May Alumnus of the Month: Glen Zatz

Glen Zatz is our May Alumnus of the Month

When did you play?

I started both my rugby career and Michigan rugby career at the same time in 1974.  I played on the Michigan team until I graduated in 1976.  Back then it was not a college only team, but a combination of the college side and what would now be the club/town side. We ranged from 18 and 19 old year kids like me who had never played before and had only a vague concept of rugby to men in their late 20s/early 30s who had years of experience.   After graduation, I moved back to Chicago for law school and stayed in Chicago until I returned to the Detroit area in 1984 to start work at a new law firm.  While in Chitown, I played for the Chicago Lions.  (I know at times there’s been some bad blood between the teams, but I never played against Michigan.  I’ll be PC and leave it at that, as I still have friends from my days with the Lions.)  I then played full time with Michigan in 1985, when it was still a combined college/club side, as I recall.  That year was my last hurrah for competitive rugby, as career and family obligations took precedent. Since then, I have played olde boys periodically.  I last played in 2019 and believe I had the distinction of being the oldest guy on the field at age 64.  So I was playing (or at least on the field) against college players who were young enough to be my grandson.  They may feel the aches for a day, I feel them for a month.

What position did you play?

Like so many of us, I played multiple positions:  Inside center; outside center; wing; flanker; fullback (twice, which was 2 times too many).  I considered myself to be a center when I was given a choice.

What got you started?

My best friend at the time started playing rugby at his college and kept raving to me about what a great game it was.  We had been pole vaulters together in high school and while I had aspirations of doing that at Michigan, the Michigan track coach told me in a nice way that my best height was more suited to the high jump.  As I’ve always loved physical fitness and athletic competition, and being that intramural football didn’t cut it, I thought I’d check out this rugby thing. Plus my friend said that there were cool parties after the game.

What honors/awards did you receive?

My special honor at Michigan was joining the rugby community and being part of a great team.  The rugby community, and more specifically the Michigan rugby community, is very special.  Until you are part of rugby you can’t appreciate what it means.  Rugby teaches life lessons about teamwork, discipline, hard work, toughness and strategy. There are wins and there are losses and you learn to deal with both. The camaraderie amongst rugby players is unique, on and off the field. Outside of my Michigan career, I had the honor of being a member of the 1985 United States Maccabiah Rugby team, which was the first-time rugby was part of the Maccabiah Games.  We took the bronze medal and I was joined on that squad by Michigan alumni Jordan Weinstein and Curt Small. 

What are your favorite memories/teammates?

I’m a lawyer, so I apologize in advance, but I write a lot.  I remember my first scrimmage on the artificial turf next to Yost hockey arena. I had the misfortune of one Mr. Rory O’Connor being my opposite number at center. I still have turf burns on my knees from his thundering tackles.  I learned quickly to be on Rory’s side for scrimmages. One of the nicest compliments I ever received was later my first year when Mr. O’Connor said “You play pretty good rugby for a long-haired college kid.”  First Big Ten tournament spring of 1974 at Iowa playing in the snow and subfreezing temperatures. My then future (and now ex-) wife’s reactions to the iconic rugby songs at Angelo Tocco’s frat house during a party (circa 1975).  It was her first and last rugby party.  Early in my career against Sarnia where my family jewels were quite rudely grabbed during the opposition’s attempt to tackle me. In response I placed the ball down, let him pick it up, then lifted him over my shoulders and body slammed him…he bounced! (Fortunately, I did not get a trip to the sin bin). Post practice gatherings at Fraser’s Pub.  Playing at Elbel Field before Michigan home football games. Scoring 4 tries against MSU in my last competitive game for Michigan in 1985.  All the Olde Boys games and parties at Mary’s farm, particularly our 50th anniversary.  The creativity of the various Olde Boys party “themes”, such as all-star wrestling and jousting, is unsurpassed. My girlfriend watching me play Olde Boys a few years ago and relaying that one of the college kids said about me “I didn’t want to tackle that old man.”  All the broken bones, stitches, sprains, cuts and contusions (well maybe not favorites, but they are memories).  The list could go on and on.  And my favorite, most memorable, and/or influential teammates (besides everyone I had the privilege to take the field with):  Rory O’Connor, Tom Raboine, Pete Maglocci, Jay Gore, Jeff Hagan, Tom Stulberg, Masso, JR Hagerman, and Brian Zimmer (even though I only got to know Brian through Olde Boys, he deserves a special shout-out for being golf commissioner and having to play with me in his foursome). 

What have you been doing since Michigan Rugby?

I got my law degree in 1979 and practiced in Chicago then moved to the Detroit area in 1984 (where I am currently in private practice) , got married, got divorced, have 3 wonderful, adult children each of whom is married and successfully navigating adulthood, found a great lady I’ve been with for the past 8 years who is willing (most of the time) to put up with me, and spend my free time primarily working out, hiking, traveling, golfing very poorly but hoping to improve, and watching schlock horror movies (an addiction since I was a youngin’).

Congratulations to Glen as our Alumnus of the Month for May 2021!