Coaching Staff
Director of Rugby: Mark Morris
Following the completion of his 7th year as Head Coach of the Men’s Rugby program at the University of South Carolina, Mark Morris announced his retirement from the head coaching role to assume a greater administrative presence off the field as the Director of Rugby.
Morris' tenure at the helm includes back-to-back Southeastern Rugby Coach of the Year honors ('13 & '14) and an overall record of 71 wins and 26 losses (.732) for the 15s Premier Side. Under his leadership, the rugby program, as a whole, has enjoyed several accomplishments, to include national top 25 rankings, multiple SEC coach (3) and player (5) of the year awards in both 15s and 7s, multiple SEC 15s (2) and 7's (3) championships, and numerous USA Rugby (3) and Penn Mutual CRC (4) appearances.
A native of Columbia, Mark Morris is a 1981 graduate of USC and a former member of the '77-'81 Carolina Rugby team. Morris was elected Team Captain during the '79 and '80 seasons and finished as Club President '80-'81. Morris was selected to the Palmetto Select Side all four years he competed at USC, and also was selected to the USA South Select Side in 1978 and 1979. During his career after college, Morris played every position based on the needs of his new teams, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta Renegades, and, finally, returning to play for Columbia Olde Grey. In 2008, Morris rejoined the Gamecocks as the Head Coach of the Palmetto “C” Side, USC’s developmental side for newer, inexperienced players. Due to Morris’ assistance, many of these players went on on to join their fellow teammates at the Division I level. In the Fall of 2011, Morris was promoted to the program’s head coaching position following Coach Mason's retirement.
While coaching at USC, Coach Morris served simultaneously as the Head Coach of the Spring Valley High School Rugby team located in Northeast Columbia. Under his leadership, Spring Valley was crowned as the Multi-School State Champions during the 2007, 2008, and 2009 seasons, winning the overall State Championship in 2008, the same year he was awarded the South Carolina High School Rugby Coach of the Year Award. Spring Valley also had the honor of being selected to represent South Carolina High School Rugby in the USA Rugby South Playoffs in 2007, 2008, & 2010.
Morris' competitive nature and love for Carolina Rugby will not allow him to completely retire from active coaching. He will still remain an essential part of the program as the new Director of Rugby, shifting his responsibilities away from the field and more towards the recruitment, development and management of players and support staff. “It is hard to step back from the head coaching role, but family and other commitments require it. I have been able to have positive and long lasting friendships with hundreds of players and coaches both at USC and the rugby community at large and hope I have created an ongoing love for the game among the students who have participated in our program. I am excited for my new role and how I can best serve the program in the years ahead. I congratulate Coach Darnell and I thank him for the leadership he has already provided these past 7 years. I know he will continue to make Gamecock Nation proud.”
Morris' tenure at the helm includes back-to-back Southeastern Rugby Coach of the Year honors ('13 & '14) and an overall record of 71 wins and 26 losses (.732) for the 15s Premier Side. Under his leadership, the rugby program, as a whole, has enjoyed several accomplishments, to include national top 25 rankings, multiple SEC coach (3) and player (5) of the year awards in both 15s and 7s, multiple SEC 15s (2) and 7's (3) championships, and numerous USA Rugby (3) and Penn Mutual CRC (4) appearances.
A native of Columbia, Mark Morris is a 1981 graduate of USC and a former member of the '77-'81 Carolina Rugby team. Morris was elected Team Captain during the '79 and '80 seasons and finished as Club President '80-'81. Morris was selected to the Palmetto Select Side all four years he competed at USC, and also was selected to the USA South Select Side in 1978 and 1979. During his career after college, Morris played every position based on the needs of his new teams, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta Renegades, and, finally, returning to play for Columbia Olde Grey. In 2008, Morris rejoined the Gamecocks as the Head Coach of the Palmetto “C” Side, USC’s developmental side for newer, inexperienced players. Due to Morris’ assistance, many of these players went on on to join their fellow teammates at the Division I level. In the Fall of 2011, Morris was promoted to the program’s head coaching position following Coach Mason's retirement.
While coaching at USC, Coach Morris served simultaneously as the Head Coach of the Spring Valley High School Rugby team located in Northeast Columbia. Under his leadership, Spring Valley was crowned as the Multi-School State Champions during the 2007, 2008, and 2009 seasons, winning the overall State Championship in 2008, the same year he was awarded the South Carolina High School Rugby Coach of the Year Award. Spring Valley also had the honor of being selected to represent South Carolina High School Rugby in the USA Rugby South Playoffs in 2007, 2008, & 2010.
