Paul Bergman, Director of Rugby
Paul Bergman’s rugby career started as an underclassman at NIU. After graduation he played for 10 years with the Chicago Lions Rugby Club and was the recipient of the Rookie of the Year and Lowry Lion awards. In addition, Paul earned all-star selection to Chicago area and Midwest select sides. He toured England, Ireland and South Africa with the Lions and played one season under World Cup champion coach Kitch Christie (South Africa). Paul went on to coach the Chicago Lions, Chicago Blaze, Chicago Area Select Side and Midwest Select Side (National Champion in 2006). Paul is a Certified 300 Level Coach by USA Rugby.
Paul currently works in cardiac diagnostic testing and rehabilitation. He is also a registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Paul holds a B.S. in Physical/Health Education from Northern Illinois University and an M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Northeastern Illinois University.
Paul resides in Arlington Heights with wife Lana.
Andrew Collins, High School 15s and 7s Head Coach
Andrew joined the coaching staff for the high school 15’s and 7’s teams in 2018. He was a member of the Stallions inaugural middle school side in 2008. During his Stallions career, Andrew helped the Varsity side reach the playoffs for four straight years. He also represented the Rugby Illinois All-State team, the Tornados, and toured England, Wales, and Ireland with them in the summer of 2010.
After graduating from Hersey High School in 2012, Andrew attended the University of Dayton on an academic scholarship to play D1AA collegiate rugby. At Dayton, Andrew earned starting positions on their 15’s and 7’s sides as a freshman, and helped Dayton to national rankings of #12 and #23 in D1AA and D1A, respectively, along with four straight MACRugby conference playoff appearances during his time there. He graduated from Dayton in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting along with a master’s degree in business administration. Andrew currently works for Calamos Investments as a Research Analyst.
Charles Thorndyke, High School Assistant Coach
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Mark Derry, Middle School Head Coach
Mark began his rugby career at Chase Terrace high school while in his native England. Moving on to college, he had a successful career playing lock for Lanchester University and in his spare time for Old Edwardians, with whom he still keeps in contact with as an old boy. After graduating, he went on to play for National Div. 4 club Litchfield, moving to the back row.
In 1989, work opportunities brought Mark to Chicago where he played for several seasons with the Chicago Griffins, again in the back row, albeit with several guest appearences in other positions before finally hanging up his boots.
Mark currently works for a UK-based Engineering company involved in diesel engine technology. He resides in Wheeling with his wife Lynnae and two sons, Winston, a former player, and Maxwell, an active player.
