10/13/2026
After careful consideration, I am resigning as Head Coach of the Southeastern Louisiana University Men’s Rugby program.
It has been an honor to help rebuild this historic club—originally founded in 1967—alongside Dr. Don Hart starting in 2018, and then to lead it as head coach. What began as a small group of dedicated students and alumni has grown into a competitive, hard-working program focused on development, discipline, and winning.
Looking back over these years, I’m proud of what the players have accomplished:
*Early competitive success and strong finishes in the Deep South Conference, including playoff appearances.
*Consistent growth and a culture that prioritized training, accountability, and brotherhood over purely social rugby.
*The 2023 season, when the Lions went undefeated in conference, won the SCRC Small College Championship with a hard-fought 41-33 victory over Sewanee, advanced deep into the national playoffs (including a win over VMI), and finished ranked among the top small-college teams in the country. That year also brought SCRC Small College Coach of the Year recognition for me and Player of the Year for Allen Pennington, along with multiple All-Conference selections.
*Continued strong representation in later seasons, with players earning All-Conference honors and the program developing talent from local high schools and across the region.
More than the wins and trophies, I’ve been grateful for the men who showed up to practice, competed with heart, and built something meaningful together—both on the pitch and off it. Thank you to every player, assistant coach, alumnus, family member, and supporter who invested time and energy in SLU Rugby.
Special thanks to Dr. Don Hart for his foundational role in restarting the program, and to the university and community for the opportunity.
Club sports face real challenges with numbers, resources, and consistency, and those realities have not played a part in this decision. This club is in a solid position to move forward.
I leave with deep respect for the players who gave their best and for the tradition of Southeastern rugby.
I wish the program, its future coaches, and especially the student-athletes the very best. Lion Up.
— Mark Dixon