Morris' competitive nature and love for Carolina Rugby will not allow him to completely retire from active coaching. He will still remain an essential part of the program as the new Director of Rugby, shifting his responsibilities away from the field and more towards the recruitment, development and management of players and support staff. “It is hard to step back from the head coaching role, but family and other commitments require it. I have been able to have positive and long lasting friendships with hundreds of players and coaches both at USC and the rugby community at large and hope I have created an ongoing love for the game among the students who have participated in our program. I am excited for my new role and how I can best serve the program in the years ahead. I congratulate Coach Darnell and I thank him for the leadership he has already provided these past 7 years. I know he will continue to make Gamecock Nation proud.”
15's & 7's Head Coach: Steve Darnell
Beginning in the fall of 2011, Steve Darnell joined the coaching staff at USC to serve as the 15s Premier Side assistant coach and, eventually, the 7s head coach, looking to continue to build upon the program’s recent accomplishments. Now in his 5th year coaching the South Carolina 7s side, Coach Darnell has established one of the premier sevens programs in the Southeast. The Gamecocks finished their 2015 season with a record of 21-3, building upon their appearance at the Penn Mutual CRC in 2014 and their Shield Championship at the USA Rugby Nationals in 2013. With three SCRC 7s series titles, South Carolina advanced to the Top-25 in all three national polls, aided by victories over Tennessee, Louisiana State, Florida, Alabama, & Virginia Tech, all of which were previous CRC participants. The Gamecocks would end the season with 7 All-Conference players. Today, the Gamecocks are 3-time Southeastern Rugby champions, advancing this past spring with a 15-1 tournament record, marking their fourth Penn Mutual CRC berth in 5 years. The Cocks finished 19th in 2014, advanced to 12th with a 2-3 record in 2016, and won the Bowl Championship against in-state rival Clemson in 2017.
A native of North Carolina, Darnell was a founding member of the University of North Carolina - Greensboro Rugby Club. Playing for UNCG from ’77 to ’79, Darnell was elected Team Captain his senior year and led the team on a tour of the Bahamas. After graduation, he continued his rugby playing career with the Greensboro Griffins and as a founding member of the Triad Dogs. Darnell also continued his relationship with UNCG while a graduate student at the university; coaching the side to an undefeated year and a North Carolina State Championship. Darnell saw the most success as a 7s player with the Greensboro Old Boys and was honored to play with the Sam Stevens Memorial 15 against the Askeans Rugby Club of London.
In 2008, Coach Darnell rekindled his rugby career with the founding of the Chapin Eagles High School Rugby team, in his hometown of Chapin, SC, serving as head coach for the first two seasons. In their inaugural season, he led the team to a 4-4 record, while taking the Eagles as far as the State Championship the following season. Chapin has also had the honor of being selected to represent South Carolina High School Rugby in the USA Rugby South Playoffs, putting up impressive wins against well-established programs.
Carolina Rugby is fortunate to have a very experienced and dedicated head coach to lead the program to success for years to come!
A native of North Carolina, Darnell was a founding member of the University of North Carolina - Greensboro Rugby Club. Playing for UNCG from ’77 to ’79, Darnell was elected Team Captain his senior year and led the team on a tour of the Bahamas. After graduation, he continued his rugby playing career with the Greensboro Griffins and as a founding member of the Triad Dogs. Darnell also continued his relationship with UNCG while a graduate student at the university; coaching the side to an undefeated year and a North Carolina State Championship. Darnell saw the most success as a 7s player with the Greensboro Old Boys and was honored to play with the Sam Stevens Memorial 15 against the Askeans Rugby Club of London.
In 2008, Coach Darnell rekindled his rugby career with the founding of the Chapin Eagles High School Rugby team, in his hometown of Chapin, SC, serving as head coach for the first two seasons. In their inaugural season, he led the team to a 4-4 record, while taking the Eagles as far as the State Championship the following season. Chapin has also had the honor of being selected to represent South Carolina High School Rugby in the USA Rugby South Playoffs, putting up impressive wins against well-established programs.
Carolina Rugby is fortunate to have a very experienced and dedicated head coach to lead the program to success for years to come!
Assistant Coach (Forwards): Geoff Mason
Following the completion of his 13th year as Head coach of the Carolina Rugby program, Geoff Mason announced his retirement from the position in the Fall of 2011 and a return to the assistant coaching staff.
