Board of Directors & Support Staff
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 Creative Financial Strategies. He has 21 years experience in financial services and insurance. Balmer has been married to his wife Penny for 19 years and has one son, Joshua age 14, and one daughter, Kathleen age 10, who are both homeschooled by Penny. They reside in Columbia, SC.
Balmer currently works as a Financial Professional at Creative Financial Strategies. He has 21 years experience in financial services and insurance. Balmer has been married to his wife Penny for 19 years and has one son, Joshua age 14, and one daughter, Kathleen age 10, who are both homeschooled by Penny. They reside in Columbia, SC.
Vice Chairman: Jeff Smolka
A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Jeff Smolka is a member of the 84’-88’ Carolina Rugby team, serving as a captain, player, and coach. Smolka represented South Carolina as a Palmetto Collegiate All-State from 85'-88' and as a Collegiate All-South from 87'-88'. While completing his Master's program from 88'-90', Smolka began playing for the Columbia Olde Grey men's side while serving on the South Carolina coaching staff.
During the late 90's and early 2000's, Smolka returned to coaching following four years playing with the Greenville Griffins and served as South Carolina's assistant coach and head coach multiple times during several transitional phases for the program. In 2001, Smolka joined the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Leadership Committee to expand the Team's involvement with the annual event. That same year, Smolka began working regionally with USA Rugby South as the South Collegiate Director (01'-07') and as the South Vice President (02'-07') while also joining the National Office as a Member of the Board of Directors (02'-06'), a member of the Congress (06'-08'), and as the Chairman of USA Rugby's Rugby Committee in 2007, a position he currently holds to this day.
In 2007, Smolka founded the South Carolina High School Rugby League and served as its Commissioner the first three seasons. In 2011, Smolka was appointed to the position of Events Chair for the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference, a position he currently holds to this day. Elected to the Carolina Rugby Foundation Board in February of 2014, Smolka has already made waves by establishing the Carolina Men's Rugby Endowment Fund to ensure long-term sustainable growth for the Carolina Rugby program.
Following his early involvement with the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive, Smolka has since received recognition for his 12 years of service and leadership with the campaign.
During the late 90's and early 2000's, Smolka returned to coaching following four years playing with the Greenville Griffins and served as South Carolina's assistant coach and head coach multiple times during several transitional phases for the program. In 2001, Smolka joined the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Leadership Committee to expand the Team's involvement with the annual event. That same year, Smolka began working regionally with USA Rugby South as the South Collegiate Director (01'-07') and as the South Vice President (02'-07') while also joining the National Office as a Member of the Board of Directors (02'-06'), a member of the Congress (06'-08'), and as the Chairman of USA Rugby's Rugby Committee in 2007, a position he currently holds to this day.
In 2007, Smolka founded the South Carolina High School Rugby League and served as its Commissioner the first three seasons. In 2011, Smolka was appointed to the position of Events Chair for the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference, a position he currently holds to this day. Elected to the Carolina Rugby Foundation Board in February of 2014, Smolka has already made waves by establishing the Carolina Men's Rugby Endowment Fund to ensure long-term sustainable growth for the Carolina Rugby program.
Following his early involvement with the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive, Smolka has since received recognition for his 12 years of service and leadership with the campaign.
Secretary: Philip Rockefeller
Philip Rockefeller... More to come!
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Sergeant at Arms: Chris Murphy
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Treasurer: Micah Stewart
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Events: TBA
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