Ann Arbor, MI – On the evening of December 4th the University of Michigan Rugby Football Club ended their Fall campaign. The team gathered for one last time in 2015 to have dinner, celebrate the Fall and recognize major contributors to club both on and off the field. Below are a list of winners for Michigan Rugby club awards.
Administrator of the Year – Chening Duker
This is given to the club executive board member who makes significant contributions to the progression of the club off the field. Chening oversaw the completion of the long journey to set up an endowment, the first live stream of a Michigan home game, and the organization of one of the most successful CRC to date.
Most Improved Player – Tomer Chen
This award celebrates a player who has made significant strides in their development on the field. Tomer joined the team last year with no experience and started his career on the wing. Through dedication to physical development during the summer and commitment to skill improvement during the season he was able to play his way into the Top 23 and even contributed significantly as a flyhalf during the Big Ten season.
Rookie of the Year – Lee Moore
Given to a first year player who made an instant impact to the squad. Lee joined us as Michigan youth rugby product after playing his senior year at Northville. He stepped into the starting loosehead prop position at the start of the Big Ten season and never looked back. His work rate in defense and ability to control the scrum saw him log numerous 80 minute games. Keep an eye out for this player as he develops through his career.
Comeback Player of the Year – Cooper Smart
This award celebrate a player who overcame hardship and challenges to return to the field. After suffering a serious injury during the Big Ten 7s season that left him out of the CRC squad, Cooper’s entire Fall senior season was in question. His dedication and work ethic in the gym before the injury was also applied to his recovery and it is what allowed him to come back early and make an impact in both the Academy and Top 23 sides.
Cowmeadow Clubman of the Year – Matt Kasten
While Matt had an amazing year on the field, earning All Big Ten honors, it’s the work away from the pitch and how he has helped raise this club to a new level that won him the award. He has overseen our fundraising efforts, which have surpassed all previous efforts before, and was the driving force behind the first ever parents weekend this past fall. Matt is always reliable and quick do the little things that help keep this club on the path to success.
The Wolverines will now have the rest of the year off for rest and recovery. Upon their return in early January they will begin the winter with intrasquad 7s, then they will start to transition into the developmental 15s spring season and competitive 7s season.
