Jun 27, 2025
In celebration of 50 years of rugby at St. Bonaventure University, the Bonnies’ rugby program will induct its inaugural Hall of Fame class this fall, honoring 11 people whose contributions — on and off the pitch — have shaped the sport’s enduring legacy at the university.
The inductees will be recognized during a ceremonial dinner on Saturday, Sept. 13, as part of SBU’s annual Rugby Alumni Weekend.
“This is a proud and meaningful moment for our program,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president. “These inductees represent the foundation and soul of Bonaventure rugby. They played, coached, guided and inspired with a commitment that’s helped establish us as one of the premier rugby programs in the nation.”
Both St. Bonaventure’s men’s (2021) and women’s (2023) clubs have won national titles in the last five years.
The inaugural Hall of Fame class includes players, coaches, administrators, and alumni who have championed the sport’s growth since the program’s inception in 1975. Candidates for induction must be at least five years removed from graduation or departure from the rugby program.
The 2025 inductees are (alphabetically):
Jim Canty, Class of 1984 (posthumously)
A behind-the-scenes force whose post-graduate advocacy and financial support helped sustain and grow the program, both in its early days and in its ascension to national prominence the last decade. A quiet but consistent contributor to the team’s long-term success, Canty convinced university administrators and trustees that rugby had the potential to aspire to national relevance. The former trustee passed away in 2017.
Carley Doyle, Class of 2016
The first player in women’s team history to bring high school rugby experience to SBU, Doyle was a catalyst for change. A captain, recruiter and coach, she led the team to state success and continued promoting rugby after graduation, despite a courageous post-college battle with leukemia.
Mark “Fitzy” Fitzgerald, Class of 1981
Team president and co-captain who guided SBU rugby to a winning tradition. A passionate alumnus who played into his 40s, he coached at Rochester’s McQuaid Jesuit, and served as a mentor and recruiter for the program for decades.
Fr. Richard Flaherty, O.F.M.
Beloved rugby chaplain who mentored student-athletes with wisdom, humility and Franciscan compassion, Fr. Richard guided generations of ruggers both on and off the field, officiated player weddings, and became a lifelong spiritual presence for many alumni.
Billy Kelly, Class of 1995
Team captain and standout player whose post-graduation leadership helped transform SBU rugby into a nationally competitive program. Kelly was the founder of the Rugby Alumni Association, key fundraiser, recruiter, and a tireless advocate for the Rob Peraza Memorial Scholarship.
Rob Peraza, Class of 1994 & 1996 (posthumously)
Captain, MVP, and beloved teammate whose legacy lives on through the Rob Peraza Rugby Scholarship. A New York City victim of 9/11, his name now inspires recruitment and performance at the highest level. His memory fuels the soul of SBU rugby.
Dr. Alan Silliker
Coach, referee, and steward of SBU rugby during its formative years. Without his selfless dedication and knowledge of the game — rare at the time — Bonaventure rugby may not have survived. Silliker, a longtime faculty member in the School of Education, taught generations the fundamentals and officiated countless matches at a time when referees were hard to come by.
Bobby Sims, Class of 1983
Team president, leading scorer, and four-year A-side player who later became a linchpin for alumni relations. Creator of the SBU rugby crest and black-and-gold kits, Sims supported the club financially, recruited players, and was instrumental in alumni engagement, fundraising, and the team’s Cleveland pipeline.
Emily Sion, Class of 2020
Three-time NSCRO All-American and scoring record holder, at the time of her graduation, with 87 career tries. Her tenacity and leadership helped elevate SBU women’s rugby to national relevance. A magna cum laude Political Science graduate who inspired teammates with both intellect and athleticism.
Bruce Snyder, Class of 1998 & 1999
Men’s state champion and coach who revived the women’s rugby program in 1998, leading them to a state title in just their first full season. Snyder played for elite clubs after graduation and returned as a mentor, embodying Bonaventure rugby’s spirit of resilience and camaraderie.
Michael Wyse, Class of 1998 & 1999
A two-time state champion who scored four tries in a single match while battling Hodgkin’s Disease, Wyse’s grit inspired teammates. He continues to serve as a donor, mentor, and advocate for student-athletes more than two decades later.
The induction weekend will include the Hall of Fame ceremony, alumni games, campus events, and opportunities for current players to connect with the legends who laid the foundation for today’s success. Details on the events will be shared later this summer.
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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).