At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well in all their futures. 

While at Rensselaer:
Four years of cross country and track & field … Ran 21 meets in cross country career ... Career-best 8K was 25:53.6 at 2017 NCAA Championship ... Set track career-bests in 3000 (8:58.21 at Brockport), 5000 (15:18.15 at Boston University) and 10000 (31:52.26 at Bucknell) in 2018 ... Aerospace Engineering major ... Dean's Honor List.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"Winning the Liberty League Championship my freshman year was such a cool experience, because when I joined the program I don't think we had ever won that title yet. It was the goal that our seniors had given us from the start of training camp because it was a race that the entire team competed in and could have an impact in, not just the top seven guys. I remember going into the race just thinking, "If I can just compete with the top pack I can help cause some disruptions for the racers from other teams." I remember going through the first part of the race in a pack with Sean O'Connor, Brian Crowley and a bunch of guys who I had no business being near and them encouraging me to not drop back. I ended up finishing just outside the top seven for the team and getting out-kicked by Brian at the end, but it didn't matter because we had won. Everyone had done their part and it resulted in a victory that everyone could celebrate." - March 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"Growing up I was always told that high school would be the best four years of my life. Well, RPI has made that statement completely invalid and I loved high school. The sense of family that you get from your teammates here is something else. The kids in my grade still regularly communicate with all of the seniors and upperclassmen that we were on the team with as freshmen. These are people that you know you are going to be friends with forever. RPI also gives you the opportunity to do things that you simply can't do at other schools. Not only was I able to compete as an athlete for Rensselaer, but I also got to work as a student-broadcaster for hockey, football, and lacrosse games. I want to thank Perry Laskaris for all he has taught me these last four years." - March 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"This summer I will be working as an intern at Underwriter Laboratories in Fremont, California, and then beginning a full-time position with NAVAIR in the fall." - May 2020

From the coaching staff:
"Nobody is more their own person than Joe P. I knew it on his recruit visit and he has never changed and that is to be cherished. He has the most gritty attitude I've ever seen and it showed through in his racing and training. Due to injuries Joe wasn't able to train as hard as he wanted his senior season but some of the races he put together were amazing because of what work he was not able to do. We saw his potential shine bright when as a sophomore he was able to represent the team at NCAA's in XC and run a PR in terrible weather on a very hard course." - March 2020 

What others say:
"Joe has always been a fun, energetic person on our team, constantly trying to bring people together through social events, athletic events and study sessions. He is good friends with everyone on the team and makes sure everyone always feels included. Over the past few years, he has always been dedicated to the team and his performance. He saw many great personal records throughout his college career and would still show up to practice to bring up his teammates even when fighting through his own injuries. He was a huge supporter of all RPI athletic events and even commentated the hockey games in his spare time. His devotion to RPI Athletics was like none other. I doubt RPI will ever see someone quite like him again." - April 2020

"A manifestation of team spirit in human form." - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.