Some of the most celebrated names in the history of Michigan Rugby traveled to Traverse City, Michigan to take part in the Annual Cherry Pit Rugby Tournament. The Team, lead by lead by Angelo Tocco, included Michigan standouts Corey Mathers, Dave Perpich, Jeff Hagan, Pat Wingate, Even Pratt, Pat Muscat, Brian Zimmer and Kevin Zimmer. The Olde Blue competed in the 35 and older Old Boys Division.
Jeff Hagan was true to his reputation, confounding the opposition with speed and agility. Evan Pratt applied his well-known work horse effectiveness and reliability filling in at the unlikely position of fullback, and was a hero of the day. The Zimmer brothers and Pat Wingate were once again a force to be reckoned with dealing punishing blows both offensively and defensively. Dave Perpich was crafty and dangerous as ever, seizing and capitalizing on opportunities to wreak havoc. Angelo Tocco played with true reckless abandon, adding reality to the term "stick your head in the spokes". After two games he literally had the markings of a fellow who had in actually stuck his head in the spokes. Corey Mathers's youth and energy set the pace for the entire squad. As scrum-half, Pat Muscat directed the forwards and the backs with focus and tenacity, and kept the ball moving.
Olde Blue played their hearts out. Great moments reminiscent of the mighty Michigan powerhouse of yester-year were witnessed by all. Attending players from around the state watched with awe and respect. Along with the purely inspired rugby exhibited by Michigan, the boys all shared equally in terrifically timed knock-ons, superb ball-handling blunders, the swirls of dust and blood left in aftermath of fantastically missed tackles.
Great Fun. (submitted by Brian Zimmer)