Dick Laner

Place of birth:
Los Angeles, California

Position played:
Scrum Half (SMRC) Wing, Scrum Half, Fullback (Loyola University)

Summary of rugby career:

First Started Playing Where:
Loyola University, Los Angeles, CA (1970-1975)

Clubs represented and Years:
Loyola University Rugby (1970-1975)
Santa Monic Rugby Club (1975-1986)
Manhattan Beach Body Surfing Association, Rowing, Rodeo, and
Rugby Football Club (7s) (1979-1982)
Old Lions Rugby Club (1988-1991)
Old Frothonians (1991)

Territorial/National Representative Teams and years:
None

No of Caps (if applicable):
None

No of International Matches (if applicable):
None

Tours: Where, With Whom and Years:
Australia – Santa Monica Rugby Club (1978)
Wales - Eagle Rock Rugby Club (1979)

Awards and Recognition:
MVP Loyola Rugby (1974)
Captain Loyola Rugby (1975)
Southern California Collegiate All Stars (1974)
Los Angeles County Squad (1975, 1979-1981)
SCRFU College Commissioner (1977)
Gordon Bosserman Award (1978, 1979)
Assistant Coach of Loyola University Rugby (1976-1980)
Head Coach of Loyola University Rugby (1980-1988) SCRFU Collegiate Champions (1980-1986)
Southern California Junior Griffins, Manager (1980, 1981)
USARFU Select Coaches Committee (1985)

Impact rugby had on your life:
Rugby has been the basis for how I approach almost every aspect of my life. I learned discipline, perseverance, focus, strategy, friendship and so much more that was derived from my Rugby experience. It showed me the importance of believing in myself and it demonstrated the real efficacy of team work.

The most important impact Rugby had in my life is that it allowed me to meet my wife (finally).

Most inspirational teammate/coach and why:
Don McIsaac-my coach at Loyola University who fostered in me a love for the game and mentored me as a collegiate player and coach.

Ron Nesbitt-my coach at SMRC from whom I learned the importance of the forwards and how they can impact the game especially in the scrums.

Ron Guss-my teammate from whom I learned to keep a positive attitude on and off the field.

Larry Petrill-my teammate/coach who influenced my intellectual approach to playing and coaching.

What wisdom would you pass on to current players:
Play as long as you can and play with passion. Love your teammates and treasure their friendship. They’ll be there for you down the road if and when you need them.

Marital Status (Spouse/Kids names):
Wife-Sandy, Daughters-Meghan and Katie (both former Santa Monica Rugby Club players-Youth Program)

Favorite quote:
“Don’t worry about being the best. Just work the hardest.”

Interests:
My family, Rugby, body boarding, cowboying, cycling, hiking,
reading (History)

Internet links to anything of interest on the web about the player: