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Overview
The President of the United States Rugby Foundation, Brian Vizard, speaks with USA Rugby legend Alec Parker, one of the greatest Eagle locks in history. Discover Parker's journey from Aspen, Colorado to becoming a 57-cap international player and three-time Rugby World Cup participant. Learn about his remarkable 28-year career with the Gentlemen of Aspen, helping secure seven national championships. Hear about Parker's decision to remain an amateur player in the U.S., his standout moments on the international stage, and his current involvement in supporting disabled veterans. This episode offers unique insights into the career of a true American rugby icon and his lasting impact on the sport.
Show Notes
1:04 - Hey, Alec, as we do with all our guests, we want to know a little bit about your upbringing. So where'd you grow up? What sports did you play as a kid?
4:10 - After high school, you attended Mesa State College. You played tight end on the football team there. You had good hands on the line out. So is it safe to say you're a pretty good tight end?
6:00 - But it was on one of those summer breaks from Mesa State that you got introduced to rugby.
10:57 - So you joined gentlemen of Aspen. Were they already into their championship run or were you kind of one of the missing links when you got on board?
13:22 - Who are some of your mentors when you first started with Aspen? Who are some of your mentors on that gentleman team?
14:21 - Now you were on some great Aspen teams, as you talked about on their run of winning seven national club or Rugby Super League titles. Is there one or two of those championship that stand out in your mind?
16:08 - Now, Alec, most players with a career as decorated as yours went overseas to play rugby. Yet you played for the gentleman of Aspen your entire career. Did you get any overseas offers or did playing abroad just not appeal to you? Why'd you stay with Aspen?
18:36 - Well, before we leave Aspen, I think we should mention the Aspen Rugger fest tournament, one of the great tournaments in the US still being held annually. You and your wife, Mindy, help out at the tournament every year, but when you were playing, you were on plenty of rugger fest title teams. Is there one Ruggerfest title that stands out amongst the rest?
20:13 - Now, Alec, you touched on it earlier. You found success in the sport fairly early. How long a period of time was it from being introduced to the sport to you being selected for the western Mustangs again?
21:46 - That way now, within a year, according to our record, you made your debut against Hong Kong in 1996. Where was that game? And what memories have any memories from that game?
23:23 - Yeah. Like, you had one of the longest Eagles careers on record as your last test was against Uruguay in 2009. An incredible 14 years wearing the Eagles jersey. Congratulations on that, as well as a big thank you for all you've done. My eagle career about half that long, and I know how hard it is to keep fit, both mentally and physically, how were you able to stay on top of the game for such a long period of time?
25:42 - Now, during your 14 year eagle career, you played in 57 test matches. Were there two or three that stand out above the rest in your memory banks?
28:00 - You played in three World Cups. You mentioned the 2007, you also played in the 1999 and 2003. Was the 2007 your favorite of those?
29:13 - One of the most famous eagle tries ever occurred in that 2007 Rugby World Cup. Kudzua Nikwenia outpaced South Africa's Brian Yabana. And you had a hand in that try. I was at that game, but can't remember any details about it. What is your memory of that try and your role in it?
31:07 - Of all your rugby tours over the years, eagles or otherwise, what was your favorite and what made that tour so special?
35:14 - Alec, you wouldn't have had a 14 year Eagles career if you didn't have a special place in your heart. For the red, white and blue. You're no longer wearing the Eagles jersey, but you're still volunteering your time for a patriotic cause. Tell me about what you, Mindy and Bailey, your son, are doing for our disabled veterans.
38:49 - Of all your rugby memories and accomplishments, is there one or two that stand above the rest? You've got a lot of them.
41:47 - What does it mean to you to be inducted in the US Rugby Hall of Fame?
Wrap Up
Alec Parker's rugby journey: From multisport athlete to US Rugby Hall of Fame legend. The discussion traced Parker's path from his diverse early sports background to his transformative discovery of rugby. It highlighted his stellar career with Aspen Rugby Club and his remarkable 14-year tenure with the US Eagles national team. The conversation also explored Parker's post-rugby dedication to supporting disabled veterans, showcasing his commitment to service both on and off the field. The meeting culminated in celebrating Parker's well-deserved induction into the US Rugby Hall of Fame, recognizing his enduring impact on American rugby and his exemplary character as both an athlete and a citizen.
