COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. — In the world of rugby, coach Matt Bremser stands out not just for his coaching, but for his dedication to his players both on and off the field. 

What You Need To Know

  • Coach Matt Bremser's dedication to coaching the Middleton Area Rugby Club's middle school team underscores his commitment to nurturing young talent and shaping the future of rugby in Wisconsin
  • With over two decades of experience, Bremser's coaching philosophy emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also personal growth, instilling values of sportsmanship and character in his players
  • Bremser's impact extends beyond the rugby pitch, as he provides invaluable emotional and mental support to his players, earning him praise as one of their favorite coaches of all time
  • As rugby gains popularity in Wisconsin, Bremser's leadership in coaching 15 high school teams and the Middleton Area Rugby Club's middle school team is instrumental in encouraging more teens to embrace the sport and its values

With a passion for the game and a commitment to nurturing young talent, the Wisconsin native’s impact reaches far beyond the rugby pitch.

Bremser’s journey into coaching began over two decades ago when he founded the Middleton Area Rugby Club. As a former high school player himself, Bremser said he felt a natural pull to share his love for the game with the next generation.

“I never knew I was going to become a coach,” Bremser said. “My goal was just to play as much as possible and as long as possible.”

But it was coaching that truly captured his heart. Despite a stint playing in Australia, Bremser found his true calling in guiding young athletes.

“I got hooked right away,” he recalls. “It was fun to teach and show these kids what it’s like, you know, not just to play rugby, but to be a person outside of the field, to be a gentleman because that’s what rugby is — it’s a gentleman sport.”

For Bremser, rugby is about more than just winning games. It’s about building character. His players attest to the impact he’s had on their lives, both on and off the field.

“He looks out for all of his players,” Brett Krenke, a former player turned University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student, said. “Some of the best emotional and mental support I’ve ever gotten was from him. One of my favorite coaches of all time.”

Bremser’s coaching philosophy revolves around helping his players become not only better athletes but better people.

“It’s all about being a better person at the end of the day,” he said. “And I think he really values that, and he makes us all believe it. He’s just a very convincing man.”

With rugby gaining popularity in Wisconsin, Bremser is at the forefront of the sport’s growth. He currently coaches the Middleton Area Rugby Club’s middle school team and said he is excited about the impact it will have on encouraging more teens to join the sport.

For Bremser, the pink crocs he sheds before every game symbolize more than just a quirky habit; they represent his commitment to his players and his belief in the transformative power of rugby.

As he leads his team onto the field, Bremser inspires them to put their best foot forward, both in rugby and in life.

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