The Maize and Blue bowed out in the semi-finals to eventual champion Penn State at the 2013 Larrimer Cup. The tournament is in honor of former UMRFC player Terry Larrimer. This is a special event for Michigan and was enjoyed by the ten man team.
2013 Larrimer Cup team (L-R) Mark Borowski, Christian Mentzer, Nick Lazurka, Jared Bosma, Jesse Fenno, Joel Conzelmann, Nick Fehrman, Kenny Andutan, Travis Sawyer, Chris Padmos.
The first match was against Western Michigan University at 10:00am. The game started poorly for U of M as they gave up two quick tries through WMU’s speedy center and wing. WMU was able to add another try down the sideline just before halftime to take a 19-0 lead. The second half saw better play by U of M with Joel Conzelmann dotting down after a break up the middle. He converted his own try but that was all Michigan could do with their limited possession. Crucial turnovers and a potent Bronco attack led to 12 more second half Western points to end the game 31-7.
Joel Conzelmann attacking off of a ruck against Western Michigan
Penn State was up next for the Wolverines. The defending champions provided a difficult opponent but Michigan’s defense was much improved from their opening game. The first half was an even contest and PSU only managed 5 points via a try in the fifth minute. That’s where it stayed into halftime. The second half saw wing Nick Lazurka break down the sideline for a crucial score. Nick centered for an easy Joel Conzelmann conversion and the Maize and Blue were up 7-5. But hard runs by the Penn State props broke the U of M line soon after and PSU took the lead back 12-7 with 3 minutes remaining. Michigan competed well and had the ball for a possible game winning possession but were tackled into touch at the final whistle.
Nick Lazurka breaking against the Broncos
The final pool game was against Ohio State. The team was ready for victory but a terrible start saw two missed tackles lead to two early tries for OSU. Michigan battled to put Christian Mentzer in up the middle to reduce the halftime deficit to 12-7. But again, simple errors allowed Ohio State to score from a free kick in the 9th minute. The teams traded late tries, Mentzer getting another for U of M, to end the game 24-12. A disappointing result for the Men in Blue.
Captain Kenny Andutan hitting the line hard against Ohio State
Michigan’s semi-final opponent was Penn State again. Building off of a close defeat earlier, Michigan jumped out in front 5-0 from a Nick Lazurka break out wide. Michigan then defended the Nittany Lions well but turnovers on offense saw the Wolverines playing too much defense. Eventually the line broke and PSU was up 14-5 at halftime. Fatigue then started to set in and Penn State took control in the second half. Michigan couldn’t muster a dangerous possession and eventually succumbed to Penn State, 36-5.
A tough day on the field for Michigan but a great event nonetheless. The team would like to thank Rocky Saxbe and the tournament organizers for once again putting on a great event for all the competitors.
