1970-1980

Before the current version of the Syracuse Orange women’s rugby club, Syracuse had grassroots beginnings with a women’s team in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It consisted of both Syracuse and ESF students , wives of SU men’s rugby players as well as Syracuse residents.

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During this time, there was a broader national movement for increased women’s participation in collegiate sports after the passage of Title IX in 1972.  

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Daily Orange articles from that time period list it as a club sport with both a fall and spring season with no experience necessary.

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According to men’s alum Roger Sinta, his sister Roberta, Ellen Bluhm, Leslie Lloyd and Susan Johnson were among the founding team in 1975.

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Roger also remembers players between 1976-1980 included Mary O'Leary,Peg Redinbaugh, Cynthia Woods, Carol Thrisk, Karen Brown, Eloise Schumann, Donna Cyr, Ursula Snow and Ann Plattler.

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The 1982 team included Mary Beth Franco, Ann Oliver, Suzanne Lavassar, Sandy Smanchetti, Pat Hagarman/Brannigan, Nettie Pepper, Pam Yellen and Marina Lanenm.

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We thank them for their contributions to women’s rugby at Syracuse.