Zachary Small is our August Player of the Month. Since starting the sport last year, Zachary has continually developed his rugby skills to now start at prop this season.
Position: Prop
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 230 lbs
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science
Hometown: Aspen, CO
Why did you decide to play rugby?
After graduating I started to really miss the team environment. Rugby is actually a fairly popular sport so I started playing that summer.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
I have really enjoyed the team environment. I didn’t know what to expect when I joined but I soon learned that the team is more of a family than I ever would have expected.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
My most memorable moment was playing in the mud and rain in Wisconsin. It was the most intense game I had gotten to play in. Everyone was working harder than I had seen at practices or games.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My least favorite is the Bronco. My most favorite is probably canjam at the start of practice. Everyone starts to get super competitive and it sets the tone for the day.
What other sports have you played?
I played hockey, football, and lacrosse through high school. I have been skiing regularly since i was super young.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
In five years I’ll hopefully have completed grad school in space engineering. Hopefully i’m living up in the mountains skiing, working, and playing some club rugby.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
I once had to leave in the middle of a hockey game because the pregame Mexican food wasn’t sitting right. I missed almost half the second period. One of my teammates had to go play goalie without any gear.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Pancheros. All roads lead to Pancheros.
What is your biggest fear?
Spiders. No idea why but it is a deep-rooted fear.
What is your favorite food?
I’m a big fan of almost any Italian food. Anything in the category could be my favorite.
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I have listened to the same playlist before every game since I was in middle school.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
My favorite superhero is Superman. Ever since I was about four he’s been my favorite and I even nicknamed myself Zachy Superman around that time which eventually turned into Wacky Superman.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Do what you love and do it often.”
Again, congratulations to our August Player of the Month, Zachary Small!
