Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
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Senior Spotlight: Justin Rutherford (Men's Soccer)
Major:Â Exercise ScienceÂ
   Minor: Spanish
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend graduate school to become a physical therapist.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? My favorite academic experience at AU was doing a one on one dissection with a professor for Anatomy lab.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? My most memorable athletic moment at AU was winning the conference title my junior year.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? I love to go rock climbing, fishing, and golfing even though I am a terrible golfer.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? Rock climbing for sure.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? Chicken stir fry.
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Aside from Coach Lakin, our strength coachÂ
Chad Trudo has had the greatest impact on me. Through fostering my leadership as well as putting together programs in the weight room that brought my game to a new level, Chad has been very important in my development as a player.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? I enjoy the competitive atmosphere the most and the heat that radiates off the turf the least.
Do you have any pregame rituals? I fold our scouting report after reading it and leave it on my desk in a pile of all the teams we play.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Manage your time efficiently. The best way to get the most out of your college experience is to prioritize your studies and athletics to give yourself time for everything else you enjoy.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Stronger by Kanye West. It is both motivating to work out/run to or to just play while driving or studying.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? I am a Christian and hold that at the center of who I am because I would not be here if not for God.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why? Michael Jordan as he is clearly one of the best athletes ever not only mentally and physically, but as a leader as well.
Alex Honnold because is a pro rock climber you may know from the documentary "Free Solo." If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend it.
Finally, Jesus Christ but I would have so many questions I wouldn't know where to start.
