As we all likely know at this point, Coach and Friend Kenny Levick has completed his trip across the Oregon Trail, avoided snakebites, survived a mild case of dysentery, and has settled comfortably into his new home in Eugene, Ore. We are incredibly appreciative of his work with not only Old Gaelic but rugby as a whole in our community. From his sendoff letter, you know he kinda likes us too. Read below:

My first rugby game ever was back in 2006, against a team called Old Gaelic. I had no idea where they were from, but I’d heard they were supposed to be tough. They traveled to Chambersburg to face us, and we had one of our strongest sides that year—I don’t remember losing any matches. I was just learning the game and played fullback in both the A and B side games.  That’s what you did at the time.  I remember being swarmed, kicking in a panic, big bald dudes running down at me, and 160 minutes and ruptured eardrum later, welcome to RUGBY!  After that match, I definitely knew who Old Gaelic was. I was only 20 years old.  That attitude and “DNA” is what makes Old Gaelic such a strong team…before, during, and long after my time.

I went on to do a lot in rugby after that. I played flyhalf at Fairmont State and formed a select 7s team in West Virginia.  We got closed to premier grade after a year or two.  I coached the D1AA nationally ranked Miami of Ohio team, and I helped out with SCSU and New Haven men’s and women’s 7s in Connecticut. But nothing compares to my time here in Mechanicsburg, PA. As I look back on my three years with Old Gaelic, I’m filled with pride and gratitude. Our journey together has been marked by rapid growth, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. I pushed everyone as hard as I could, and through sheer determination, we’ve made huge strides in both 15s and 7s. As of this summer, Old Gaelic 15s and Central Penn 7s are ranked among the top clubs in the country, regardless of division, and that’s a FACT.  Let that sink in.  That’s a huge accomplishment, and I’m really proud of the work we’ve done together.  The train ain’t stoppin yet!

I originally came to Old Gaelic as a 7s coach. I got a call from some old guy named Alex Diegel one day, and after our conversation, I felt like there was a real opportunity to be part of something special. Old Gaelic already had a strong 7s team, but the core guys were stretched too thin and were dealing with burnout. That’s when Central Penn 7s was born, the rest is history. We started fresh, focusing on growth, sustainability, and implementing a modern style of play. Alex, your trust in me to bring new ideas to the table has been invaluable. You’ve become one of my most valued friends, and I’m grateful for every brainstorming session that turned our five-minute calls into hour-long conversations. Your openness and support have made a tremendous impact on the club, and you’ve played a huge role in this era of Old Gaelic. If and when you decide to hang up your boots (maybe in 10-15 years), I hope you find your place as a coach and pass on all the knowledge you’ve gained to the next generation.

7s was the easy part for me—it’s what I’d been doing for the past 10 years. But 15s? That was a different story.  I originally wanted to just help to ensure that the skill work would be adequate for my returning 7s guys.  That quickly turned into film reviews, and defense, and essentially starting the revision of OG gameplan.  Often, over the duration of the time, my film review notes grew harsher, and filled with curses and funny jokes about players doing silly nonsense.  Enter OG flyhalf legend, Dan Roth. I’m sure I asked him a thousand questions—why this, why that? Dan always had a patient, logical, and simple way of explaining what should happen in the game of 15s. Dan, thank you for your humility, open-mindedness, and for giving me a voice with the team from the very beginning. Your belief in my vision, even when it seemed unconventional, has been crucial for the club’s growth. You’ve taught me to be a calmer, more tempered coach, and I hope I’ve helped you become more strict when needed.  Use your voice, these guys need it now more than ever.  You always thanked me, nearly each training, and you’ve always been complimentary about my work.  But I really need to thank you, for teaching me a gentler side of coaching.  I’ll never have your wealth of knowledge in 15s, but I hope you keep finding ways to share that wisdom and carry Old Gaelic, and lead them into the next evolution of OG rugby. 

I also spent a lot of time helping out with the high school team while I was in the area. To be honest, my involvement at the youth and high school level was a bit selfish too—I wanted to make sure the premier 7s team stayed strong, and to do that, we needed a steady influx of young players. Plus, we needed players who could plug into our system, and that requires good coaching at the high school level. CV has a history of success—they’ve won plenty of state championships long before my time. Jay and Dano have been carrying that weight for over 20 years. When I first started helping with the team in 2022, I was in way over my head—I had no idea what I was getting into at the high school level. Dano probably knew it, but he was too kind to say anything. Still, I tried, and we ended up with a decent team. Dano Morris, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with the high school team. Your graciousness in letting me contribute has helped bridge the gap to the men’s club, enhancing skills and rugby IQ across the board. Your support has been key to our success, and the results speak for themselves. More and more high schoolers are coming out for men’s 7s, and it’s clear that we’re building something special. OG and Central Penn 7s players and coaches will always be there to help out with the high school and junior levels whenever you need it—that’s non-negotiable!

What started as an ever-building blueprint for how to build a successful premier 7s team, had shifted into my love of coaching High School and Juniors, to learning how to conceptualize the game of 15’s ,into my love of a complete club (from youth to old boys) and everyone who was a part of it all.  Between Diegs, Roth, and Dano, I’ve had the privilege of working with some really amazing coaches and leaders who have also become lifelong friends. It’s been the honor of my life to work with you. Together, we’ve built something real, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for rugby in that area. I expect constant championship trophies and accolades from all levels. I can’t shout out every single person I’ve had the privilege of playing and working with there, but just know that you’ve all made a huge impact on my life. I’d like to think that I had the privilege of coaching my friends, knowing that no matter how strict, honest, or hard I was on them, it was all for the greater good of the team, themselves, and their teammates. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and for making these past three years unforgettable.  I will take all my lessons learned with me, and try to play a role out here.  I hope you all take a bit of what I have given, and keep up that OG grit…just don’t forget to add in the CP smarts.  Farewell forever…or at least until the Christmas party this year.