The men’s club rugby team continued their strong start to the spring season, winning the Peter DeSalvo Memorial Tournament on April 12 at Park Avenue Field, while raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. The annual tournament is named after former player Peter DeSalvo, who tragically passed away in 2020.
“Peter DeSalvo was our former teammate,” said President Tom Ferreira. “It’s been a tradition since he passed away to do a sevens-style rugby tournament in his name in the spring, and we like to make it a big event and invite the whole school. Anybody can host a tournament, but hosting a tournament in one of our brothers’ names really brought out everybody’s passion.”
The event, once again, combined competition with purpose, as the team raised more than $1,500 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through T-shirt sales, raffles and donations.
“I know the team is really happy that we raised all that money, but just the impact that it has on the school itself is great to see,” said Ferreira.
That sense of community extended onto the field, where players, coaches, referees, and members of the Sacred Heart administration gathered at midfield, forming a circle for a moment of silence to honor DeSalvo’s legacy.
“There are no grudges held in a rugby game; that’s one of the values of playing,” said sophomore Chuck Truicko. “I think it’s the best sport for an event like this because it’s a whole community coming together. It’s a hooligan sport played by gentlemen.”
They matched that purpose with dominant play, going undefeated in the tournament and winning all four matches by a large margin, capped by a 43–12 victory over Keene State College in the championship.
“What stood out was their confidence,” said head coach Gennaro Gelsi. “They walked into that tournament feeling like this was their tournament, and this was their house. Last year, they unfortunately lost in the finals, and I was not allowing that to happen again this year.”
That confidence is rooted in the values the program emphasizes both on and off the field.
“The goal of the tournament is not only to bring awareness of rugby to the university, but also to keep Peter’s memory alive and support an important cause,” said Gelsi. “Rugby is built on community, brotherhood, and looking out for one another, and we want everybody to know that they are always supported, no matter what, not just on our team but in our entire community.”
Despite bringing home the trophy, the message remained clear. The tournament served as both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of community, mental health awareness, and a legacy that continues to bring people together.
“We played really good rugby, but the reason we played really good rugby was that we were playing for each other and for a greater cause,” said Ferreira.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
