Hometown:
Homewood, IllinoisHigh School:
Brother RiceTeam:
Men's Cross Country and Track and FieldMajor:
Health ScienceMinor:
Biology, Physiology, ChemistryWhat is your favorite sports moment at AU?The whole AU WHO fiasco at the 2014 NACC indoor meet was pretty dramatic and a good story.
What is your most memorable academic experience at AU?Presenting on electrical stimulation. Great learning experience and will be useful in my career.
Why did you choose to attend Aurora University?Obviously a good financial decision. Also the charm of coach Chapman and my previous XC coach led me over to AU. Also had all the classes I needed for my career.
Who is your all-time favorite athlete and why?Steve Prefontaine. Not only because of how physically/mentally tough he was but for what he did for the sport.
What is your favorite class and why?Although it was also the hardest I would have to say physics because it is so relatable to everyday life and it offers explanations to how things work.
Who is your favorite professor and why?If you ever have a change to take a class with Rajnish Mandrelle, do it. He has so much experience in the field and knows everything there is to know about the human body. Not only is he knowledgeable but he is a great teacher and a pretty friendly/understanding guy.
Other than the sport(s) you play, what other sports activity are you good at?I was a pretty competitive wrestler in high school. I also grew up playing baseball. Maybe one day I will be good at golf.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby?Lately I have been going through Harry Potter books like it's my job. I am also a very avid Super Smash Bros player. When it's warmer I like to canoe and hangout on a golf course.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria?Im a commuter so it has been awhile. Back in the day the lunch ladies could make a mean turkey sandwich.
Who is your role model?I know its corny to say your coaches but Coach Chapman and Yonnie are both excellent role models. They always stress the little things to make us the best that we can be. Having Yonnie workout with us this year has really motivated me to try and get to his level.
What do you enjoy most about practice?I really enjoy working hard as a team. Crushing a big time workout with your buddies is a great feeling knowing that you are one step closer to your goals.
What do you like least about practice?Running in the cold can be rough sometimes.
What are your plans/goals after graduation?Going to physical therapy school, running marathons, possibly a big backpack trip across Europe.
Do you have any pregame rituals?I write notes to myself on my phone to keep me confident and remind myself how hard I have worked for race day.
What will you remember most from your college career?Winning multiple conference championships, my 5k PR, and failing miserably in the 110 high hurdles.
As a senior, what advice would you give to freshman at AU?Take a lot of risks. Volunteer or visit the career options that most interest you then find out how those people got to where they are. Plan your classes with that information and take their advice.
PREVIOUS SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS
