November Player of the Month: Aiken Andutan

Former back turned speedy flanker, Aiken Andutan is the University of Michigan Rugby Football Club’s November Player of the Month. Aiken, who also goes by the name Kenny, joined the forwards and has been a consistent source of inspiration for his teammates. Whether it’s crushing an opposing forward or making a 50 meter run, Aiken is always fun to watch on the pitch. It’s no different at practice where you will often find Aiken amongst the leaders during conditioning. This past weekend, Aiken overcame a shoulder injury and put in a great performance against Michigan State. Cutting his dreadlocks delayed this award, but Aiken’s work ethic still makes him a clear choice for player of the month.

Height: 5’ 7”
Weight: 175 lbs
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Grandville, MI

Why rugby?
I started playing rugby my freshman year of high school after playing some pickup.  It was fairly new there, and it was something different, so I thought I’d give it a go.

What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
I definitely enjoy the camaraderie on and off the pitch, and not just with my teammates but the opposing team we just played against. But I would have to say I enjoy the spring break tours the most.  Going to a foreign place to play teams that might not even speak English, you can get a little bit of culture, too.

What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Scrum practice; Full field sprints and log-roll burpees

What other sports have you played?
Football, track and field (did some shot-put), and cross country.

In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Living in California, with an engineering job, and still playing rugby.  Hopefully, beach rugby.

What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
I threw a temper tantrum in a Walgreen’s once to get a magazine just because I saw Pokemon on the front cover.

Biggest fear?
Getting so injured that I can never play rugby again.  And ghosts.  Especially, the demonic ones.

Favorite food?
American, Chinese, or Filipino.  If it’s deep-fried and/or if it was once moving, I’d probably eat it.

Any game day superstitions?
Eating pasta the night before and cutting my fingernails.

Favorite superhero and why?
The Power Rangers.  They use martial arts and acrobatics to defeat evil while teaching some sort of positive lesson to children.

Best advice you’ve ever received?
“You’re not too small to play college rugby.”
-Brad Lusk on me debating to play college rugby, UMRFC alum and high school rugby coach