Rising senior Christian Irvine is our July Player of the Month. Christian’s on- and off-field leadership, including putting in tons of practice and game hours this summer, has made him an inspiration for his teammates. Congratulations Christian!
Position: Hooker
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 205 lbs
Year: Senior
Major: Physics and Computer Science
Hometown: Ypsilanti, MI
Why did you decide to play rugby?
The team atmosphere and culture are extremely welcoming, and I was looking for a great way to develop my fitness and athletic ability during college.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
How involved and supportive everyone is. When you come to practice you really feel the energy out of everyone that they want to be there. Even when it’s a 7s fitness practice every player puts in the effort the whole time, and pick up their teammates whenever it becomes too much for them.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
I was taking a conversion right by our bench when I heard a player on our bench say “there’s no way he makes this.” It felt great when I hit the kick dead center.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite: Can Jam. Least favorite: center pod hit-ups on pads; it doesn’t feel real to me.
What other sports have you played?
Soccer my whole life and baseball in elementary/middle school
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
Getting a PhD in physics or nuclear engineering.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
The first year I played baseball I got a black eyes from standing right under a pop up and not catching it on two separate occasions.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Washtenaw Dairy. Best post game recovery snack.
What is your biggest fear?
Spiders; it’s not close.
What is your favorite food?
Japanese curry
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I always try to nap at some point during the day before the game. Regardless if I feel tired or not. The logic is that I’m never more fluid and focused than when I wake up from a nap so it’s probably a really good thing to do to prepare for a game.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Hulk because goals. Still working on it though.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Relaxed is fast” – Zach Simkins. It was specifically in reference to sprinting but I’ve found that it works for just about everything. If you get too nervous you’re going to make mistakes that slow you down and doubt yourself, slowing down your decision making.
Again, congratulations to our July Player of the Month, Christian Irvine!
