Congratulations to Tanner Hoag, our February Player of the Month!
Height?
6’3″
Weight?
170 lbs
Year in school?
Junior
Major?
Biochemistry
Hometown?
Spring Lake, MI
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I tried out going to a practice here at Michigan sort of on a whim and fell in love with the game almost immediately. The levels of pace and contact make it such an exciting and intense sport.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
Its a group of guys who are passionate about the game and use that to constantly push each other to improve but still have fun at the same time.
Describe your most memorable moment on the pitch.
Definitely playing at the Battle of the Mitten. The whole experience was incredible, to be able to play in a stadium and have thousands of spectators show up. It was especially memorable for me because that was the game where I scored my first try.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite is any full contact ball carrying drills. Least favorite has to be conditioning drills.
What other sports have you played?
Through high school I played lacrosse and tennis and I also ran hurdles for a season.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
Hopefully either working in a chemical research lab or in graduate school.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
When I was young (I don’t remember how old I was but it was definitely old enough to know better) I decided to put silly putty in my hair to see the pattern it would make in the putty. Long story short I got an impromptu haircut that night and had a bit of a bald spot for a while after.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Might be a cliche answer but honestly Mitchell Field. It’s our home pitch and it’s where I learned how to play rugby.
What is your biggest fear?
Messing up somehow to a degree that would make my goals unattainable.
What is your favorite food?
Burritos
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I just spend a lot of time on gameday focusing intently on the game and visualizing what I need to do to perform well.
Who is you favorite superhero and why?
Not really a superhero guy but I’ve always liked Batman, he doesn’t actually have any superpowers but he’s just smart and strong and overall a hardcore dude.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Question authority, they’re wrong a lot.
Again Congratulation our February Player of the Month, Tanner Hoag!
