Longtime St. Mary’s College of California volunteer coach Tony Samaniego is leaving the program after almost ten years with the team.

Samaniego, who helped run the Gaels 7s team, partnering with John Tyler and Mark Bass to lead the team to the USA Rugby Plate in 2011, 4th in 2012, and a runner-up position in 2013.

The jovial and hardworking Samaniego had a significant influence on building the rugby program at St. Mary’s, and was the driving force behind the Battle in the Bay tournament, conceiving, developing promoting, and running the event, as well as coaching the St. Mary’s team.

St. Mary’s Head Coach Tim O’Brien confirmed with Goff Rugby Report that Samaniego will be moving on.

“As is often the case in a 100% volunteer-based program, the hours given and rewards received can be pretty thankless at times,” said O’Brien. “Tony will be greatly missed by parents, alum’s, players and his volunteer peer group coaching companions.”