Welcome Our New SIRFC Alumni Board Members!

Dear SIRFC Alumni and Supporters,

We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to the Southern Illinois Rugby Football Club (SIRFC) Alumni Board. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our community. Please join us in welcoming them to their new roles:

Dawn McKenzie – Vice President of Fundraising

Dawn returns to the SIRFC community with a deep commitment to advancing our fundraising efforts. A proud Saluki, Dawn played for SIU from 1999 to 2003 and served as club president. Her post-collegiate rugby career includes playing for Chicago North Shore (2004–2012), where she held leadership roles such as president, VP of fundraising, and co-captain of the 2011 national championship-winning team.

Beyond the pitch, Dawn is a World Rugby educator and has contributed to organizing international matches at Soldier Field. She holds a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Northwestern University and currently works in digital media strategy. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and traveling.

Gabrielle “Ghost” Reed – Media Director

Gabrielle, known affectionately as “Ghost,” brings a dynamic blend of creativity and communication to the Media Director role. A former SIU Women’s Rugby player (2018–2020), she served as social chair for the team, Zeta Theta Omega, and the Student Alumni Council—planning and promoting numerous successful events.

Professionally, Gabrielle works as an Erosion Control and Water Quality Inspector in St. Charles County, MO, where she leads outreach and educational initiatives. Her passion for community engagement and environmental advocacy makes her a perfect fit to elevate SIRFC’s media presence.

Dave Carter – Secretary

Dave is a long-standing pillar of the SIRFC community, having graduated from SIU in 1986 and again in 1990. A familiar face at Loads weekends, Dave brings decades of rugby insight and leadership to the board. He has remained active in the Midwest and Chicago rugby scenes through management and refereeing roles.

Dave previously owned and operated a successful corporation and is now preparing to return to education as a full-time middle school science teacher in Fall 2025. His organizational skills and deep-rooted rugby knowledge will be invaluable in his role as Secretary.

Chris Eames – Event Planning

Chris played rugby at SIU from 1977 to 1980 and has remained a dedicated member of the alumni community ever since. By day, he works in advertising technology, helping deliver the commercials we all love to skip. Outside of work, Chris enjoys trail riding, hiking, music, and spending time with his wife Annette (SIU Class of ’82) and their three adult children in Chicago and New York.

Chris is a natural connector and communicator, regularly engaging with alumni across generations. His enthusiasm for planning Old Loads, Soldier Field weekends, and team fundraisers makes him a perfect fit for the Event Planning role. He’s excited to put his professional skills to work for a cause he deeply values.

We are excited for the energy and expertise Dawn, Gabrielle, Dave, and Chris bring to the board. Their leadership will help us continue to grow and support the SIU rugby legacy.

Please join us in congratulating them and stay tuned for upcoming initiatives!

Ruck on,

SIRFC Alumni Board