Weekly Update


July 12, 2020

Previous Week’s Discussion

Working Group Updates

  • Palladino’s outreach has found interested 2010s players for the Bench
    • Added Jared Bosma, Joel Conzelmann, Nate Fisher, Matt Kasten, Ben Shapiro

Project Updates

COMPLETED - Organize working group cadence

  • Weekly email questions for Forwards w/ Backs included
  • Monthly calls on the second Thursday at 8pm for Forwards and Backs w/ Bench included
  • Slack available for those interested in more frequent communication

COMPLETED - Establish initial project timeline

  • No specific feedback on drafted timeline
  • Will use Project Overview and address updates on ad-hoc basis

Confirm stance on varsity pursuit

  • Long-term vision includes separate varsity and club teams, all under the Michigan Rugby umbrella
  • Main focus, especially in the short-term, is on the individual elements of a successful program (e.g., admissions, facility, coaching, etc.)
  • Can reassess years into vision
  • Will keep open for a week in case additional feedback comes in

Gather additional input or solicit additional working group help

  • Trenary reached out to some 2000s players and connected with a few
  • Palladino connected with some 2010s players and a handful have been added to the Bench (see above)
  • All members are encouraged to continue reaching out

Share initial vision thoughts with Rec Sports development team

  • Seibert’s drafted presentation reviewed and deemed ready to share
  • Trenary will email Rec Sports development team and arrange meeting

Clarify collaboration between men’s and women’s teams

  • Unanimous support for collaboration
  • No issues with soliciting for joint projects
  • Clarity of vision and mechanics of fundraising will determine exact collaboration
  • Will continue gathering input (Cohen, Rec Sports development, women’s alumni, other projects, etc.) to inform collaboration