We are excited to announce the recipient of this years Mark Davis Award, for the Rugby Pennsylvania Coach of the Year. Named after the late Mark Davis, who passed in December of 2021. Mark was a husband, father, teacher, and a co-founder of the West Allegheny High School rugby program. Mark was known for his compassion, humility, and joyful personality. Preaching his mantra of Class & Dignity to his players, Mark was everything you could ask for from a coach and more.

Coming from West Allegheny’s neighboring school district is Rocky Nurss from Moon Area High School. Rocky is the head coach for the Girls High School program, which he helped start in 2014. The program has grown over the years and has seen some incredible success. The Moon Girls won the Division II State title in 2017 and the Division I Girls State Championship in 2022. He also coaches the West Pitt Foxes, a combined club sevens side which competes in the Rugby PA Fall Sevens season.

But the Mark Davis Award is more than just wins and losses on the pitch. And while Rocky’s Moon team would fall short of a repeat in the semifinals this year, to the eventual state championship Knightmare side, his impact was felt across western Pennsylvania. In 2022 Rocky helped the girls program at West Allegheny get off the ground, providing their coaches with valuable mentorship throughout their first year. He then followed up this success by helping start another girls program at Mt. Lebanon High School this spring.

Rocky’s dedication to helping the girls game grow has reaped some exceptional results. Not only did his Moon Girls roster reach a league high 50 girls, but the two programs he helped mentor saw a combined 30 girls register for spring rugby. A remarkable 25% of the girls who registered this spring had direct ties to Rocky’s influence. It has been this commitment to helping spread the sport of rugby, that has made the decision to name him this year Coach of the Year an easy one.

Rocky was presented this year's award by Mark Davis’ wife Carrie and son Jake. We thank them for their support in allowing us to continue to honor Mark legacy.