ANDY ZACHARIAS

Andy Zacharias, a cross-over athlete from the Husker football teams of the late 80’s and early 90’s (two-year letterman winner at linebacker), joined the UNL rugby team during the spring and summer of 1991. And while he played only a short year, it was enough to make a lasting impact for the UNL squad and to get him hooked on the sport for life!

Andy, originally from Sioux Falls, SD was a versatile pack player and used his size, speed and athleticism to excel at any forward position. “Zach,” as he was known to his teammates, was a devastating tackler as well as a hard – nosed runner. However, teammate and team captain Mark Palmer had his hands full with trying to convert Andy’s running style and NOT have him run face first into a tackle. “No helmets!” was often heard screaming out of MCP’s mouth.

Andy remembers the long road trip to Dallas for Western regionals with Mark (MCP), Kevin (Rump), and Paul (Charlie Brown) all piled into his Buick Regal. “Good times” he recalls. After Lincoln, he would play for a variety of teams including the Omaha GOATS, Richmond RATS, Houston Fighting Cocks RFC, St. Louis Bombers, Ft. Worth RFC, Canterbury (England) RFC, US Patriots Rugby League where he played six international matches, as well as the Old Blue (NYC) RFC.

He has fond memories of playing with Old Blue in NYC, in the middle of Bronx, riding the subway to practices, games, as the rugby was played at a very high level and is still in touch with many of his teammates from his time in NYC.

Andy married his wife Elizabeth in 2007 and has two boys August (2), Levi (4). He knows he is “an old dad” he said jokingly. After 30 years of the corporate rat race, he has settled down and owns a mobile pet grooming company in Houston.