Collis pictured here with his wife and two sons
April sees the return of our Alumni of the Month series. Each month a different Michigan rugger from years gone by will be featured and will talk a bit about some of their favorite memories throughout their time playing and what the club has meant to them. This month’s featured alumnus is Christian “Mario” Collis, a speedy wing who played throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. Collis talks about his time with UMRFC below.Enjoy!
I consider it an honor and privilege to have played for UMRFC. Now I am not much of a historian so the year of any single event might be wrong, but the stories are true; names have not been changed to protect their identity.
I began playing for UMRFC in the Fall of 1990. I officially hung up the spikes in 2004. When I was a wee lad of fourteen, I met a man named David Perpich at his cottage in Munith, MI. Although I was only a freshman in high school and stood a majestic 5’4 weighing a stout 120lbs., Mr. Perpich stated, “Mario, when you get to Michigan I am coming your dorm room and taking you to a rugby practice. No excuses!” Albeit a year late, Mr. Perpich came to my dorm and took me to first practice. At my first practice, I had no clue what I was doing (probably the same sentiment most beginners encounter). Sometime during the 2 hour practice at Mitchell Field, I was blatantly elbowed in the head by Dr. Paul Knight (the eldest of Knight clan) because I was out of position in a maul. Honestly, I still am not sure what a “maul” is. I believe he may have yelled an obscenity at me as well, but I would not know because my ears were ringing. Welcome to rugby, kid!
I played college rugby briefly for the next year and half. Midwest Collegiate Rugby was not very organized in those times. Although I remember playing in the Big 10 tournament in Columbus in 1991. Tom Warburton picked me up in his Dodge Caravan. I had to cancel a date and give away concert tickets (her loss) to make the trip. We had some interesting characters on that team: Skrat, Swiss, Will Earl, brothers Kapoor and Dr. Spybrook to name a few. I played my first men’s A side match in the Spring of 1991 in Chicago. Due to flight delays, I was asked to play wing with Scott Chrysler and Jeff Hagan in the back line. It was my first time playing wing; quite a learning experience. I still remember catching a high ball and getting leveled by the opposing center. Originally I was a scrum half, but because of my speed and inability to throw to the right, I was asked to as far outside as possible. Over the years, I improved my play at wing and fullback. In a pinch, I could play every back line position. I was not much of a kicker or a tackler, but I could run and pass effectively. In 1992 or 1993, I had the pleasure of playing both college and the Championship Men’s team in the Michigan Cup. I was a member of the Michigan team that went to National 7s in 1994 and 1995. After the 1994 Sevens season in Palo Alto, I was offered a tryout for the USA Eagles Sevens team. I played wing on Michigan’s National 15s Championship team in 1995 captained by John Wooley (JW). I still believe that the last try to seal the victory in the championship game was a thing of beauty. It was must see tv! Although I am surprised we could play so well in those cotton jerseys that weighed 20 pounds from absorbing all the sweat. I still feel that our back line could compete with any back line in the country. In 1999, our Michigan team made it to the Sweet 16 in Rhode Island; technically since we won our first game we were top 8. I played fullback on that team. Ed Spybrook was our Captain. Our teams did not have coaches. Players would step into that position of leadership every year. Like many a rugger that played on those teams, I will never forget those tournament runs and the fun we had off the field (Ed, are you awake?). Other tournaments stand out, especially the St. Patrick Day Tournaments in Savannah, GA, which were always entertaining on and off the field and in the airports. There were the Sevens tournaments in Chicago and Milwaukee (Summer Fest). Global warming was apparent during Sevens season. It was always 90 and humid. One year in Chicago, there were warnings not to go outside, stay cool and hydrated. Of course, we played and won the tournament. I played New York Sevens over Thanksgiving a few years in a row staying at Sterno and Badgers apartment in Manhattan. Even went there for New Year’s Eve caravanning with Warburton again to visit Stearns and Badger. In 2001, I was proud to represent Michigan rugby as its captain on the field. Since retirement, I have enjoyed playing in Missoula, Mt for Maggot Fest with our host Ashby Kinch, matches in New York and in Seattle with the Olde Boys. I played for the Denver Barbarians with my good friend Sean Knight at RuggerFest in Aspen in 2005 and again with the Barbarians in Vegas in 2009 (roughly).
The Rugby experience is one that I would never trade. Besides the memory of all those rugby matches in all those different cities, it is truly the friendships that I have maintained for the past 20 years that I cherish. Several of my teammates were roommates for several years including Sean Knight (one of my groomsmen), Jeff Sharritts (umbilical head), Jeff Stearns and Mike Carter. Lou Lafayette was my lifting partner. There are my good friends Joe and Jerry Attia, Vince Colella, Mike Mccarron (Ginger) and Brian Lenaghan. There is my very good friend the one and only PBMC, Thomas Clark. Of course, Dave Perpich and I have been friends for 30 years. I miss hearing the voices of the international brethren Gideon, Devon, Robin and Sam. I love going to Vegas for the International Sevens to see the transplanted California ruggers. The recent Philly trip to cheer the college team was fantastic this year.
Here are some interesting (or not so interesting) tidbits, my name is not Mario. It was a nickname from high school that for some unknown reason stuck. Perps would introduce me as Mario and I never corrected him. I do not believe Masso knew my real name for at least 10 years. I miss Thursdays at Frasiers Pub after practice. I worked for Jagermeister in my college years. I would pass out hats, shirts and wallets with the Jagermeister logo with the Jagerettes. Masso and Ed “Zeb” Clementine came to most of my Jagermeister events. I met my wife Noelle when we both worked for the company. Lastly, Kevin Zimmer and my brother were in art school together at the University of Michigan.
After graduating from Michigan, I went to law school at Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. I have been a practicing attorney for 17 years. Sean Knight and I worked at the same firm for several years after law school. I worked with Vince Colella at his firm for over ten years. Presently, I am now working at the Fieger Law Firm. I have been married to my wife Noelle for 14 years. Fittingly, the Jagermeister bus came to our wedding. We have two boys, Christian and Devon, and four dogs. Christian is an avid swimmer while Devon plays hockey.
