Jesuit High School Sacramento is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of alumni Ray Lehner '88 and Kort Schubert '97, who were recently inducted into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding contributions to the sport and their legacy as two of the most accomplished American rugby players in recent history. In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Lehner was honored with the 2025 Craig Sweeney Award, given annually to a former USA Eagle who exemplifies the values of rugby through exceptional service, character, and leadership.
Ray Lehner's journey in rugby began during his time at Jesuit High School in Sacramento from 1985 to 1988, where he discovered his love for the game. While attending college, he made the defining decision to leave football behind in his sophomore year and dedicate himself fully to rugby. At the University of California, Berkeley, Lehner played a vital role in leading the Golden Bears to three straight national championships from 1991 to 1993 and was named an All-American three times. His international debut with the USA Eagles came in 1995, launching a career that included 37 international appearances and participation in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Between 1997 and 2001, Lehner studied at Oxford University, earning four Oxford Blues while pursuing a master's degree in Local History at Kellogg College. His coaching career began alongside his playing days at Cal and expanded over the years to include leadership roles at various programs. In 2010, he established the Boys and Girls Rugby program at Bishop O'Dowd High School, where he continues to serve as Director, helping to develop young athletes and instill a passion for the sport.
Kort Schubert's rugby career took root at Jesuit High School in Sacramento, where he began playing the sport at age 16 in 1996. His talent and leadership quickly elevated him to the national stage, where he represented the USA Eagles 15s from 2000 to 2008. Over his international career, he appeared in 50 matches, earned 49 caps, and captained the team for 18 games—including a streak of 17 straight matches—guiding the squad to its highest world ranking of that period. At the University of California, Berkeley, Schubert had a standout collegiate run from 1997 to 2002, contributing to five consecutive national championships. He was honored twice with the Woodley Award as the top collegiate rugby player in the nation and named Cal's Male Student Athlete of the Year in 2001. After graduation, Schubert became one of the first American players to transition directly from college to professional rugby overseas, signing with the Northampton Saints and later Cardiff Blues. He also competed in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, scoring three tries. Since retiring from professional play, Schubert has remained dedicated to the sport, coaching at Cal and mentoring young players through the Danville Oaks program. His achievements were recognized with induction into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.
Together, Lehner and Schubert's induction into the Hall of Fame is a proud moment not only for Jesuit Sacramento but for the broader rugby community. Their legacy continues to inspire the next generation of student-athletes to pursue excellence, integrity, and leadership on and off the field.
