Congratulations to John Tayer, our August Alumnus of the Month!
When did you play?
1982 – 1986
What positions did you play?
Pretty much always wing . . . but did have a C-side stint at second row and broke my finger (and probably messed-up my hair, which is tragic for a wing).
What got you started?
I always wanted to play football, but my parents discouraged me (which they deny), so, after hearing my senior year that the local high school was starting a rugby club, I jumped at the opportunity. I was pretty raw and, as there were very few high school teams then, I remember getting knocked around by the college sides we competed against. It was enough of a taste for the sport, though, that it sparked my love of the game.
Any honors or awards?
I think getting recognized as alumnus of the month will be the biggest honor, but I did have the opportunity to play on the Midwest side at a national competition in Florida (where I had to borrow cloths because my rugby kit never arrived on the plane, I split my forehead open in the first hit of the game and had it stitched on the sidelines, and Hagen taught me the basics of abusing a rental car) and played on a few select Michigan and regional sides.
What are your favorite memories/teammates?
So many memories and memorable teammates! First, broadly, I remember the camaraderie that inspired us to practice two days a week and commit weekends for travel to matches across the Midwest. Every tour conjures vague memories on and off the field, with brutal play and sometimes even more brutal partying with the host teams at their local pubs. Trips to cities as diverse as Chicago, Fort Wayne, DC, Lima (Ohio), Mad-City, NY, Toronto, multiple trips to East Lansing, and so on, all gave you a taste of the local culture, but yet all were centered around a basic bond between rugby players. I can name so many teammates, too, who inspired me along the way. At the risk of leaving anyone out, I’ll just note that I was fortunate to play in the backfield with two legends, Paul LeBlanc and Jeff Hagan. Of course, Dave Weber somehow seemed to organize the chaos that comprised the mix of university and local teammates, a mix that served as unique glue to the team for me. And finally, I offer a nod to some folks who, through either their spirit, shenanigans, and/or the mix of both, just made it all crazy fun (many times bordering on too fun), like Tuttle, Mascellino, and the Captain of Vice.
What have you done since Michigan Rugby?
I made my way to Boulder, Colorado in search of a law degree in 1989 and never left what we call, affectionately, “The Bubble.” I’m president of the Boulder Chamber, which entails a blend of public policy, economic development, and non-profit management (all facilitated by a steady diet of happy hour meetings, which rugby well-prepared me to endure). My wife, Molly, and I love living in this beautiful place and are glad to host old teammates!
How has Michigan Rugby affected your life beyond rugby?
Though I stopped playing rugby after a couple of years on club sides in DC, I still hold onto the bonds of friendship that I think are uniquely characteristic of our sport. It seems that whenever an old teammate happens back into my vortex (yes, I’m talking about you, Regnier, Shareef, Big Car Bob, etc.), the renewed ties of friendship are immediate and you begin to make new memories. I ascribe it to the truly team nature of rugby, where everyone on the field is “with you.” I look to emulate that same spirit in all my personal encounters – professional and social – knowing that trust, mutual support and some fun along the way are the foundation for everything positive in life.
Congratulations again to John Tayer, our August Alumnus of the Month!
