~Men~

Andrew Finn

When Andrew Finn first came to Ann Arbor he wasn't planning to follow his Dad's advice to transition from basketball to rugby. What a blessing that he did. Not only did Andrew deliver one of the hardest hits in the history of Michigan rugby on a kickoff in Mar Del Plata, Argentina. He changed what it meant to be a rugby player in Ann Arbor.

Under Andrew's leadership the team took shape as a competitive collegiate side with game-changing lineouts, our first-ever undefeated regular season, qualification for the national tournament in California, and two victories over Bowling Green to earn a Midwest Championship. Meanwhile the team's depth and range grew with the launch of the indoor winter sevens tournament, partnership programs with Poneke in New Zealand, coaching support from England & Canada, and practices of nearly 100 men at midnight on Tuesday nights. 

Steve Cohen

Few people have had as profound an influence on American collegiate rugby as Steve. His dedication to the sport spans seven decades and includes contributions as a player, coach, referee, and administrator. Steve has cared for all levels and genders, and notably addressed the needs of Division 3 rugby by forming the National Small College Rugby Organization. He later helped NSCRO transition to National Collegiate Rugby where it serves the majority of collegiate rugby teams.

Steve's time at Michigan came in the late 70s when he was a lock during the Dadas era alongside Quent Lawson. He soon transitioned to refereeing and would often host Michigan teams after reffing their matches. His friendships from those teams have held strong and the group reunites to this day.

Tony Menyhart

Tony's career included times in New Zealand, Australia, England, and across the United States. He spent decades with Michigan, helping them to multiple Big Ten titles in the 70s and 80s. He played mainly as a backrow forward but covered nearly every position across hundreds of games. To all his clubs he brought a winning attitude, fierce play, and a loyalty to his teammates. These teammates recall Tony's game-changing on-field impact.

His commitment to the sport extended into coaching and administrative roles. One of Tony's initiatives was the Olde Blue on the Road trips. His love for rugby has influenced his family as well with three brothers and three children all picking up the sport. He continues to support the teams in town, as well as the Purdue men who he helped form in 1970.

~Women~

Kelly McMahon

Kelly McMahon played rugby for the University of Michigan in the late 90s, and set a high standard for competition and camaraderie that the team embodies today. After college, Kelly played rugby for the USWNT, the NY RFC, and contributed to the team as a coach and mentor.  Kelly is an accomplished professional in the field of education, holding a PhD from the University of Michigan School of Education Policy and serving as a Senior Associate at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Julie Silverstein

Julie was one of the founding members of the UMWRFC in 1980 and instrumental in planting the first seeds of women’s rugby at the University of Michigan. She embodies the spirit of rugby in her approach to building connections and fostering camaraderie every day. Julie is also the founder of Julie Silverstein and Partners, a firm that specializes in helping Founders move from that critical stage of Founder to CEO through mentoring and business guidance.

Alena Olsen

Alena Olsen is a shining light to all women that step on the pitch at Michigan, as a clear example of how hard work and a deep commitment to teamwork can materialize into a career in rugby. As a full-time resident at the USA Rugby Olympic Training Center in San Diego, CA., Alena has had many awe-inspiring achievements including:

• Pan American Games Silver medalist
• Numerous World Series Caps 
• 13 International Tournaments (Captained 2)
• 2 Club National Championships

Rebecca Belian

On the field, Rebecca Belian is a fierce competitor and incredible teammate. She played rugby for UofM in the late 90s and then went on to play for local clubs and was a core member of the local rugby community.  During the pandemic, Rebecca reached out to help inspire our locked down athletes by joining our online fitness sessions, and creating contests for the team to challenge one another when we could not see each other in person. Her contributions as a mentor and member of our alumni board continue to be inspiring to us all!

John Hartman

John’s combination of speed and skill are nearly unmatched in Michigan history. His quick play helped propel him to USA selection as an undergraduate in the 80s. Along the way, he helped Michigan win multiple Big Ten titles and claim a third-place national finish. He primarily played as flyhalf for Michigan but wing for the USA.

John remains humble about his abilities, often citing Michigan’s other 80s backline standouts such as Dave Weber. John’s respect for the game, love of his teammates, and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to all future Michigan players.

