The Texas Rugby Hall of Fame is excited to announce its outstanding Class of 2026, consisting of Jay Abrizu of San Antonio, Aaron Cahoon of Austin, Mike Kwedar of Ft. Worth, Mike Slagle of Houston, and former Austinite Deena Telley. Each of the new inductees were previous finalists for the HOF, some several times, making the selection of this Class even more meaningful for each new member.
Jay Arbizu — A venerable leader of the San Antonio RFC since 1997, Arbizu began his career at Southwest Texas State in 1997 before joining the Victoria, Texas RFC in 1995. As an athlete, he played in the USA D2 Elite 8 in 2002, D2 Sweet 16 in 2009, and D3 Sweet 16 in 2014. He was a Rugby Texas HS All Star in 2001. He was a key player and coach for many years on select military sides, including the Combined Forces squad, and coached numerous US Air Force teams (as an enlisted man!) at the elite 7s and 15s level. Jay was inducted into the San Antonio RFC Hall of Fame in 2007.
Aaron Cahoon — Aaron Cahoon, “The Scrumhalf Whisperer,” began his distinguished career as an elite player at Texas A&M, leading the Aggies to the national invitational title in 1974 coupled with four TRU Collegiate Championships. He later ventured to Houston, captaining the Houston Rugby Club before joining other founders in creating the Houston Heathens. He joined Austin RFC in 1977, served as captain, and was an original member of the landowners’ group that acquired Burr Field. After multiple Texas All Star selections, he was named to the Western USA Side before an injury cut his playing career short. More recently, he thrived as an assistant coach for the state champion Westlake High School. There, he earned acclaim for consistently developing outstanding scrumhalves who made massive impacts at the high school, collegiate, club, and Major League Rugby levels. He was also awarded Rugby Texas Coach of the Year in 2014. For this lifelong commitment to the sport, Aaron has been elected to both the Texas A&M and Austin Blacks Halls of Fame.
Mike Kwedar — The only coach, at least in Texas, who won or assisted in the winning of national championships at the High School (Weatherford), Collegiate (Baylor) and Club levels (Fort Worth). He began his career in the front row for Forth Worth in the 70s and 80s, and then dedicated himself to coaching after his playing days, earning his Level III certificate with the Golden Lions in South Africa, using this experience as a coaching instructor for USA Rugby and the IRB (now World Rugby). As a coach for Division 2 Fort Worth RFC between 1994-2000, his teams won four TRU Championships, two Western RFU Championships, and the 2000 USA Rugby title. He assisted Weatherford High School while his son played, winning the D2 USA Rugby National Championship. Baylor University entered the 2002 season without a coach, so Mike made the twice-a-week commute from Fort Worth to Waco for the year, winning the TRU, Western RFU and USA Rugby National Collegiate Division II Championships.
Mike Slagle — A complete fullback, he played a major role in winning four senior men’s Interterritorial Championships for the Western RFU beginning in 1988. He started his career at Southwest Texas State where he was a four year starter and eventually coach, the team won the 1987 TRU Championship, and he earned a spot on the Western RFU Collegiate All Stars. After graduation, he captained the Houston Rugby Club to a 30-3 record. He was the MVP of the 1991 Texas All Stars tour of England. His coaching resume includes stints with Cy-Fair HS and the University of Wyoming. Additionally, he amassed elite honors as a 7s player, including a Texas 7s Championship MVP, and as coach of award winning men’s and women’s sides.
Deena Telley — Deena began her four decades long rugby career in 1978 at the University of Oklahoma before moving to Austin to play with the Valkyries in the 90’s. Primarily at fly-half, she was known for her clinical kicking, speed, and leadership. Her select side representation included the Southwest Women’s, TRU, Texas All-Star 7’s (inaugural team), and Western RFU. International tour experience included France (1984 vs French Nat’l team), New Zealand (1987), and Italy (1991) all with the New Orleans Half Moons.
A pioneering administrator of governing bodies, such as the pre-TRU Southwest Women’s RFU, she was instrumental in moving Texas women’s rugby forward at the club, union, and territory level. As a USARFU Level II coach, she assisted with the Texas U-23’s, West 7’s, and Austin Valkyries. Her head coach experience includes Texas State Women, Lone Star Men’s RFC, and the Austin Valkyries (2005-2006) highlighted by the team’s first Western championship win and Div. 1 championship playoff appearance.
Currently she serves as VP of the OU Roses Alumni Association and is also an active alumni member of the Austin Valkyries.
Congratulations to each of these deserving inductees, comprising the 11th Class of the Hall of the Fame. The 2026 Texas Rugby Union Hall of Fame Class will be inducted on Saturday, August 29 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Grapevine DFW Airport North. This year’s banquet holds extra significance as it serves as the ultimate culmination of our 55th-anniversary celebration, honoring a proud legacy of rugby since 1971.