 Q and A With Nick Gialessas and Tim Taylor
By Jaimie McFarlin
Sports Information Student Assistant
Washington University in St. Louis
What do you consider your “breakfast of champions” on game day?
Nick Gialessas: Lasagna at 9 a.m.
How do you prepare for a big contest? What goes through your mind right before the competition starts?
NG: I prepare for a game by relaxing the night before and watching a movie. Before the game, I’m thinking, “We are going to win.”
What’s your favorite saying or phrase uttered by your coach (or anyone on your coaching staff)?
NG: “GET YOUR FEET MOVING!” -- Coach Ryan
Most memorable moment in Bears’ football during your career?
NG: Beating North Central in the last few minutes during my sophomore year.
 What is the most challenging thing about playing as a defensive lineman?
NG: Making sure Todd Palmer shows up to practice on time.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
NG: “Doing Up-Downs and Getting Sacks”
Favorite Bears’ team other than football? And why?
NG: Basketball, because the games are fun to go to.
If you could accomplish just one last thing while at Washington University, what would it be and why?
NG: Win conference, because we have not been able to do that since I have been here.
You are an economics and political science major. What are your plans for after graduation?
NG: I’m going to find a job in the financial sector.
Complete the following statements:
The song I can’t stop listening to right now is...Miley Cyrus and her song Party in the USA.
TV show I can’t stop watching right now is…Sportscenter.
My favorite all-time movie is...Cool Runnings.
Funniest team moment this year is...Blue tackling Clay Reed twice on one play in practice.
The words I try to live by are...dedication and excellence.
On October 2, 2008, the vice-presidential debate was held at Washington U. You and Buck Smith helped the moderator Gwen Ifill onto the stage because she had broken her ankle the previous week. How did that happen? How did it feel getting up on the national stage like that?
Tim Taylor: I was fortunate to be chosen by Coach Kindbom to help out. It was nerve wracking to be up on stage, so I made sure not to trip or anything like that. Gwen Ifill was really pleasant to Buck and me, and called us her “heroes” after it was over.
You’re involved in numerous service groups. Which one do you feel is making the most substantial impact? Explain.
TT: I think the National Society of Black Engineers is doing some great things. They have several programs in which college students mentor and encourage high school students to apply for colleges and to look into engineering fields, with the purpose of increasing awareness of the opportunities available through education, and to destroy myths about minorities in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Has the team given you a nickname?
TT: The Toolman. From some old TV show or something.
How did you get started playing football? Have you played defense your whole career?
TT: I started playing football in high school. I wanted to be a receiver, but I had bad eyesight and was kind of heavy. They tried me at tight end, but I couldn’t block. I’ve been playing defense ever since.
What is the most challenging thing about playing as a defensive lineman?
TT: We are charged with the task of pushing offensive lineman around, and then sprinting down or across the field when the ball doesn’t come to us. It takes a lot of strength and endurance.
What is your favorite play call?
TT: We have a play on defense where all of the linemen drop into coverage. It’s almost never called, but I love the idea of possibly getting an interception one day.
 What is your favorite Washington University football tradition?
TT: I love the weekly position dinners. Each week, the defensive line goes out to a different restaurant. It’s nice to spend time with the guys outside of football situations.
What do you think is the single biggest momentum changing play in a football game?
TT: Blocked punts are devastating because both the offense and defense feel sort of helpless.
What is your favorite activity outside of sports?
TT: I am in a rap group called the Odd Couple. We just did a show on the main stage at WILD. It’s a lot of fun to see people enjoying the music I’ve created.
Most memorable moment in Bears’ football during your career?
TT: Last year, we went to Springfield, Ohio, and beat a really good Wittenberg team. It was a great game, and put us at 3-0 for the season at that point.
What are your post-graduate plans?
TT: I am currently in the five-year BS/MS program in the Engineering school, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. After that, I plan to work as a software developer.
Word association:
UAA–Championship
Coach Kindbom–Leader
Division III–Fast
Blitz–Unnecessary
Francis Field–Home
Maryland–Crab Cakes |
