Senior Celebration Series: Men's T&F / XC

At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2021. 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 future endeavors. 

EVAN ATHERTON

Northport, New York | Mechanical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Driving to Louisville for the D3 Pre-Nationals competition.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The friendships I made on the RPI cross country and track teams will last a lifetime.

Post-Graduation Plans: Working as an Aerospace Engineer at Herrick Tech Labs in Maryland.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Amazing role model, but better friend. Evan always had something to talk about on runs, and always wanted to see everyone, and the team, accomplish their goals. King of bus banter.
• He's sensationally smooth over the steeplechase barriers. If you tell a joke that isn't very funny, Evan will still laugh, and it's a great feeling. He's a good friend.
• Loved the team culture. 
• Evan was a great captain and teammate. He always ran with a smile and raced with everything he had. I can’t wait to see him succeed in all things in the future! 
• Evan is extremely talented and also very funny. He brings a unique element to the team that leads to an amazing dynamic amongst everyone.
• From a coach: Evan grew from a hesitant trainer and racer into a fully bought-in team leader over his four years who could take his younger teammates on his back and teach them the ropes of training and racing. Sacrifice is a main tenant of our team and in my mind Evan has been a great role model for the youth when it came to that.

HUNTER BORWICK

South Egremont, Massachusetts | Aerospace Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Each Liberty League Championship was an experience when the whole team got together for the weekend and did some amazing things. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The people. Having the ability to go out on the track every day with your teammates is something I will always remember fondly. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Deciding between job offers and staying for another year here at RPI for a Co-Term. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Hunter is a leader on the team who always helps out where he can. He is a great teammate and a great person.
• Great guy to have around and a very social person. He’s into what he does and brings light to practice. It’s a shame I don’t get to spend more time with him in track in the coming years.
• This man is a pole vault legend. Dude has got some killer crocs. A true friend and a great teammate! 
• Hunter is a natural born leader. Through my short two years so far here at RPI, he has really proven that he cares about the success of others on the team, as he is always willing to provide input and encouragement for others. Hunter is also very passionate about the sport of track & field and always gives 110% in whatever he is doing, setting a great example for all members on the team. His work ethic and mentality will carry him far beyond collegiate track & field and bring him success in all his future endeavors. 
• Hunter is a natural leader. His work ethic combined with his sense of humor make him someone who underclassmen look up to without even realizing it. He is a cheerful guy who gets to know everyone and can casually convince you to push yourself harder just by being a good example. 
• From a coach: Throughout his career, Hunter has added events whenever it helped the team. Hurdles, long sprints, decathlon and now pole vault have been his main event areas. He is always there to provide insight to coaches and mentor and instruct his younger teammates.

JARED BRAUN

St. Mary's, Pennsylvania | Electrical Engineering

FROM A COACH:

• Jared's work ethic and character are always clear to everyone around him. He has a passion to work hard and overcome new challenges. As a track & field competitor this drive has led him to be a major team contributor as a jumper, sprinter and multi-eventer. Beyond the track, Jared conquers ultra marathons.

NEIL CASIMIR

Johnson City, New York | Civil Engineering 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• This man is faster than light. Saw him run once and he lapped Usain Bolt! A true friend and a great teammate!
• Neil is a great person, teammate and athlete.
• Fastest guy at RPI! Neil is a powerful runner and a great guy. He is a force to be reckoned with on the track, but is so nice that you can forget that he can run your 200 PR in the 400 without breaking a sweat. Can always be counted on to crush the competition or say something funny and lighten the mood before or after a race.
• From a coach: Neil is a powerful force for the team in the sprints and relays. A dominant runner in the 400, he has been named All-American and broke the team's longest standing school record. He leads with his massive stride as he races down the track and pulls away from relay competitors.

JAKE DAVIS

Woodbine, New Jersey | Physics

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Winning Cross Country Regionals my sophomore year and placing seven of our guys in the top 26.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The coaches and teammates make this school special. Throughout my time here I was always able to seek guidance from my coaches and support from my teammates. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Rutgers Law School.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• During his time on the team, Jake displayed a passion for competing like none other. He served as a great example of a strong competitor and passionate teammate.
• He's the type of guy who can carry on a conversation with just about everyone. He's friendly and approachable. Just don't get him mad if you're racing against him in cross country.
• Jake always had an insane amount of passion and spirit. He knows how to get the team and fans amped up before every race, and his energy was contagious. Also amazing golfer.
• From a coach: Jake was a wild man on the XC course. I will always remember his primal screams pre-race. He would consistently put himself in the front of the race and gut out his results. He showed a mental ability to perform up in tough situations that is rare to see. He also learned to be a great teammate over his four years, always being one of loudest to cheer for his teammates when he wasn’t racing.

BEN ERTEL

Fairfield, Connecticut | Materials Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• There aren't many people who make a fast 800m look easy. There aren't many people who make playing Rocket League look easy. Ben can do both.
• Ben always raced hard and had fun. I always enjoyed cheering for him at meets. His speed and talent in the 400m and 800m will never be forgotten! 
• Ben is a killer 800 runner! He makes it look easy and always has something witty to say. 
• From a coach: Ben has shown great success as a mid-distance runner, being a top performer in the 400, 800 and 4x400 relay.

