Continue reading »]]>

The UMRFC is excited to announce that the 2013 High School Clinic will be June 15th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at North Field in Ann Arbor. The clinic is open to boys aged 13-18. All participants will receive a clinic t-shirt as well as lunch. The cost of the clinic is $60.

Players will receive 1 on 1 skill training but also function in drills and games as a group. In addition, team attack and defensive concepts will be addressed. University of Michigan coaches and players will be giving the instruction in passing, rucking, tackling, running lines, and space identification. Also included, Strength and Conditioning Coach Stu Roche will talk about strength and speed training as well as nutrition guidelines. The clinic will give participants the chance to experience the life of a University of Michigan rugby player.

To be a part of Michigan Rugby for a day, sign up here!

Continue reading »]]>

Meet former UMRFC player and future doctor, Davy Hamilton. With a decade of experience under his belt, Coach Davy took charge of new player development this past fall and the improvements have been obvious to all those following the club. From his play on the pitch, dedication to the club post-graduation, and  endeavors in the medical field, Davy is a great role-model and source of inspiration to the younger guys. His departure to medical school next year will surely leave big shoes to fill.

Hometown: Columbus, IN
Degree/major: BS in Movement Science
Position: Assistant coach, flanker and halfback (during my playing days)
Undergraduate years: 2007-2011

How long have you been playing rugby?
I have been playing rugby for too long.
2002-2007 Columbus Rugby Football Club
2007-2011 UMRFC
2011-Present Michigan Men’s Rugby Football Club

How did you start playing rugby?
Truth be told, my investment in rugby started with my love of football. Having played football my whole life, I desired to improve my skills and play in the very similar sport of rugby. I had friends on the high school team so it was a fun change of pace from the humdrum of football. Ten years later, I consider myself lucky to have made that decision.

Favorite UMRFC match?
It would have to be the upset of Ohio at the Big Ten tournament during my senior year. We came out strong and took down the superior team on paper, proving that rugby is less about strength or skill and more about heart.

Favorite UMRFC memory?
This is a tough question. Of the many adventures that I had during my UMRFC experience, I would say that the trip to the National Tournament during my freshman year would have to be the fondest. The support that we received from the entire Michigan Rugby community was tremendous and even though we didn’t end up winning the championship the memories from that will stick with me for years to come.

Any rugby team you follow outside of the U.S.?
I don’t follow any teams religiously but I do like to watch New Zealand and Super Rugby.

What other sports did you play throughout life?
I love sports of all kinds. I have played football, baseball, wrestled, and of course, my second favorite sport behind rugby, table tennis.

Favorite hobbies?
Fantasy baseball and reading are really the only hobbies I have time for right now.

Food?
Papa Hamilton’s Fried Rice

T.V. Show?
ESPN

Movie?
Gladiator

Band?
Outkast

What are you doing right now?
I am currently working as a neuroscience researcher investigating the mechanism by which depression and drug abuse effect the brain. Those are relatively fancy terms to describe a cool job in which I give cocaine to rats and monitor its effect. I do love my job but it is simply a detour on my route to becoming a doctor. Recently, I have completed the medical school application process and now have to make a decision on where I want to be for the next four years.

Where do you see yourself in fifteen years? 
I am a goal oriented guy and over the next fifteen years many of these goals revolve around following through with my career plans in becoming a doctor. Med School, residency, research, and my first job in some medical specialty will consume most of my time and energy.

My rugby future is still up in the air, I am unsure that I will be able to dedicate much time to playing or coaching in my medical training but becoming an angry old boy is still very much an option.

Continue reading »]]>

April’s Alumnus of the Month is none other than Kevin Barlow. An early 2000s mainstay of the club, Kevin hasn’t stopped his support since. Barlow was instrumental in the early growth of the university side. He played lock and occasionally #8. Now he’s one of the ring leaders of the west coast UMRFC contingent. Make sure to find him if you are ever in the bay area.

