Every year, Michigan Rugby sets goals to not only better themselves, but better the sport as a whole. Part of this process is spreading the word and maintaining involvement, and Doug Chenoweth is a textbook example of that. Despite a busy lifestyle, Doug has found a way to include Michigan Rugby and promote the sport by spreading it and raising a true-to-form “rugby family”. UMRFC looks forward to welcoming Doug back for Olde Boys’ Weekend 2016! Here’s a little about him:
When did you play?
I played as a freshman/sophomore in 2000 and 2001.
What is your favorite memory or memories as a member of the club?
My first game was against Michigan State, where my older brother was playing. My dad and grandpa came to watch my brother and me on the field together. I was playing inside center, and I think my brother was a loose forward. UMRFC won, I scored a try, and I secured long-term bragging rights. My grandpa had never heard of rugby, let alone seen a game…he thought we were crazy for playing such a physical sport.
Did you have any special honors during your time with the club?
No. Looking back, I wish I had gotten more involved while with the club. I ended up getting engaged and having my first son all while finishing school, so rugby was put aside for several years.
What are you doing now?
I live in Northville with my four kids, Ben (12), Bo (11), Gabrielle (8), and Rex (7). We’re active in the youth rugby program in Ann Arbor, along with other “club dads” and their kids…Stulberg, Hagan, Raj, Brett. I have a girlfriend, Kim, who’s a teacher and a competitive women’s hockey player. She has two sons, so between us, we’re close to a 7’s side.
I’m a UM Civil/Environmental Engineering alum and a licensed Professional Engineer. I’ve worked at GHD, a global engineering consulting firm, for almost 15 years where I’m a Principal/VP of the company. My team’s work primarily involves facility decommissioning and demolition, and takes me across North America and overseas.
While my family and career are extremely fulfilling, the busy lifestyle can be stressful. Rugby has been a great way to relieve stress and find healthy balance. I’m addicted to the contact, and love being part of a team. In 2009 I resurfaced with the men’s club. I generally play inside center or loose forward. With BZ and Stulberg hanging up their boots last year, I’m now one of the oldest active members of the club (there are a couple guys older). MRFC is shaping up to have a tough team this year, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Any other interesting stories or info that you can provide?
I’ve been playing rugby on/off for over 18 years. I started playing rugby when I was a sophomore in high school in 1998 at Northville High School with UMRFC legend Mike Livanos. This was the inaugural year for 15s in eastern Michigan. The teams we played were limited to Ann Arbor Pioneer (now Washtenaw), Brighton (our fierce rivals), and Battle Creek. In ’98, ’99, and ’00 we were state champion runners-up, falling to Grand Rapids Catholic Central every year. My senior year I was club President and co-captain.
I’m looking forward to the possibility of my sons playing High School rugby in the coming years.
