Club History

The roots of the Campbell River Athletic Association (CRAA) can be traced back to the late 1970s, a time when a group of passionate rugby players and enthusiastic teachers, led by Brett Lawrason, Doug (Big Daddy) Richardson, Brian Smith, and Gary Stewart, came together to establish the Campbell River RFC. Their vision was embraced by a vibrant cohort of young students from CARIHI and Southgate schools, including Bob Hallstrom, George Cossenas, Mike Duggan, Calvin Burkel, Allister Johnson, Jodi Woodland, Greg Goodman, and Ken Hazelwood just to name a few. Together, these individuals formed the foundation upon which the CRAA stands today. In those early days, the club faced its fair share of challenges, but it laid the foundation for an enduring legacy in the rugby community. The club's first jerseys were a curious sight - an unremarkable green with no crest, a nod to Brett Lawrason's admiration for Ireland. As the years passed, the club evolved, and in 1981, the club switched to fluorescent jerseys that were pink with a thick black stripe not the prettiest of colours. In 1983, the club garnered sponsorship from the Royal Coachman Pub, prompting the transformation into the Campbell River Coachmen R.F.C. With the support of Molson Canadian, the club proudly donned red and black hoops adorned with a Molson label as their crest, despite some opposition from rugby authorities regarding "sponsorship" and "advertising." And it was this change that spurred a quest for a new identity. Peter Bayne, Norm Hilsden, George Fouture, and Dr. Stan Leete embarked on designing a crest that represented Campbell River, British Columbia, and Canada. Thus, the iconic Coachmen Fly, the Dogwood, and the Maple Leaf were incorporated into the club's crest, signifying tradition and a sense of belonging. It was also around this time that "Big" Vic Couture and his faithful companion Zeek initiated the Jr. U18 Rugby Program, further enhancing the club's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering the love of rugby. By 1984, the club secured its first clubhouse above the Willow Point Bottle Depot, becoming a hub for rugby enthusiasts. To supplement club funds, the clubhouse was rented to Alcoholics Anonymous on Monday nights and, amusingly, to the local police detachment, who paid in beer rather than cash. In 1986, the club extended its reach beyond its borders, organizing its first international tour to the Bahamas and Grand Cayman organized by then president Aristo Cossenas and his sidekick brother George. This tour sparked a major interest in the community and the club began to see an increase in membership. In 1990, the Campbell River Athletic Association was established as a registered society, encompassing various sports with rugby as a significant part. Junior teams from overseas, such as Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, and Oundle from England as well as St. Cyrus from Wales, visited, fostering international connections and experiences for the players. Throughout the years, the club hosted the Campbell River Summer Classic Sevens, attracting teams from all over Vancouver Island and the mainland. The club also began to sponsor other sports, including slo-pitch, basketball, and volleyball. With unwavering determination, the CRAA continued to grow. It acquired its first 20-passenger bus, affectionately named as the "C.R.A.A.B.," to transport players to games and tournaments. The club also raised funds through initiatives like Christmas Tree sales Grey Cup and Super Bowl Parties and the Chicken sale which continues to this day, with a dream of having a permanent field and clubhouse. In the late 1990s, the CRAA's vision of having its own clubhouse and pitch became more than just a dream. The club became BC Champions, and its Mini Rugby Program blossomed, thanks to the dedication and leadership of Erin Young, who served as President from 2010 to 2019. Over the years, the CRAA saw numerous coaches come and go, contributing their expertise to the growth and success of the club. Additionally, the club's outreach extended internationally, with teams visiting and hosting rugby enthusiasts from around the world. Campbell River Athletic Association (CRAA) has ingrained itself into the heart of the community since its inception in the late 1970s as Campbell River Rugby. What began as a modest venture with a single 3rd division rugby team and 20 members has now flourished into an organization boasting over 100 members. The club's inclusive growth encompasses a diverse range of rugby and sport enthusiasts, spanning from mini rugby, U18, and touch rugby and soon to include senior men and women's teams. Moreover, CRAA actively extends its support to middle and senior high schools, fostering a strong sporting culture in the region. Through its unwavering commitment to the sport and the community, CRAA continues to leave a lasting impact, uniting players and fans alike in the spirit of rugby and sport camaraderie.