Ian Etheart
Ian Etheart is this month’s Player of the Month. Ian came up through the St. Ignatius program in Cleveland and is heading into his seventh year of rugby. He was part of two state championship teams in high school, including captaining the squad his senior year. Ian was also selected to the Ohio Select Side twice and once as captain. Ian was a mainstay in the Michigan lineup at scrumhalf this past year with the exception of two games missed due to a shoulder injury. He also captained the side this spring in their match against Miami. Etheart is the current President of the club and is a well respected leader of the team on and off the field.
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 165 lbs.
Year: Sophomore
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
I love being a part of this team and being able to represent the school. The club has a great history and I take a lot of pride in continuing to build on what previous players have done.
What legacy do you want to leave with the UMRFC?
I want to be a huge part in helping the club transition to a more professional and competitive team. It is a great time to be a college rugby player so I am hoping we can use our momentum to help the club grow and share my love for the game with the Michigan community.
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
I will hopefully be in medical school somewhere. I find the entire field of medicine absolutely fascinating but am hoping that working in an actual hospital will be just like it is on Scrubs. Maybe UMRFC alumni, Chris Vasileff and I will open a clinic together.
Should we know about any notable family or friends?
My great grandpa on my dad’s side was the ambassador to the Dominican Republic for Haiti which is pretty cool. Also my mom, she’s really nice.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
When my sister was in grade school she had to care for a “baby” egg as a project. She refused to let me hold it, but one day when she was gone I picked it up and sure enough I dropped it on the ground. The worst part came later when she was telling the story to some people at church and someone jokingly referred to me as a murderer. I immediately ran to the car and hid, the tears were very real.
Biggest fear?
Disappointing Coach.
Favorite food?
Breakfast burritos
Any game day superstitions?
The only real superstition I have is that I never wash my game socks and I have a separate pair of shorts that I only wear for games but every year my game day routine changes. This year I would watch the New Zealand vs. Tonga game from the rugby world cup the night before the match. On game day I wake up super early, eat a good breakfast and then just listen to music up until match time. No particular songs, just something to keep me alert.
Favorite superhero and why?
Batman. He lived in a cave in order to reduce his carbon footprint.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
“Just do it better”
Any thing else you want us to know or you want to say?
Being elected President as a sophomore was a great honor for me. I was humbled that all my teammates voted me into such an important position. So far it has been great, all of the new officers have been working extremely hard to make the club what it is. Finally, contrary to popular belief, Ohio is a great place to live. Go Blue!
