Gallin to be inducted into USC rugby hall of fame

Andy Gallin, a standout player from the early 1970s, will be inducted into the Gamecock Rugby Hall of Fame on April 18.

Born in Great Neck, New York, Gallin was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing offensive line in football and defense in lacrosse. Although he had never been to South Carolina before, he came to the University of South Carolina with hopes of continuing his football career as a walk-on. A knee injury during his freshman year ended that path, but it ultimately led him in a new direction.

While waiting overnight for tickets to a basketball game against Duke, Gallin met Paul John Salvatore. During their conversation, Gallin shared how much he missed the competition and physicality of football. Salvatore introduced him to rugby, and Gallin soon joined the team.

At 6’2” and 250 pounds, Gallin played prop and quickly became known as the team’s enforcer. He made it clear that no opponent would push around his teammates. Beyond his physical presence, he served as a mentor to younger players and helped shape the culture of the team. He also contributed as a kicker and, for a time, was the team’s leading scorer.

Former teammates remember both his athleticism and leadership.

Rick LeBel recalls a favorite moment when Gallin set him up to score his first try during a match in Atlanta. Tom Utsey described him as “the best scrummer I ever played with or saw play. He was essentially a player/coach when I joined the team in the spring of ’72—a force to be reckoned with, a complete bull. He was the best at breaking out of a loose ruck or maul and powering his way into the end zone. He was always scoring and led the teams he played on in that category.”

Rugby also played a pivotal role in Gallin’s personal life. He met his future wife, Nancy, at a match. She had attended with a connection to one of Gallin’s teammates, and he approached her after the game to ask her out. They remained together for the rest of his life. Gallin graduated from USC in 1973 with a business degree, and his rugby career concluded at that time.

After college, he remained active in sports, participating in flag football and softball leagues for many years. Eventually, he stepped away from flag football as the physical toll increased. He returned to New York, where he began working for his cousin before moving into a role as a union representative and organizer. Later, he founded a consulting business

representing business unions, drawing on the relationships he built throughout his career. He also spent 12 years coaching his son in football.

Andy Gallin passed away in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children and their spouses, Alex Gallin, Sashi Gallin, Brad Gallin, Eevie Santamaria, Caroline Killingsworth, and John Killingsworth; and his four grandchildren, Wes, Andie, Eli, and Maggie.