A night for the ages

Dr. Frank Walton (center) with his family. Dr. Walton was inducted into the USC Rugby Hall of Fame Saturday. (photo by Tiana Mandukich)

More than 160 USC Rugby alumni, players, parents and friends attended the USC Rugby Club’s 2nd annual Hall of Fame and Team awards banquet Saturday in the Capstone room.

View photos of the event.

Hosted by the Carolina Rugby Foundation, alumni Rick LeBel, Dr. Frank Walton, Warren Muir and Jeff Smolka were inducted into the second hall of fame class. They join club founder (the late) Sandy Frazier, (the late) Jim Wynn and Matt Godek, who were inducted into the inaugural class.

During the ceremony coaches also honored Peter Blackburn (Gamecock Award), Gavin Curran (Most Valuable Player), Max Hendry (Most Valuable Back), Tom Brady (Most Valuable Forward), Charlie Dwyer (Rookie of the Year) and Cole Maney (Most Improved). The club also bid farewell to seniors Tom Allison, Max Hendry, Pat Emch, Peter Blackburn, Matt Morrow and rugby intern Katie Lewis.

This year’s attendance surpassed last year’s showing, which was 130.