One of the highlights of the Texas Rugby Hall of Fame each year is the awarding of the coveted Distinguished Service Awards. John Dale of the Dallas Harlequins, long time TRU/RRRC officer John Kurylas, and women’s pioneer Wilma Keller each exemplify the spirit of the award and will be feted at the 2026 HOF Banquet in Grapevine on August 29. Additionally, the 2022 National Champions Dallas Reds will be presented as our Honor Team as we recall the team’s exceptional year.
John Dale has been a rugby leader for over 40 years, and more than half that time as the “face of the Dallas Harlequins” as a player, coach, club president, and founder of the Quins Women’s team. He has championed youth rugby, and represented Texas on the Red River Rugby Conference Committee.
John Kurylas has served the TRU and the Red River Conference in a variety of roles over the past decade, primarily representing the state’s D-3 clubs. He joined the Grand Prairie Mavericks (formerly Arlington RFC) in 2005, serving as President for over ten years. In addition to championing grass roots rugby, he is a big proponent of the women’s game.
Wilma Keller is a legend in the women’s rugby movement, establishing the sport first in Arkansas in 1975 with the Ozark Ladies, and then throughout Texas and the SW when teams competed and supported each other regionally. She served in several Western RFU capacities, and along the way, became an elite coach, player, and leader of the Little Rock Women for 33 years, where she oversaw the development of Greater Little Rock rugby complex.
The 2022 Dallas Reds will be honored in recognition of their National D-1 Championship, as we relive the journey that brought Texas its second national title banner. Their march to glory began by winning the Red River competition, and was followed by a semi-final win against powerhouse Belmont Shore, then a decisive thrashing of Schuykill River in the final at Altanta.
Learn more about these outstanding leaders and our Honor Team at the Hall of Fame Banquet: https://texasrugbyunionhof.com/2026/06/29/distinguished-service-awards-and-honor-team/
