June Alumnus of the Month: Joe Jerkins

Jerkins (center) playing in a 1986 Michigan Cup game against Grand Rapids. He recieved the Arnold Cowmeadow Award for his play in the tournament.

The alumnus of the month for June is a hard nosed back who played for the club in the 80’s. Joe Jerkins valued the brotherhood and camaraderie of the club more than anything and contributed as a player and club officer for the great teams of the mid 80’s. Read what Joe had to say about his time with the club below.

I played for UMRFC from Fall 1983 through Summer 1987. I was almost always a B or C side player at UofM, but what I lacked in skill, I tried to make up for with enthusiasm and a willingness to hit anyone. I’m not that big, but am reasonably quick so I was definitely a back. I mostly played wing with some time at out center and full back; however the position I enjoyed playing most was scrum half. I once hooked for a C or D side game, but my shoulders were just too bony – they were bruised and sore for weeks. My nickname is Jumpin’ Joe. Until a couple of years ago, I assumed it came from the fact that I tended to bounce in place with nervous excitement while waiting for the action to come my way. Dave Perpich informed me he coined it in a match after I got absolutely leveled when I was tackled, but jumped right back up and continued to play on.

I was lucky to be playing in the ’80s with too many UMRFC legends to list.  Some that still stand out in my mind include Dave Weber, the first person I meet on the pitch – great coach and great rugby role model, Jeff Hagen our captain and legendary player for decades, Dale Tuttle (slippery as an eel),  Dan Mascellino, Dave Perpich, Jim Hagerman, Ian Chapman,  Kevin Stone, Mike Lisi and so many others.

My greatest honor of all from my time with the club was being able to wear the UMRFC jersey. I did receive the Arnold Cowmeadow Award after a Michigan Cup tournament in ’86. Way back in the ’80’s, we were all one big team. I was equipment manager/treasurer for 2 or 3 years.  I guess I looked honest, and being an engineer, was good enough with numbers.  It was a thankless job that I don’t think anyone else wanted.  I ordered jerseys, shorts, socks, bags, balls, etc as well as managed the money from dues and fundraisers, such as cleaning up Crisler Arena, and UMRFC parties at Rick’s American Café.

Some of my favorite memories include our Bahamas tour in 1985 and Vancouver/Victoria BC in ’86. I came away from those trips with lots of great memories and stories. One of my all time favorite games was at Elbel Field against OSU in mud that would suck your cleats off if you didn’t tape them on.  It was almost impossible to tell who was who as everyone was with them being covered in mud. Pictures from the match even made it into the Daily.

Nowadays, I live in San Francisco with my wife, Christina, and 16 year old son, Joseph.  I work for Genentech (Roche) in South San Francisco.  Currently I’m head of Quality Systems for our development (clinical) drugs.

The camaraderie and class of UMRFC will always be with me.  I’ve played with other teams since (Fresno and Visalia, CA), but nothing compares. UMRFC taught me to get back up and keep going, to give it your all on and off the field and, something our politicians sorely need to remember, fight to win, but once the game is over, eat, drink, and sing together.