Rome was neither built in one day, nor constructed by one man. But 20 collegiate titles, 10-plus All-American campaigns, 9 Pacific Rim or Pan American championships, more than a half dozen international 7s seasons, and 3 World Cup cycles merits mention.
Jerry Figone's many decades in American rugby, punctuated by the recent announcement of his going part-time at Cal, can be summarized as doing the right things well. On his watch, team affairs are efficient and effective, from scouting and travel to equipment quality and the daily itinerary. No dirty gear, no bad meals, no confusion in the ranks.
Watching American playoff and representative teams, it is evident that his craft -- managing the player, equipment, and logistical matters at the heart of a rugby team -- remains poorly understood. Spend an hour with the man to learn whether and when to use conventional rugby or organic American practices, or how to blend innovation with the thoughtful touches that improve focus and reduce friction, in order to increase a XV's chances of competitive success.
Figone's year-after-year-after-year attention to detail has inevitably created a wealth of knowledge and how to use it. A dozen years ago it was Figone, not longtime Bear mentor Jack Clark, who first showed me the contours of northern California's high school scene -- about a decade after Figone had managed the Pacific Coast's Under 19 side.
At the other end of the spectrum, in 1996, when the Pentagon called Clark with special thanks for fulfilling the Japanese Defense Command's diplomatic-level request for a USA jersey, it was Figone's last-minute wizardry that had delivered the goods.
There are many such stories, some more ribald and others which Figone has forgotten but the players have not, that distinguish the Cal and USA man and underline the importance of seasoned manager.
Jerry Figone's many decades in American rugby, punctuated by the recent announcement of his going part-time at Cal, can be summarized as doing the right things well. On his watch, team affairs are efficient and effective, from scouting and travel to equipment quality and the daily itinerary. No dirty gear, no bad meals, no confusion in the ranks.
Watching American playoff and representative teams, it is evident that his craft -- managing the player, equipment, and logistical matters at the heart of a rugby team -- remains poorly understood. Spend an hour with the man to learn whether and when to use conventional rugby or organic American practices, or how to blend innovation with the thoughtful touches that improve focus and reduce friction, in order to increase a XV's chances of competitive success.
Figone's year-after-year-after-year attention to detail has inevitably created a wealth of knowledge and how to use it. A dozen years ago it was Figone, not longtime Bear mentor Jack Clark, who first showed me the contours of northern California's high school scene -- about a decade after Figone had managed the Pacific Coast's Under 19 side.
At the other end of the spectrum, in 1996, when the Pentagon called Clark with special thanks for fulfilling the Japanese Defense Command's diplomatic-level request for a USA jersey, it was Figone's last-minute wizardry that had delivered the goods.
There are many such stories, some more ribald and others which Figone has forgotten but the players have not, that distinguish the Cal and USA man and underline the importance of seasoned manager.
I would encourage anyone who has been aided by Jerry's tireless efforts to post a blog about one of the really, really, great guys of American rugby.
Here's to you Jerry ! You are a legend.
Posted by: American Rugger | 13 October 2009 at 10:12
Don't set Jerry up that way. Not that many people read these blogs. Jerry's great impact will never be summed up in how many comments a story gets on a blog. Wait until Cal has the reunion celebration for Jerry this Spring, and count those heads.
Nice work Kurt in giving a bow to one of the good guys.
Posted by: Jerry fan | 13 October 2009 at 11:58
Sounds like a great man and to have him makes Cal even more the envy of every other program. Here's to all the people who do the dirty but important work.
In ARN's podcast Jack took some lovely shots at BYU and probably ASU, which I applaud. Mostly because I can't wait till nationals again. Nothing like national rivalries to make things exciting. Though Cal's and other schools who develop american talent is much more endearing than import programs.
They also alluded to college developments from Boulder. Anyone got the scoop on what is going to happen?
Posted by: Congrats | 13 October 2009 at 13:03
As a past player and coach, I have been the lucky recipient of Jerry's efforts on more than one tour. Always a class act while getting the job done.
Posted by: One of Jerry's Kids | 13 October 2009 at 13:47
The man is awesome, always has time for helping, laughing, supporting and the doing!
Posted by: Go Jerry, Go Jerry | 13 October 2009 at 14:55
Thanks Jerry for all of the great work that you did for rugby in America, you are one of a kind!!!
Enjoy your new free time!!
Chris O'Brien
Posted by: Chris O'Brien | 13 October 2009 at 15:13
The greatest rugby man in the history of the game. Well done Jerry!
Posted by: Henry Hyperbole | 13 October 2009 at 20:38
Well done Jerry.
No offence, but lets get back to business as usual. We had the IOC decision this week. And we had the beating of the USA Select side at the weekend. Can we get an article on either of these 2 things?
Posted by: Teacher | 14 October 2009 at 05:56
Nice to a positive article on here for a change!
Posted by: Jack | 14 October 2009 at 08:25
Kurt, I enjoy reading your articles and some of the comments that are posted. I usually do not post any comments as I long ago realized that people are not interested in what an "old fart",such as I, thinks. However this article decides my opinion. I have had the extreme pleasure of knowing and working with Jerry. Everything you have written about him is absolutely true. He is a rugby mananger first class and to top it, he is one hell of a nice guy. I wish him well in his future eneavoors.
Keith Seaber
Posted by: Keith Seaber | 14 October 2009 at 09:51
Correction: I meant to type "deserves", not decides. Just another sign that I am an old fart
Keith Seaber
Posted by: Keith Seaber | 14 October 2009 at 09:54
Sometimes, folks think that elevating and maintaining a top-notch program simply means recruiting the best players or coaches, or when that fails, get a donor to throw money at a program. Toulon at a poorer level.
Glad to see that folks can also recognize the efforts required in terms of organzining and administrating.
Hopefully folks respect that type of knowledge and hardwork as much as the other categories.
Posted by: ISP8 | 14 October 2009 at 10:47
Doing a great job being a team manager is a lot easier when you are getting PAID to do it!
Posted by: show me the money | 15 October 2009 at 13:38
Congratulations to Jerry! I second Keith Seaber's comments.
Having spent a fair bit of time with Cal Rugby, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal from Jerry.
I know that his is not going away, but Cal Rugby will certainly miss his full time presence.
Ed Schram, Sr.
Posted by: Ed Schram Sr. | 03 November 2009 at 13:51