When did you play?
2000-2004. From Game 1 my freshman year at Michigan St. to Old Boys my senior year.

Any special honors (Officer positions, championships, etc?)
I was elected Social Chair alongside the legendary Mike “Bender” Lavalle in the spring of my Freshman year in 2001 and was elected President following another Mike, Mike Cavnar my sophomore year. Together with a few other people who are still to this day some of my best friends we grew the club from 17 people in 2000 to the 75 man club that competed for the National Championships in 2005, one year after I was 1 of 2 seniors to actually graduate on time. I also was responsible for planning the 2002 spring break trip to Trinidad and Tobago. I was given one of our mistakenly ordered wrong sized practice balls as a career service award at Old Boys my senior year by Andrew Finn.

Favorite memory or memories?
Past Memories: 701 S. Division St, 144 Hill St and touring the country in 15 passenger vans and mini-vans. The experience of watching the team grow and the friendships made. Beating Bowling Green and MSU.

Recent Memories: 3 UMRFC members, Brian Godlesky, Mike Lavalle and Mike Livanos were groomsmen of mine in Hawaii for my wedding to my wife Kelly who I met at Michigan in 2002 in part because I was President of UMRFC. Scumpy Jack aka Michael West was our officiant. Craig Williams, Bo Winegarner, Wes Farrow, Leo Kim, Andrew Marcus, Kurt Klein, Kevin Martel, Anoop Nundkumar (he was our mascot in 2003) all spent the week with us in Hawaii.

Future Memories: Raising my daughter (Kate due in July) on the West Coast with Craig Williams’ daughter (June) and Mike Livanos’ daughter (Zooey) and the soon to be next generation. The next Vegas 7′s trip with 3 generations of Michigan Rugby every February until I am Tom Stulberg’s age.

What are you doing now?
I live in San Francisco and run the Northwest for a mid size Private Client Investment Management firm. I will be attending Wharton’s MBA program in San Francisco starting in May 2013 and have already been in touch with their rugby club about tournaments and spring breaks. I did write my application essay on leadership about my time with UMRFC.

Anything else you’d like us to know?
The Michigan Rugby curse is real. You will have a daughter first.

Continue reading »]]>

The victorious graduating seniors left to right, Sebastian Harrison, Dave Hiltzik, Matt Pilon, Sergio Rocha, Mike LaCivita, Nic Bishar, Olly Gregerson, Grady Bridges, Chris Hopfner, Pete Melgren.

This past Saturday was both a successful and emotional day for many players in the UMRFC. It was the last time many seniors would ever play for the Maize and Blue, and the Wolverines wanted to make it a good game for their seniors to remember against Central Michigan.

It was a cold, wet day played in not only the mud but a little snow as well. Michigan came out with a roster chocked full of seniors, eager to leave everything they had on the field. The Wolverines had historically struggled in the opening minutes of the game this spring season, so a quick score in the sixth minute by Joel Conzelman showed everyone in attendance that the Maize and Blue were here to play. Grady Bridges successfully converted the try to give Michigan an early 7-0 lead. Bridges added to the score 20 minutes later, weaving through the defense to take the ball in for the try. He converted his own score and gave the Wolverines a solid lead of 14-0. Central weren’t push-overs though, and their large pack helped move them down the field to eventually score their first points of the game in the 36^th minute from mounting 5-meter scrum pressure. The conversion was no good, however, making it a 14-5 score at the half.

Joel Conzelmann breaks away for the opening try.

The second half started with an aggressive push by CMU that led them into Michigan territory. This culminated in a Michigan penalty in the 44^th minute, around the 22 meter mark that CMU elected to kick for points. CMU’s 8 man kicked the ball straight and true and found his mark between the posts to bring the Chippewas one possession within the lead at 14-8. The next 35 minutes of play found the two teams slogging through the mud, going back and forth competing for the ball and field position. The forwards found themselves called upon often, due to the muddy conditions and cold weather inhibiting what the backlines could do. However, Bridges eventually capped off the game in style in the 79^th minute, comfortably securing the lead for Michigan and converting his own score from close to the sideline. This made the final score 21-8 bringing the seniors a gratifying final win to their Michigan careers.