JOHN GONZALEZ

Wappingers Falls, New York| Electrical Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• John is a fantastic athlete. Watching him throw was always exciting, especially in shot put. He is a great teammate, and was always fun to be around.
• John is always putting in the work in the weight room and shot put. As one of the fastest and most powerful throwers, he has helped the trows team become a force to be reckoned with. 
• A true master of the BOP. Loved the energy and enthusiasm he brought to the team! 
• John is very strong, a great thrower and a great teammate.
• John is an absolute beast. I’ve never met anyone who can generate as much speed and power in a throw as he can. He works extremely hard, and is a great guy to have on the team. He is always super supportive of other throwers, and pushed me to new heights.
• From a coach: John is as strong as they come. He is a naturally gifted athlete who excelled not only in the weight room but in the circles and classroom. I've seen his intelligence, determination, skill and attitude speak volumes of his character. He will be missed, but I can't wait to see where his journey takes him post-college.

MATT GUTIERREZ

Simsbury, Connecticut | Mechanical Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Matt is the funniest person in the world and a very consistent runner. Huge contributor to team morale (and BARH attendance). Thanks for organizing so many 400/800 events (your posters will be missed)! There's no one else who can take your place as fellow mason!
• This man's energy knows no bounds. Always working on something creative and engaging. A true friend and a great teammate!
• From a coach: Matt is a soft spoken, quiet leader. He competes in the mid-distances and is eager to train. He is always one to be on the high end of mileage and overall running within his event group.

RYAN HUMELSINE

Neptune, New Jersey | Mechanical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Bantering before, during, and after practice.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Great combination of academics and athletics.

Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from RPI.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Ryan has served as a great leader during his time on the team, and was a great example of how to train and compete the right way.
• Ryan is one of the most reliable teammates I have ever had. He always goes the extra effort after practice, and encourages others to do the same. He was always a great friend, and is always there to talk to. His jokes are also always 10/10.
• From a coach: Nobody is more purposeful in their craft than Ryan. He is very in tune with his body and great about communicating what he is feeling. He has shown great potential in his racing and I am excited to see him continue in grad school with us.  

HENRY JAQUES

Freeport, Maine | Aeronautical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Singing, “I want it that way” by the Backstreet Boys during a long run and hearing local construction workers join in on the chorus.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: RPI is a great place to develop as an athlete and student.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• If you're anywhere near him with a lap to go in the 5k, he'll be far ahead of you at the finish line.
• Henry is a supportive teammate and excellent competitor.
• One of the funniest people I have ever met. 
• From a coach: Nobody closes a race like Henry, who has some of the most exciting finishes to races I have ever witnessed throughout his career here. His fighting spirit comes out in the most heated battles and it's rare anyone can stay with him. Henry battled through two tough rare injuries in his time and both times he emerged faster and stronger. He will go down as one of the best 5k runners in program history.

ERIK LACOURT

Spencerport, New York | Computer & Systems Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Big and scary workouts with the team at the Harkness track. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The athletic community is awesome and very supportive. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• It is obvious that Erik loves being a part of the team. He serves as a leader in so many ways and is such a supportive teammate.
• Erik always showed up with a smile and a positive attitude to practice every day. If you were having a bad day he would always be there to spin it around. Glad to have him as a teammate. 
• He's the glue that keeps the team together. Whether it's arriving to practice 30 minutes early or attending Tuesday night Blitman dinner, Erik will make sure you're there.
• Erik is a guy you always want to be around. He is not only committed but also greatly helps the team dynamic overall.
• From a coach: Erik has an immeasurable passion for his teammates and his racing. I remember not a single person was more excited for the first race of every season than Erik and it always came out in his result. I thank him for his energy and his enjoyment of our program.  

JUSTIN PARK

York, Maine | Geology

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: During one outdoor meet our throws squad had 17 personal bests. Loved the energy of the team that day, and how we continued to build off each other.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The deer that hang around the throws circles.

Post-Graduation Plans: RPI Round 2! Accepted into the PhD program for Geology.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Justin is one of a kind. Teammates can always rely on him for a dad joke or anything to keep the energy up. He is also a great leader and great competitor. Justin is genuinely invested in all of his teammates' successes, and his love for the sport is clear.
• We all strive for Justin's energy. He makes every practice, meet and even bus ride more enjoyable and lifts the spirits of all those around him. From his jokes, cheers or championship haircuts, he always puts a smile on our faces. He works very hard to excel in his events and in the classroom, all while also being a very kind person.
• Justin has all the makings of a future coach. He is a natural leader, who is extremely dedicated to his craft, all while always having fun at practice. Absolute stand-up guy who has big things awaiting him in grad school.
• Justin is the most positive and goofy person on the team. He is always willing to teach his teammates about both throwing and how to keep a good attitude. He is just as dedicated to javelin as he is to being a good teammate.
• From a coach: Justin has one of the best mentalities out there. He looks at everything so optimistically and never fails to bring that energy with him wherever he is. Outgoing, charismatic, hardworking, smart. I could go on to make quite a long list. It has been an honor to know him.

