The Sexton Endowment, is a fully endowed scholarship fund managed by the University of Tennessee Development Office. Funds from this endowment are used to award the Richard Sexton Scholarships each year.
During Richard Sexton’s time at Tennessee from 1971-1976, his efforts on and off the field were instrumental in the team’s success. His was willing to do whatever it took to help the club. Playing the game, washing jerseys, serving various officers’ positions- nothing was too much to help the fledgling organization. He loved the game of rugby, the University of Tennessee, and the UT Rugby Club. Even after his graduation, he keenly followed the progress of the team. Richard was also involved with rugby after graduation, playing with a men’s club side and serving various positions with the early local unions.
Richard Sexton met his demise in an industrial accident on February 18, 1980. As a tribute to his life and to further his interest in helping the UTRFC, the Richard Sexton Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his widow, Susan, Bill Peterson, Bob Miller and Chris Finch in that same year. This scholarship is an award to worthy club members who exemplify Richard’s effort, enthusiasm, and commitment to the UTRFC.
Since the first award in 1981 for $200 to one individual, over 120 scholarships have been awarded totaling over $150,000.
In recent years, the average scholarship award has been between $2000 to $2750. The Richard Sexton Scholarship Fund is an endowment, as are most scholarship funds, which means gifts are made from the interest on the total amount of the fund each year.
Scholarship History
2022
Josh Shetler, Kevin Thomas, Grayson Wallace
2021
Marcus McClain, Tom Pelini, Will Ring
2020
Patrick Beacom, Tory Griffin, Lantz Williams
2019
Tommy Lane, Patrick Beacom, Creighton Couch
2018
Tommy Lane, Nesto Rivas
2017
Keenan Kayser, Travis Vickers, Sam Hawkins, Duquesne Cook
2016
Jack Donlon, Keenan Kayser, Bobby Hughes
2015
Logan McNeil, Will Holland, Jake Murphy
2014
Will Holland, Logan McNeil, Lee Bogitsh, Ryan Roper
2013
Ryan Roper, Lee Bogitsh, Joe Carpenter
2012
Elliott Woodall, Nick Vigder, Matt Johnson
2011
Samuel Anderson, Matt Johnson, Matt Neuhart
2010
Seth Jones, Joel Fugate, Benji Goff
2009
Hunter Lee, Gabe Woodson, Jonathan Becraft
2008
Andy Melroy, Zack Boswell, Hunter Lee, Joe McLaughlin, David Silverstein
2007
Shane Randolph, Kyle DiMeola, Joseph Potter, Jason Hall
2006
Jeff Chapman, Kevin Hartley, Shane Randolph, Luke Woods
2005
Josh Peay, Brett Jones, Jeff Chapman, Zach Murphy
2004
Jesse Troxler, Brett Jones, Josh Peay, Eric Peterson
2003
Jesse Troxler, Brett Jones, Josh Peay
2002
Jason Barnes, Jesse Troxler, Mike Scoutten
2001
Jason Barnes, Garry Cornelius, Jeremy Linne
2000
Scott Jones, Scott Randolph, Michael Towns
1999
Mike Merschat, Scott Randolph, Michael Towns
1998
Joe May, Mike Merschat, Scott Randolph
1997
Rob Tenech, Robert Roy, Greg Schwartz
1996
Mitch Kline, Bobby Roy, Shawn Van Dyke
1995
Jon Olsen, Jonathan Pledger, Shawn Van Dyke
1994
Greg Augustine, Mark Hilsenroth, Jason Kallivokas
1993
Mark Hilsenroth, Tyler Huskey, Lawrence Jones
1992
Ed Everett, Tyler Huskey
1991
Ed Everett, Gassan Kassira
1990
Gassan Kassira, Chris Mott, Ed Everett
1989
Phil Hopson, Mike Presnell
1988
Phil Hopson, William Fraser, Mike Presnell
1987
John Wehby, Mark Wenger
1986
Bob Ball, Greg Broyles
1985
Bob Ball, Greg Broyles, John Shaw
1984
John Jokerest, Rob Farley, John Shaw
1982
Mike McIntyre, John McCord
1982
Mike McIntyre, Pat Shires
1981
Mike Wehby
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to any student or affiliated student at the University of Tennessee (or a participant in an affiliated academic program with the University) who: (1) meets the membership requirements as established by USA Rugby; (2) satisfies all requirements stated in this Article III; and (3) commits to playing the sport of rugby. A student who complies with all requirements stated in Sections A, B, C and D of this Article III is a member in “Good Standing” of UT Rugby.
Membership is open to all students, and faculty/staff members where appropriate, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.