JAY ARNAIZ
Jay was introduced to rugby as a Cadet at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he played hooker. Interestingly, Jay's son, Dam (an Empire grad) is now playing scrum-half for VMI. Two rugby generations at one school!
Jay played his Men's Rugby for the Riverside Killer Bee's before turning his attention to coaching. Now, in his 5th year, Jay is the head coach of the U16 squad and specializes in working with the pack.
Jay is also the 'college liason' for the club. Through his efforts, Empire has encouraged several players to focus on college admissions, and assists in paperwork, financial aid applications, and questions on higher education. Because of that enthusiasm, we have more than a dozen former players attending colleges and playing rugby.
Jay is also the 'college liason' for the club. Through his efforts, Empire has encouraged several players to focus on college admissions, and assists in paperwork, financial aid applications, and questions on higher education. Because of that enthusiasm, we have more than a dozen former players attending colleges and playing rugby.
He loves dominant scrum play and thinks the most beautiful sight in the world is a maul working its way down the pitch.
JACK ROSE
Jack is a long time rugby player who learned the game in the mid-west where he played for the Mt. Pleasant Exiles and the Mt. Pleasant Old Boys. He's toured and played in the prestigious "Golden Oldies" Tourney in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Jack has coached several years, most recently for the MLK Wolves. His son, Brad, is also a part of the Empire family.
PETE McGOWAN
DAVE "ZAP" ZAPALAC
Dave got introduced to rugby several years ago when his son, Derek, wanted to take up the sport. In the finest tradition of being an involved parent, Dave threw himself into learning everything he could about rugby. He began coaching with the Riverside Raptors and was one of the founding members of Empire Rugby.
Now in his 4rd year of active coaching, Dave is certified through US Rugby as a youth coach and focuses on the U16 backs.
PETE SMOLIN
Pete played his college rugby for West Chester State University in Pennsylvania before coming out to California. His played Mens Rugby for Eagle Rock and Northridge RFC. Pete transitioned into coaching and started the High School Rugby program at Cantwell, which saw them in the US National Play-Offs.
Pete, the Head Football Coach of Citrus Valley HS, specializes in coaching the forwards. He has started the Citrus Valley HS rugby program, a partner of Empire Rugby Club, to compete in CIF sanctioned events.
CURTIS BAYER
Curtis is the Emeritus Director of Empire Rugby Club. He comes from, of all things, a club soccer background, but 'saw the light' several years ago when his son became a rugby player.
He's previously coached the backs for the U19 and U16 teams and is a certified USA Rugby Coach. However, as the club has grown, his role as Director has had him focusing on paying the bills and keeping the lights on.
Due to other commitments Curtis has stepped away from day to day involvement with the club, but his focus as Emeritus Director is for players to have a safe and positive experience with Empire Rugby, and to encourage them to reach beyond their abilities to achieve their goals.
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