Drew Vecchio has been a significant strength for the club since his arrival as a freshman. His combination of size, strength, and quickness have made him a go-to player at lock for the Maize and Blue. Vecchio is often a quiet, gentle giant but during games he shows a real passion for the Wolverines. Drew was selected as a second team All-Big Ten player last year and continues to improve during his senior fall season.
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 250 lbs.
Year: Senior
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Why rugby?
I started playing rugby my senior year of high school. My school had started a team the year before, and when the football season was over, many of my friends on the team decided to go out for rugby and roped me into doing it with them. And I’ve never looked back.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
The camaraderie definitely. Never knew people who are such great friends on and off the field. This paired with some of the great traditions that are a part of the club, have made my time here so incredibly fun and memorable. Nicknames, songs, and other integral parts of the social side of the club have been equally important to the club’s history as has our play on the field.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
My most memorable moment came this past season against Wisconsin. Away at their field in Madison, both of us were fighting for a position in the Big Ten championship match. Late in the match, we had a lineout near the 22 meter mark. And we mauled. I was the person in the back who had stripped the ball from jumper, steering the maul. And we pushed Wisconsin back all the way into their own try zone where I scored it. And even though I put it down, all the credit goes to the rest of the forwards who pushed them back all that distance. Unfortunately we lost the match, but we solidified our position in the championship match the week after.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite is scrimmaging. Least favorite is #Stufit.
What other sports have you played?
I played soccer growing up and football in high school. A few other sports i played briefly are basketball, baseball, and lacrosse.
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Hopefully with a job that I enjoy using my degree in chemical engineering.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
My family never lets me forget the time I spent an hour knocking on the door to our hotel room before realizing that they had checked out already and were waiting for me in the car. My dad thought it wasn’t possible for me to be dumb enough to be still at our room and had assumed I got lost elsewhere in the hotel and spent the whole time looking for me.
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Big Ten Burrito
Biggest fear?
Failing.
Favorite food/meal?
California burritos. “The Wolverine” Burrito from Get Some Burritos is similar. Good enough to help me from going through withdrawals.
Any game day superstitions?
Not game day, but night before. Always have to order calzones and garlic knots from NYPD the night before a game. It’s my version of carbo-loading.
Favorite superhero and why?
Iron Man. His weapons are feats of science and engineering and he doesn’t rely on supernatural powers. Also, being a billionaire playboy while not fighting crime isn’t too bad of a perk.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott
