Blackswans RFC Executive
Stratford Blackswans prides itself in being a highly organized club. The organization and depth behind fundraising and events is brought to you by an outstanding group of executive members allowing for the club to grow and thrive. Rugby clubs would be nothing if it wasn’t for groups of dedicated volunteers that have strong passions for the game of rugby. Blackswans RFC executive members will do the best they can to answer any of the questions or concerns you have. Please feel free to contact them at the contact points below!
Aaron Parsons - Club President
Aaron Parsons has been a member of the Stratford Blackswans since 1996 as a player, coach, and club executive. Aaron, as a player, has represented the Blackswans at many levels including Ontario summer games, Niagara Thunder and Sounthwest Selects. Aaron is one of the two highest capped Blackswans in club history and continue to play large minutes for our mens program. As a coach, he has been at the forefront at all levels from youth to sr men and women. As a club executive, Aaron has ran the role of president for 12 of the past 14 seasons and enjoys with passions driving forward.
Highlights include, branch championships and club accomplishments but most of all being the catalyst on the swans finding a home and partnership with the A.N.A.F
Steve Thedorff – Director/ Past President
Steve joined the Blackswans in 2007, playing for the U18 program for 3 seasons and Senior Men’s program since joining. He has also played for the University of Waterloo Warriors rugby program and the Southwest Wolfpack U21 program. Steve has helped coach the Women’s program since its revival in 2014 and has been the head coach of the program since 2015. Steve served as president of the club for two years and has maintained a position with the executive as a director/past president while continuing to play for the Senior men’s program and coach the Women’s program. Steve has been a part of the ups and downs of the club over the last 15 years and is looking forward to the continued growth of our club.
Riley Mcloed - Field & Equipment Director
I have been with the club for approximately 7 years. I joined the club after playing college and high school rugby, around the age of 21. I knew the Stratford Blackswans were a very competitive club and had a good track record of being in the top ranks of their league. I joined with the hopes to help not only improve my skills not only as a player but a leader on the field and off. During my time with the club I have had a lot of great experiences including traveling with my club members and competing on a competitive level of rugby.
Heather Wilson - Secretary
Heather initially became involved in the club when she and her family emigrated in 2009, and her son started playing for the Swans U14 team. She was asked to come on board in 2011/2012 as Secretary. Heather helped organize the Club's 2013 Tour to Scotland - men & junior team, with Aaron Parsons. She was instrumental in organizing the flights, accommodation, sightseeing and ensuring that from the Canadian side that everything ran smoothly. In 2016 Heather became involved with the Cygnet Flag Programme. Heather was asked in 2019/2020 to become the Swans/ANAF Liaison Officer and is also the clubs 'unofficial' photographer. One of Heather's biggest honours of being involved in the Club, was when she was presented with the 2016 Women's RFC Club Award.
Stacy Timmermans
Stacy has been a part of the women’s rugby team since it was created in 2014, and has been playing rugby for over 12 years. She’s been a member of the swans executive for the past 4 years and is committed to the growth of the woman’s program.
Devon Fischer - Men’s Rep
Devon has been apart of the Stratford BlackSwans RFC for approximately 11 years. First, playing 2 years for the U18 program, and playing for the Men’s program since turning 18. Devon competed for the Georgian Grizzlies in the OCAA, achieving a birth in the OCAA final in 2015. There is no shortage of memorable moments as a BlackSwan, with his highlights including being apart of two club championships. Devon has served as Men’s Rep for our club since the 2019 season. This includes working with club executive, assisting club decisions and planning, assisting with community outreach and being a liaison for men’s club members. Rugby has been an integral part Devons life since playing his first game for the St Michaels Catholic Secondary School Warriors in grade 9.
Stu Macquaig - Treasurer
I am Stu MacCuaig, your Blackswans Treasurer since 2016; when I was asked to join and manage the Clubs finances. The Club Treasurer is responsible for; managing the flow of money into the club and for allocating and recording how that money is spent to run the club. This vital role ensures protection of the club's cash and assets, and the collection of all revenues and payment of all financial obligations. The treasurer also works with the executive committee planning the development of the club e.g., Creating annual budgets, Monthly summaries, estimating funds required for capital projects.
Ben Macquag - Vice President and Registrar
My name is Ben MacCuaig. I have been with the Blackswan for 12 years as a player and 8 as an executive. Currently, I sit as the club VP and Registrar. I began playing rugby to fulfill a want for a contact summer sport, what I got in return I could not fathom. Rugby is one of the most inclusive and best sports in the world, built to be enjoy by any person from every facet of life!