Willfort “Wilf” Erichsen, started playing Rugby as part of the first youth Rugby program in Manitoba Rugby history. In 1971, an 18-year old Wilf got to know Dennis Caine, who was both a supervisor at a youth drop-in centre and a Rugby player with the Assassins RFC. That summer, Dennis formed a team of 14-18 year olds known as the Frontiersmen, on which Wilf was a player. Wilf and his fellow teammates played exhibition games against the 2nd division teams in the Manitoba Rugby Union and also in a 7’s tournament. The team failed to re-form the following year, but Wilf had moved on to become a senior player with the Assassins. He was the first official graduate of a youth Rugby program in Manitoba.
Wilf continued to play Rugby with the Assassins until 1977, when persistent knee problems and the responsibilities following the birth of his first son, Bryan, brought his playing career to an end. It was then that his contribution to Rugby took flight and soared. He took on the duties of Treasurer of the Manitoba Rugby Union in 1977-1978 with Larry Cherrett as President. He started refereeing in 1978, and continued acting as a referee diligently and in an exemplary fashion until 2003. His contributions as an official with the Manitoba Rugby Referees involved him in developing that organization and serving in every capacity – as secretary, treasurer, appointments convener, President and as the representative for MARR on the MRU Board.
In 2000, he undertook a third career in Rugby, again as Treasurer with Rugby Manitoba. Wilf assumed responsibility with a $53,000 deficit on the books, and left nearly 10 years later with the budget boasting a surplus. He kept the organization on a level financial path for years.
Wilf’s contributions to the sport of Rugby do not end there, as he also acted as a coach to teams at several different levels. He spent 4 years coaching Rugby at Oak Park High School, several years coaching the Saracens Colts team, and for 6 years coached the Saracens’ Senior Team. Wilf also helped set up and run a youth Rugby program on Saturday mornings with Garry MacDonald, Ray Hoemsen and others in which both of his sons, Bryan and Scott, participated along with a new generation of Manitoba Rugby players.
Wilf has contributed greatly to the development of in Manitoba in multiple capacities, and Manitoba Rugby has benefitted substantially from his efforts.
Wilf continued to play Rugby with the Assassins until 1977, when persistent knee problems and the responsibilities following the birth of his first son, Bryan, brought his playing career to an end. It was then that his contribution to Rugby took flight and soared. He took on the duties of Treasurer of the Manitoba Rugby Union in 1977-1978 with Larry Cherrett as President. He started refereeing in 1978, and continued acting as a referee diligently and in an exemplary fashion until 2003. His contributions as an official with the Manitoba Rugby Referees involved him in developing that organization and serving in every capacity – as secretary, treasurer, appointments convener, President and as the representative for MARR on the MRU Board.
In 2000, he undertook a third career in Rugby, again as Treasurer with Rugby Manitoba. Wilf assumed responsibility with a $53,000 deficit on the books, and left nearly 10 years later with the budget boasting a surplus. He kept the organization on a level financial path for years.
Wilf’s contributions to the sport of Rugby do not end there, as he also acted as a coach to teams at several different levels. He spent 4 years coaching Rugby at Oak Park High School, several years coaching the Saracens Colts team, and for 6 years coached the Saracens’ Senior Team. Wilf also helped set up and run a youth Rugby program on Saturday mornings with Garry MacDonald, Ray Hoemsen and others in which both of his sons, Bryan and Scott, participated along with a new generation of Manitoba Rugby players.
Wilf has contributed greatly to the development of in Manitoba in multiple capacities, and Manitoba Rugby has benefitted substantially from his efforts.