2024 Inductees hall of fame inductees
Mark Roth
Class of 1984
Mark Roth, 1984
Flanker & Prop Vice President, Fiercely Dependable Lead by Example, Handsome Assassin
Year #5, H.O.F. #26
Mark Roth (Left) receives his plaque from Greg Fontana
Mark Roth, 1984
Flanker & Prop Vice President, Fiercely Dependable Lead by Example, Handsome Assassin
Year #5, H.O.F. #26
Mark elevated his teammates to be the best they could be and led by example. Mark’s quiet demeanor instilled a belief in his teammates that we could win any game that we were engaged in. His calmness, knowledge of the game and his performance, inspired all his teammates to excel. Simply put, He made us all better.
Mark had a knack for always being in the right place at the right time to support you with his outstanding talent for the game. A number of players quit rugby all together when they were asked to switch positions for the good of the team. Not Mark, he not only switched to prop, he excelled at that position. He actually could have played any position on the field. Mark brought an intensity that affected the whole team. His discipline learned from high school wrestling (2-time CT State Champ) came out on the field in practice and in games. He was a beast.
Nelson Santiago
Class of 1997
Nelson Santiago, 1997
Flanker Forwards Captain, Fearless Tackler, Leader on and off the Pitch, Ardent Supporter of BURC
Year #5, H.O.F. #27
Nelson Santiago (Left) receives his plaque from Jason Smith
Nelson Santiago, 1997
Flanker Forwards Captain, Fearless Tackler, Leader on and off the Pitch, Ardent Supporter of BURC
Year #5, H.O.F. #27
Nelson was a relentless flanker with fearless tackling technique and the ability to play well above his size. He was a determined and undeniable ball carrier with excellent game/spatial/opponent awareness coupled with an instinctual off-load play. Nelson served as forward captain, leading from the front, exemplifying determination and perseverance. He was also a multiple term officer for the club who drove us forward with on-campus activities and engagement while graduating with honors
On campus, Nelson was our bridge to the Babson International Student Organization - he was constantly recruiting and opened our eyes to those members of the Babson community we had overlooked.
Beyond graduation, Nelson has been a generous supporter for Babson Rugby and has provided both financial and operational support for the club’s annual spring break trip to Puerto Rico.
Denis Rezendes
Class of 2015
Denis Rezendes, 2015
Second Row President, VP, Leader & Friend Always on the Front Foot
Year #5, H.O.F. #28
Denis Rezendes (right) receives his plaque from Conor Regan
Denis Rezendes, 2015
Second Row President, VP, Leader & Friend Always on the Front Foot
Year #5, H.O.F. #28
Denis was a strong leader on and off the pitch. He was Club President in 2014 and recipient of the Charlie Harrington Award that year. Denis was also one of 5 players who made the USA Rugby Academic All-American list in 2013-2014 (the first year Babson applied), and one of 8 players who made the list in 2015.
Under Denis's leadership, the club was nominated for Outstanding School Organization, and also won Club Sports Team of the year in 2014. BURC was also recognized as the only Tier 1 Club Team in 2014, which availed the club of additional support and resources within Athletics. Denis was a strong contributor on the pitch as well. In back to back years, the club won the Beast of the East D2 Plate Division in 2013-14, and 2014-15. Denis has remained in contact with the club and has served in supportive Alumni roles, and remains in contact as the club continues to grow.
Sam Casey
Class of 2018
Sam Casey, 2018
Fly Half Captain Jr. & Sr. Years, Fierce Competitor Exemplary Leader On & Off the Pitch
Year #5, H.O.F. #29
Sam Casey (right) receives his plaque from Joe Rydzewski
Sam Casey, 2018
Fly Half Captain Jr. & Sr. Years, Fierce Competitor Exemplary Leader On & Off the Pitch
Year #5, H.O.F. #29
Sam was a terrific leader who had a significant impact on the culture of the club. Not only was he Backs Captain for his Junior and Senior years, he was one of ten players in each of those years (possibly also in 2018) to be named to the USA Rugby Academic Honor Roll during those years. Sam was a soft-spoken but impactful leader. He was part of the 7's Teams that went to the NSCRO 7's National Championships in the spring of 2016 and 2017, coming in at #6 USA and #4 USA in those first two trips to the finals.
Sam was a leading influence for the first Spring Break Team Trips sponsored with Alumni support. In the spring of 2017 and 2018. In the inaugural trip to St. Thomas in March 2017, Babson competed in the first 'Paradise Smash' tournament and lost only to the USA Stars (the USA Eagles Development Team) in the finals in a muddy, nail-biting championship match.
Sam's leadership was impactful in the move upward to compete for a national championship, and instilling a more professional approach to team culture by ending the traditional songs and socials. They were not reflective of the current organization and created a risk that was no longer tolerable given the higher aspirations. It was the right call and a pivotal point towards the current trajectory of BURC.
In Picture: Denis Rezendes, Sam Casey, Nelson Santiago, Mark Roth