Gaines, David

Dave began playing rugby in the spring of 1986 after two years on the Falcon's varsity football team. He earned on-season status the following year, and won the position of starting lock as a junior in the spring of '87. Dave was selected for the Combined Services Junior Team, playing with them at the Battle of New Orleans in February of '87. As a senior, Dave served as starting lock for the Zoomies, earning Most Valuable Forward at the Western Regional Championships, was selected to the Combined Services Senior Team where he locked beside ELKS (Eagle Lock Kevin Swords), and earned 1st Team All-American honors. He was also selected as Most Valuable Forward for the 1987/88 Zoomies.

Dave continued playing after leaving the Zoo, and transitioned to 3rd row, which he played for the Air Force Select Side, Combined Services Seniors, Pacific Coast Rugby Football Union Griffins (Juniors), and Grizzlies (Seniors) at the Inter-Territorial Tournament. Dave was invited to the 1992 Eagles Camp, along with Combined Services players Mark Pidcock, but was not selected. (despite scoring a try in the Probables vs Possibles match)

Dave completed a successful 20-year AF career, retiring in August, 2008, as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his career, he served as an Acquisition Officer and Educator, having earned several Master's Degrees and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. He coached and OIC'd the Zoomies during his time as an Asst Professor at the Academy, and also helped coach the US Naval Academy's rugby team during his terminal tour there in the Computer Science Department. He is now comfortably retired and serving as a consultant for Woodford Reserve and other firms, and is a gentleman farmer outside Versailles, KY. And he says to give him a buzz if you're ever in the Bluegrass!