1. Zach Kendall (Arnett 10′)
2. Evan Rourke
3. Nic Bishar (Fehrman 49′)
4. Matt Pilon (Vecchio 29′)
5. Sergio Rocha (Starkweather 57′)
6. Dave Hiltzik (Duker 65′)
7. Olly Gregerson (Andutan 40′)
8. Mike LaCivita
9. John Palladino
10. Grady Bridges
11. CJ Stock (Smart 74′)
12. Jared Bosma
13. Evan Noon
14. Chris Hopfner (Borowski 22′)
15. Joel Conzelmann
16. Brennen Arnett
17. Nick Fehrman
18. Drew Vecchio (Van Harn 72′)
19. Stuart Starkweather
20. Chening Duker
21. Kenny Andutan
22. Cole Van Harn
23. Mark Borowski
24. Cooper Smart

Tries: Conzelmann 6′, Bridges 25′, 79′
Cons: Bridges 7′, 26′, 79′

Travis Sawyer makes a break for U of M.

The B-side followed up the A-side game looking to continue a great day for the club. It was a tough fought first half with both sides struggling to play through the muddy and rough conditions. There were plenty of scrums called and many turnovers from each side which eventually led to a scoreless first half. The Wolverines great conditioning showed in the second half however as they shot out of the gate with Cole Van Harn quickly scoring in the 31^st minute with a hard run to get past the try line. Zack Burns missed the conversion however. Michigan then received the ensuing kickoff and Chening Duker found the ball and slipped through the CMU defensive line, breaking all the way down the field to score in the 32^nd minute, giving the B-side a 12-0 lead in just 2 minutes of play. Senior Sergio Rocha also found his special moment of the day, taking the ball off of a penalty and pounding his way over Chippewa defenders to score a tough fought try near the right post in the 45^th minute. Burns successfully converted the try giving the Wolverines a 19-0 lead. The final 15 minutes was noted by tough defense on each side, with neither team giving up or giving ground. However at the end of 60 minutes, the score remained 19-0 Michigan and UMRFC ended its season with two wins on the day, sending off its seniors in style.

1. Jackson Wagner
2. Travis Sawyer
3. Nic Bishar (Fehrman 30′)
4. Joe Stevens
5. Olly Gregerson
6. Jesse Fenno
7. Chening Duker
8. Cole Van Harn
9. Mark Borowski (Stock 5′)
10. Zack Burns
11. Brandon Gardner
12. Ben Clemens (Rocha 32′)
13. Cooper Smart
14. Neal Slabberkoorn
15. Kevin Linder
16. Nick Fehrman
17. CJ Stock
18. Sergio Rocha

Tries: Van Harn 31′, Duker 32′, Rocha 45′
Cons: Burns 33′, 45′

Continue reading »]]>

Joel Conzelmann received All Big Ten Honorable Mention

Six Michigan Rugby men were recently honored with Big Ten recognition. Big Ten Rugby named 1st and 2nd teams as well as handed out honorable mention to players from the fall season and this past weekend’s championships.

Sequoyah Burke-Combs was U of M’s lone 1st team representative as a wing. A sophomore transfer from Grand Valley State University, Burke-Combs scored seven tries this fall for the Maize and Blue.

On the second team were sophomore Drew Vecchio and junior Kenny Andutan. Vecchio is a 6’4″ 260 lb. lock who is starting to assert his size on opposition. Kenny is the current UMRFC captain and was named at flanker where his small size belies a ferocity in contact situations.

