Longtime Life University Head Coach Colton Cariaga has announced his resignation from his position in order to take the new Harvard Rugby Football Club head coaching post.
Cariaga as the first full-time head coach of Harvard Men's Rugby in the club's 150-year history. He led Life University to two D1A 15s national championships and two D1 7s championships (those in the last two seasons). He served as assistant coach on two other national championship campaigns.
As a player, Cariaga was a three-year captain and led the Life University team to two national championships. He earned collegiate All-American status twice. In addition, after graduating from Life with a degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude), he played for Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland) in 2013-14 under highly regarded international coach Tony Smeeth and was an assistant coach at Blackrock College secondary school.
At the USA Rugby national level, Colton has served as the USA U23 7s head coach and as an assistant coach of the USA U20 15s team.
"It has truly been a privilege to watch and learn from Colton over the course of his time as a head coach." said Life University Director of Athletics, Jayme Pendergast. "He is a very skilled coach, a responsible CEO, and a servant leader. Most importantly, Colton is a great human being – someone you want in your department and someone you want mentoring your student-athletes. He has elevated our department in so many ways beyond just his rugby contributions. We wish Colton the very best and continued success."
"Words will not describe the deep gratitude I have for Life University and the many people I've had the pleasure of working with throughout the years," said Cariaga in a statement. "I first arrived as a student-athlete fresh out of high school, but over time was challenged enough and given the support I needed to grow into a leader and coach. I cherish the tight knit community of student-athletes, staff, faculty, administration, and alumni and appreciate the collective dedication to the grand vision of performing at the highest level in every discipline on offer.
"I am excited for the current team in regards to the opportunity they have to carry on the legacy of Life Rugby and evolve the program to new heights. I anticipate this team, comprised of a strong core of seasoned veterans, dynamic leaders, and a talented group of underclassmen and incoming freshmen, will leave their mark on the chapters ahead of them."
RMA Podcast: Colton Cariaga on Coach Talk
Harvard alumni launched a campaign this year to further fund the program and pay for a full-time coach and a coaching staff. Keith Cooper, Class of 1983 and leader of the Harvard Rugby alumni organization for decades, said this is all part of a series of long-term plans.
“Our first goal was to build a stadium and with the help of Roberto Mignone and many generous alumni, we accomplished that in 2016," said Cooper. "Our next goal was to hire a full-time head coach. The quality of the candidates who applied from around the world far exceeded our expectations. Colton is among the best of the best. His strength of character and proven coaching skills stood out to both our current student leadership and the broad alumni group that participated in the hiring process. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with him as he builds on the 150-year-old Harvard Rugby Football Club legacy as its first full-time head coach.”
