SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Drury University Vice President and Director of Athletics Corey Bray has announced Bryan Bevel as the first-ever head coach for the men's rugby program.

Men's rugby is one of seven new club sports Drury will launch in the 2022-23 academic year. They announced Drury was adding rugby and hiring coaches in April.

Drury University Adding Rugby, Hiring Coaches
 
Bevel has been a fixture of the rugby scene in Springfield since 1994 and currently serves as the President of the Springfield Rugby Football Club, a position he has held since 2010. He has also served as President of the Queen City Chaos since 2016 and is a part of the Kansas City Blues Old Boys. Bevel has also worked as a coach of the 15's and 7's for both programs since 2005. Bevel was inducted into the Springfield Rugby Football Club Hall of Fame in 2019 and has been a member of the Western United States Select Side, Pill Harriers RFC, and the Old Coronado Rugby Club.

"We are very excited that coach Bevel will be the inaugural coach of our new men's rugby program," said Bray. "His extensive experience as a player, coach and certified referee provide a solid foundation upon which Drury University will build its men's rugby program with outstanding student-athletes who will represent the university well in the classroom, in the community and in competition.  Please join me in welcoming Coach Bevel to the Panthers family."

In addition to his experience in rugby, Bevel is the owner of The Pitch Pizza & Pub in Springfield. 

"I am very excited to be chosen to bring men's rugby to Drury University," said Bevel. "I can't wait to field a side on behalf of the university, the community, and the student body. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity to build a team from the ground up for Drury University!"