Quent Lawson

Quent was an affable teammate and steadfast competitor. He began at Yale as an undergrad before playing in law school at Michigan, helping the team to many victories in Ontario and the Big Ten. After Michigan he moved to Washington DC and joined Sudamericano Rugby Football Club and helped form Potomac Athletic Club, serving as captain and president. His guidance helped build PAC into one of the strongest clubs in the east and included a national championship in 1995.

Quent was universally respected and liked. He loved people, their stories, and the strength of bonds formed through rugby. The goodness of his character left a lasting impression on countless teammates and friends.

Herb Hopkins

After captaining Dartmouth’s football team, Herb took up rugby at Michigan in the late 70s. He helped the team to victories across the Midwest, playing as #8, flanker, and prop. He was a large and imposing player whose toughness inspired his teammates. His strong will empowered him through injuries and opposition.

This incredible source of energy carried over into his social life where he often led spontaneous adventures that are recounted to this day. He was a loyal friend and teammate and believed in those around him.

Mike Lisi

Mike’s tireless administrative and historical efforts in the 80s have provided the club with photo albums, game results, and alumni contacts, all dating back to the team’s first game in 1959. These riches—gathered well before online archival methods—were gained through Mike’s commitment to scouring the U-M Alumni Association’s and the Bentley Historical Library’s physical files. Mike also recognized the need to increase program resources and helped form the first iteration of the Michigan Rugby Foundation. Mike’s lasting legacy has been providing the team with just that, a better understanding of our legacy and those who made it.



In addition to his off-field work, Mike was a tough inside center who humbly downplays his abilities as a player. While other players may have received more accolades, it’s no coincidence they were lining up next to Mike.

Keith Stone

Keith’s steadfast commitment to the team and the sport are legendary. Keith played in the front row for Michigan from 1974 to 1989, winning multiple Big Ten championships and representing the club on select sides. His longevity and ability as a physical presence up front are matched by few. In the 90s, once finished playing, he helped start Brighton High School’s rugby team where he coached for nearly 20 years, and which has sent numerous players on to Michigan.

Keith spoke few words but was tough, fearless, and fierce in competition, as both a player and coach. In addition, he is a loyal friend and teammate, and has inspired decades of Michigan ruggers.

Arnold Cowmeadow

A “unique institution unto himself” may best describe Arnold in his decades here in Ann Arbor as a player, referee, and spectator. He embodied the Michigan Rugby ethos of playing dynamic and attacking rugby regardless of field position or score and loathed “Boring rugby!” as he called it.



Inspirational even in his latter years, Arnold would often bike 10-15 miles to games, stalk the sidelines exhorting the team on to victory, then bike home to host at the pastoral setting of Maremeadow farm. His dear wife Mary and son Dillon still host the Olde Blue so that future generations can enjoy a taste of yesteryear.

Bruce Kingsbury

Bruce was a notable larger-than-life figure in Michigan Rugby from 1972 to 1990, playing and living with a consistent devil-may-care attitude both on and off the field. While others would whine about selections, Bruce was always happy to play wherever and whatever position he was called upon. Countless times he would travel with a group of young and raw recruits and teach them to win, protect and defend them against old thugs common in those days, tell them tales of great victories, and generally encourage, befriend, and teach the young lads in a way like no other. Bruce once said, “My blood runs BLUE” and we believe that his truly did!

Dave Perpich

Dave has been a “club man” for four decades now, both on and off the field. He played on the 1995 National Championship team, the Midwest regional team for many years, coached the men’s collegiate side as well as the women’s in the 00’s, and has notably led the club in social endeavors and on countless tours as perhaps no other before him or since.



A fierce warrior on the field—first as a second rower to learn the game and then later at #8 where he excelled—Dave was notoriously known, whether loved or feared, by ruggers from across the country. 

Matt Trenary

Few have had such an impact on Michigan Rugby as Matt Trenary. His life-long commitment to the team began in his first days at U of M. Showing up early to practice, staying sometimes hours after, he was not only one of the most gifted athletes but one of the hardest working. He played in New Zealand, played in England, and represented our club on the Midwest Thunderbirds. He worked for a while at USA Rugby in Colorado before coming back to Ann Arbor to coach the team from 2011-2014. His vision and professionalism took the team to new heights both on the field and off, and he was instrumental in creating the Big Ten competition. A family man at heart, he took some time off from coaching but returned to the helm again in 2019.