Flanker Tom Klein scored a try and fullback Dennis Jablonski tallied eight points from a conversion and two penalty goals as the USA downed Canada 12-7 outside of Baltimore.
The match, played 29 years ago yesterday, was the USA’s first test win in the modern era.
The game also marked the first international following the tragic passing of Eagle lock and captain Kevin Craig Sweeney. The Santa Monica standout, seen by some as the country’s best player, had expired of a heart attack while training.
His replacement was Tom Altemeier, a 33-year-old from Des Moines. Once a third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Altemeier instead went to medical school and took up rugby for recreation. Sadly, Altemeier too would pass before his time, of respiratory cancer in 1993.
Clarence Culpepper skippered from blindside flanker, while Ken Wood coached the national team in the temporary absence of Ray Cornbill. Culpepper would go on to become the first man to play for and then coach the Eagles.
United States
Try: Tom Klein
Conversion: Dennis Jablonski
Penalties: Dennis Jablonski
Dennis Jablonski; Del Chipman, Mike Halliday, Dan Wack, Mike Liscovitz; Rob Bordley, Scott Kelso; Gary Wilson, Jessie Lopez, Mick Ording, Jerry Kelleher, Tom Altemeier, Clarence Culpepper (captain), Tom Klein, Brad Andrews
Note: Tries were worth four points in this era. By law, there were no replacements.
It was nice to see your mention of Tom Altemeir.
In addition to Dr. Altemeier, who played his club rugby for Des Moines RFC, that Eagle side had further Iowa connections, as Irishman Scott Kelso was Iowa University's scrum half and South African Mike Halliday,at center, was one of Palmer College's outstanding group of foreign-born players of that era.
Eagle coach, Ken Wood, had great praise for Tom following that historic match. He was an outstanding teammate at all levels of rugby.
Tom may have been the only Iowa high school athlete in history to have been first team all-state in both football and basketball, lead his basketball team to the state championship, and be the state 220 yard dash champion.
Tom,along with his Iowa Univ. teammate Dr.Francis Pisney, later founded the Iowa Falls RFC and was instrumental in their being one of the first American rugby clubs to own thier own playing field and clubhouse facilities and establish youth rugby in their community.
Tom Altemeir left a great legacy and is remembered with great regard by all who knew him.
Ed Schram, Sr.
Posted by: Ed Schram, Sr. | 29 May 2007 at 10:22