Rising sophomore Joshua Nicholson is our June Player of the Month. As a new player this spring Joshua established himself as a rising star on Michigan’s Third Side, inspiring his teammates with his high work rate and clutch tackles. Congratulations Joshua!
Position: Scrumhalf
Height: 5’7″
Weight: 155 lbs
Year: Sophomore
Major: Urban Technology or History
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I was working out at home going into college, but really slacked off once I started my first semester. I was hoping to find something my second semester to give me a purpose and drive to get active again, and rugby seemed like the most fun.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
It has to be the team culture. Going to every practice and game, I always feel like everyone wants to be there and everyone wants to help the guy next to them reach their max potential.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
Probably the first game I played in at the Chicago 7s tournament when I managed to stop one of the MSU props on the edge.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
It might be unpopular, but Dark Places [conditioning sessions] are probably my favorite. Once you get past the pain, it’s great to encourage your teammates at each station and work as team. Least favorite is probably that kicking game, just because I can’t kick yet.
What other sports have you played?
Pretty much all of the sports as a kid, but from Middle School onwards just Muay Thai Kickboxing, which is suprisingly helpful with tackling.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
Hopefully getting started on a master’s degree in either urban planning or journalism.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
I once tried to make Kraft Mac & Cheese for my family and added the cheese packet straight into the water before boiling it.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Totoro
What is your biggest fear?
Wasps and hornets
What is your favorite food?
Sushi
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
Besides the MRugby sweatpants, I wear or bring the same pair of black sweatpants with me to games or while traveling.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Ant-Man, but only because I find the concept of a guy who talks to ants funny.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Invest in yourself. Things might be a problem or cost money in the moment, but everything you do should help make your life better at some point down the road.
Again, congratulations to our June Player of the Month, Joshua Nicholson!