Honorable mention recipients were graduating captains Mike LaCivita and Grady Bridges, as well as Joel Conzelmann. LaCivita spent his fall playing #8 for the team while Bridges was flyhalf and the team’s leading scorer. Both will play their last game for U of M this Saturday against Central Michigan. Conzelmann, a sophomore, played fullback in the fall but has mostly played at flyhalf for the Maize and Blue this spring.

Continue reading »]]>

Stuart Starkweather runs with the ball near the try line.

At the exciting Big Ten’s Weekend Michigan looked to carry the momentum from their big win a week ago into their match against Iowa this past Saturday.

It was a hard fought game with the Wolverines eventually coming out on top, but not without a few scares along the way. Iowa came out of the gate with a strong start and immediately took the lead in the 3^rd minute, scoring a short try, capitalizing off of Michigan mistakes. The conversion was no good. Iowa built upon this lead with another try in the 14^th minute and a 3^rd try in the 21^st minute, taking a commanding 17-0 lead halfway through the first half. It was at this point that the Wolverines were able to pull it together and respond, quickly scoring after receiving their own kickoff. Hard runs by the backs and good rucking by the forwards were the highlights of this 2 minute long scoring effort capped off by a tough run by Joel Conzelman as he weaved through the Iowa defense, slipping off defenders. Grady Bridges successfully converted the try. Drew Vecchio added to the Michigan scoring in the 35^th minute as he pounded his way through the Iowa defensive line and put the ball over the try line. The conversion was no good however. Iowa wasn’t out of the game yet and a quick strike off a botched kickoff reception by Michigan led to a try to make the score 12-22 in Iowa’s favor at the half.

Chening Duker catches the ball during a lineout.

The second half was all Blue, as Michigan came out of the halftime break looking for points and eager for a victory. Chening Duker got the Wolverines off to a good start with a quick score in the 43^rd minute. 8 minutes later, Evan Rourke then tied the game up as he quickly picked the ball out of a ruck and fell over the try line. Bridges gave Michigan the first lead of the day by successfully converting the try and making the score 24-22 Michigan. Ian Etheart furthered the Michigan lead with a tough Scrumhalf sneak, powering his way over the line for the try in the 57^th minute.

John Palladino added another try to the quickly increasing Michigan lead in the 63^rd minute as well. A great break by Christian Mentzer allowed him to offload to Palladino who sidestepped two defenders en route to the tryzone. Bridges could not convert either try however, making the score 34-22 Michigan. Duker put up his second try of the day for the Maize and Blue in the 76^th minute, slipping through the Iowa defense. Bridges converted the try to give Michigan a 41-22 lead. Iowa wasn’t going to roll over and give up as they scored a try in the 79^th minute with a conversion to make the final score 41-29.

1. Zach Kendall (Shapiro 64′)
2. Evan Rourke
3. Nick Fehrman (Arnett 15′)
4. Stuart Starkweather
5. Drew Vecchio
6. John Palladino
7. Chening Duker
8. Kenny Andutan
9. Ian Etheart
10. Joel Conzelmann
11. Chris Padmos
12. Christian Mentzer
13. Jared Bosma
14. Mark Borowski (Arevuo 75′)
15. Grady Bridges
16. Brennen Arnett
17. Ben Shapiro
18. Joe Stevens
19. Jesse Fenno
20. Max Arevuo
21. Zack Burns
22. Kevin Linder
23. Vino Ravichandran

Tries: Conzelmann 24′, Vecchio 35′, Duker 43′, 76′, Rourke 51′, Etheart 57′, Palladino 63′
Cons: Bridges 25′, 51′, 76′

B-side scrum vs. Purdue

Afterwards, the Michigan B-side teamed up with players from Iowa’s club to take on a Purdue team that consisted of most of Purdue’s A-side. The affectionately named Hawkerines put up a good effort, but the experience Purdue had from playing with one another prevailed and Purdue won the friendly 50 minute match 34-5. It was certainly a fun time, and another great experience for newer players to get valuable time on the pitch. It was also a great way to meet fellow Big Ten ruggers and enjoy the great sense of camaraderie that rugby instills. All in all it was an extremely successful weekend for the UMRFC and one that everyone who made the long journey enjoyed.

