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Six alumni whose contributions helped shape the tradition, culture and success of St. Bonaventure University rugby will be inducted Sept. 11 into the ������������ Rugby Hall of Fame during the university’s annual Rugby Alumni Weekend.

The Hall of Fame’s second induction class recognizes players, leaders and ambassadors whose impact on the program spans five decades, from the sport’s earliest years on campus to the modern era of national prominence.

The 2026 inductees are Nick Benvenuto, ’77, Bradley Eastham, ’00, Paula (Noga) Eastham, ’01, Eamonn Matthews, ’19, Nicholas Maurer, ’11, and Alex Nazemetz, ’86, ’89.

Together, the six honorees represent the values that have defined St. Bonaventure rugby since its founding: leadership, talent, commitment, service and a lifelong dedication to the program and university.

The inductees are (alphabetically):

Nick Benvenuto

A founding member of St. Bonaventure’s men’s rugby program, Benvenuto helped establish the foundation upon which generations of Bonnies would build.

Benvenuto played a key role in recruiting players and helping the fledgling program gain momentum during its earliest years. His commitment to St. Bonaventure rugby continued long after graduation through his consistent support of alumni initiatives, fundraising efforts and student-athlete scholarships.

A regular donor to the Rob Peraza Scholarship and participant in the annual Peraza Golf Tournament, Benvenuto has remained closely connected to the program for decades. He continues to serve as a point of contact for many of the program’s founding members and is widely respected as an ambassador for St. Bonaventure rugby and the university.

Bradley “Freestyle” Eastham

A captain, state champion and one of the program’s most enthusiastic ambassadors, Eastham has spent more than two decades strengthening the connection between alumni and the current generation of Bonnies.

A member of two New York state championship teams during his playing career, Eastham captained the men’s team and helped launch the women’s rugby program while a student. Known for his relentless energy and passion for the sport, he earned multiple Alumni Man of the Match honors and was a central figure in the program’s success on the field.

Since graduating, Eastham has become one of the driving forces behind Rugby Alumni Weekend, helping to organize annual events, promote fundraising initiatives and preserve the traditions that define St. Bonaventure rugby. His commitment to alumni engagement and support of the university has helped sustain one of the strongest rugby alumni networks in the country.

Paula (Noga) Eastham

A pioneering leader in the women’s rugby program, Paula Eastham played a critical role in establishing and advancing women’s rugby at St. Bonaventure.

Serving as team president and captain, she helped guide the program during its formative years and led the Bonnies to the 1999 New York State and Northeast championships. As one of the program’s earliest leaders, she coordinated team activities, organized operations and helped create a culture that allowed the women’s program to thrive.

Following graduation, Eastham remained actively involved with alumni and current student-athletes, helping organize women’s alumni matches and serving as a resource for coaches and players. Her leadership, dedication and commitment to women’s rugby helped ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the program.

Eamonn Matthews

One of the most accomplished players in program history, Matthews elevated St. Bonaventure rugby to new heights during his collegiate career and continued to advance the program after graduation.

A team captain, Rugby East Most Valuable Player, All-American and finalist for the prestigious Rudy Scholz Award, Matthews established himself among the nation’s elite collegiate rugby players. He also represented the United States at the U20 level and helped position St. Bonaventure as a rising force in Division I rugby.

After graduation, Matthews signed professional contracts in Major League Rugby and later served as a coach and mentor for younger players. He also contributed as a rugby analyst and advisor for St. Bonaventure, assisting with player development, film review and game preparation. Through his coaching work at Xavier High School in New York City, he has helped create a pipeline of talented student-athletes who have continued the Bonnies’ tradition of success.

Nicholas Maurer

A state champion, captain, all-star performer and coach, Maurer’s influence on St. Bonaventure rugby has extended well beyond his playing days.

Known for his relentless work ethic and leadership, Maurer helped lead the Bonnies to championship success while earning a reputation as one of the most respected competitors in the program. Teammates and coaches consistently praised his commitment to excellence, his willingness to support others and his ability to elevate those around him.

Following graduation, Maurer returned to the sidelines as an assistant coach at St. Bonaventure and later became head coach at Canisius High School. Through both his playing and coaching careers, he has continued to embody the values of sportsmanship, leadership and service that define St. Bonaventure rugby.

Alex Nazemetz

Few individuals have had a broader or more lasting impact on St. Bonaventure rugby than Nazemetz.

A former player, captain and administrator, Nazemetz served as a vital link between the rugby program, university administration and generations of alumni. For many student-athletes, he was among their first introductions to St. Bonaventure, signing acceptance letters and later becoming a trusted mentor and advocate.

Nazemetz played a critical role in helping the club evolve from its early years into a nationally respected program. He provided organizational leadership, administrative guidance and unwavering support while maintaining strong connections among alumni, coaches and players. Most notably, he organized Rugby Alumni Weekend for more than two decades, preserving traditions that continue to strengthen the program today.

His dedication, service and leadership helped shape the culture of St. Bonaventure rugby and ensured its continued growth across generations.

The inductees will be formally honored during Rugby Alumni Weekend in September, when former and current members of the St. Bonaventure rugby family gather to celebrate the program’s history, achievements and enduring bonds.

The St. Bonaventure Rugby Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals whose accomplishments, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on one of the university’s most successful and storied athletic traditions. Eleven people were inducted in the inaugural class last fall as part of the rugby program’s 50^th anniversary celebration.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).