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The scholarships are a first for the club that made their second appearance in the Round of 16 this past spring.
The Fitness Scholarships are a way to recognize those players that are dedicated to strength and conditioning as a participant with Kutztown University. These awards are annually funded by Jeff Reiss and Paul Presnizano, both former KU rugby players, and administered by Ron Nicholson, Kutztown alumni and a specialist in strength and conditioning and loyal supporter of KU Rugby.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to two athletes, who demonstrate a commitment to a high level of fitness for each of the fall and spring seasons. There will be four $250 academic scholarships per semester, used to buy books for student athletes who meet the academic criteria of a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Jeff Reiss and Paul Presinzano sponsor two of the scholarships and Dr Gregg Jones, team coach and chiropractic physician and Dr Joe Blasiol, D.O, team medical advisor, who has his own private practice, sponsor the other two.
The Kutztown Alumni Association is funding two $500 scholarships to honor past players who are no longer with us. The first scholarship is named after former KU rugby player David Bailey, who played passed away in 2006. The award is named after David to honor all of the skills that he displayed both on and off the field.
The second scholarship is named after former KU rugby player Robert P Devitt Jr. The scholarship is named after Robert, AKA “Psycho” who had a passion for life both on and off the field. Robert passed away in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in 2001.
In addition to the eight new scholarships, one existing scholarship is available. The David Chalmer Bailey ’02 Scholarship was established in honor of David Chalmer Bailey by his parents, aunt, and uncle.
After graduating from Kutztown University in 2002 with a degree in Sociology, he traveled extensively teaching English and math for a year in South Korea, then taking trips through Argentina, Chile, Spain, Italy, and Romania. Because of his love of people and children, and his enthusiasm for rugby, the scholarship is to be awarded to a student majoring in sociology or social work who demonstrates a love of children and a fascination with people, has earned at least 30 credits, and is in good academic standing, regardless of financial need. Preference will be given to a student who participates in the Rugby Club.