Continue reading »]]>

Coach Matt Trenary and President Ian Etheart display the 2013 Club Sports Outstanding Service Award

Michigan Rugby recently won their second consecutive Club Sports Outstanding Service Award. The club prides itself on service both in the Ann Arbor community and abroad.

This year the club volunteered at U of M blood drives, organized team blood giving, assisted a family in need at Christmas, helped clean up the Grand River Creative Corridor, assisted the Red Cross in Trinidad and Tobago, and volunteered at various youth rugby and sport events. The team is also preparing to assist the From the Heart program at the Mott Children’s Hospital.

In addition to this award, the team was also a finalist for the Club Sports Sportsmanship Award for the camaraderie rugby teams embrace each other with on game days. Other finalists included Mike LaCivita and Joel Conzelmann for Club Sports Outstanding Male Athlete and Ian Etheart for the Janet K. Wells Outstanding Leadership Award.

The Michigan Difference Student Leadership Awards ceremony was held by the Division of Student Affairs in the Michigan Union Rogel Ballroom and encompassed all aspects of university life. Congratulations to all of the award winners in their excellent representation of the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

Continue reading »]]>

The April Player of the Month is junior Ben Shapiro. A dedicated weight room worker, Ben handles himself at prop while being a bit undersized for the position. Ben studies Civil Engineering and plans to continue his family’s line of work in crane construction in New York City. Shapiro joined the club just last year but is a great contributor and now handles the club’s merchandise. Ben is primed for a solid senior year during the 2013-2014 season.

Height: 5′ 10″
Weight: 195 lbs.
Year: Junior
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Oceanside, NY

Why rugby?
It all started when CJ Stock dragged me to my first practice at Oosterbaan on a cold December night. I had no cleats, no mouth guard, and no idea what was going on, but by the end of the night I couldn’t wait for the next one.

What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
I can say with confidence that there is nothing in this world quite like Michigan rugby. While I’ve come to love playing rugby, Michigan rugby is about the people, the camaraderie, and the tradition. I have never met a more genuine and interesting group of guys and I love each of them for it.

Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Scoring my first try in a match against GVSU. We marched down the field only to be repeatedly smashed at the try line. Finally, Collin Ward (Peach) fed me a pass by the left sideline that I was able to pound through. Felt great.

What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite drill is hitting the scrum sled. My least favorite is sprints. It’s a safe bet most props would agree.

What other sports have you played?
In high school I played tennis. I also wrestled for a couple of years and played some house league roller hockey.

In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
In five years I hope to be living in Manhattan and working as an engineer on building the country’s tallest skyscrapers.

What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
When I was about 5 I thought only liked vanilla ice cream. One day my older brother let me try a bite of his chocolate ice cream and when I told him I liked it, he convinced me that the only way I could like chocolate was by flushing a container of vanilla ice cream down the toilet. I’ll never forget the look on my mothers face when she asked what I was doing with a scooper and a half gallon of ice cream in the bathroom.

Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
The Black House. Every time you walk in the door you never know what you’re going to find.

Biggest fear?
My biggest fear is becoming complacent. I hope I never lose the desire to try something new.

Favorite food/meal?
Brick oven pizza from the original John’s on Bleeker Street in New York.

Any game day superstitions?
Not so much superstition as ritual, but a big cup of black coffee and some loud Rage Against the Machine on the iPod.

Favorite superhero and why?
Batman: billionaire playboy by day, crime fighter by night. With only his razor sharp intellect, cutting edge gadgetry, and some great moves, it allows me to continue believing that I could, one day, be Batman.

Best advice you’ve ever received?
The ultimate goal of life does not lie in wealth or notoriety, but to be able to look in the mirror and be truly happy with what you see.

