Reposted From An Adrian College Press Release
ADRIAN, Mich.—Adrian College director of athletics Michael Duffy on Monday has named veteran college rugby coach John Gulden to lead the first women’s program at Adrian College, as the Bulldogs are scheduled to take the field in Fall 2021.
“Being appointed the head women’s rugby coach at Adrian College is a great honor,” Gulden stated. “Adrian has a rich history of athletic success and implementing new programs for student athletes. I look forward to adding women’s rugby to that success and help grow women’s rugby in the region.”
Gulden comes to Adrian after serving as the head coach since August 2017 for the men’s and women’s rugby programs at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. He found immediate success in the classroom and on the field with both programs as the 2018-19 women posted a 3.32 team grade-point average while the men had a 3.21 combined that same school year. One player from each squad was named a USA Rugby All-American. Women’s Rugby had a winning season in its first three semesters of competition, and three players were selected to the all-conference team in the first year. On the men’s side, they had their first winning season in Fall 2019 and two student-athletes landed on the second-team all-conference after the first season.
At Marywood, Gulden was tasked with creating practice plans, game management, and organizing schedules including travel logistics and financing. He also was
responsible for maintaining the budget and fundraising for both programs.
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