Jamie Willcox is our July Player of the Month. Since joining the team, Willcox has become an important leader on and off the field. Congratulations, Jamie!
Position: Hooker
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 195 lbs
Year: Senior
Major: Data Science
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I wanted to play football because of my love of being part of teams when I was younger, but my families move to South Africa left me playing rugby instead.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
Where else do you get to push yourself to your limit to become a better individual while traveling to so many different places and making so many great friends along the way?
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
Freshman year we were playing against Purdue- we ended up winning by a lot and I made a break up the field and passed it to our future captain George Janke for the try. It was memorable because I got absolutely layed out and winded on this massive tackle by the fullback, but I was just so happy that we got to score even if I got rocked.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
I absolutely love tackling drills because it puts you in a completely different mindset. I’m not thinking about my homework or anything else, I just have to hit whatever is in front of me. It’s simple and you rarely get put in fight or flight situations outside of rugby, which is what tackling situations totally are.
What other sports have you played?
Flag football, cricket
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
I’d love to coach rugby as a side gig or ref. Even for my main job I’d love to be involved in sport. As a data science major anything involving sports analytics would be amazing.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
Jamie declined to answer this one.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
I absolutely love Washtenaw dairy and that whole neighborhood around it, its always so quiet and peaceful during the summer.
What is your biggest fear?
Being hated for my character or truly having a big regret
What is your favorite food?
Nothing beats a good barbecue south african style
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I always pull my socks up as high as possible even though it looks goofy because I just think I play better
Who’s your favorite superhero? Why?
Batman because of the dark knight movies. Such a good series.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Just do your best and everything will be alright- my dad
Again, congratulations to our July Player of the Month, Jamie Willcox!
