Cameron and Erica Moody (Photo provided — Naj Wikoff)

Rugby and curling have much in common, mainly because competing teams like to hang out, eat and drink together after a match. From that standpoint, Saranac Lake’s becoming a center of both sports is not surprising. Saranac Lakers love socializing, as abundantly evident during the 50th anniversary Can-Am Rugby tournament this past weekend. Stop by any team tent, and it’s like meeting long-lost friends who immediately offer refreshments and a place to sit.

Rugby is believed to have begun in 1823 when William Ellis picked up and ran with the ball during a football (soccer) match; he was then a student at the Rugby School in Warwickshire, England.

Running the ball added an exciting dimension to the game and other schools picked up the idea. They collectively started creating rules for the game, and possibly a new shape for the ball, until 1871, when a standard set of rules was established, Rugby Union rules. Over time, the rules were modified, resulting in two primary variants: Rugby League Rules, which became the standard for professional rugby, and Union Rules, which is far more widespread. Best that I understand, Can-Am uses the more popular Union Rules, slightly tweaked to meet the needs of the wide array of ages now playing, as well as the inclusion of women’s teams.

The Saranac Lake Mountaineers Rugby Club was founded in 1972 by Jan Plumadore and a small group of players, including Kerry Kelley, John Morgan and William Doolittle. The Mountaineers held their first tournament in 1974, with eight teams participating. Plumadore, who took up rugby while in law school and played while serving in the military, served as the Mountaineer’s initial coach. Within a few years, the number of teams doubled; today, over 120 teams in 11 different divisions participate in Can-Am Rugby, with games held on fields (pitches) in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and this year, Tupper Lake hosted the wheel-chair rugby in their civic center.

Impressive is that such a large-scale event is organized and managed by an all-volunteer crew led by Cameron Moody. About 17 years ago, one of Cameron’s friends suggested he try rugby; he did, and now he is deeply involved on and off the pitch.

Jennifer Phelabaum with her dad Terry McGuoirk (Photo provided — Naj Wikoff)

“I came out, started playing and instantly fell in love with the game,” said Cameron. “I loved everything about it, the camaraderie, and growing up in Saranac Lake, which hosted the annual tournament, had much to do with it. The Can-Am tournament is rugby Christmas. There are many people, families, and friends we’ve made over the years who are coming together. No question, this welcoming environment drew me to the game.”

Cameron said what excites him is the growth of the Can-Am tournament, which became a Tri-Lakes event this year, and seeing more locals take up the game. He said Saranac Lakes Can-Am is now the largest of 15 tournaments held in North America. The Mountainers now field five teams.

“One night, sitting in a bar, Jan Plumadore decided we should bring some rugby teams up here, and that’s how it started,” said Cameron.

Erica Moody, now 15 years with the Mountaineers, and serving as their vice president, also plays rugby.

“This is my 10th year playing; we have three kids, so a couple of years of that plus COVID kept me out now and then,” said Erica. “But we now have three future Mountaineers. I got into the sport when I started dating Cameron, and some girls suggested I come out and try the game. I did, and I loved it. I grew up playing hockey, so I loved team sports. The joy is not just on the field; both teams come together off the field, usually party together after, and get to know each other. You may not like each other on the field, but off the field, you become great friends.”

Kyle and Katie Alexanian (Photo provided — Naj Wikoff)

“I’d like our kids to grow up in that environment,” said Erica. “Rugby is very inclusive. No matter your size, age, shape, or anything else, there is always a spot on the rugby field for you.”

“What makes rugby special?” said Cameron. “When the scrum starts, after a stoppage of play, there’s a battle for possession of the ball. It’s one of the more physical parts of the game; many big bodies push each other around. One of the great parts is the rules are the same for everybody, men, women, young and older; we all play by the same rules. And everyone is out there looking out for each other. There’s big hits and tackles, physical play, but no one wants to hurt anybody at the end of the day.”

“The camaraderie you get in rugby is unparalleled,” said Katie Alexanian, a participant whose parents brought her to the Can-Am when she was two and who hasn’t missed a tournament since. “I’ve played a lot of sports; nothing else comes close.”

The key to any athlete is having strong support, whether they are also participants in the game or not. Terry McGuoirk’s advocate and supporter in his corner is his daughter, Jennifer Phelabaum.

“I’ve been watching my dad play my entire life,” said Jennifer. “It’s been a wild ride. I’ve been watching him play in Can-Am and non-Can-Am games, here and on the road. There have been many broken noses; many. Usually, he can fix them himself, so a lot of self-repair, which used to be very scary for me as a kid. I am used to it now. From watching and being with him, I’ve learned not to take crap from anybody; that you’ve got to stick up for yourself on and off the pitch. He taught me that you must have good sportsmanship, stand by your teammates, and be there for people.”

Old Breed US Marines Old Boy Rugby, left to right: Kristeen Colby (aka Special K), Brett Mclaughin, Vern Wilson, Jake Tufano, Irene Tufano, and Sparky Renforth (aka Maj. Gen. Austin Renforth). (Photo provided — Naj Wikoff)

When it comes to being there for others, Old Breed Originals, Activity Duty and veteran Marines who play rugby and raise funds to support the families of fallen Marines are terrific examples.

“In 2004, we were over in Iraq, and they counter-attacked before the Battle of Fallujah, and we lost a Lieutenant Colonel and a Sergeant Major,” said Brett Mclaughlin of the Old Breed US Marines Old Boy Rugby. “The Lieutenant Colonel was a Naval Academy rugby coach and a big-time Marine Corps all-service rugby player. When we got back from Iraq, the founder of the Club said we’ve got to remember these guys; we can’t let them fall. So, we created Old Breed to honor them. We now have about a thousand members in our Club. With the money we’ve raised, we’ve put three kids of servicemembers who’ve died, who were former rugby players, through college. We created scholarships for them.”

“We created the Old Breed to honor one of our fallen Marines,” said Sparky Renforth, aka Maj. Gen. Austin Renforth. “Since then, sadly, we’ve had more fall. We honor all those who ever played rugby and shared the pitch with us; it’s all about them. Rugby is secondary. It’s to honor the men and women who served. We try to do anything we can for the families of the fallen. It’s so good to live a life of purpose.”

(Naj Wikoff lives in Keene Valley. He has been covering events for the Lake Placid News for more than 15 years.)