Former Captain Joins SBU Men's Rugby Coaching Staff

Former Captain Joins Coaching Staff

The St. Bonaventure University men’s rugby team announced the addition of Steve Blaske `06 to its coaching staff. Blaske, a Portville native, played for SBU from 2004 to 2006, helping guide the club to a pair of playoff berths and the 2004 New York State Division 2 championship.

Blaske is now the third member of Clarence Picard’s coaching staff, replacing fellow 2006 graduate Alex Peck who has moved out of the area. Peck helped coach the Bonnies to the 2011 Empire Rugby Conference finals, leading one of the most formidable packs in D1AA college rugby. He also served as interim head coach during the Spring 2011 campaign, beating Syracuse in the Carrier Dome, winning the Little Three Cup as well as the Upstate New York championship.

“While I was sad to see my friend Alex Peck leave the staff, we are very excited to welcome Steve on board,” said Picard `05, head coach since September 2006. “Having played with Coach Blaske as an undergrad, I know the spirit he can bring to a team and I know he will be a positive influence on our players, on and off the field.”

A former fullback and fly half, Blaske starred for the 2004 team that beat Colgate 18-3 for the NYS title and Vassar 42-36 to advance to the Northeastern semifinals. Blaske’s sure tackling and long-range tries helped defined the style of play that still influences Coach Picard and the Bonnies to this day. As captain in 2005, Blaske led the team to a NYS semifinal finish. Blaske began his rugby career at Fredonia State in 2001 before transferring to SBU in Spring 2004.