This month’s Player of the Month is senior CJ Stock. CJ plays wing and fullback and also is the team’s vice-president. This past summer, CJ was afforded the opportunity to intern with USA Rugby in Boulder, CO. CJ brings a lot of passion to the game and is an inspiration to his teammates. After a difficult fall last year due to a knee injury, CJ is poised for a great year of threatening defenses.
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 175 lbs.
Year: Senior
Major: Organizational Studies
Hometown: Grand Haven, MI
Why rugby?
After spending my first semester in college sport-free I decided I needed to join a team. I had always been interested in rugby and my high school wrestling coach and UMFRC alumnus Tom Foley encouraged me to go out for the team. I was hooked after my first practice.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
The people, the tradition, the personalities, the group dynamics…it’s hard to say, there are few things I haven’t liked about the club so far.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Not a moment but an entire match, and that’s our first playoff game in 2011 in Pittsburgh. Everything from Sauce’s pregame speech, to watching my teammates work themselves to death on the muddy and snowy pitch, and finally Big Nic’s famous try was pure Michigan Rugby. We lost and I only got in for about 10 minutes at the end of the match, but that match revealed the spirit of our team and it was truly inspirational.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite: One on one breakaway drills. It’s a great opportunity to try some fancy footwork, and creative moves.
Least Favorite: Tackle progression on a cold wet day.
What other sports have you played?
In high school I played soccer, hockey, wrestling, track (pole vault and 400m) and cross country.
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Probably getting an MBA or some other sort of graduate degree, maybe I’ll be working, maybe I’ll be bumming, but hopefully I’ll still be playing rugby or at least still be involved in the game somehow.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
I’m not easily embarrassed and I have a mediocre memory at best, so…pass.
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
724 Arch St. aka the black house. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t been there. Five stars.
Biggest fear?
Falling short of my goals. It’s like losing at my own game.
Favorite food/meal?
Gyros or Lamb Kebab.
Any game day superstitions?
No superstitions, but my pre-match ritual includes a light meal about an hour before warm-ups, and then building nerves until the match starts.
Favorite superhero and why?
Dr. Manhattan. He’s one of the most powerful and God-like superheroes and also doesn’t wear pants…what a legend.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Go on tour.
