Uygar is affectionately referred to as OG by the team, since nobody can seem to pronounce Uygar quite correctly. OG has been a great addition to UMRFC, bringing his passion and love for the rugby to every practice and game, and has no problem with keeping things interesting. Moving into his junior year, we will see what he will be able to bring to the field this fall season.
Name: Uygar Ozdemir
Height: 170 cm ( 5′ 7″ for the non-turkish)
Weight: 70 kg ( 155 lbs for the non-turkish)
Year: Junior
Major:
Industrial and Operations Engineering
Hometown:
Istanbul/Turkey
Why Rugby?
Because Graham Fleming. He is an Irish rugby player who introduced me to rugby upon starting as a P.E. teacher in my high school. Rugby is not well known in Turkey but his support, enthusiasm and dedication encouraged us to bring a team together at our high school.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
“We take care of our own” Poodles [Ben Shapiro] said this to me when I came to visit U of M from Turkey in my senior year of high school. Coach Trenary as well as the players of the time, welcomed me very sincerely and showed great hospitality. During my short three days of visit, I dined in the South Quad with the team, played in the sevens inter-squad, and was given the privilege of staying at the Black House. There is no doubt that this exceptional camaraderie is what makes the UMRFC unique, at least that is what made my first year experience as an international student unique. I believe that is a privilege everyone would like to have.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
The first time I stepped on the Oosterbaan Field House to play in the sevens inter-squad tournament has always been quite memorable for me. Maybe because of my overall fascination as a senior high school student, and mostly because it was a very distinct moment for me as it was a moment full of firsts: first time holding a Michigan rugby ball, first time wearing a rugby jersey with UMRFC on it, first time hearing “Soiled Meat and Sand!”… I thought about every second of those two short halves upon my return home until I wear the maize and blue jersey again.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least Favorite?
I don’t really like getting into rucks but I do enjoy tackling drills whether it is 2 vs 1 or 3 vs 2.
What other sports have you played?
Soccer, football, basketball and track and field.
In 5 years what do you see yourself doing?
Applying for an MBA as I finish my second year at a consulting firm.
What’s an embarrassing childhood memory you can share with us?
When I was 4 or 5, my hair was a little long and an uncle of mine insisted for me to pull my pants down around at a huge family gathering so that I can prove that I am a man. What happened next was me jumping around with my pants down in front of everyone. That might not be that embarrassing to me back then, but well, hearing this story over and over again at every family gathering has been pretty embarrassing.
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
The dining halls for sure. Eat all you can, what more can I ask for?
Biggest Fear?
Not being independent and not living life to the fullest.
Favorite food/meal?
A medium-cooked juicy meat
Any game-day superstitions?
Nope.
Favorite superhero and why?
Wolverine. A human body that can regenerate from anything is just too cool to handle.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Not the best, but a recent and useful one was when I was about to write down north campus as my first preference in the housing application thinking north is where engineers are supposed to live. Thanks to a wise friend, I lived at MoJo in my first year.
