This month’s honored alumnus is Joseph Attia. Joe was a run-away-train of a flanker who could tackle and support with the best of them. Attia’s energy on the pitch was influential and was also enjoyed by his teammates off the pitch. We hope to see Jerry return for this weekend’s alumni match versus Dartmouth’s alumni in the Tom Fagan Cup. Three cheers for Mr. Attia!
When did you play?
I played rugby from 1990-2006. I played for Michigan’s 15s team in 94-95, and Michigan’s 7s team from 1995-1999.
Any special honors?
Playing as flanker and winning the 1995 national championship was the biggest honor.
Also, qualifying for 7s nationals in 1995 was special.
Favorite memories or teammates?
That national championship team was just an awesome group of guys to play with. My favorite memories are playing with our fullback and wings as they countered or executing a back row pick up with Dave Perpich and Sean Knight.
What are you doing now?
I now live outside of Boston working as a director for a commercial real estate investment company. I was forced to retire from rugby after one too many knee surgeries, so now I save all my impact for skiing and spend as much time as I can skiing with my kids.
Any other interesting stories or info that you can provide?
Rugby was an amazing experience for me. I was lucky to have the chance to live in a variety of places, and every time I moved, I had a new group of mates: Cairo, Beijing, London, Washington DC, Charlottesville, Ann Arbor, or LA…it was all great.
1 comments
Joe was an excellent teammate, and the most explosive 7 I’ve had the opportunity to step on the field with. His pressure on the fly half was intense as it gets for all 80. He was only offsides for 1/2 the penalties. And also one of the hardest hitters I have played with, and a humble, hardworking dude who was fun and laid back off the field. Usually. Great to see Joe (and brother Jerry) at the CRCs.