{"678837":{"#nid":"678837","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Ramblin\u2019 Forward: CS Grad Matthew Kistner Looks Back on Driving the Wreck","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAs he prepares to graduate, Computer Science (CS) major\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.em.gatech.edu\/2024\/01\/31\/driving-the-wreck\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMatthew Kistner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is closing a chapter as the Ramblin\u2019 Wreck driver. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThe Ramblin\u2019 Wreck, a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe, has been a beloved symbol of Georgia Tech tradition since 1961. It\u2019s a familiar sight around campus, appearing at special events and leading the football team onto the field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EMore than a ceremonial role, being the Wreck\u2019s driver comes with significant responsibilities and a deep commitment to preserving Georgia Tech traditions. Kistner took on the challenge of balancing his studies with managing the car and its schedule. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cAll of my weeks since January have been about 40 hours of commitment with just the Wreck alone, outside of school. It is a full-time job, seven days a week,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EYet Kistner has made the most of every opportunity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding the Reach of the Wreck\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EOne of Kistner\u2019s goals was to take the Wreck farther than ever before. This year, the car traveled over 3,000 miles to 10 states, including Syracuse, New York, and Naples, Florida. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cWe went to Syracuse for the (football game against Georgia Tech). That was the farthest north the car had ever traveled,\u201d Kistner said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EHis first encounter with the Wreck happened in 2019 during a game at Clemson, which drove him to reignite the tradition of taking the Wreck to away games. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s something special to see Tech\u2019s spirit in a different city,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInnovating the Icon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EKistner\u2019s problem-solving background played a role in enhancing the Wreck\u2019s safety and performance. He overhauled the vehicle\u2019s electrical system and installed turn signals to make it road-safe. Exposed fuses made it dangerous to drive in the rain, but now the system is fully enclosed and waterproof, ensuring the Wreck is safe to drive in all weather conditions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EHe also streamlined the scheduling process for student rides by creating a signup sheet for organizations.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThis made it 10 times easier for me to manage and made the Wreck more accessible,\u201d he said. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaximizing Opportunities\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EIn addition to driving the Wreck, Kistner participated in several other projects and organizations on campus.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cI wanted to get as involved as possible with different things on campus, not just one thing,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAs fundraising chair for the Ramblin\u2019 Reck Club, Kistner raised a record-breaking $27,000. He also became a campus tour guide, and at one point he held responsibility for all sports print media on campus. He served as sports editor for the Technique and assistant sports editor on the inaugural staff to bring back the Blueprint Yearbook. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EKistner said managing time is important to finding life balance. His strategic approach to class scheduling, such as taking summer semesters and stacking hard classes, made his final years more feasible. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cCS is an at-your-own-pace major, and programming is something you can do at any hour of the day. It lends itself to the night owl, which is beneficial to me,\u201d he said. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupport and Mentorship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EPrior to coming to Georgia Tech, Kistner had never programmed. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cIt wasn\u2019t something I knew or was familiar with at all,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ESchool of Computing Instruction lecturer\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/melinda-mcdaniel\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMelinda McDaniel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E played a pivotal role in shaping his academic journey. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cShe was the first instructor I had in CS, and her class launched my interest in the subject.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ELater, he enjoyed School of Interactive Computing Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/jessica-roberts\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJessica Roberts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u2019s EdTech class and her contribution to homecoming week.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cShe\u2019s been one of my favorite professors at Georgia Tech,\u201d he said. \u201cOne of my favorite memories is when she made a cake shaped like the Wreck for the band during homecoming week.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead and Advice for Future Yellow Jackets\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAs he wraps up his time at Georgia Tech, Kistner offers simple advice for future students: seize opportunities.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cLeave no regrets,\u201d he said. \u201cTry as many things as possible and make the most of the opportunities you\u2019re given. Breathe in and take your moments. When riding the Wreck or any special moment, think about your five senses and focus on them to maximize the experience.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EKistner will continue his involvement with the Wreck by training his successor. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in sports analytics and blend his technical skills with his passion for athletics. