Tyler Crass

2014-2018

Flyhalf in 15s, Scrum Half in 7s

Biography

I joined the UW rugby club in 2014 to play rugby with my twin brother, Hunter Crass. My favorite memories were going on tour, especially to France and Argentina. Across my time with the club we won a Big Ten Championship, two plate championships at the Collegiate Rugby Championships, and I received honors as a Collegiate All-American Sevens honorable mention. It was one of the greatest parts of my college experience. I was able to meet lifelong friends, travel the world, and meet my wife.

Please share a fun fact about you or your favorite rugby memory.

I was selected to tryout at the Colligate All-American Camp and was able to compete at the highest level and with the best players around the country.

Is there a specific achievement or contribution you're especially proud of from your time on the team?

Back to back Plate Champions at the Colligate Rugby Championships National 7s (2016 & 2017)

What have you been up to since graduating, or how did rugby impact your post-college life?

Rugby has impacted me in my career choice because I loved the physicality and constantly staying active. Therefore, I picked a job where I could be outside and enjoy physical labor. I have been working as an arborist and taking care of trees and shrubs in the Milwaukee area.

Who were your most influential coaches or teammates, and why?

Scott Adlington (Scooter)- UW-Madison Coach. He was able to connect with his players very well and had a great knowledge of the game. We were able to learn so much from all of Scooter's years of playing and coaching the game of rugby. We ended up being a very successful team because of him.

James Davis (JD)- High School Coach. JD was the most influential coach in my rugby career. He pushed me to play this new sport and taught me how to play the game. He was so passionate about rugby and is consistently involved in growing the game. The connections he made with his players while coaching still last to this day.

What advice would you give to current or future rugby players at UW-Madison?

If you are able, go on tour. Those were some of the greatest memories I made in college. Being able to see a different part of the world and connect over the same game is truly something special.