Senior Celebration Series: July 6

SENIOR CELEBRATION SERIES: Damien Hall

While at Rensselaer:
Defensive Line … One solo tackle and two assisted stops with two pass breakups … Had 0.5 tackles for lost yards (1) … Aeronautical Engineering major.

From the coaching staff:
"Smart and passionate for his work in the classroom, Damien always displayed a high level of intelligence for the game of football. His love for the game was obvious in the way he approached every practice and game." - March 2020

What others say:
"A guy who did everything right. He was never late, never missed anything and always gave it his all. He will be missed by the RPI Football program." - March 2020

"Too Tall Hall. Absolute electric player when he's on the field. I think he leads the league in pass breakups per plays. Impressive player and great teammate. Serves as a leader to underclassman whether he knows it or not because he always came to work. Had a great work ethic and battled to get back from injuries in the beginning of the year. Will be very successful wherever he ends up." - April 2020

"One of the smartest guys in the locker room on and off the field. If anybody else besides Matt Patricia from RPI can coach in the NFL, it'd probably be him. He's a great analyzer of plays, but an even greater friend. At first he may seem callous but he truly has a big heart that's only for those who have taken the time to know him. Since freshman year when I was his roommate 'til now it's been a joy to watch him evolve as a person and become more social towards others. Glad that I've been able to call him a friend." - April 2020

“Damien Hall taught me more than I know when it came to life beyond football. From student life to everyday life he was a fountain of wisdom in which I often went.” - April 2020

SENIOR CELEBRATION SERIES: Maurin O'Connor

While at Rensselaer:
Pole vault … Set career-best of 3.20 meters as senior … Three career victories (Smith, Utica, UMass Boston) … Six runner-ups … Business and Management major ... Dean's Honor List.

From the coaching staff:
"Maurin is truly a “student of the sport” as her passion for the pole vault is unmatched. She lights up at the chance to share knowledge, stories and information with teammates, coaches, officials and competitors. She is an extreme multi-tasker as she balances her track & field interests with academic success, multiple on-campus jobs and absolute support of family and friends." - March 2020

What others say:
"Amazing teammate and friend. Met her at transfer orientation and we were best friends even since. Being able to spend time with her at meets and see her grow as an athlete and individual was such a privilege." - March 2020

“Maurin O'Connor is an amazing teammate and anyone who has met her knows how strong and motivated she is. She's always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and she never gives up when she sets her mind on something.” - April 2020

“A teammate who loves to look out for others on and off the track. Has always been a leader in her event.” - April 2020

"Extremely dedicated and passionate in everything that she does. Encourages her teammates in every way she can." - April 2020

“Maurin O'Connor is tenacious and driven. Regardless of life outside of track, she always gave her all. She was a mentor to underclassmen, and provided girls solace in a male-dominated environment. She spoke freely and openly and had a great relationship with our head coach.” - April 2020

SENIOR CELEBRATION SERIES: Jessica Squeri

While at Rensselaer:
Seven career cross country meets … Career-best 22:57.7 at 2018 NCAA Championship … All-Liberty League twice … All-Region once … Competed in mile, 3000 and 5000 in track & field … Chemical Engineering major ... Dean's Honor List.

From the coaching staff:
“Jess came to college with a chronic injury that she was trying to run through. I have never seen such a high level of determination to be a part of a team despite the sport not giving back to her and I am very grateful for that. When Jess was able to race she was one of the most competitive runners I’ve witnessed; she knew she did not have a lot of races in her legs so she ran every race like it was her last. She was a critical member of our XC team her junior year and I am very happy she was able to have that experience.” - March 2020

What others say:
"Jess does not let any form of adversity stop her from continuing to try and do what she loves. She’s an inspiration to us all and will undoubtedly accomplish amazing things in her future because of her dedicated and passionate nature." - March 2020

"If you googled the phrase "Work Ethic", a picture of Jess Squeri would probably pop up as the first result. She dealt with many injuries throughout her four years, but would do countless exercises from Coach so that she could get out there and race. And when she could race ... WOW was she good. She also knew how to show up in the clutch moments. After battling injuries for most of XC her junior season, Jess managed to race her best time by five SECONDS and finished top four on the team." - March 2020

"Jess Squeri is such a hard worker and has never let anything set her back. She is a great role model for the underclassmen on the team in showing that you can still make a huge impact on the team by simply being a supportive teammate both inside and outside of athletics." - April 2020

“Jess has an inspiring work ethic. She has shown incredible perseverance & determination & dedication to her team.” - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.