SALISBURY, MD—For more than 40 years, Dr. Robert “Doc” Davis’ influence on the Salisbury University Men’s Rugby Club has been immeasurable.
Now, his legacy will reach beyond the rugby world and impact University-wide clubs and intramural teams, thanks to the recent dedication of the Doc Davis Intramural Complex at SU.
“The level of dedication Doc Davis has shown to the Men’s Rugby Club, and to our students, has been nothing short of legendary,” said Jason Curtin ’98, SU vice president of advancement and executive director of the SU Foundation, Inc. “To have his name become a permanent part of campus, on the field where he coached the team to so many victories, is an extremely fitting honor.”
As head coach from 1993-2017, Davis led the Salisbury Sharks club team to four National Collegiate Rugby Division 2 national championships, in 1996, 1997, 2004 and 2013, and 15 Final Four appearances. He also coached the team to multiple Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference championships.
Davis began his coaching affiliation with the team in 1983. After stepping down from the top position, he remained active on the staff, predominately serving as the forwards’ coach and supporting the team’s fitness program. This season, he is lending his talents to the SU Women’s Rugby Club.
As with all SU club coaches, each position Davis has held has been voluntary. His dedication has made a lasting impact on countless players, including former club president Nick Capobianco ’14, who led the fundraising charge to name the complex in honor of Davis’ 40th anniversary with the team.
Donors at the $1,000 level or higher received the opportunity to have an inscribed brick placed in a courtyard at the complex’s entrance, with many thanking Davis for his years of service to the team.
