ERWIN “SMIDY” SCHMIDT

What do Charlize Theron and Bryan Habanna (former South African super star) have in common with UNL rugby?  Both are from Benoni South Africa, where former UNL rugger (2009-’11) Erwin “Smidy” Schmidt grew up and played rugby.  He made his way to Lincoln by way of a track scholarship in 2005 as he was the national Youth and Junior (schools) 800m South African champion.  

He was a utility back, but spent most of his time with the UNL squad playing flyhalf as well as a short stint at flank. However, his most natural position was outside (13) center but he later moved over to wing and went on to play in the Super league for the Seattle Rugby Club, Old Puget Sound Beach (OPSB) and professionally with the Valke Rugby team in SA.  He competed in the Vodacom Cup, and the Division 1 Curry Cup with the latter club.  He was also selected into the USA Eagles 7’s Player Pool as first receiver in 2010.  He officially retired from playing the game at the age of 26.

His very first, and later, his last, tournament with the UNL club was Veisha in Iowa State, and he has fond memories of his playing in Ames.  He enjoyed sharing the ball and running over opponents with fellow back, Trevor Richards, but the time UNL prop Jeff Hunter knocked out his front tooth against Creighton remains fresh in his head.  He recalls the following.  

“Jeff, had a mouthful of blood and was crawling through the ruck looking for his tooth with more determination and success than his actual rucking skill.”  Then when the missing tooth was found, he held it up at the root to the sky, “Like Rafikki held Simba to the sky during his baptism in the Lion King,” said Smidy.  Jeff turned around and said, “Smidy look my tooth is out,” with the biggest smile on his face! Jeff pushed his tooth back in his mouth and continued playing.

Smidy was the Gilbert Rugby Brand Manager in South Africa 2014 – ‘19 and moved over into the production and sports advertising space where he has his own company called BackSports and partners with current South African world-class 100 m sprinter Akani Simbine.  The company predominantly produces streaming and television productions for SuperSport and SuperSport Schools.

He is married to a South African actress, singer, and songwriter Loriska Bubb, and the couple have one child Lome, are expecting their second in April of 2024, and he hopes “it is a rugby boy!”