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Overview
The President of the United States Rugby Foundation, Brian Vizard, speaks with USA Rugby legend Lou Stanfill, one of the most decorated Eagles in history. Discover Stanfill's journey from Sacramento's Jesuit High School to becoming a 56-cap international player and three-time Rugby World Cup participant. Learn about his impressive career spanning high school, college, club, international, and professional levels, including five consecutive National Collegiate titles with Cal Berkeley. Hear about Stanfill's experiences playing abroad, his transition to coaching, and his current role as a Sacramento firefighter. This episode offers unique insights into the career of a true American rugby icon, known for his versatility, leadership, and indomitable spirit both on and off the pitch.
Show Notes
1:09 - As we do with all our inductees and honorees, Lou, we want to learn a little bit about your childhood. Where'd you grow up? What sports to play as a kid?
2:17 - Let's talk about your high school career at Jesuit high School in Sacramento. You're the Sacramento defensive player of the year. Earned all state football honors. What positions did you play?
2:39 - You started playing rugby at Jesuit, how'd you get introduced to the sport there?
5:16 - So after Jesuit, you're enrolled at Cal. We all know that Cal has a great academic and rugby tradition. Did you have football scholarships elsewhere from any other schools? Did you know at that time you're going to play rugby at Cal?
7:13 - Well, you had great success at Cal while you were there. You won national champions of all five years.
8:41 - Now, of those five national championship teams, was there any one particular team that stood out in your mind?
9:46 - While you're at Cal, you earned all american honors every year of those five years. That had to feel pretty special for you. And there's probably not too many that can make that claim of five, you know, straight all american honors.
10:27 - And then you graduate from Cal in 2008, then you relocated to New York City. What took you to the Big Apple and how difficult an adjustment was that for you?
12:12 - You joined the AC in 2009, you played with them through the 2012 season, which was a special one for you and the team as the AC won the national club championship. You were the mvp. Tell us about some of the highlights from that 2012 season.
14:41 - Louie, you're 19 years old and at Cal, when you made your debut for the Eagles against Canada in 2005, how did you get the news that you'd be in that matchday squad?
16:00 - Were you a starter in that match? Where was the match? And what do you remember about that game?
17:20 - Well, you played 54, 55 more games for the Eagles. You went under in 56 caps total, the 6th most in USA rugby history over. Over an eleven year USA Eagles career. Was there an Eagles game or two that stand out in your mind and why?
19:57 - You played in the 2000, 720, 1120, 15 Rugby World cups. Which one was your favorite and why?
21:11 - Now, you, in 2010, you played professionally with the Canberra Royals in Australia. How did that opportunity come about? And what did you enjoy most about playing in Canberra?
24:04 - Well, from there you went to Italy. You talked about a little bit, played a few seasons there. How did that opportunity open up and what did you enjoy about playing in Italy. What were some of the highlights there?
26:45 - And then you came back to the state. You had some MLR stints with Seattle, Austin and San Diego. Tell us about those experiences and what were a highlighter, too, from your stays with zero three teams.
31:55 - What was your percentage of tests was mostly at Senkaro. And what was your favorite of those three positions?
32:48 - You're preaching to the choir here, brother Louie. Amid your playing career and personal life, you found time to coach your old high school team. How rewarding was that? And the team had some success while you're. You're coaching there, right?
35:17 - Louie, in 2020, while training to become a firefighter, you were diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tell us about receiving that news, your battle to overcome it and where you stand now.
40:01 - Louie, in 2020, while training to become a firefighter, you were diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tell us about receiving that news, your battle to overcome it and where you stand now.
41:33 - Now, of all your rugby memories and accomplishments, is there one or two that stand above the rest?
44:21 - And looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?
45:19 - What does it mean being selected as one of this year's hall of Fame inductees?
Wrap Up
Lou Stanfill's rugby odyssey: From Cal prodigy to US Rugby Hall of Fame inductee. The discussion traced Stanfill's remarkable journey, beginning with his early life and stellar college career at Cal. It delved into his professional rugby experiences and international accomplishments, showcasing his impact on the sport at multiple levels. The conversation also touched on Stanfill's personal challenges, including his courageous battle with cancer, highlighting his resilience both on and off the field. His current pursuit of becoming a paramedic was explored, demonstrating his continued commitment to serving others. The meeting concluded with reflections on Stanfill's enduring legacy in rugby and his heartfelt gratitude for his induction into the US Rugby Hall of Fame, encapsulating a career marked by excellence, perseverance, and dedication to the sport.
