Ray Lehner has stepped down as Head Coach of the Olympic Club XVs program, the San Francisco athletic club announced today. 

Lehner, a former USA Eagle, Oxford Blue, and Cal Bear, put together a very successful 8-year term as Head Coach, reaching the D1 finals weekend 3 times while accumulating an overall record of 90 wins to 31 losses.

"It has been a great 8 years, but now its time for me to move on.  I am both looking forward to spending more time at home with family as well as the Bishop O'Dowd High School Rugby Program," said Lehner. 

Director of Rugby, James Brandon said the move was not unexpected.

“This was something Ray addressed with us before the end of the XVs season, and we completely support his decision.  Ray played an integral role in bringing this program back to national prominence, and we are very appreciative of his efforts.”

Lehner  said he will stay involved with the Olympic Club.

“I am hopeful the systems we have put in place (on and off the field) will allow the club success in years to come with that said I am happy to help the transition team find and recruit my replacement." 

The Olympic Club has established itself as a top performer in USA Rugby’s Division 1 since leaving the Super League in 2005 to focus on developing a cohesive club culture and to provide a longer competitive season. In 2005 Lehner was only part-time with the O-Club, as he was still involved with the Cal Rugby program as an assistant. In 2006 Lehner made the transition to full-time head coach, leading the club in to the Division 1 playoffs in his first full season. The club’s record since leaving the Super League is as follows:

 2005:  10-6 (1-5 in RSL, 9-1 in D1 (not eligible for playoffs)
Lehner goes from part-time to full-time coach.

2006:  12-4 (round of 8)
2007:  14-2 (3^rd place)
2008:  14-2 (3^rd place)
2009:  9-5 (round of 16)
2010:  13-2 (round of 8)
2011:  12-4 (2^nd place)
2012:  6-6 (round of 32)
Overall: 90-31 (74% win percentage) 

The O-Club now begins the search for a new head coach to lead the XVs program. Current Collegiate All Americans Head Coach Matt Sherman (has been named head coach of the O-Club’s 7s program.

About the Olympic Club: The Olympic Club is the oldest athletic club in the United States, being formed in 1860. The club supports amateur athletic teams in 17 different sports. The O-Club provided much of the funding and players for the gold-medal winning USA rugby teams of the 1920s. The XVs team plays in the Northern California RFU Division 1 league, with the season running from January – early June.