GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport University Director of Athletics Paul Lowden has announced the hiring of Greg Teliczan as the first ever women’s rugby head coach for the program.

The women's DU program, which will start play in the fall of 2013, joined the list of teams at Davenport in October and Teliczan will begin his duties immediately. Greg comes to Davenport from Sparta High School and has over 30 years of playing and coaching experience locally and nationally.

“Greg has an extensive career involved in playing and coaching rugby," said Lowden. "He is recognized nationally and internationally for his accomplishments and his knowledge and experience will be a great asset for a new women's rugby program."

Teliczan became the first women's rugby coach at Davenport University on December 3, 2012 and will help start the program that will compete at the DI level of USA Rugby.

“It’s a huge privilege – I have coached many of the coaches that are in the men’s program and it’s so nice to see the success that they have had," said Teliczan. "I have wanted to be so much a part of it and I felt connected already and now this opportunity came up and it’s just great timing for me.”

Teliczan comes to DU with a wealth of coaching and playing experience and most recently served as the assistant coach for Sparta High School. From 1995-2008, Greg was a member of the coaching staff of the Grand Rapids Gazelles and served as the head coach from 2000-2008 leading them to the Midwest 7's Championship in 2005. He also spent one season (2007) as an assistant coach for the United States National Team.

“While coaching with the men’s national, I tried to get involved with the women’s program as much as I can and I believe that the women’s players can catch on a little faster because they do not have that football mentality. It helps them and they think a lot more before they do something. In rugby you have to think quick but you have to think ahead.”

From 1978-2008, Teliczan played throughout the country and world with 19 of those years spent playing on the GR Gazelles. Greg played professionally in Brisbane, Australia in the summer of 1987 and also was a member of the US National Team in 1993.

“Rugby has really taken off and there are so many Michigan programs that are strong and the Midwest is also a strong place for rugby. I feel very confident that we can be very competitive right away in the first year," he said.

Greg is the owner-general contractor for Teliczan Construction and resides in Kent City, Mich.