The Air Force Academy Rugby Foundation (AFARF) was predated by the Air Force Academy’s Association of Graduates Rugby Affinity Group and the Zoomie Rugby Booster Club. In 2020, these two groups formed the AFARF to better meet the needs of the rugby teams and more efficiently engage rugby alumni and other stakeholders.
about the FOUNDATION
AFARF
"The quote, “On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days, on other fields will bear the fruits of victory,” by Douglas MacArthur sums up my rugby experience. Playing Rugby at the Academy molded me into the AF officer I wanted to be and forged the incredible bonds of friendship that would sustain and support me not only in my AF career but also on the playing field that is life."
— Andrea (Kerkman) Miller
ZOOMIE RUGBY EXPERIENCE
"I played rugby at the Air Force Academy because I was seeking brotherhood, mentorship, and a sport that blended grit and athleticism. Originally recruited to play baseball, I traded spikes for boots because AF Rugby was doing these things at an elite level competing for national championships on an annual basis. I would not have realized the level of success in my personal and professional life without my AF Rugby foundation."
— MARTIN PAYNE
ZOOMIE RUGBY EXPERIENCE
"Rugby taught me about leading, teamwork, and winning and led to my successful AF career. My teammates taught me what you could do with respect, trust, and loyalty. I chose to play rugby with a team that taught me values and principles that I would continue to use for the next 22 years in my AF career."
— ANDI VINYARD
ZOOMIE RUGBY EXPERIENCE
ZOOMIE RUGBY TESTIMONIALS
"LEADING, FIGHTING, and WINNING on the rugby pitch led to my successful careers in Naval Aviation and Wall Street. The principles of LOYALTY, TRUST, and RESPECT that were coalesced from my AF Rugby teammates shaped me as a husband, father, and friend."
— JAMES LAMAR
"The quote, “On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days, on other fields will bear the fruits of victory,” by Douglas MacArthur sums up my rugby experience. Playing Rugby at the Academy molded me into the AF officer I wanted to be and forged the incredible bonds of friendship that would sustain and support me not only in my AF career but also on the playing field that is life."
ZOOMIE RUGBY TESTIMONIALS
— ANDREA (KERKMAN) MILLER
ZOOMIE RUGBY TESTIMONIALS
"I played rugby at the Air Force Academy because I was seeking brotherhood, mentorship, and a sport that blended grit and athleticism. Originally recruited to play baseball, I traded spikes for boots because AF Rugby was doing these things at an elite level competing for national championships on an annual basis. I would not have realized the level of success in my personal and professional life without my AF Rugby foundation."
— MARTIN PAYNE
"Rugby taught me about leading, teamwork, and winning and led to my successful AF career. My teammates taught me what you could do with respect, trust, and loyalty. I chose to play rugby with a team that taught me values and principles that I would continue to use for the next 22 years in my AF career."
ZOOMIE RUGBY TESTIMONIALS
— ANDI VINYARD
