Board of Directors
Chairman: Robert Balmer
Robert Balmer started rugby at the Citadel Military Academy in 1986, though transferred to the University of South Carolina a year later for the remainder of his undergrad. Balmer played 8 Man all three years at South Carolina, even serving as the Team captain from 88-89. Following his years at USC, Balmer continued playing off and on as his scheduled permitted with Columbia Olde Grey as recently as 2013.
Balmer currently works as a Financial Professional at with Cetera Wealth Partners. He has 25 years experience in financial services and insurance. Balmer has been married to his wife Penny for 24 years and has one son, Joshua age 18, and one daughter, Kathleen age 14, who is . homeschooled by Penny. Joshua is a student at Midlands Tech. They reside in Columbia, SC.
Balmer currently works as a Financial Professional at with Cetera Wealth Partners. He has 25 years experience in financial services and insurance. Balmer has been married to his wife Penny for 24 years and has one son, Joshua age 18, and one daughter, Kathleen age 14, who is . homeschooled by Penny. Joshua is a student at Midlands Tech. They reside in Columbia, SC.
Vice Chairman: Phil Harris
After learning about rugby online, Phil Harris bought his first rugby ball and started a team at his rural North Carolina high school. A political science major, he went on to play for Charlotte Rugby Club and Catawba College before transferring to the University of South Carolina.
He played for Carolina Rugby during the 2006 season and graduated in 2008. Even with his playing days behind him Phil remains a dedicated fan and “rugby evangelist”. He hosts two rugby shows; The Jack's Rangers Show that covers content related to the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby and The Ruckin' Roosters Show which covers content related to Carolina Rugby.
Phil has been serving the board as acting secretary since last fall, 2021. He currently resides in New Hampshire with his girlfriend Caitlin and cat Morticia where he works as a government contractor.
He played for Carolina Rugby during the 2006 season and graduated in 2008. Even with his playing days behind him Phil remains a dedicated fan and “rugby evangelist”. He hosts two rugby shows; The Jack's Rangers Show that covers content related to the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby and The Ruckin' Roosters Show which covers content related to Carolina Rugby.
Phil has been serving the board as acting secretary since last fall, 2021. He currently resides in New Hampshire with his girlfriend Caitlin and cat Morticia where he works as a government contractor.
Secretary: Wyatt Shepherd
Wyatt Shepherd grew up in the South Carolina low country, graduating from Beaufort High in 1989 where he played football, soccer and ran cross-country for the Eagles.
He attended USC from 1989 to 1993, graduating from the Business School. He joined the USC Rugby family in 1990 as a fullback and center, making the SC Collegiate Select Side, and served as Treasurer. He continued his rugby career playing for Columbia Olde Grey, Triad Dawgs of Greensboro, NC, and Carolina Olde Boys 7s, the latter solidifying lifelong friendships started at USC.
Wyatt now resides in Winston Salem, NC with his wife Mary and five children where he has worked as a Hearing Care Practitioner for Beltone Hearing Care Centers for 16 years.
He attended USC from 1989 to 1993, graduating from the Business School. He joined the USC Rugby family in 1990 as a fullback and center, making the SC Collegiate Select Side, and served as Treasurer. He continued his rugby career playing for Columbia Olde Grey, Triad Dawgs of Greensboro, NC, and Carolina Olde Boys 7s, the latter solidifying lifelong friendships started at USC.
Wyatt now resides in Winston Salem, NC with his wife Mary and five children where he has worked as a Hearing Care Practitioner for Beltone Hearing Care Centers for 16 years.
Sergeant at Arms: Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy played for USC Rugby from 1987-1991. He was President, Captain and player/coach during his tenure and was successful in establishing a close relationship with the university. Chris was named to the SC Select squad from ’88-91 and represented USC on the All South team on two separate occasions.
Since graduating from USC in 1991, he has established a successful career in helping build several high growth global software companies. Chris is married and has 3 children. He lives outside of Atlanta and also spends as much time as possible in Folly Beach, SC.
Since graduating from USC in 1991, he has established a successful career in helping build several high growth global software companies. Chris is married and has 3 children. He lives outside of Atlanta and also spends as much time as possible in Folly Beach, SC.
Treasurer: Bill Rhoden
Bill Rhoden played as a forward, mainly second row, for the University of South Carolina Rugby Club from 1988 until graduating in 1991.
Upon graduating Bill enlisted in the US Army. After serving two years on active duty Bill entered the US Army Reserve serving 27 years until retiring as a commissioned officer in 2020. During his service in the Army Reserve, Bill mobilized in support of Operation Joint Guard, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Bill currently works as a Realty Specialist for the Department of the Army and is accountable for all Army Reserve sites and centers located in the nine southeastern states and Puerto Rico. He resides in Lexington, SC with his wife Angela (UofSC, 1991).
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