Congratulations to the President of the UMRFC and this months player of the month, Lyric Kleber!
Height?
5’8″
Weight?
180
Year in school?
Rising Senior
Major?
Public Health Sciences
Hometown?
Kalamazoo
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I grew up playing contact sports, and when I got here I wanted to try something different. Saw the guys at Festifall throwing a ball around and figured I’d give it a shot.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
Everything, but if I had to choose something, it’s gotta be my teammates. Them, and the chronic back pain.
Describe your most memorable moment on the pitch.
First 7s tournament of the 2018 season at MSU. That whole day was kind of wild, building a massive fort with a tarp and then losing two tents to the wind. The weather was absolutely miserable, but getting a revenge win against State in the championship after they beat us in the first game made it all worth it.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite drill is probably Kenyan passing, mostly because it reminds me of the Battle of the Border tournament when we warmed up with that drill before every match and played really well.
What other sports have you played?
Football, baseball, and lacrosse.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
Hopefully I’ll be out of grad school and putting my public health education to good use. I like working with kids, so that would be cool too.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
In 2nd grade, on the day of the talent show auditions, I realized I forgot my music at home, so I left school and ran back to get it. When I got back to class, my teacher sent me straight to the principal’s office and I spent like an hour in there crying and apologizing. My first and only referral in elementary school.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
This is tough because I don’t get out much, but I’ll probably go with the IMSB, especially in the mornings when it’s not crowded. I love having a gym to myself.
What is your biggest fear?
Being disowned by the 9s.
What is your favorite food?
I’m down for a good steak 9 times out of 10.
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
Not particularly. I do believe that how you take care of yourself the night before and day of a game are extremely important, so I always try to eat right and sleep well, but otherwise I’m more of a show-up-and-play kind of guy.
Who is you favorite superhero and why?
I’m not sure… I like a lot of superheroes so it’d probably be easier to tell you my least favorite, and that’s Superman. Dude is so overrated, he’s got some of the best powers but can’t do anything with them if you have some green rocks. No one underachieves as much as Superman, except *maybe* the OKC Thunder.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t just rely on your strengths, work on your weaknesses. You can be the fastest, strongest guy on the team, but if you can’t make a left-handed pass, you’re still a liability
