The player of the month for September is senior Cam Watson. Cam plays hooker or flanker and provides intensity at every training. Although undersized, Cam will tackle anyone. He brings a positive attitude to the team and is always looking to help his teammates. Cam embodies the values of Michigan Rugby and the team is happy to have him for one more year.
Height: 5′ 8″
Weight: 165
Year: Senior
Major: Philosophy
Hometown: Hartland, MI
Why rugby?
I came out my freshman year after seeing a flyer. I had always thought rugby looked fun and I wanted/needed to go run around and hit some kids outside of class. That’s what got me on the pitch. But I stuck around because it’s definitely the best sport I’ve ever played, and one of the best communities I’ve been a part of. I really knew rugby was the right place during the Pacific Coast Prowl that spring, traveling and playing from Seattle to LA, meeting Old Boys along the way – no going back after that.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
The best part of each season is probably seeing new guys come out, learn the game, and become part of the team both on and off the field. I love it when you can say, “Yup, this guy is one of us”, for better or worse.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Last fall, I got my first, and to date, only A-side cap in our game against Air Force. I came on at flank in the last ten minutes at most, down by a lot. But just before going on, Coach told me to look at Dave and to match that intensity. During the last few minutes we had one last drive, from our end down to theirs and the whole time all I thought was support, support ,support. I remember running down the field, getting in one ruck then another and another down to the 5 meter-line, calling for the ball and BOOM – Kenny puts it in.
I’ve had some great moments on the pitch, but that’s the one I’m most proud of. To be part of that score, and see everyone just keep working down to the last minutes of the game was really inspirational.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
I love the channel drill, you get to hit lines, tackle hard, ruck, run multiple phases, get back in line, do it again. I really don’t like walk-throughs or half speed play.
What other sports have you played?
I played baseball, football and all that growing up. I wrestled from kindergarten through 8th grade, went to a great wrestling high school – and then did theater, played guitar and made music instead throughout high school. I’m really glad to be playing competitive sports again.
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
I’d like to think that I’ll have set up shop in an awesome city in the States, I’m thinking Detroit. But I still want to be bouncing all over, traveling internationally, and spending some time back in France and the Czech Republic. I’ll probably go on to grad school eventually for something related to architecture and urbanism (the development of urban environments). I really just want to adventure and work hard to improve communities I end up in.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
One day at home in high school I was like “Hey, let’s bust out a quick bench set” before getting in the shower. So I’m in a towel, and on my last rep or so, I lose it, bar comes down and I’m trapped on the bench, now completely naked as my towel has fallen off in the process. I eventually got the bar off my chest, but really I didn’t want to die nude like that, or have someone in my family come save me. So always have a spot, and dress appropriately for the gym.
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Downtown around State and Liberty, especially at around 4am – no one is ever there and it sort of feels like the whole world’s stopped.
Biggest fear?
Just having something happen to one of my friends or family I guess – I’ve got myself out of a million situations, but there’s nothing worse than not being able to help someone you know.
Favorite food/meal?
Mashed potatoes and gravy, with turkey, maybe some green beans and a couple glasses of milk.
Any game day superstitions?
I like to just relax and think about the game and get hyped. My dad used to play “Eye of the Tiger” in the car, early in the morning on the way to every wrestling tournament.
Favorite superhero and why?
The X-Men as a collective whole have been my favorite for a while. They’re a group of sort of outcast mutants, with pretty unique set of powers and personalities.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad has always told me to “make it a good day” – not to just have one. I’ve been trying to apply that principle to more than just the day to day lately.
