The Dennis Shade Award

Erie has long had an award called "The Rugby Dude Award" that was presented annually to a member of the community who has gone above and beyond to contribute to the promotion of both the Erie Rugby Club and to the promotion of Rugby in Erie.  The recent passing of our dear friend Dennis Shade has given us reason to give this reward a proper name. 

During the years that Dennis spent in Erie he was our clubs most ardent promoter and supporter.  When he moved to Harrisburg his support continued and also spread into the Harrisburg community, where he is well remembered and thought of for his contribution to the game of Rugby.  Throughout his career Dennis traveled the world promoting the game of Rugby, while making friends everywhere he went.

The Erie Rugby Club cannot think of a more fitting remembrance to Dennis, or a more fitting name for this award.