On December 15th, the Barbarian family lost a teammate and brother, Andrew Gabelbauer, known to most of us over the years as “The Dude”.
Joining the club in 1997, he came to the then Westside Harlequin Rugby Football Club by way of Catholic Memorial High School. He played as a feared member of the front row, and was a member of the squad that went all the way to the DIII National Championship match in 2001.
Moving to inside center during this time, the “beer truck” play was created to give him the chance to run from the backline to smash whoever was in his way.
Andy attended many overseas tours with the Harlequins, where stories of passport mishaps are still the stuff of legend.
A starting member of the pack for many years, Andy transitioned into a fixture on the sidelines and at the after-matches for years afterwards supporting the club as well as rugby throughout Milwaukee. Andy was a beloved member of the club who lit up every sideline and party he attended.
He will be remembered with love and laughter by all those that knew him. We will remember his infectious laugh, his ability to be instrumental in winning every party, and the “smash mouth” style of goon rugby that inspired many of those that played with him, as well as the stories of ‘The Dude” that will live on through all of us.
He leaves behind a loving wife Angela and a wonderful son Michael “Mick”.
The Dude over the years
