This month’s Alumnus is Matthew Crabtree. Crabs is a great player who is still actively embarrassing other players on the pitch. You can see him play with other alumni against Dartmouth before the CRC on Friday and read what he has to say about his time with Michigan Rugby below.
When did you play?
I played every semester of my college career from the Fall of 2008 until the spring of 2012. I showed up during welcome week my freshman year, which was not a common occurrence then (most freshman started trickling in after classes started). My first Michigan rugby experience was showing up to an intrasquad scrimmage thinking I would just be watching, when Nate Schafrek had to be removed from the game due to injury. He kindly gave me his mouth guard, straight from his mouth, since I hadn’t planned on playing and didn’t bring one.
What position?
I had some game time at every position in the back line except 10, but spent most of my time at 13 and 11.
Any special honors? (i.e. captain, chair positions, midwest finals etc).
I was Vice President my Sophomore year and was co-captain with James “Sauce” Wilber my senior year. We also made the playoffs in Fall of 2011. Sauce was the emotional leader of that team, and had the team ready to die for each other after one of the best pre game speeches to ever exist. The finals were held in Pittsburgh and was played in tremendously poor conditions. The team truly played inspirational rugby that day (highlighted by a Big Nick prop try). In my opinion, that trip was the manifestation of many hours of hard work led mostly by Andrew “Swayze” Swain and then new coach Matt Trenary as one of the first steps to Michigan rugby becoming the well-oiled machine it currently is.
Favorite memories or teammates?
I was lucky enough to play with some of the finest individuals to ever don the maize and blue. Most of which I still consider close friends. My favorite memories outside of the aforementioned playoffs were the four tours we went on – Prague, Bahamas, PCP, and Paris. What happens on tour stays on tour, but the Prague trip was my first time leaving the country and my first rugby tour. It really set the stage for my love to travel and the amazing worldwide brotherhood that rugby gives you access to.
What are you doing now?
I live/work/play in Chicago for the Chicago Griffins. For my day job, I work for a start up IT consulting firm doing mostly marketing.
Any other interesting stories or info that you can provide?
UMRFC is one of the best organizations to be a part of in the world and is filled top to bottom with not only great athletes, but great people. I am truly honored to be featured as Alumnus of the Month.
