‘Giggles’ reflects on undefeated rugby season

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Ryan “Giggles” Wilson muscles past the opponent’s defense.

Ryan “Giggles” Wilson, a third-year software engineering student from Springville, Pa., is a member of the men’s rugby football club. The Tigers went undefeated this year in regular season games and went all the way to the semi-finals in league playoffs. In addition to his successes on the field, Wilson has maintained a perfect GPA throughout his time at RIT.

Question: What brought you to RIT?
Answer: Mainly the co-op program. Breaking up the constant school work with real work experience was very enticing. I also really liked the campus when I visited for the first time and it just felt like the right choice.

Q: Why did you choose to major in software engineering?
A: I originally came to RIT as an engineering exploration major, not knowing what I wanted to do. I decided that I really liked programming and ultimately chose software engineering.

Q: How did you get the nickname “Giggles”?
A: I tend to laugh at a lot of things that would just seem normal to most people. It's not as much a prolonged laugh as it is a “giggle,” thus the nickname.

Q: What drove you to join the rugby club?
A: I was interested in trying rugby before coming to RIT. Being from a small town though, I never had the chance. I signed up for the team at the freshman orientation club fair, went to a few practices and have loved it ever since.

Q: What is your role on the team?
A: Off the field I've taken up E-Board responsibilities, making sure that the team can continue to properly function as a club at RIT. On the field I play a position called number-eight. It is my job to make sure people know where they're going on defense and always keep them focused on the next play.

Q: How did the team do this season?
A: Unfortunately, our last game was this past Saturday when we lost in the semi-finals of the league playoffs. This season was definitely the best we've had since I've been playing—going undefeated in league play and making it to the semi-finals in the playoffs. I'm really looking forward to future seasons as the club continues to grow.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of rugby?
A: I love the physical challenge of the game. There are very few breaks and a lot of contact during a game. There’s also opportunities for the team to make really awesome plays. Overall, it is just a lot of fun.

Q: What have been some of your best memories from your time at RIT?
A: Mostly the times with the rugby team. Certainly this year has been a great one with us doing so well in the league. It's really awesome to be on a team that is getting better and better each year.

Q: How do you maintain a perfect GPA on top of your other commitments?
A: Just by working hard and doing all of my homework. Time management definitely comes into play here as well because I can't function if I don't get enough sleep. There are very few nights that I actually stay up late to do homework.

Q: Do you have any advice for other students?
A: Value your sleep and do something other than school work. Sleeping enough makes a world of difference on how good you feel. Taking a break from studying to do other things is also really helpful for maintaining mental health.

Derrick Hunt compiles “Student Spotlights” for University News. Contact him at djh9758@rit.edu with suggestions.