Mike Puopolo has been around The Cardinals so long as a valuable player and leader that we tend to see beyond his importance. He is just there all the time quietly supporting The Cardinals and covering all the gaps. Of all the outstanding members of The Cardinals,Mike's superb consistency as a player, consumate strategic planner and leader has made us the outstanding master rugby side of today,respected and well known in every tournament we enter in the USA. We view Mike as the Godfather-- er Chairman of Cardinal Rugby. Mike is seen as a great player among many other fine rugby players. The easy going grin can throw you off, Mike is as competitive as they get.
Where raised: California, Florida, Nebraska, Virginia - Military family
Highschool: Kempsville High School, Virginia Beach
College: University of Virginia - 1979
Rugby clubs/rugby honors: Virginia, Richmond, VRU, Used to Bees, Virginia Gentlemen, Sons of Beaches, Virginia Reds, Cardinals
Sports played other than rugby: Softball and paddle tennis,National age-group Paddle Tennis Champion
Best moment as a rugby player: Aspen Championship - 2005. Completing an undefeated season with the 45's in 2005 - winning Lauderdale Ruggerfest, Commonwealth Cup, Saranac, Aspen Ruggerfest. I think we were 14-0.
Height and Weight: 5'10" - 205
How did you get involved with rugby: First week at UVA. Met Bill Brownley and he got me to go to practice with him in 1975.
Most important goals other than family,spiritual,or professional: Healthy until the day I die.