Matt Pilon is the July player of the month after a strong performance at the Meijer State Games as well as great results thus far with the summer lifting program. Matt hails from Holland, MI where he played with the West Ottawa program. Pilon is entering his senior year and will look to lead from the second row where his big frame can be utilized.
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 205 lbs.
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Holland, MI
11-12 Total Games: 15
11-12 1st Team Games: 8
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
I’ve really enjoyed the support from my teammates on and off the pitch. There is great team cohesion and we all encourage each other to do our best as we work toward the same goal.
What legacy do you want to leave with the UMRFC?
I want for us to be known for our hard work and dedication that will eventually lead to a reputation of being a top team in the Big 10 Rugby Conference.
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Five years from now I’ll hopefully be out of graduate school with a degree in either Sport Psychology or Sport Neuroperformance. And still playing rugby of course.
Should we know about any notable family or friends?
My Grandpa on my Mom’s side of the family is in five different sports related Hall of Fames and one of my friends who I played rugby with in High School made it all the way up to the USA U-20 Team, which is pretty cool.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
On my first day of Middle School I fell through a man hole.
Biggest fear?
Never beating Michigan State at Rugby during my years on the team.
Favorite food?
A nice succulent steak.
Any game day superstitions?
I’m always concerned with how much food I eat before a match and that I will be either really hungry or too full while playing the match.
Favorite superhero and why?
Batman for sure! He doesn’t actually have any superpowers he’s just loaded so he can afford to make all sorts of gadgets and fight crime.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up
Any thing else you want us to know or you want to say?
I have loved being on this team and my only regret is not joining the team right away my freshman year.
