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Michigan Rugby’s First Game

Michigan Rugby’s first game was in the spring of 1959 against the University of Toronto. It took place at Wines Field, which is now Elbel Field, in Ann Arbor. Michigan won 10-0.

Lineup
1. DY Smith
2. Tom Burris
3. Bob Blair
4. Bert Sugar
5. Mike Burrows (captain)
6. Warren Sublette
7. Robbie Burnett
8. Arturo Crenovitch
9. Dave Dingman
10. Peter McKenna
11. Mich Oprea
12. Dick McClear
13. Ron Reosti
14. Baji Palkhiwala
15. Brian Browne

Bert Sugar
An unknown player, Warren Sublette, and Mike Burrows race for the ball.
An unknown player, Warren Sublette, and Mike Burrows race for the ball.
Warren Sublette, Mike Burrows, and Robbie Burnette take care of a Toronto player.
Warren Sublette, Mike Burrows, and Robbie Burnette take care of a Toronto player.
Baji Palkhiwala (right) watches a teammate on the attack.
Baji Palkhiwala (right) watches a teammate on the attack.
Baji Palkhiwala experiences a high tackle as Mike Burrows and Warren Sublette are near. Bert Sugar's face can be seen on the far right.
An unknown player experiences a high tackle as Mike Burrows and Warren Sublette are near. Bert Sugar’s face can be seen on the far right.
Dick McClear before the game.
Dick McClear before the game.
Bert Sugar is center with light jersey. Mike Burrows is top right face. The rest are unknown.
Bert Sugar is center with light jersey. Mike Burrows is top right face. The rest are unknown.
Warren Sublette is center with beard; Baji Palkiwala is extreme right; celebrating with friends and family after the match.
Warren Sublette is center with beard; Baji Palkhiwala is extreme right; celebrating with friends and family after the match.
Baji Palkiwala left of #6; Warren Sublette on right with beard; after the hard fought victory.
Baji Palkiwala left of #6; Warren Sublette on right with beard; after the hard fought victory.
Baji Palkiwala (far right) with Brian Browne behind him
Baji Palkhiwala on right with unknown player.

1 comments

  1. I would wager London to a brick that I am the “unknown player?”

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