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Returning from a Rugby game in Bakersfield, California, Lin fell asleep at the wheel and died December 20, 1980. He was at the peak of his career. While at Cal Poly, Lin played and coached the side to 22 straight victories (1976-1977) and a 2nd division championship at the Santa Barbara Tournament in 1977. During this year, he was known as one of the best junior players in the state, from the No. 3 position.

Lin had a forging style of play all over the field. Intense pursuit and support were his trademarks, as well as owning a 60-yard punt

In 1978, he bridged the gap between the school and the city team opening the pipeline from one to the other, the first time since the split in 1975. Immediately, he assumed the organizational duties of the SLO club, (e.g. setting up the field every week). He also became the scrum coach and one of the team selectors.

His strong play from No. 8 caused him to be selected to play as a Southern California Union Representative in 1979 and again in 1980, and ultimately in 1981 helped the club move up from the Southern California’s 2nd division into the prestigious 1st division.

Lin was unanimously selected as Coach for the 1980-81 season, and totally immersed himself in the venture. He started in August to get the team into 1st side fitness and to evolve his coaching philosophy of “Running Rugby”. He involved himself in all aspects of the sport, from scheduling to going 300 miles in October to see the Eagles versus the All-Blacks in San Diego.

The club was improving rapidly under the disciplined practice sessions, and was enjoying success with a 3-1 record.

The normal pressures of preparing a team for the first division was bearing down on him, but he continued to persevere until his death on that Saturday after the game.

Upon the request of Lin’s parents (Mr. And Mrs. John Price of Whittier) and his wife Karen, SLORFC established the Lin Price Memorial Fund,

Their wish was a one-time fund to be established in Lin’s name, and that the monies be set aside to further rugby in San Luis Obispo. The fund received more than $1300 from diverse donations.

The monies were finally used this past summer making it possible for the SLO Rugby team, as well as other city sport teams, to practice after dark. The new lights at Taylor Field are the result of the Lin Price Memorial Fund.

In addition to the fund, SLORFC established the Lin Price Memorial Award. At the end of each season club members select a player or players who best exemplify the Lin Price Spirit of rugby, both on the field and off.

Past recipients are:

1981 – Max Knupper and Tim Kennedy
1982 – Joe Phillips
1983 – Paul Richerson
1984 – Matt Escobedo
1985 – Steve Curry
1986 – Roly Hutchison and Bo Kelly

This article was written sometime shortly after 1986.

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