Congratulations to our March Alumnus of the Month, Tom “TC” Clark! Tom’s time with rugby started in the Midwest and has since grown in the Northeast. His influence as a coach and administrator continue to grow through roles in high school, college, club, and professional rugby. We’re honored to have been an influential stop in his rugby journey.
When did you play?
I arrived in Ann Arbor in 1996 and was there through 2006, taking a brief hiatus at times for Law School at Detroit Mercy. I played for the men’s side as I moved to Ann Arbor to do my counseling practicing at University of Michigan Hospital.
What positions did you play?
I was a #6 and dabbled at hooker later in life!
What got you started?
I played in college at Bowling Green when I was told I was simply too little to walk on for the football team.
Any honors or awards?
I was selected to Midwest Thunderbirds a few times during my time at BGSU.
What are your favorite memories/teammates?
My favorite memories were playing rugby with other people starting families, which meant that my children were being raised with rugby alongside the Perpich, Zimmer, Hagan, Peck, and Spybrook clans. Also, I see Chris Collis several times a year and we still remain close to this day. Alum Joe Attia lives down the street as well.
Of course my favorite specific memories were the playoffs in Newport and any trip with Warpig and Perpich to Savannah.
What have you done since Michigan Rugby?
I am currently the High Performance Commissioner at National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) and run their education, player identification and development, and all-star programs.
I am also the Head Coach at St. John’s Prep High School (outside Boston) with many players in the college ranks coming through our program, including Michigan alumni David Caputo and Zach Burns (the younger).
I also coach premier 7s and 15s at Mystic River Men’s club and work as an Academy Coach and Player ID Officer for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby.
I spend my days as Deputy Region Counsel at the U.S. Department of Defense.
How has Michigan Rugby affected your life beyond rugby?
My first coaching job was made possible by Mike Brooks and I believe Hacksaw when I was invited to help with the Pioneer High School team. Those guys invited me in and I have been a coach now for over two decades.
MRugby is simply family.
2 comments
Congratulations Tom Clark! Most college ruggers enjoy playing and go on after college to careers, family and other things. A small percentage continue to play the game but fade out after a few years. I’d guess that less than1% go on to coach, be administrators, active alumni, fund raisers, etc. An even smaller number like Tom have the rugby Jones that simply will not allow them to back away. Steve Cohen is another great example. Their lives, their families lives, their career, everything is infiltrated by their love of rugby. Tom Clark could not let go. Three cheers and “why was he born so beautiful” to this awesome rugger. Thousands have been touched by his devotion to rugby.
Congrats TC. Well deserved and thank you for always supporting and mentoring us as college players!