ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University Department of Athletics announced Thursday that Men's Rugby Head Coach Tony Pacheco is stepping down from the position he has held since 2014. 

Pacheco, who was the longtime club coach for the rugby program, became the first head coach for the program when it was elevated to varsity status in the spring of 2014.  Under Pacheco's leadership, the program experienced unprecedented success finishing in the top four in the nation the past three years, losing to the eventual national champion in the Varsity Cup semi-finals in both 2015 and 2016.

"I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past ten years, the move we made in 2014 was truly unprecedented," said Pacheco.  "However, I feel that it is time for me to find a different challenge.  I'd like to thank the visionary administration for this opportunity, and thank you to all the people in the CWU Rugby family."

The 2004 graduate of CWU has produced numerous All Americans as well as four players who have competed for the Eagles (the US National Team) in both 15's and 7's during his tenure.  Pacheco has also coached on numerous US national squads over the past five years, including the AIG Men's Collegiate All-American Sevens Team and USA Falcons Sevens Team.

"I respect Tony's decision and want to thank him for the many contributions he made to CWU Rugby and leading the transition of the program from club to varsity," said Director of Athletics Dennis Francois.  "The success of the program speaks volumes to the quality of student-athletes Tony has been able to attract to CWU and I am confident that the program is on solid footing as we begin our search for his replacement."

Goff Rugby Report note: There hasn't been any added information about this. Sources close to Pacheco said he is viewing the change as a good thing and maybe it was time for a change. As always happens with coaching changes in college sports, it's unclear how the players will respond, and especially how players recruited by Pacheco but who have not matriculated, will view the coaching change.