Continue reading »]]>

John Palladino looks at the ball during a UMRFC scrum.

Coming off of a tough loss to WMU, the Wolverines came out with a vengeance, looking to pick up their first win of the spring season.

From the start, Michigan looked strong in their play and started off the scoring in the 2^nd minute with a hard run by Kenny Andutan to score. The Wolverines kept the pressure up all game, creating a 59-0 lead at the half. Michigan’s unselfish offensive play led to many scoring opportunities for a great deal of players. Michigan’s offense showed a great deal of patience between phases, and the open field play was highlighted by good decision making that allowed for Michigan to take advantage of Oakland mistakes. Evan Noon showed off his play in the back line, utilizing his good vision of the field and run of play to make great passes that allowed for line-breaks by the backs. John Palladino played a good game from scrumhalf, a new position to him. He distributed the ball well and lent a decisive voice to the Michigan side.

In the second half, a large number of up and coming ruggers were able to get in valuable A-side experience on the pitch. New member Cooper Smart started off his A-side play with a bang by scoring a hat trick in his first game. The freshman from Malibu did so from the fullback position. Michigan maintained their dominance in the second half; however, Oakland managed to pick up two tries of their own off of long runs by their athletic fullback in the 46^th and 54^th minutes. Conversion kicking for the UMRFC was strong all day despite a very strong wind, making 14 of 17 kicks between Zach Burns and Joel Conzelmann.

The final score of the game was 113-14 for Michigan in a friendly game that got everyone valuable experience.

A side Roster:

1. Ben Shapiro
2. Evan Rourke
3. Brennen Arnett
4. Mike LaCivita
5. Drew Vecchio
6. Kenny Andutan
7. Chening Duker
8. Cole Van Harn
9. John Palladino
10. Joel Conzelmann
11. Chris Padmos
12. Jared Bosma
13. Evan Noon
14. CJ Stock
15. Grady Bridges
16. Jackson Wagner
17. Zach Kendall
18. Nic Bishar
19. Stuart Starkweather
20. Travis Sawyer
21. Zach Burns
22. Christian Mentzer
23. Cooper Smart
24. Sergio Rocha
25. Jesse Fenno
26. Olly Gregerson
27. Ian Etheart
28. Ryan McDonough
29. Kevin Linder
30. Neal Slabberkoorn

Tries: Andutan 2′, Bridges 7′, 14′, 17′, Conzelmann 22′, Stock 26′, LaCivita 29′, Vecchio 36′, Padmos 39′, 64′, Smart 43′, 73′, 78′, Palladino 48′, Mentzer 50′, 70′, Van Harn 67′,
Converions: Conzelmann 2′, 7′, 17′, 22′, 29′, 36′, 39′, Burns 43′, 50′, 64′, 67′, 70′, 73′, 78′
Yellow: Vecchio 57′

Drew Vecchio, Brennen Arnett, and Evan Rourke help to win a ruck for UMRFC.

After the first game, a third half was played to give a few more members of Michigan playing time who hadn’t played in the A-side game. It was a tough game with the Michigan B-side facing an athletic mixed team of OU and Michigan A-side players. The Michigan B-side struggled with tackling these tough, experienced runners. In the end, it was a good learning experience for the B-side players and a fun way to cap off a good day of Rugby. The final score of the game was 51-20 Oakland.

1. Nick Fehrman
2. Jackson Wagner
3. Nic Bishar
4. Sergio Rocha
5. Joe Stevens
6. Jesse Fenno
7. Olly Gregerson
8. Travis Sawyer
9. Ian Etheart
10. Zach Burns
11. Vino Ravichandran
12. Ryan McDonough
13. Ben Clemens
14. Neal Slabberkoorn
15. Mark Borowski
16. Brandon Gardner
17. Cooper Smart

Tries: Sawyer 5′, 24′, Smart 30′, 35′