JOHN REED

Gibsonia, Pennsylvania | Electrical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Morning group runs starting from the team house. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The combination of rigorous academics and a great athletics program along with the people that I get to interact with on a daily basis. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Working at Eaton Power Systems Experience Center in Pennsylvania this summer and then returning to RPI for co-term in Electrical Engineering. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• John is the man who can do it all. Smart, funny, talented, you name it. Awesome guy to be around.
• The most dedicated athlete I have ever trained with.
• John loves fitness and everything to do with fitness. When he wasn't running he was biking, or heading to the pool to swim. He was an absolutely amazing teammate, and strived to push others forward. Great role model, and better friend.
• John’s dedication and commitment to the team and the sport was unparalleled. He was always there to perform his best, whether at practice or on race day. John was a great leader for the underclassmen on the team and was a great captain. I can’t wait to see him succeed in all things in the future! 
• He's incredibly dedicated to RPI distance running: both the training and the culture.
• John has so much passion for our sport and has been a great teammate and friend for the last four years.
• From a coach: John battled through some major injuries over his time with us but always came back stronger and more determined the next time. He has the ability to be an all-time great for our program and I think he has finally figured out how to stay healthy in order to compete at his best and I look forward to his year with us as a grad student.

DAN STEVENS

Oxford, Massachusetts | Computer Science

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Team trip to Lake Placid every pre-season.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Coach Lynch.

Post-Graduation Plans: Fifth year for Master's in Computer Science.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Dan was always ready to race hard and have fun. Even though COVID canceled a lot of things, he was always there to put in the work. Dan’s dedication to the sport and the team did not go unnoticed. His legacy of 7am turf will never die!
• Dan works harder than anybody I know and has never stopped being a supportive teammate and friend for the last four years.
• Dan is probably the most optimistic and committed person I've ever met. Every team needs one of him.
• If you're anywhere near him with 150m to go in the 5k, he'll be far ahead of you at the finish line.
• Incredibly hard working, and dedicated beyond belief to the sport. Dan is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and worked everyday to make sure he and everyone around him were improving. 
• A great leader who is very dedicated to his craft. He also can shred the guitar and loves Weezer.
• From a coach: Dan is always smiling and enjoying the daily grind of practice, and was always looking forward to toeing the line for a race. His passion for running was contagious. He is always the one to rally the team to get out the door and get on an early morning double session and if you weren’t there you heard about it from Dan. I look forward to continuing to work with him as a grad student.

TIM WISE

Montclair, New Jersey | Mechanical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My favorite memory was winning the outdoor team title in my sophomore year. We were competing on our home track so my family and friends were present, and I medaled in the decathlon, setting multiple personal-bests on the day. I use that memory to fuel me in future competitions and to keep getting better.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Rensselaer offers a very unique environment on and off the field. Student-athletes are surrounded by such incredible talent, both in our peers and teammates, and in the coaching and training staff. Everything at the school is designed to elevate student-athletes to the next level of competition and performance.

Post-Graduation Plans: I will be attending RPI's co-terminal program, obtaining my Master's degree in Business Analytics. I will be competing in track & field in my fifth year as well, hopefully bringing home another team title.

FROM A COACH:

• Tim leads with energy and enthusiasm. He takes his focus to another level in championship competition. A decathlete, he can be seen training and competing in all event areas, eager to add individual events as well to help the team.

BEN ZAWISLAK

Huntingtown, Maryland | Nuclear Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Two moments really stand out. The first was the opportunity to throw at Harvard against D1 competition. The meet was shown on ESPN+, and it was incredible to compete with top athletes. The second is Indoor Leagues in 2020. The whole team threw amazing, and the atmosphere was unforgettable. It was the last time we were all together before the pandemic, and was a meet I’ll never forget.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The people are what make RPI so great. My teammates are truly awesome people. They are some of the kindest, smartest and most athletic people you’ll ever meet. We push each other to new heights, all while having a great time. We have become a family, and am glad to have made lifelong friends here.

Post-Graduation Plans: I’m commissioning as an Ensign in the Navy, then heading to Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• What and absolute beast! Always brought the long throws and a great attitude! 
• Ben is a great teammate and competitor. His energy during meets is unmatched, shouting after every throw and always cheering on his teammates. He is incredibly supportive of all his teammates and is a really great friend. His dedication to everything he does really shows in his success on and off the team.
• Ben is a great leader and teammate. He works very hard to improve his marks and drives us all to improve our own. He is also a very kind person and a true class act!
• Ben is a very hard worker, both as an athlete and student. He is one of the most disciplined throwers and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Ben is also loyal to his teammates and always cheering us on. 
• From a coach: Here is someone with a fantastic work ethic. Ben is inquisitive and determined, possibly the most important combination of being successful. He is masterful in taking in as much information as he can and producing the best results possible. With this skill set I have no doubt Ben will accomplish anything he sets out to do.

Attention Rensselaer student-athletes, coaches & staff: Should you wish to add any information or provide comments, please click HERE and submit the form.

as of May 26, 2021