Congratulations to our December Alumnus of the Month, Steve Smolenski.
When did you play?
2001-2005
What positions did you play?
Prop
What got you started?
I started playing rugby my junior year of high school at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. We had a new rugby program there, and the team had been back-to-back undefeated state champions the first and second years of its existence. I knew a lot of the older guys who had been on those first two teams, and probably even looked up to a few of them and I wanted to be a part of that. And having been a playground tackle football star in my youth, rugby looked to me like it would be right up my alley. As soon as I became eligible to play my junior year, I went out for the team and loved it immediately. I played my junior and senior years of high school and we went undefeated state champs both of those years, too. It was definitely a fun way to get started out in a new sport.
Any honors or awards?
My teammates and I won the Midwest Championship in 2004-2005. I was also elected a club officer in 2004, holding the distinguished position of Social Chair. More than anything though, and however corny it may sound, it really was my honor just to be a member of the team for those four years.
What are your favorite memories/teammates?
I will never forget the feeling of winning the Midwest Championship game my senior year in 2005. That was a goal we had set for ourselves as a team, and it was something we had all worked extremely hard towards. I for one had become rather emotionally invested in this joint effort of ours. So to achieve that goal was almost euphoric for me. It was thrilling. I was on top of the world with 25 or 30 of my closest mates, and I’ll never forget how that felt.
What have you done since Michigan Rugby?
I retired from the game of rugby, went to law school, and became a lawyer. I later met an extraordinary woman and married her. We currently live in metro Detroit with our two brilliant daughters, ages 3 and 5, as well as our two annoying but lovable dogs, Walter and Donny. I have been practicing law for 13 years now. I like being outdoors, reading, and occasionally making things out of wood.
How has Michigan Rugby affected your life beyond rugby?
Playing rugby at Michigan shaped my entire college experience for the best. It gave me a big group of friends right off the bat when I was starting at a new school. It was a game that I loved playing, surrounded by a culture that was healthy, fun, and positive. Which is all to say that being a part of Michigan Rugby gave me a feeling of being at home throughout my time at the University Michigan. At the same time, it frequently brought me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow a lot as a person. Most of the best friends I have made in my life are guys I met playing Michigan Rugby, and I stay in touch with many of them to this day. I was able to travel to Trinidad & Tobago, Thailand, and throughout the American Midwest playing rugby with a big group of my friends, constantly being exposed to new people, perspectives, and experiences. I don’t mind saying that I am grateful for the experience, and proud to have played rugby for the University of Michigan.
Congratulations again to Steve! Enjoy the photos from Michigan Rugby’s undefeated, Midwest-winning 2004 squad.
