Mark Santiago
\Mark began his rugby career at University of Illinois at Chicago after a successful college baseball career. He then joined the Chicago Lions where he played wing and center. Mark helped the Lions make the 1991 and 1992 National Championships and then the Super League where he was also a captain for two years. . Mark was captain in the 1995/1996 season. Mark represented the CARFU Men’s Select as a player for 10 years and captained the side on several occasions. Represented the Midwest RFU Select Side for 6 years and captained the side on a few occasions. Mark was in the Eagle pool player. Mark also played professionally in South Africa for a season in 1993.
After playing, Mark had a very succesful coaching career in Women’s Rugby. Mark was coach of the North Shore Women RFC from 1996–2003. He helped build the program to national prominence and also propelled several women to the Eagles. Mark was part of the very successful Midwest Women All-Stars coaching staff from 1999–2007. Mark was known for developing players and got the opportunity with the USA Women’s National team. Mark was with the USA Women’s program from 2002-2007 developing many Women Eagles and going on several tours. Mark also coached the South Side Irish and the Chicago Area Select Side.
Maccabi USA Rugby
Mark first played for Maccabi USA Rugby at the Pan American Games in Uruguay in 1991. Mark then made the team in 1997 and was a critical part of the first-ever US team that won the Gold Medal. Mark dyed his hair blonde and was known as Blondie and went on to be one of two players to play every minute of every game and was an honorable mention for MVP. After playing, Mark was an assistant coach from 1998-2001. Mark was the assistant coach for the 2001 World Maccabiah Games which was a key moment in the Maccabi movement as it was right after the bombing of the disco. Mark and Jim Calmas, with the guidance of Jeff Simon, made the decision to participate in the games which showed their commitment and solidarity to Israel and the Games. The 2001 team won the Silver Medal. Mark was also at numerous Maccabi USA tryouts and helped select the squad.