USCGA Athletics Names Director of Rugby

New London, CT – The Coast Guard Academy Athletics Division has selected Crist Holveck to be its first ever Director of Rugby, Director of Athletics Tim Fitzpatrick announced. 

Holveck, who retired from the Coast Guard in the spring of 2017 as a Lieutenant Commander, has achieved considerable success during his tenure as the head coach of the men's rugby club team at CGA - leading the Bears to national tournament appearances on four occasions since assuming the reigns in 2014.  In addition to his coaching prowess, Holveck holds national rugby coaching and officiating certifications, and is a 1998 graduate of the University of Connecticut.  He will retain his duties as men's club rugby coach while taking on additional administrative responsibilities within the Athletics Division in support of both CGA's men's and women's club rugby team operations.

"Since the Athletics Division took over the administration of CGA's club sports programs in 2015, I have been consistently impressed not only by the yearly performance of our men's and women's rugby programs on regional and national levels, but also by the very real potential for both programs to grow and prosper and achieve greater levels competitively with increased administrative emphasis and guidance, " Fitzpatrick stated.

"Crist Holveck is a proven winner as a coach, and is recognized in college rugby circles as a respected figure.  His passion for CGA rugby is very apparent, and in my opinion he is both the right person and the best person to not only oversee and administer our men's and women's rugby programs on a daily basis, but also to serve as a liaison to our Alumni Association to develop strategies to improve overall support of these programs through our Bear Club.  Crist will be a welcome addition to the Athletics Division administrative staff, and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Long-time CGA women's rugby head coach Bill Anderson will retain his current role under Holveck's directorship.  Anderson's sides have performed remarkably in the past two seasons, advancing to the women's Division II Final Four in both 2016 and 17.  The Bears finished 4th at the Fall Championship in 2016 and 3rd in 2017.

"Creation of the rugby directorship position here at the Coast Guard Academy is a major step in recognizing the growth potential for the sport of rugby," added Holveck. "I am honored to be selected by Tim Fitzpatrick for this opportunity."

"On behalf of the USCGA Alumni Association, the Bear Club is proud to support the creation of this position," commented Trueson Tarinelli, Director of the Bear Club and Athletic Giving. "I am thrilled to work with Crist in a continuing effort to build support for CGA men's and women's rugby. The historical and recent success of both teams, along with a significant alumni base, provide a unique opportunity that we can leverage to enhance the programs."

Holveck will begin his new position on January 2.