s Men’s Rugby Alumni Association has hosted the Patrick B. Vincent Fundraiser Dinner as a way to both raise money for the team and recognize the ideals and commitment Vincent brought to the sport at Saint Mary’s. Vincent coached rugby at SMC for 15 years, and he would no doubt be thrilled to see the team celebrating their national championship victory over Navy earlier this year. He also would have been proud to see one of his players honored at the dinner on November 16.
Paul Stich ’79 was honored with the Patrick B. Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s dinner. The award honors an SMC alum for their dedication and commitment to the success of Men’s Rugby.
Rugby Alumni Board Chair Jerry Murphy ’72 opened up the recognition by sharing how the Men’s Rugby program continues to be successful with consecutive victories over UC Berkeley and BYU—plus that hard-earned fourth collegiate championship this past spring. “The road to success requires continued commitment to support our current and future athletes wearing the red and blue striped jerseys on the pitch as many did before them,” Murphy said. “It is a legacy we celebrate tonight in honor of All Black Captain and Saint Mary’s Coach, Pat Vincent.”
“The road to success requires continued commitment to support our current and future athletes wearing the red and blue striped jerseys on the pitch as many did before them. It is a legacy we celebrate tonight in honor of All Black Captain and Saint Mary’s Coach, Pat Vincent.”
—Jerry Murphy ’72
In 2004, Stich, Murphy, and several other Gaels founded the Saint Mary's College Rugby Alumni Association with the purpose of providing Hall of Fame Coach Tim O’Brien the resources to build a premier college rugby program. In his remarks at the dinner, Stich shared fond memories of living in Justin Hall, participating in rugby during his senior year, and bonding with Pat Vincent over the love of music. Along with serving on the SMC Board of Regents for the past nine years, Stich has taught as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship. He recalled chaperoning a Jan Term Class in 2020, when he led a group of students—mainly rugby players—to Tokyo. The team explored Japan and was able to play rugby overseas.
Coach O’Brien shared his gratitude for continued contributions to Men’s Rugby by the supporters in the room; the resources have made it possible to make the Gaels into a highly sought out competitor across the country. “I am honored to celebrate the greatness of being a Saint Mary’s Gael,” O’Brien said. “I feel honored to work with just inspiring student athletes, supportive administrators, and in particular an alumni base which sets the gold standard.”
“I am honored to celebrate the greatness of being a Saint Mary’s Gael. I feel honored to work with just inspiring student athletes, supportive administrators, and in particular an alumni base which sets the gold standard.”
—Coach Tim O’Brien
The night celebrated the enduring success of Men’s Rugby and how it continues to deliver on the legacy of Pat Vincent. As one marker of that: 18 Gaels have been able to represent the United States in international play, and four alumni—and one current Gael student—are part of the roster this month playing in Europe. They are: Vili Helu ’18, who plays for professionally for the San Diego Legion; Payton Telea-Illalio ’20, who also plays for the Legion; Tavite Lopeti ’21, who plays professionally with the Seattle Seawolves; Erich Storti ’23, MBA ’24, who this year was selected by Anthem RC in North Carolina as the No. 1 draft pick in Major League Rugby; and current Gael Dominic Besag ’26.
Gael Rugby Alumni spanning from the 1960s to 2024 graduates attended the event, along with spouses, friends, and parents of current players. Statements of thankfulness and appreciation for all attendees and donors was felt throughout the night, while hopes of another successful season encouraged support and financial assistance.
UP NEXT: Men’s Rugby hosts San Jose State and Sacramento State on December 7 at Saint Mary’s Stadium in tandem with attending the Fall Classic Tournament in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Dec 7 and 8.