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EHis time as the Wreck\u2019s driver may be coming to an end, but his legacy will continue in the memories he created and the innovations he made.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThose interested in joining the Ramblin\u2019 Reck Club and continuing this iconic tradition can find\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/reckclub.org.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Emore information here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAs he prepares to graduate, Computer Science (CS) major\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.em.gatech.edu\/2024\/01\/31\/driving-the-wreck\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMatthew Kistner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is closing a chapter as the Ramblin\u2019 Wreck driver.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EMore than a ceremonial role, being the Wreck\u2019s driver comes with significant responsibilities and a deep commitment to preserving Georgia Tech traditions. Kistner took on the challenge of balancing his studies with managing the car and its schedule. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As he prepares to graduate, Computer Science (CS) major Matthew Kistner is closing a chapter as the Ramblin\u2019 Wreck driver. "}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2024-12-11 16:54:07","changed_gmt":"2024-12-13 14:03:13","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-12-11T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-12-11T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675848":{"id":"675848","type":"image","title":"Matthew Kistner, Fall 2024 Graduate","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMatthew Kistner, Fall 2024 Graduate\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1734098562","gmt_created":"2024-12-13 14:02:42","changed":"1734098562","gmt_changed":"2024-12-13 14:02:42","alt":"Matthew Kistner, Fall 2024 Graduate","file":{"fid":"259520","name":"kistner-commenc.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/13\/kistner-commenc.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/13\/kistner-commenc.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1405819,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/13\/kistner-commenc.jpg?itok=3YDYtsXV"}},"675822":{"id":"675822","type":"image","title":"matthew1.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAs the driver of the Wreck, Kistner juggled his and the car\u0027s busy schedules. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1733936065","gmt_created":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","changed":"1733936065","gmt_changed":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","alt":"As the driver of the Wreck, Kistner juggled his and the car\u0027s busy schedules. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"259493","name":"matthew1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1893200,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew1.jpg?itok=s_en8dep"}},"675823":{"id":"675823","type":"image","title":"matthew2.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAfter graduation this month, Kistner plans to pursue a career in sports analytics.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1733936065","gmt_created":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","changed":"1733936065","gmt_changed":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","alt":"Matthew Kistner","file":{"fid":"259494","name":"matthew2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1943195,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew2.jpg?itok=pBBOfwW6"}},"675824":{"id":"675824","type":"image","title":"matthew3.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKistner made significant improvements to the Wreck\u0027s electrical system, making it safe to drive in all weather conditions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1733936065","gmt_created":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","changed":"1733936065","gmt_changed":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","alt":"Matthew Kistner","file":{"fid":"259495","name":"matthew3.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew3.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew3.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1475488,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew3.jpg?itok=Ifk0vHYO"}},"675825":{"id":"675825","type":"image","title":"matthew4.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAs the driver of the Wreck, Kistner juggled his and the car\u0027s busy schedules. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1733936065","gmt_created":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","changed":"1733936065","gmt_changed":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","alt":"Matthew Kistner","file":{"fid":"259496","name":"matthew4.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew4.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew4.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1108041,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew4.jpg?itok=0uKr3Ojy"}},"675826":{"id":"675826","type":"image","title":"matthew5.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAs he was involved in several initiatives on campus, Kistner says time management is key to making the most of opportunities.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1733936065","gmt_created":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","changed":"1733936065","gmt_changed":"2024-12-11 16:54:25","alt":"Matthew Kistner","file":{"fid":"259497","name":"matthew5.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew5.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew5.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":63422,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/11\/matthew5.jpg?itok=Tsop8320"}}},"media_ids":["675848","675822","675823","675824","675825","675826"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194126","name":"the wreck"},{"id":"1839","name":"Wreck"},{"id":"14136","name":"ramblin reck club"},{"id":"27401","name":"ramblin reck"},{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"193866","name":"school of computing instruction"},{"id":"187209","name":"bachelor graduation"},{"id":"40181","name":"fall graduation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEmily Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECollege of Computing\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}