Vancouver, BC: BC Rugby is proud to recognize Ian Maclean of Castaway Wanderers RFC as the January recipient for the First XV Volunteer Appreciation Program.
Maclean has been involved in local rugby for over 40 years serving on the CWRFC executive board, coaching, volunteering and even broke a few bones along the way.
In 1974, his playing career came to an abrupt halt after suffering a second serious broken leg while representing his club. It was around the time of his injury that Maclean ramped up his volunteering in the local community.
While attending UVic in the early 70's, Maclean coached the UVic Norsemen, the University's development roster. Maclean led a tour to Fiji and Australia and eight years later led a second UVic Vikes tour to France, Italy and Yugoslavia.
Kick-starting his role in youth rugby development, Maclean was a founding member of the Greater Victoria Elementary School Program in 1973. Along with M.A. Eckardt, Peter Gallager and Mike Antolin, Maclean headed up the youth initiative, a program still going strong some 39 years later.
Maclean made his mark in 2001 when he and Gallagher retired from a life time of teaching and started the Castaway Wanderers RFC Mini Rugby program.
"I was there on that Sunday," said long time friend and CW President Chris Spicer. "Only six players showed up and there was Ian with a truck full of balls, pinnies, juice and cookies. From that day, Ian has commanded and masterminded the growth of this program in every way. [The program] is a wonderful result of over a decade of absolute dedication to helping youngsters learn to love the game."
Over 100 girls and boys are currently enrolled in the CW minis program, as they continue to graduate and swell the ranks of the club's junior teams.
While dedicating his time as the Mini Rugby Director at CW, MacLean also served as the club president from 2004-2008. Maclean still serves on the club executive to this day.
While juggling his roles as a coach and executive member, Maclean has also taken up his latest special interest with a fury; website development and club community communication. Maclean has continued to learn about the medium and has been a vital link in building the club's latest website.
"Ian is a rugby man's rugby man," added Spicer. "He is committed to the game we love and committed to do all he can to contribute."
We caught up with our January First XV Volunteer and came up with this profile...
How long have you been involved as a volunteer with rugby? Since the early 1970s
Why is volunteering important to you and why have you dedicated so many hours to the Castaway Wanderers RFC and mini programs? One does things because one likes to do them and rugby is a team game where individual recognition is seldom sought.
What is the secret to balancing so many hours of rugby with your professional life? A very patient wife!
What positions have you played and which one is your strongest? Started as a hooker in Primary School Rugby League team. Played most back line positions - not very strong at any!
Who is your favourite Canadian rugby player (ever) ? Many come to mind. Forwards include Gord MacKinnon, Bud Hindson and Ken Wilke. Backs; Spike McTavish, Mark Wyatt and Gareth Rees. Most Inspirational - Howard Gerwing.
Who is your current favourite rugby player and why? Far too many excellent players to select from.
What is your greatest rugby memory either as a player or as a volunteer? UVic's victory over Yugoslavia in 1978, 16 - 9.
The First XV Volunteer Appreciation program is an initiative designed to recognize the valuable pillars of our membership that help keep our sport afloat. Over the course of the 2011-2012 season we will recognize 15 valuable members of the community. Each recognized volunteer will be presented with a "thank you" item, a customized BC Rugby Umbrella. Each individual will then receive another 10 thank you items to show their appreciation to the 10 top volunteers that work in their club. -30-
