SU’S DOC DAVIS INTRAMURAL COMPLEX had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 12. The complex was completed in 2018 and is home to most of the University’s club and outdoor intramural activities.
Among those is the SU Sharks Rugby Club, which is one of the most successful rugby programs in the region, boasting national and conference championships. Doc Davis and his wife Teri have been synonymous with Salisbury Rugby since the 1980s. When Doc took over as head coach in 1983, he helped to establish a culture of hard work and dedication that would capture four national championships. More importantly,
Doc cultivated relationships and molded countless young men into successful businessmen, fathers and coaches of
the game.
Doc preached his theory of the triangle of life to his players, with one point being rugby, another point school and the third point family. He believed that staying in the triangle would provide a balanced and full life – issues will always develop when your priorities are outside the triangle. This philosophy inspired countless players to continue to keep their priorities clear and give back to the sport of rugby so their legacy of excellence would live on.
To many, the naming of the intramural complex is symbolic of Doc’s commitment to his players, which was unwavering and one that stands the test of time.
Staying true to form, Doc lives his triangle with his wife Teri. They opened their hearts and sometimes their home to players who needed a helping hand. Even beyond their time at Salisbury, players always knew that he was there to cheer their successes or provide advice for those bumps in the road.
When talk began on naming the field after Doc, it wasn’t because of the program’s accolades or its stellar win/loss record. The Sharks Rugby community came together to raise the funds needed for this honor to pay homage to a man who was a coach, a mentor, a father figure and a friend. To many, the naming of the intramural complex is symbolic of Doc’s commitment to his players, which was unwavering and one that stands the test of time.
Pictured at top: Monica Polizzi, SU director of athletics and campus recreation; President Carolyn Ringer Lepre; Dr. Robert “Doc” Davis; Teri Davis; and Bill Creese, SU Men’s Rugby Club head coach, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
