Quad Rugby/Story - Hall of Fame inducts Vinyard

UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

April 2003

USQRA Inducts Coach into Hall of Fame

If you've been around Quad Rugby for any period of time, then you either know of or have heard about the USQRA's newest Hall of Fame member. He is responsible in many ways for how the sport has developed over the years, and his contributions are reflected almost daily on rugby courts around the world. Since his career first began he has probably spent more time than any other person in this sport thinking about, talking about, promoting, teaching or coaching wheelchair rugby.

On the evening of April 12, 2003, Coach Terry Vinyard was honored by his rugby peers and ceremonially inducted into the USQRA Hall of Fame. Hall of Famer Dave Gould introduced Vinyard by recalling some of his personal experiences as an athlete who played his entire career under “Vinnie’s” guidance. With more than 10 years of potential stories to be told, Gould focused on a few of the highlights that make up the blueprint for a true ambassador to rugby.

Known as an innovator, Vinnie always had a vision for what quad rugby could become from the day he first learned about the game. He founded the Tampa Generals in 1989, and in their first season competed at Nationals where they finished fifth. In 1992, the Generals won their first of 3 National Titles. During Vinyards' reign, the Generals had a 93 game winning streak and made 41 straight Championship game appearances. They also made 11 trips in a row to the USQRA National tournament, and twice qualified two teams. Today they hold the record for most consecutive appearances at Nationals (13).

Teaching others the game is a passion that kept Vinyard traveling the states in the early years holding rugby clinics funded by PVA, which he arranged. These 3 and 4 day camps were instrumental in building new teams and helping the sport to grow. Word of Terry's skills quickly spread and before long he was traveling the world to introduce the game to other countries around the globe. Over the years Terry has met well over a thousand people as a result of his involvement in the sport. One of his uncanny quirks is his ability to recall most of their names, classifications, jersey numbers or other information like where they met even years later.

As a coach, Vinyard has always helped his athletes to reach their maximum potential. He led several US National teams to victory in international competition, including Gold medals at the 93 Stoke Mandeville games and IWRF World Championships in 95. In 1996, Wheelchair Rugby made its Paralympic debut as a demonstration sport, and it was Vinnie who again guided the USA to Gold. In addition to coaching, etc., Terry has served on many executive committees and as board members with both the United States Quad Rugby Association and the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation. His many skills have not gone unnoticed. In 1998, he was asked by Australia to coach their National team at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney where they won the Silver medal. Since then he has moved there to take on a full time position developing wheelchair rugby programs throughout Australia. While some may consider him a trader, the fact of the matter is that his interests are in further developing the sport and the entire Oceania zone will benefit as a result.

Terry Vinyard is one of the few people in our sport who actually makes a living at doing what he loves. Congratulations on all of your achievements and for being inducted into the USQRA Hall of Fame.

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