Though a novice to the sport after a playing soccer at LaPlata (MD) HS, Ray burned brightly on the pitch in his two-and-a-half years at Towson (1990-1992). Guided by men like Head Coach Chris Schmidt, teammate Alec Klinghoffer, and future national Hall of Famer Mike Flanagan, he excelled as a prop, flyhalf, and center. (And he was pretty decent match secretary, as well.)

 It wasn’t long before his skills and leadership were noticed beyond Towson. He was selected to captain the Potomac Rugby Union U21 tour of France and, in 1992, he was named to the Eastern Collegiate All Stars and won Division I Collegiate All-America honors. It was obvious to all that Ray was ready to compete at the highest level.

 The following spring found him suiting up for the Cal (UC Berkeley) Bears, long one of the country's premier programs. Under legendary coach Jack Clark, he won national titles for the final three years of his collegiate career (1993-1995), serving as captain in the final year. Another national title followed in his first year (1996) at Old Mission Bay Athletic Club (OMBAC). Meanwhile, between 1994 and 1998, he racked up eleven caps for the Eagles 15s and four for the Eagles 7s.