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Mike Herron is the quiet one when the Cardinals warm up but you begin to take notice during the match--- he makes all his tackles,supreme on the support. You will usually see Mike playing flanker with the 45/50 side,but he can play center in a pitch. Mike is a true pillar of the Cardinals;makes nearly every fixture, articulate,well read,talented writer, and outstanding observer of the game. Drink a beer with Herron and you will take away something more valuable than a buzz. Ask him about his rugby novel/script. |
Ron Black, longtime VRU Lock, was a beach lifeguard with me in the 70's and got me out with the Norfolk Irish RFC where I started in the backfield along with the great Keith Wright.
Clubs:
Norfolk Irish Rugby Football Club The Norfolk City Blues Rugby Football Club (founding member& officer) Virginia Gentleman Old Dominion University Alumni Sons of Beaches RFC Virginia Cardinals (from the beginning)
Sporting background?
Started playing football at 12 with the Annandale (VA) Boys Club (Remember the Titans) and went on to become a two-way starter in high school. Played most sports before coaching at Norfolk Catholic High School in the early 80's. Deer hunting and rugby remain my only passion.
Who are your rugby mentors?
Lex Maccubbin, Tom Donavon and Danny Lonergan (all with the Norfolk Irish & Norfolk Blues), and Johnny Ellis (former Norfolk Blues coach).
Most respected rugby mates? Way too many to name, but the late great Lance Van de Castle became a special and dear friend.
Best player you have ever shared the pitch with?
It didn't happen often enough, but I did get selected to the first side during the Norfolk Blues heyday long enough to have former Eagle Otis Purvis pass me a few trys.
Secret to your rugby longevity?
Who can get enough of spending time with great people and players like Terry Whelan, Hennie Van Zyl, Mike Puopolo, James Painter and all of the cast of characters who make up the Cardinals? It also helps to have a beautiful wife like Elyse making it all possible.
Favorite Rugby moment?
Having played in something like 300 matches it is hard to pick one, but...After the Norfolk Blues beat the reigning ERU champions Old Blue in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, the post-match celebration shower slide at Columbia University still has me laughing.
I can't say enough thanks to John Carr, Terry Whelan, Mike Puopolo, Cary Kennedy and Bill Brownley for helping manage our efforts.