Back row L-R: Coach Davey Hamilton, Mike LaCivita, Matt Pilon, Nic Bishar, Cole Van Harn, Ben Clemens, Front row L-R: Joel Conzelmann, Pete Melgren, Grady Bridges, Steve Offringa, Dave Hiltzik, Evan Noon
After a glorious day of rugby the Michigan team grabbed the silver medal in the Meijer State Games. Many failures, many successes, and much fun filled the day as the team represented U of M well. The fundamentals, teamwork, and determination exhibited will serve the club well in the upcoming fall season.
Meijer State Games Roster
Nic Bishar
Ben Clemens
Joel Conzelmann
Grady Bridges
Dave Hiltzik
Mike LaCivita
Pete Melgren
Evan Noon
Matt Pilon
Cole Van Harn
Game 1: Michigan-31 vs. Flint-12
Michigan started the tournament against a formidable opponent in Flint. A quick start would be needed and that is exactly what the Men in Blue got as they jumped to a hearty 21-0 advantage at halftime through some brilliant passing and tackling. The substitutions flooded in at half. The replacements held their own against the Rouges’ beefy team, ending the game with a 31-12 score.
Game 2: Michigan-12 vs. Gun-Ru-33
The second game of the tournament did not prove kind to the Maize and Blue as they ran up against a very talented Gun-Ru team. From the opening kick-off U of M looked nervous and as a result gave up two early tries. Tackling was at a minimum as the elusiveness of Gun-Ru led to a poor performance. Clawing to get back into the game proved impossible, as the experience of the Gun-Ru team led to a 33-12 final.
Game 3: Michigan-28 vs. Houghton-10
Moving on to the quarterfinals to restores the hopes of a championship, Michigan was matched up against Houghton. The men of Michigan Tech had traveled the 9 hours by land to arrive at the tournament and looked rather beleaguered in the game. Sputtering at first, Michigan recovered to gain an early lead on the wings many rookie ruggers. Michigan grabbed its second win of the day with a 28-10 score.
Game 4: Michigan-35 vs. Central Michigan-21
With a spot in the semis secure, the Wolverines faced Central Michigan for a shot at gold. The team achieved this goal by taking a blistering 28-0 first half lead behind some tremendous running by Grady Bridges and Joel Conzelmann. Subs were the key to the success of the day and their skills were on display in the second half as they finished the game off with a score of 35-21.
Game 5: Michigan19 vs. Gun-Ru-22
A rematch in the championship game was finally here as U of M looked to avenge their only loss. The stress and exhaustion of the long day began to creep in and all players would be needed. Hoping to build off of a strong semi-final game, Michigan started very fast with very crisp passing and tackling. Two tries in the first half by Michigan standout prop Matt Pilon built the confidence of the team as they powered their way to a 12-10 first half lead. The excitement was electric as the second half started and the momentum took the Maize and Blue over for an early second half try. The clock was ticking but fresh subs for Gun-Ru broke through the lines and scored to set it at 19-17. In the dying seconds of the 14th minute the onslaught of athleticism ended up being too much for the Men in Blue as they gave up a try, losing the match 19-22.
