Black and Blue Coaching Staff

Flathead Youth Rugby is a set up like a traditional club sport. We have a state-wide governing body (MYRU) which dictates the season, matches, rules and regulations for each club. At the local level, we have a Club Board, Club President and coaches for each respective team.  As the organization grows, so to does the opportunity for parental involvement on the board, coaching, and volunteering for the myriad of jobs that help make the club work - everything from running the game camera, field preparations, to post-match picnics for our teams and the visiting players.

MEET OUR COACHES

Coach Arik Lybeck - U19 Boys  

A true Black and Blue alumni, Coach Arik played for the Flathead Valley Black and Blue from 2012 to 2015. He then went on to play at the collegiate level for 5 years while attending Montana State University (Bozeman, MT).

Coach Arik majored in K-12 Health Enhancement and minored in coaching. His goal as a head coach is to not only create athletes but to help model and mold young men into strong positive members of our local community. He also strives to create a safe environment for all to come and learn how to play the beautiful game of rugby. 

Coach Aaron Ullrich - U15 Boys

Coach Aaron is a passionate youth rugby coach with a lifelong love for the sport. In high school, he played as a dynamic scrum half, showcasing his skills and leadership. He continued in college, competing at the club level for two years and deepening his understanding of rugby's strategy and physicality. As a coach, Aaron draws on his experience to inspire young athletes, emphasizing teamwork, confidence, resilience, safety, and rugby's core values—discipline, respect, and camaraderie. In his free time, Aaron enjoys skiing, fishing, and watching international rugby matches.

Coach Jim Bunenger - U12 Coeds
Coach Jim has either played or coached rugby since the late 1980s and has played rugby on 4 separate continents, and his first coaching job was while attending grad school at Princeton where he was an assistant coach on the Princeton Women's team -a team that advanced to the National Final Four playoffs in 2000 and 2001 respectively.
One of Coach Jim’s claims to fame is that he has personally scored tries while playing each of the positions on a team over his storied career and he has had the privilege of playing with, and against, the New Zealand All Blacks and the Fijian International squads.  He says his coaching philosophy and ultimate priority is developing strong, well-rounded human beings rather than focusing solely on the team’s win-loss record. His desire is to cultivate intelligent players who use their heads, understand the consequences of their actions (good or bad), and develop the mindset required to achieve their goals - this demands a holistic approach; one that addresses every skill and ability necessary to grow into a top-level rugby player, and, equally, a better person.

During the winter months, Coach Jim can be found teaching skiing lessons at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Coach Rob Davison - Head Coach U19 Girls

Coach Rob has been part of the Flathead Valley Black and Blue for the past 12 years; having both his daughters and son play for the club. He has been at the helm of the girls U19 team for the past four years, and led the 2025 U19 Girls team to win the Montana Youth Rugby Union State Championship. He is passionate about building the high school girls team into one of the best not only in the state of Montana, but nationally as well. His coaching philosophy is based on developing quality young people through hard work, teamwork, and mutual respect. Coach Rob is also a veteran, having proudly served in the United States Army. 

Coach Tim Carlburg - Asst Coach U19 Girls

Coach Tim played rugby in high school and continued for a year while serving in the United States Army. With a degree in K–12 education, he brings both athletic experience and a strong teaching background to the team. Now in his second year as an assistant coach, Coach Tim serves as the teams primary strength and conditioning instructor.  He is dedicated to creating a safe, fun, inclusive, and engaging environment where players can develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

Our Coaches

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