October Player of the Month: Matt Kasten

This month’s Player of the Month is freshman Matt Kasten. A local high school rugby product from Dexter, Matt’s speed is his biggest asset. He has jumped right into the UMRFC lineup, starting every game so far for the Maize and Blue at either wing or fullback. Kasten always brings a positive attitude with him and is a welcome addition to the team this fall.

Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 160 lbs.
Year: Freshman
Major: Sport Management
Hometown: Dexter, MI

Why rugby?
I had never considered playing rugby until my senior year of high school when a few of my football teammates told me it was the most fun sport they had ever played. Our football team was always terrible and the rugby team was known for success, so I decided it was time to join a winning team. I met Christian at a practice, and he told me to give rugby at Michigan a try. I came to a few summer practices and it seemed like a good time, now here I am. Definitely the best decision of my college career so far.

What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
The camaraderie and pride of the team. The team sticks together and there’s great chemistry on the field and off. From what I’ve noticed, not many other teams share the same bond as the rugby team, and I think that’s a part of rugby culture. No other sport is like it.

Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Shutting out Notre Dame under the lights in week 2. The crowd turnout was awesome and it was a great game all around. Personally it wasn’t my best game, but it was so satisfying to play a complete game with excellent defense and ultimately shut out our rivals.

What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
The 2v2 breakaway drill down the sideline near the try zone is hands down my favorite. It’s a great time to work finishing moves like chips and grubbers and you can toy with the defense on the sideline. My least favorite drill would have to be the minute-long two man tackling drill. For some reason, I always end up on my back with a sore shoulder after that one.

What other sports have you played?
Pretty much everything except baseball or hockey. Football, soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, golf, and track, with a little dabbling in lacrosse.

In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
If I’m not in graduate school at Michigan or somewhere else, I hope to be working an entry-level job somewhere in the sports industry, preferably for one of the four major professional leagues, but I’d be happy to find any job in sports.

What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
When I was about 5 and I first watched Star Wars, I asked my mom to get me a toy lightsaber. Once I got it, I decided it would be fun to practice with it by attacking a young apple tree in our backyard. I proceeded to knock off every single apple and beat the tree to death. When my parents found out it was probably the darkest day of my Kindergarten life, and I don’t think I saw the lightsaber again for a long while.

Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
The Gandy Dancer for food, and the Arb to chill. I enjoy pretty much anywhere downtown too.

Biggest fear?
I’d say failure. For better or worse I’ve always feared not living up to expectations and not succeeding.

Favorite food/meal?
If I could choose one dish, Filet Mignon is my favorite, but I am Lebanese so I always enjoy some Mediterranean food like hummus and Syrian bread.

Any game day superstitions?
Nothing too unusual, I always get up a little earlier than I have to and take an extra long shower so I can think about the upcoming game. Typically I listen to some Dropkick Murphys before the game too.

Favorite superhero and why?
Spiderman, because he’s not all powerful like Superman but he actually has real powers, unlike Batman. Being able to climb on walls and swing through New York City on webs is tough to beat. And he still gets the girl even though he’s a nerd.

Best advice you’ve ever received?
“What you do in practice you will do in the game” – I’m not sure who first said it but I cannot describe how many times my dad has told me this. It really is a meaningful line, and it relates to more than just rugby. How well you do in sports, your job, and your life in general is directly related to how well you prepare. Taking the time to put in work and practice perfection is essential to success in nearly every facet of life.