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| Kane is stepping down to focus on developing the next generation of Wake ruggers. |
Pat took over the reins in 2004 as a Wake Forest law student. The team was in relative shambles, struggling to compete at the Division III level with a bare bones roster and few resources. In his first season Pat began to overhaul the team, instituting measures for player accountability, improving recruitment efforts, soliciting better resources from the school, and adding structure to the practice and game schedules. Pat's extensive knowledge of the game drastically improved Wake's offensive style, team defense and set pieces. In just a few short years Wake became a force in Division III rugby and was ready to move up to the Division II level. In 2008 Wake made it to the South Finals and finished the season as the #22 Division II team in the country. After the 2009 season, Wake joined the Carolinas Rugby League, a combination of Division I and II teams located in North and South Carolina. Following the 2010 season the Carolinas Rugby League was disbanded, and Pat led the effort to create the Division I-AA Atlantic Coast Rugby League, where he currently serves as league commissioner.
Beyond the on the field success, Pat successfully professionalized the team and improved its stature on campus and with Wake's administration. The current team is outfitted in top of the line gear and apparel, holds fitness practices twice a week on top of the normal practice schedule, has formalized high school recruiting, and boasts some of the top students on campus. It is a far cry from the team Pat inherited back in 2004, and despite this year's struggles, the team is well poised for the future.
On a more personal level, Pat has played a massively positive role in my development as a rugby player and more importantly, as a man. I think I can speak for all of Pat's players when I say that disappointing Pat Kane was one of the worst feelings you could have and making him proud was certainly one of the best. It is easy to get pulled astray as a college undergrad - you are surrounded by temptations and, for the first time, fully responsible for yourself. There is a reason that so many Wake Rugby alums have gone on to successful professional and personal lives after graduation - the team kept you accountable for your actions and instilled in you a work ethic that most other students simply did not have. Pat molded that team and support system. He has personally helped players through difficult personal situations as well as shared in some of their most joyous moments. Pat is the type of person you can't wait to introduce to your parents despite the fact you are terrified of what he might say to them. His ability to connect with all of us on a personal level set him apart from other coaches. While Pat's on and off the field leadership will be sorely missed, he has put in place the foundation Wake Rugby will need for continued success.
I would be remiss if I did not pass along a special thank you to Pat's family, his wife Melynda and their two children, Molly and Michael. They have become as much a part of the team as anyone, traveling long distances to cheer on the team and, more importantly, putting up with the huge time burden that is Wake Rugby. Despite a chaotic work schedule as an attorney, Pat has spent the majority of his coaching career commuting between Greensboro and Winston-Salem for practices. He has sacrificed countless weekends for games and spends hours every week on administrative responsibilities. On behalf of all Wake Rugby players, past and present, I would like to say thank you to Pat and his family for the sacrifices they have made for the betterment of the team.
Mike Duffy, '10
VP of Communications
Wake Forest Rugby Foundation
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