The Moose Family History

The year was 1979 and although disco was dying, another legend was born in the great Northwoods of Michigan. The Northern Michigan University Rugby Football Club was conceived by a few hearty, nameless souls who decided it was time to bring our grand sport to the UP. Unfortunately they were alone in their enthusiasm and, alas, these poor Moosemen were forced to hand up their boots.

A sad story, yes, but it’s not over, so keep reading…….

Finally, after a four year drought, one brave Rugger named Chuck Delpeir made the journey North from MSU, drove over the Mac, took a left and landed here at fair NMU. He found it a plesant city, plenty of pubs, but Marquette was missing something. That something was the sound of virile Rugby songs echoing through the streets as they did in his former East Lansing.

Twelve men of strong voice and superior drinking ability were organized, given boots, a ball, and the NMU Moosemen Rugby Club was reborn alive and well.

After a slow, tipsy start the club gathered momentum and throughout the 1980’s the Moosemen gained legendary status as a team that would travel anywhere, play anyone. Because of Northern’s location, weekly trips of eight hours or more were often made in search of fresh meat to feed these hungry Ruggers.

Word of Northern’s Rugby prowess spread fast, but not as fast as the stories of this team’s post match party dominance. Naked beer slides, Rugby Queens, Singin’ in the rain and other hijinks became a club trademark. The Moosemen could, and often did imbibe and sing longer after the last opposing team member bowed in shame.

With a history of great leaders such as Father Dlepair, The Sorber Brothers, Goat Nemeckay, Trick or Neidt, and chocolate LeClair, the Northern Michigan University Rugby Football Club rolled on, finishing in the top two in their division in ’88, 89’ and 1990. In the fall of ’89 the Moosemen averaged over 40 points per match and continued to dominate the Wisconsin Union, bringing home a League Championship in the Fall of 1992.

Now, as we enter new territory the Michigan Union, the Moosemen have never been stronger – if not on the field, most certainly at the post match party. Those Michigan Union boys won’t know what hit them!

Over a decade has passed since our clubs rebirth. Keep the traditions strong, lads, and always remember:

WE TRY BY DAY AND SCORE BY NIGHT ‘CAUSE
WE MOOSE ARE ON THE LOOSE!!!

By Bryan Smith
Senior Member
Rugby God
1994