Michael Ashooh

I took on the men’s coaching position is 2004 and was named the Director of Rugby at the same time. In 2003, the team was 0-6; in 2004 we were 6-4, making it to the first round of the playoffs. We have made it to the playoffs each year since, and have won the Plate championship 2 of those years. I began playing rugby in high school (in 1982!). I played football in college, and played rugby after graduating here and there in Colorado, Los Angeles, Toronto and Oshkosh, WI. In Toronto and Wisconsin I become more interested in the fundamentals of the game.  I started refereeing and tried to do some coaching. I moved to Burlington in 2003, played for 3 years with BRFC, but decided that with three young kids and a career, it was time to retire from playing and move into coaching. When I am not coaching, I am teaching philosophy at UVM, goofing off with my kids, or renovating my house. I am a USA Rugby accredited coach and referee and continue to learn about the game through various clinics and workshops – including the most recent Queensland Reds Clinic held in 2009 and hosted by Saint Michael’s College.

Chad Smith

Chad Smith has been involved with Rugby for over 20 years as both a player and coach. He has been coaching at St Mikes for the last since 2005 focusing primarily on working with the forwards. He grew up in Prince Edward Island Canada and is a founding Member of the former Nova Scotia men’s league champion PEI MUDMEN. Chad moved to Burlington Vermont in 2001 and played for the Burlington RFC for 5 years, ending his tenure as team captain. He currently lives with his wife Tamara in Winooski Vermont. He is also a professional comedian.