Matthew Baird WPI has always been someone who enjoyed participating in athletics and sporting events. In high school Matthew Baird WPI was the captain of the JV hockey team, the varsity tennis team, and co-captain of the football team. It was only natural that this successful athlete and high-achieving student would continue to succeed (both academically and athletically) at the collegiate level. He currently plays on the Golf team for University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

After graduating from high school (he attended both Stoughton High School and Coyle and Cassidy High School) with many honors to his name, Matthew Baird WPI enrolled at the very competitive Worcester Polytechnic Institute. While studying there for his MGE, Matthew Baird WPI joined the WPI football team, and the WPI hockey team. Instead of detracting from his academic success, these team sports gave Matthew Baird WPI a boost in motivation, and a great release from the stress of a difficult degree in mechanical engineering.

Hockey is a sport that requires tough mental and physical abilities; Matthew Baird WPI knows that fights can sometimes break out, due to the rough nature of the sport. Players use defensive techniques that require close physical contact, and Matthew Baird WPI knows that things can often get out of hand when play becomes too aggressive. But for Matthew Baird WPI, rough play is just a part of the game – it isn’t the goal, but rather a way to help your team to victory. Rough play won’t make up for a player with sloppy skills with the puck, or who can’t keep up in terms of speed.

Football is another sport that Matthew Baird WPI plays, that requires a lot of padding – physical contact is the name of the game, really. But again, Matthew Baird WPI knows that aggression and rough play is not at the heart of what makes a great football team. It is more important to Matthew Baird WPI that the team works well together and communicates, and makes smart plays. After all, Matthew Baird WPI knows that it is touch downs (and field goals) that win football games, not bone-crunching tackles and sacks.