Senior Celebration Series: July 10

SENIOR CELEBRATION SERIES: Andrew Banaitas

While at Rensselaer:
Defensive Line … Played 33 career games … 29 solo tackles and 29 assisted stops for 58 total … Eight tackles for lost yards (43) and five sacks (37 yards lost) … Environmental Engineering major.

From the coaching staff:
"Andrew made plays on the field that many couldn’t and did things off the field many couldn’t either. He played a major role in our 2018 League Championship and in 2019 with his dynamic play as a run defender and pass rusher. His presence will be missed as a player and person." - March 2020

What others say:
“Always fun to be around and a great football player.” - April 2020

"Called the inchworm by his coaches and peers for his strange technique and appearance of "having 0 bones". Great player and teammate. Was willing to put his body on the line for his boys even though it caused him to be in the training room 90% of the day. The king of chopping wood, he never ceases to amaze people with his one liners. Will be missed greatly." - April 2020

"One of the strangest, but greatest friendships I've ever made." - April 2020

"By far the most interesting person I've ever met. A true enigma. Yet a wayyyyyyy better friend than teammate (not to say he was a bad teammate); he just does things that always go against the grain of what a normal person would do for a friend and that's why he's admired so much by those that are around him." - April 2020

SENIOR CELEBRATION SERIES: Jake Marello

While at Rensselaer:
Forward … Played 114 career games … Had 14 goals and 15 assists … Seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 31 games as senior … Business and Management major ... Dean's Honor List.

From the coaching staff:
"Jake is a great teammate who exudes character and being a supportive teammate. He brought a positive approach and get-it-done mentality to the rink." - March 2020

What others say:
"Jake is an amazing person. Great teammate. Enjoyed playing with him and being around him." - April 2020

“Always ready to help and was everyone's friend. Showed an amazing example for underclassmen how to be a good student-athlete. Never stopped smiling. Always put the team first. Great fella.” - April 2020

“Great teammate who taught me how to be a great person to everyone.” - April 2020

"Leader by example and brought a positive attitude each day." - April 2020

“His calmness and poise rubs off on everyone around him. Whenever there are tough times, he’s a guy to look to.” - April 2020

SENIOR CELEBRATION SERIES: Andrea Squeri

While at Rensselaer:
Distance … Ran 19 cross country meets in career … All-Liberty League First Team twice … Second Team twice … All-Region three times … Ran 1500, mile, 3000 and 5000 in track & field career … Career-bests in mile (5:09.19) and 3000 (9:52.39) as senior … NCAA Championship qualifier in 3000 … All-America … Chemical Engineering major ... Dean's Honor List.

From the coaching staff:
“The fire that was burning inside of Andrea to be the best she could possibly be is a rare thing. When she was able to toe the line she usually did things that would amaze me, things that most people would not be able to do. She spent most of her time in college dealing with a chronic injury, but when she had to sit out due to pain she spent hours rehabbing and cross training. When she came back she was immediately a top runner on the team. There were many times when it was questionable if Andrea's health or fitness was there but her mentality was so unique that she could will herself to be there for the team.” - March 2020

What others say:
"Thanks for dreaming big and inspiring the team to do so as well! Your dedication to running is unmatched." - March 2020

"She’s the most dedicated runner and student you’ll ever meet, all while being an incredible teammate and friend." - March 2020

“Andrea Squeri is such a hard worker and has been a great role model in showing that hard work really does pay off!” - April 2020

“Andrea overcame so much and never gave up on her goals. Her determination and perseverance is truly inspiring. She is an incredibly strong & tough athlete.” - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.