Sequoyah Burke-Combs is this month’s Player of the Month. Sequoyah is a local, playing for Dexter in high school. After a freshman year at Grand Valley State University, Burke-Combs transferred to Michigan and has subsequently earned two 1st team Big Ten selections. His first year with the team was spent playing wing while he now excels at the openside flanker position. Burke-Combs brings energy, athleticism, and a no-quit attitude to everything he does. A true Michigan Man.
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Year: Junior
Major: Program in the Environment and International Studies
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Why rugby?
Since a young age I’ve enjoyed physicality, however once my senior year of football ended the continuous badgering of ruggers telling me to play reached its peak. I gave into peer pressure and couldn’t have been happier with the result. The game, the spirit, the pre- & post-game, the traditions, the family. I was encapsulated.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
I’ve definitely loved the family of rugby players here; alumni and players both. Going off of that though, I’d say the development of relationships, skill and mentality in the last year is my favorite.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Beating Ohio State this year was my most memorable moment, not because of any individual performance, but because of how we played as a team. Great to see a lifetime of memories watching OSU beat MIchigan eradicated by playing on a team that beat them.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite drill is the open field tackling 2 on 2 drill. Least favorite are extremely high rep low distance sprints with little break.
What other sports have you played?
Football, wrestling, track, ultimate frisbee, martial arts, soccer & baseball when I was younger, and a little of throwing girls in the air (cheer).
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Ha, wouldn’t I like to know. Never been a person to think too long term, I’ll either be in school or working, I’m assuming.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
One time I was having a temper tantrum and went outside to let anger out by breaking sticks and climbing trees. Unfortunately, I succeeded in breaking a limb off of an old tree in my yard and had a good 150 pound branch smack right into my head. A good lesson for why you don’t mess with nature.
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
The arboretum. It’s beautiful year round and is a good place to get away from things in the craziness of life.
Biggest fear?
Not succeeding in my ambitions in life and therefore not being able to provide for all of those who have helped me through mine.
Favorite food/meal?
Macaroni & Cheese! It’s good for the soul.
Any game day superstitions?
Plenty that have changed over time. One that has stayed true is making sure I meditate before a game.
Favorite superhero and why?
Superman is my favorite superhero. Why? He puts the good of the people before himself. He also recognizes and faces his biggest weakness (kryptonite), and he finds his strength from the sun (light). He also can fly, shoot lasers from his eyes, quick healing, great memory, super strong, x-ray vision, etc. Finally, he’s always a good benchmark for physical looks.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Hmm, in short I’d have to say that there is always light in the darkness. Sometimes you must search for the light, and sometimes all you must do is look inward to see that you are the light!
1 comments
I thought he was going to follow up his childhood memory story with, “My favorite place is the arboretum, because I can go out there and climb trees and break sticks and stuff.”
Sequoyah is a top notch player. He’s one of the hardest working, most talented athletes the club has had in a long time. Watching him play in the Big Ten final against Indiana was awe-inspiring. Rarely have I seen someone play with such intensity and with such little regard for his own well-being.
A well deserved Player of the Month selection!