To honor the memory and legacy of Steven Krause, Rugby Illinois (RIL) and the Plainfield Rugby Club have partnered in the development of the Steven Krause Memorial Grant (SKMG) program. The goal of this program is to:
- Provide financial support for the development of new rugby clubs within the State of Illinois
- Provide a scholarship grant to a qualified high school senior.
Steve Krause
Steve Krause, long-time Plainfield ruby coach, who passed away in 2020 after losing his hard-fought battle with cancer.
A beloved leader, educator, coach and friend to many, the impact of his guidance and positive influences are vast and carry on. As a wartime Veteran, Krause was a real-life hero who served and led soldiers as a Command Sergeant Major in the Illinois Army National Guard for over 30 years. Additionally, he taught and coached in the Plainfield School District where he educated and mentored countless students for over 20 years. Among his many contributions there, Krause established rugby as a new sport for Plainfield High Schools where hundreds of young men and women learned the sport and brotherhood of rugby.
Grant Details
A grant will be based on any candidate’s presentation of an action plan, an interview process with the SKMG Committee, and ongoing evaluation of accomplished goals.
Those of us whose lives Steve touched know that he has left a legacy of the highest integrity, accomplishment and moral code. It is in that spirit that the Committee will evaluate candidates and issue grant support.
Anyone wishing to be considered for a grant in this program should contact Paul Bergman via email at pbergman@iyra.org or cell/text at 847-845-4982.
Scholarship Details
A scholarship grant to a qualified high school senior with a track record of outstanding academic performance and demonstrated commitment to the sport of rugby.
The successful (male or female) candidate will be an individual that has made a positive contribution to their rugby club and possesses the personal traits that we all came to admire in Coach Krause: Service, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Intellect, Respect for All.
An award of $1,000 will be made to the successful candidate at the Steve Krause Classic Golf Outing on June 1st at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville, IL