Markus Harvey represents a broad base of unique life interests. Markus was a decorated student athlete at Holy Family High School, an All State Honorable Mention as a football player, and a member of the 2005 2A State Championship Football team. Harvey has also dabbled in business, since the age of 14, with the web site ToxicSports.com. He is currently a Freshman student-athlete at Western State College of Colorado.

As a four year starter with Tigers Rugby Football Club, Markus scored more tries than any other player in our history and was a two time Best Forward award winner. He led Tigers Rugby Football Club as a two year captain and ranks second on the Tigers’ all time scoring list, behind another legend, fly half and place kicker, Sam Glynn.

We asked Markus a few questions about the battle.

What have you learned from being involved in athletics at Western State?
In order to succeed in college athletics, you must be willing to dedicate a good amount of time into trying to be perfect at everything you do, whether it be in the weight room, the classroom, or the film room.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced as a student athlete?
At times it can be very difficult to find the proper balance between leisure,  football, and academics, especially in the college environment where one has all the freedom they can imagine.

What have you learned about yourself in Gunnison?
I love the outdoors, fishing, hiking and the like.

If success builds character and failure reveals it, how is your first season with the Mountaineers affecting you?
It’s showed me that you don’t always need to win to appreciate the game. The best part about sports is the relationships you make with your teammates, you don’t need to win to enjoy your relationships.

You’re kind of a techie; tell me how computer skills help you succeed in your daily life as a student athlete.
I make lots of new friends by always fixing their internet.

If you had to do it all over, would you still play rugby?
Without a doubt, rugby was a great experience and showed me how important dedication is to a game.

Some might argue that rugby reflects character, others, that rugby builds character. What is certain, however, is that character builds rugby. Markus is an integral part of Tigers Rugby history with as many years, points, tries and games played as anyone, and represents well, the game of Rugby.

Former Tigers Rugby captain, Mark Harvey plays on at Western State.

Onward to greatness!