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Athlete of the Week: Alistaire Ruggiero ’16 Equestrian Team Co-Captain

Brigit McDannell ’18

Sports Editor

What is your major?

Anthropology major, biology minor.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

The night before each show, we get the whole team together for dinner, and we watch horse-­related videos. We even Skype in our teammates who are currently abroad. It’s so much fun because, at each dinner, we share what happened to each of us during the week, but we mostly share the funny things, and we spend the whole night laughing.

Do you have any special pre-show snacks?

The morning of each show, the other captains and I pick up bagels from Bruegger’s Bagels for the whole team. I always have one; I can’t help it! They are always fresh. We also always have fresh apples and grapes thanks to Ginny, our academic liaison.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show?

The Golden Girls,” ­ I have an old soul and a dry sense of humor.

Favorite inspirational/motivational quote?

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” ­ A. A. Milne

What is your favorite memory of the season so far?

Seeing the whole team running back to the bus in the pouring rain after we won the Williams horse show.

What is your favorite place to study on campus?

The GIS lab in Sabin Reed.

What has been your proudest moment as captain?

I don’t have one particular moment, but I feel the proudest when I see one of my teammates smile big after a ride and give their horse a pat.

Do you have a favorite horse to ride at the Smith stables?

All of the horses are such great souls, and they all teach us so much! They are all my favorites to ride.

Plans after you graduate?

Attend vet school.