Boston University Rugby
United States Of America
Global Alumni Outreach
Dan Cockerell ('91)
Position: Center
Team Captain 1989-91
Captain for USA 1991
ERU & NERFU
Mode of Transportation:
Monterey Beach-Cruiser
Hobbies: Scrabble, Archery
Work: Generating Memories
International Man
Of Mystery
Many of us have grown to embrace with great passion the moments when
we get to share all of the timeless stories of our victory days from
the rugby pitch. One old friend who remains at the heart of all the
clatter-chatter, and who's exemplary role may live in infamy with
the BURFC, is our kind and courageous leader, Dan Cockerell.
We caught up with Dan over the past few months and were grateful to
have a moment of his time as he stays busy with both work and his
family. He recognized my voice instantly, and then without mincing
words, he was able to summarize a few extraordinary experiences that
he would refer to as positive turning points in his life. All of
which were helpful toward building a powerful platform and a
champion level of fitness to succeed as Captain of BU Rugby and to
better prepare himself for the challenges further up the road.
When asked about the glory days at Boston University and the All
American match of 1991, Dan was eager to reply by saying, "Although
we won, and that's a huge deal, it's also the other guys on the
team, and the memories, and the friends we make both on and off the
pitch that are so gratifying. Over the years I've been extremely
fortunate as my work has taken me and my family to several cities
around the world. A consistent and invaluable support in almost
every step of the way has been the good-will and connections with
the great people we've met through Rugby."
Dan then began to share his stories for example... "Back when I
was at Disney in France, I remember when the former USA Eagles
Captain, Kevin Swords, stopped over while he was in town on
business. He arrived at my building one day and asked the Bell
Captain in the lobby if he could speak with me. My wife and I
invited him up for dinner and we were delighted with his impeccable
manors and intriguing conversation. Later, Kevin and I both retired
to the den for a fine cigar and a snifter of Rémy Martin Louis XIII
40 yrs old champagne cognac, where we then proceeded to discuss the
world of rugby from the northern hemisphere to Australia."
I then asked Dan how he developed such a fearless heart, and he
replied, "When I was younger, my folks enrolled me in several
Outward Bound expeditions. I got to rumble through the jungle with
Tarzan and Jane, then later we all got it going back at the Hundred
Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh, Lumpy, Rabbit, Piglet, Tiger and a
few cases of some outrageous "hunny"."
Dan continued by saying, "Before BU, I was an intern with
Starfleet Command aboard the Starship Enterprise with a great
position as "Captain in Training" (CIT). Our exciting one-year
mission included establishing an interstellar communications link
with planets ten light-years from earth. Our work helped to make
peace and boost trade which lifted our US Gross National Product by
200% in our first quarter. Then of course for fun, we'd warp-drive
over to the Gamelan System and rendezvous with the exotic and
beautiful quasar-green women from the planet "Boulderon Five". We
all had a blast at their annual "Journey of Light" festival held at
the base of their tallest peak, "Mt. Remulak". The party was
complete with food, dance, excitement, bright lights and fantastic
sounds... I remember like it was yesterday... all in all it was a
great trip."
I thanked Dan for sharing his wonderful stories, and then bid him
farewell. His last words to me were... "keep the spirit".
Thank you for reading our humble column. (some of the material is
fictional and intended for fun, oh yeah..)
flash player
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Dan Cockerell / Captain for the BURFC 1989-91
"He went to Paris, looking for answers to questions..."
- Jimmy Buffett |
Top row: Tony, Gerard, Dan & Bob; Bottom row: Wally, Todd & Eric /
1990
The Champs 1990: with Deba, Labs, Ramzy, Tom, Glen, Dan, Bob & Wally
From dynasty to Disney
Dan's holiday greeting, 1991
Gerard, Ramzy, Dan and Rob on Tour with the BURFC in New Orleans and
Baton Rouge, 1991
Dan as Emperor in Chief
Winnie The Pooh
Dan ponders philosophy
Dan Cockerell as the
"Silver Surfer"
Dan Cockerell with Glen Wolland at Amherst College, Fall 1989
BU Rugby alumni came from around the country to the May 1998
ceremony at which Donald Barker was made an honorary member of the
Scarlet Key honor society, recognizing his contributions to student
life and the University.
More to come... T Lena
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Player Profiles
From the BU Rugby "Born On The Bayou" Tourbook,
1991
Mark "Deba" Debasitis
Position: Prop / Height: 6'1"
Weight: 235lbs / age: 21
Senior / ERU
 "Deba"
as his friends call him, is the spiritual model and heart of the
club. Deba does not view rugby in a conventional sense but rather
sees each match as a battle between two clans. He loves the
struggle, bet even more, the hedonistic feast and celebration
afterwards. Mark received the BURFC Unsung Hero Award. When asked
about this marvelous feat, he said, "I owe it all to Yukon Pete".
When feeling a little "off-kilter", Deba turns to sunshine, incense
and the Grateful Dead. Opposition players all hail when they hear
the call of the Deba: an earth-shuddering roar that knocks down
trees and uproots flowers. Deba endorses: "Old School", West Lynn
Creamery, and Dixie Chicken. Mark is "Secretary of Defense" with the
Ciros Club.
Melih "The Dude" Turan
Position: Flyhalf / Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185lbs / Age: 22
Senior / ERU
 They
call him "The Dude", his name is Turan, the chicks they dig him,
he's the king of scam. Five years (wait, he's a senior) at BU has
allowed Melih to climb the ladder of rugby success. Needs to work on
kicking and has been chastised for loosing balls. A ladies man,
Melih is; women are in love with him but are afraid to approach for
fear of being dominated by his wealth and good looks. Often seen at
Boston's most extravagant Euro Clubs dancing with two or three
"chicks". You won't see Melih drinking from a bottle, as he prefers
sipping a more gentlemanly scotch through a
Crazy Straw. Melih is "Musical Advisor" and "Chief Ambassador"
to the Ciros Club. An the rest is... un-questioned.
Player Profiles
From the BU Rugby Tourbook, "Tour '89 England and Wales"
 Jerry
Ostrin
Hooker
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 155
Year: Sr.
A veteran known for his honesty, Meat thinks we're going to Jamaica
 Tom
Wyman
Center
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170
Year: SOPH.
Season ending injury forced Tom to spend much time with the trainer,
pet peeve: drunken fans.
 Ozie
Mark
Hooker
Height: 5'9"
Year: SR
A legend with the ladies and team jacket man, the Oz is just too
much for words.
 Jonathan
Scott
Prop
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190
Year: SOPH
John suffers a speech impediment which he passes off as an accent.
 Mike
Skiotis
Coach
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210
Year: Alumni
Ski, known for his cool head, is winner of the Mike Giles diplomacy
award, doesn't know the meaning of retirement.
Editor's Notes:
Greg Horangic is actually age 38, single, and living life in the
fast lane in Los Angeles, CA.
As we've been reaching out to more of our Alumni, thank you for your
kind words on our guestbook, for the phone time, and for your warm
emails. We'll see you all in 2009, it should be a fun year!
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