February’s Player of the Month is Chening Duker. Chening comes to Michigan from across the pond in London. Duker brings a sense of fun and creativity to the team, often using it to bewilder opponents and convince them to not tackle him. He’s an athletic flanker who loves sevens and holding the ball in one hand. Great things are in Chening’s future as he has accumulated a mass of extra academic minutes by often being late to practice. Read on for more curious tidbits from the lovable Mr. Duker.
Why rugby?
I’ve been playing rugby since I was a sugar-fueled hyper-active 7 year-old. It’s a game where you are using every part of your body to outwit your opponent. You try to be stronger, or faster, or sneakier or more creative -and you have to make that choice is a fraction of a second. Then you go. That’s exciting.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
The people. Living amongst you guys is like being a part of loving family deeply committed to disrespecting a sense of normality. Coming home to buckets of gumballs, fried Oreos, limos, a skate park where the living room should be… It’s not like any other club.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Michigan state was winning their lineouts by faking the lift, then sending someone up later. So I decided to just jump early and stay up there for a few minutes or until they got penalized for not throwing the ball. Turns out I got penalized. I won the lineouts after that.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite: Any something-on-something drill (like 3 on 2), with emphasis on dummies/creativity.
Least: Scrum practice
What other sports have you played?
Eton Rugby Fives. It’s this cryptic English sport where you hit a rubber golf ball around a court designed to look like the outside of a church.
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Doing something I enjoy, trying to create something that makes a dent in the Status Quo.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
One time my dog bit my leg so I bit him back. I growled and everything, he was quite surprised.
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
My kitchen, while the oven is on- it’s the warmest place on campus.
Biggest fear?
Loved ones suffering. (Chening D: keeping it light-hearted)
Favorite food/meal?
Kelewele (Spicy Fried Plantain, Ghanian Delicacy)
Any game day superstitions?
I used to put a braid of blades of grass from the pitch in my left boot. Then I decided that wasn’t working so I stopped.
Favorite superhero and why?
Does the Disney version of Hercules count? Because that movie was boss, and he would kick Iron Man in the butt.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Learn the rules before you break them. – My Dad.
1 comments
Hi Chening:
I’d like to get in touch. I’m a fellow Old Millhillian and live in Bowling Green, Ohio.
I was a co-founder of the BGSU Rugby Club which we started in 1967 when I was a student here.
We’re starting a newsletter for North American OMs–191 of us–and would like to do a story on you.
You have my e-mail but my phone is 419-352-1464.
Would love to hear back when you have a moment.
I played rugger at Mill Hill…for school teams and Winterstoke– and for a season with the OMs before I left the UK.
.Best
Roger
(Winterstoke ’53-’58)