Conestoga Rugby Archives - SAVVY MAINLINE

Hard to miss, impossible to forget: Teammates & friends to mark the too-short life & inspiring legacy of Stoga ‘22 rugby star Erik ‘Big E’ Elken. A tournament at USC & fundraiser in Wayne are days away.

March 16, 2026 / By Caroline O'Halloran / /

When doctors told Erik “Big E” Elken that the hip pain he couldn’t shake wasn’t another rugby injury – it was a rare and highly aggressive Stage 4 sarcoma, he waited two days to tell his coach.

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks were playing that weekend and the ever-thoughtful Scholastic All-American didn’t want to be a distraction.

Big E broke the news to Coach Roberts on Sunday: He had an 8-pound tumor – the size of a newborn – on his femur and he was flying home to Berwyn for treatment.

Devon Horse Show edition: Survivor Kirstin Day back in the saddle, What’s new in 2019, Shop the show. Plus, Cryoskin is here (!), Picket Post Pickle, Swedesford update, Trace Ardmore, Ardrossan, new Wayne co-op & more

May 23, 2019 / By Caroline O'Halloran / /

On June 1, Kirstin Rabe Day will return to the show ring at Devon.

It’s been a while.

Twenty years, in fact.

With her erect carriage, her spit-shined boots and gloved fingers, Kirstin will be the picture of equestrian elegance..

But beneath her finery, emotions will be churning.

I’m here.

I’m healthy.

I’ve made it back.

When she last competed at Devon, Kirstin, now 38, was a junior at Radnor High School. She won two ribbons.

Seven months later, she had to give up riding altogether, and with it, her beloved horse.