Mason Loc is our February Player of the Month. Since joining the team, Loc has become an important leader on and off the field. Congratulations, Mason!
Position: Hooker
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 190 lbs
Year: Senior
Major: Biomedical engineering
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I was looking for a competitive club to join and I saw a flier for rugby that Nabs had posted in the gerstacker building.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
I really like teambuilding and the community. Coming to practice and being able to do something fun with a great group of guys. Coming to practive knowing I will have fun and get to hang out with my closest friends.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
My most memorable moment on the field comes from last year when I got my first A side cap in cincinnati. I had just joined the team and had only been learning how to hook since the beginning of two-a-days. Thomas Hendricks had to come out from a head injury and we were already up by a few tries thanks to Thomas Hamman (Claw). We ended up defending the goal line at the 1 meter mark. I remember looking to my left and seeing daines, and Max Rector to my right. After a few picks we were able to get a penalty and kick out of our side of the field.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite drill was instated by the help of a Detroit tradesman front rower, Linda. Where we went from quickly setting in the scrum to a full line out. It was grueling work but it really helped our team with our setting and getting our timing right when setting up the set pieces.
My least favorite drill are definitely live 99’s in the middle of the season. Running against the coaches never makes for a fun time.
What other sports have you played?
I played lacrosse from 4th grade through highschool. And I played one semester of ultimate frisbee the semester before I joined rugby.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
In five years I want to be working in the research and development department of a biotech company like stryker. Or if I hit the lottery I am going to start a sheep farm.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
One time in elementary school, during recess, the kids were jumping off of the swings at different heights. So to impress a girl I jumped way too high off of the swings and landed straight onto my chest knocking the wind out of me for a solid minute, where I sat there unable to breathe. But trying not to be humiliated I tried to play it off.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
My favorite place in Ann Arbor is probably the Duderstadt 3rd floor, in the middle of the east side of the building. There are large curved CAEN computer there where I spent many horrible hours completing assignments and watching lectures with Gooch and Gilf.
What is your biggest fear?
I am most afraid of public judgment and second hand embarrassment, if someone in my group starts acting like a fool.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken pho
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I just try not to eat too much because I am prone to throwing up during half time.
Who’s your favorite superhero? Why?
My favorite superhero is probably “the punisher”. This is because people that unironically like the punisher are weirdos, with strange vigilante desires.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is “Do not trust the toilets in your dreams”. Because well you know it’s never nice to wee the bed.
Again, congratulations to our April Player of the Month, Mason Loc!