Mason’s tenure included an overall record of 166 wins, 94 losses and 8 ties. Under his leadership the rugby team enjoyed five South Territory appearances, five Palmetto Tournament championships, and a promotion to South Division I, a title held by only six other universities at the time.
A native of Australia, Geoff Mason played both rugby league and rugby union for 35 years, beginning at age seven. A success on the field, he played in the New South Wales Rugby League competition for Sydney University, Newtown and Penrith in the 1970's as a prop and second row and represented Newcastle against New Zealand in 1978. From there, he emigrated to the US in 1980 and was a Player/Coach at USC from 1983-1985. Upon graduation, Mason played for the Columbia Olde Grey from '86-'90 where he represented the South in the National All-Star Championships. In 1991, Coach Mason returned to USC where he assumed the head coaching position for four seasons, taking the team as far as the South Final Four.
With Coach Mason's return to USC in the spring of 2004, USC rose to new heights. Taking over a previously under-achieving Division II team, Coach Mason quickly helped the team reach the USA Rugby South Division II playoffs in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Building on this success, coupled with increased performance on the organization level, the team moved to the South's Division I. From '08-'11 USC was continually ranked in the National Top 25 Division 1 rankings and received a bid to the South Playoffs against Arkansas State in 2010. As a result of his strong leadership of the team, Carolina Rugby now boasts three sides, making it one of the largest collegiate rugby teams in the nation.
Considering Mason’s competitive nature and love for Carolina Rugby, it came as no surprise that he would stay on as an essential part of the program. “It is hard to step back from the head coaching position, but family and other commitments require it. I have been able to have positive and long lasting friendships with hundreds of players and coaches both at USC and the rugby community at large and hope I have created an ongoing love for the game among the students who have participated in our program.”
Mason’s tenure included an overall record of 166 wins, 94 losses and 8 ties. Under his leadership the rugby team enjoyed five South Territory appearances, five Palmetto Tournament championships, and a promotion to South Division I, a title held by only six other universities at the time.
A native of Australia, Geoff Mason played both rugby league and rugby union for 35 years, beginning at age seven. A success on the field, he played in the New South Wales Rugby League competition for Sydney University, Newtown and Penrith in the 1970's as a prop and second row and represented Newcastle against New Zealand in 1978. From there, he emigrated to the US in 1980 and was a Player/Coach at USC from 1983-1985. Upon graduation, Mason played for the Columbia Olde Grey from '86-'90 where he represented the South in the National All-Star Championships. In 1991, Coach Mason returned to USC where he assumed the head coaching position for four seasons, taking the team as far as the South Final Four.
With Coach Mason's return to USC in the spring of 2004, USC rose to new heights. Taking over a previously under-achieving Division II team, Coach Mason quickly helped the team reach the USA Rugby South Division II playoffs in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Building on this success, coupled with increased performance on the organization level, the team moved to the South's Division I. From '08-'11 USC was continually ranked in the National Top 25 Division 1 rankings and received a bid to the South Playoffs against Arkansas State in 2010. As a result of his strong leadership of the team, Carolina Rugby now boasts three sides, making it one of the largest collegiate rugby teams in the nation.
Considering Mason’s competitive nature and love for Carolina Rugby, it came as no surprise that he would stay on as an essential part of the program. “It is hard to step back from the head coaching position, but family and other commitments require it. I have been able to have positive and long lasting friendships with hundreds of players and coaches both at USC and the rugby community at large and hope I have created an ongoing love for the game among the students who have participated in our program.”
Assistant Coach (Backs): Kevin Frontz
A native of Tiffin, Ohio, Kevin Frontz graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1982 and was a member of the men's rugby team all four years. While at BGSU, Coach Frontz played several positions, though found his home at scrumhalf while serving as the program's captain and president his senior year, the same year they were crowned Ohio College Champions.
Following graduation, Coach Frontz continued his rugby career for another 11 years at the senior level, his last team being Columbia Olde Grey from 86'-93'. In 2007, Coach Frontz rekindled his rugby career with the founding of the Gilbert High School Rugby team, in his hometown of Gilbert, SC, serving as Head Coach for the first five seasons. In their inaugural season, he led the team to an undefeated record and the State Championship title. Coach Frontz would go on to earn two more state titles in 2009 and 2010, representing South Carolina High School Rugby in the 2009 USA Rugby South Playoffs, finishing Runner-up.
Coach Frontz enjoyed working with his young players and watching them grow and mature in the game of rugby. He often credits the friendships he has made along the way as more important than any game or championship his team has earned. With that same enthusiasm for the game, Coach Frontz joined the coaching staff at USC beginning in the fall of 2013 to assist with the development of the Reserve Side and Developmental Side backs.
