The evolving legacy of UB Rugby Football Club

Amid the crowd, action bursts forth at UB’s Ellicott Field, adjacent to Red Jacket parking lot. Clad in jerseys reminiscent of laundry ads and mud-caked cleats, rugby players exhibit grit and determination as they skillfully pass the ball backward, yet strategically advance against the opposing team.

While sports like football and basketball dominate the American college landscape, rugby offers a different thrill for Timothy Serencsics, president of the UB Rugby Football Club (UBRFC): exciting, bone-crunching tackles, tactical teamwork and unique camaraderie forged through intense, on-field challenges.

Serencsics’ journey with rugby began with a chance encounter during his early days at UB.

“I wasn't aware of rugby during my school years,” he says. “But watching it on campus, I was instantly drawn.”

UBRFC was established in 1966, a year marked by significant civil unrest. The Civil Rights Movement fiercely advocated for the rights of African Americans, and the newly formed Black Panther Party championed Black empowerment and self-defense against racial oppression.

Sports played an important role. Just two years later, the 1968 Olympics provided a world stage for Tommie Smith’s and John Carlos' iconic, black-gloved salutes, epitomizing the era’s racial struggle.

Amid this backdrop of civil unrest and societal change, UBRFC began its journey, evolving and triumphing through the decades.

“UBRFC emerged as a space where diverse groups could unite over the love of the game,” Serencsics explains. “Today, it’s a vibrant community with around 50 active members.” 

Originating as an open club that included both non-university students and staff, UBRFC transformed over the years, becoming the Buffalo Old Boys Men’s Club in 1971, and later the Buffalo Rugby Club. Its deep ties to UBRFC’s origins remained intact.

 A nostalgic aspect is the “Mad Turtles” mascot. 

In 1976, the university organized a rugby team, and the “Mad Turtles” were born. Their jersey colors of sky blue with a band of red, white, navy, white and red were as unique as their mascot — a tribute to the snapping turtles that had to be cleared from the practice field each day.

“The ‘Mad Turtles’ moniker dates back to the club’s early days," says Serencsics. “That logo and slogan, despite being from the ‘60s and ‘70s, still resonate with us, and we have merchandise with the Mad Turtles.”

Serencsics pays close attention to the evolution of the club’s jersey, which has changed colors and designs over the years. 

“Rugby jerseys often feature stripes, a hallmark of the sport,” he notes. “Our striped uniforms now align with the school colors, but the essence lies in the tradition. Rugby is deeply rooted in customs, and we take pride in upholding them.”

And the club’s legacy isn’t confined to jerseys and mad turtle mascots: Alumni continue to have an impact on the present.

"Our alumni are a huge help to us,” says Serencsics. 

“Recently, we had one of our alumni speak to our team. He’s very high up in his career. The Alumni Association connected us to these experienced professionals for providing career advice and mentorship.” 

UBRFC’s rich history also features defining moments that shape its legacy. 

“We began small, gradually climbed to top divisions of club rugby and have competed against renowned schools like Boston College,” says Serencsics.

Not every chapter was a triumph. He vividly remembers a pivotal moment when they faced American International College. The unpredictable nature of rugby showed its hand.

“In rugby, even when the clock hits the 80-minute mark, play doesn’t stop. It can stretch to 81, 82 minutes or more, until that ball is sent ‘into touch’ (similar to “out of bounds” in American football)” Serencsics says. 

“We battled fiercely. We secured the lead, having scored more tries than our opponents. As we neared the end, victory was almost ours. All we had to do was kick the ball out.”

He pauses for a moment, aware of the weight of the memory. 

“In the heat of the game, we lost track of time, leading to a penalty,” he says. “That misstep handed the ball back to AIC. Seizing this unexpected opportunity, they mounted a counter-attack and scored, turning our near-victory into a heart-wrenching defeat.

“It was a tough lesson, but it strengthened our resolve.”

Valentin de Villeneuve, another player, nods in agreement.

“Rugby might appear chaotic to outsiders,” he says. “Still, there’s a deep strategy involved. It’s like war strategy, making it both exhilarating to play and watch.”

Serencsics credits Owen Lothar, current head coach and forward, for bringing innovative game plans to the team.

“One such tactic is the ‘inside pop’” Serencsics explains, “a last-minute ball pass designed to deceive defenders, which became a defining element of gameplay for forwards.”

While the main format of rugby involves 15 players, there’s a faster-paced version called sevens. Serencsics proudly mentions the club’s re-initiation of the sevens program, which led to top rankings in renowned tournaments.

“In sevens, there are only seven players on each side, creating more space on the field,” he says. “It's incredibly exciting to watch and play.”

Beyond the physicality, rugby represents a community and trust.

“Rugby is aggressive and always moving,” says teammate Brandon Michael. “The game demands a high level of fitness, and there’s little room for pause. But beyond aggression, rugby is about respect. 

“On the field, we might be opponents, but off the field, we’re all friends.”

Although the first in his family to embrace the sport, Serencsics is committed to rugby, as a player and leader.

“I want to introduce innovative ideas, take on new projects, and essentially ensure that when I leave, the club is even better than I found it.”

With every match, practice and shared moment, the legacy of UBRFC grows stronger. The club carries the torch of “strength and honor” — principles deeply ingrained in the UBRFC legacy — into the future, where new triumphs and challenges await on the rugby pitch.

How to join: New players are welcome anytime; no experience required. The team practices in the fall. Those interested in participating can send the club a message.