THE LEGACY OF OUR CLUB FOUNDER TERRY FLEENER

Terry relaxing and taking in a spring game at Cook Park.

When a club member passes, the mood is often somber. But Terry Fleener’s legacy was full of the happiness and exuberance that the sport of rugby brings to our lives. He founded our beloved club, the Denver Barbarians in 1967 in addition to the Rocky Mountain Rugby Union. As a player, coach and organizer, he did it all. In 1975 he was selected for the first Board of Directors for the United States Rugby Football Union and served on different roles until 1999. It takes a true titan of the game to see our national union through three decades of growth and Terry was indeed that titan. We are truly indebted to the efforts he made to grow the game of rugby throughout the years.

Terry loved to travel and spread the love of rugby everywhere he went.

Terry’s presence on our sideline was majestic. Even after he had taking a step back from his ever expanding organizing efforts, he still always made time to come to a Barbos game and cheer the team on. I am personally so lucky to have met him and had the opportunity to speak with someone who has carved the path for myself and future players. The reality is … without Terry Fleener, our club would not be where it is today. We are all privileged to step onto the pitch and wear the Green & White because of the efforts that Terry and his teammates put forward in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. On behalf of the club, I can say with certainty that his founding legacy will live on in perpetuity. Terry Fleener didn’t just bleed green, he embodied what it meant to be a Denver Barbarian.