Following graduation, Coach Frontz continued his rugby career for another 11 years at the senior level, his last team being Columbia Olde Grey from 86'-93'. In 2007, Coach Frontz rekindled his rugby career with the founding of the Gilbert High School Rugby team, in his hometown of Gilbert, SC, serving as Head Coach for the first five seasons. In their inaugural season, he led the team to an undefeated record and the State Championship title. Coach Frontz would go on to earn two more state titles in 2009 and 2010, representing South Carolina High School Rugby in the 2009 USA Rugby South Playoffs, finishing Runner-up.
Coach Frontz enjoyed working with his young players and watching them grow and mature in the game of rugby. He often credits the friendships he has made along the way as more important than any game or championship his team has earned. With that same enthusiasm for the game, Coach Frontz joined the coaching staff at USC beginning in the fall of 2013 to assist with the development of the Reserve Side and Developmental Side backs.
Assistant Coach (Backs): Zach Shryock
A native of Sunbury, Ohio, Zach Shryock is a Bowling Green State University graduate with a degree in Athletic Training & Physical Therapy. Shryock began playing in college and was later recruited as a center for the PRO Rugby Ohio Aviators out of Columbus, though his playing career was cut short due to injury. Now, a resident of Columbia, he continues to work with athletes as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Carolina Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.
Shryock has a huge passion for the people that play, teach, advocate, and love the game. With that same enthusiasm, Coach Shryock joined the coaching staff at USC beginning in the fall of 2017 to assist with the development of the Premiere Side and Reserve Side backs.
Shryock has a huge passion for the people that play, teach, advocate, and love the game. With that same enthusiasm, Coach Shryock joined the coaching staff at USC beginning in the fall of 2017 to assist with the development of the Premiere Side and Reserve Side backs.
Assistant Coach (Statistician): Scott Blanchfield
A native New Jersian, Scott Blanchfield did not discover rugby until my early 30's when he joined the Columbia Olde Grey men’s team, playing as a lock. Prior to rugby, Coach Blanchfield coached various sports over the years to include both basketball and baseball at the recreation league level, and, most recently, serving two years as the assistant coach for the Dutch Fork High School Lacrosse team.
Beginning in the fall of 2015, Coach Blanchfield joined the coaching staff at USC to assist with the analysis of match play and the assessment of new player development. He can also be seen assisting in the development of the Reserve Side and Developmental Side forwards.
Beginning in the fall of 2015, Coach Blanchfield joined the coaching staff at USC to assist with the analysis of match play and the assessment of new player development. He can also be seen assisting in the development of the Reserve Side and Developmental Side forwards.
Team Chiropractor: Leif Hoagland
A native of Pennsylvania, Leif Hoagland played collegiate rugby for Penn State for several years. Primarily a loose head prop, he occasionally played tight head and lock when needed. During his days at Penn State, the team made it to the national tournament each year, with appearances at the Final Four in both '94 & '95. Following his undergrad, Coach Hoagland moved to South Carolina in 1996 to pursue his Masters in Chiropractic. In 2002, Coach Hoagland, along with his wife, Sharon, opened the Richland Chiropractic Center, and continue to operate it to this day.
Still possessing a love for the sport after more than 13 years of being off the pitch, Coach Hoagland joined the Spring Valley High School Rugby team as an assistant coach for the 2009 season. Working primarily with the forwards, Coach Hoagland assisted Head Coach Mark Morris and the team in claiming their third Multi-School State Championship in as many years.
Beginning in the spring of 2010, Coach Hoagland joined the coaching staff at USC to serve in the newly formed position of “Strength & Conditioning Coach.” With an extensive background in competitive power lifting, both as a competitor and as a training partner for several national champions, Coach Hoagland will now be overseeing the health and fitness regiments of one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing teams.
Still possessing a love for the sport after more than 13 years of being off the pitch, Coach Hoagland joined the Spring Valley High School Rugby team as an assistant coach for the 2009 season. Working primarily with the forwards, Coach Hoagland assisted Head Coach Mark Morris and the team in claiming their third Multi-School State Championship in as many years.
Beginning in the spring of 2010, Coach Hoagland joined the coaching staff at USC to serve in the newly formed position of “Strength & Conditioning Coach.” With an extensive background in competitive power lifting, both as a competitor and as a training partner for several national champions, Coach Hoagland will now be overseeing the health and fitness regiments of one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing teams.
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