Senior Celebration Series: Football

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. 

CONOR AHERN

Armonk, New York | Civil Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Definition of “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Didn’t talk much, but let his playing say the words. Made some great plays, like his interception against Anna Maria.
• From a coach: Connor has developed as a player and person over his four years. He is a hard worker both on and off the field, leading through his actions and performance.

MARC ANDERSON

Rio Rancho, New Mexico | Business and Management

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Never fails to bring the juice! Marc's passion and energy has been unmatched since he got on campus as a freshman. 
• From a coach: Marc always brings the juice! He is a vocal leader and one of the hardest workers on the football team. When given a task, Marc completes it to the best of his ability.

BLAKE BATTLE

Plano, Texas | Business and Management

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Leader on and off the field. He hosted me on my visit and led by an example of what the culture of RPI looks like. He’s a role model for many and a good friend.
• Despite being undersized, he had a lot of confidence and used good positioning to make plays. 
• From a coach: Blake was a tremendous competitor and student of the game. He provided confidence and a will to win in everything he did. He will be missed by all.

JACOB BODINE

Haddon Heights, New Jersey | Mechanical Engineering 

FROM A COACH:

• From a coach: Jake was a pleasure to work with on and off the field. He is a hard worker who elevates the level of performance of all who encounter him. He will have an immediate positive impact in whatever organization he is a part of.

AUSTIN CHARLES

Castaic, California | Business and Management

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My sophomore season as a whole due to that team's close nature and thriller wins against Utica, Ithaca and a big time win over Brockport

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The student-athlete's ability to be able to excel athletically while dealing with serious academic rigor in the classroom.

Post-Graduation Plans: Obtain my Master's and play football here at RPI next year.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Austin has been one of my best friends ever since day 1. So close that I consider him family. There hasn't been a day we haven't spent working out, joking around or just wandering around Troy. From freshman year to now senior year, I was able to watch him grow to the leader he is now and couldn't be happier for him. He's got big dreams and I have all the confidence in the world he'll achieve them. Known as the Talk of the Town, The Guy and AC, I hope to find a new nickname for him as we gear up for a 2021 comeback.
• From a coach: Austin is a great leader and worker. He loves everything about football and is a tremendous ambassador for RPI Football. Whether it was player panels or talking to recruits over the phone, he is one of the most positive speakers about RPI and our program. 

ANGEL COLINA

Leominster, Massachusetts | Mechanical Engineering

FROM A COACH:

• Angel is a joy to be around. He attacks anything put in front of him and always does it with a smile. My day is always better when I see Angel.

RILEY CONBOY

Montoursville, Pennsylvania | Chemical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Beating Brockport.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The great academics and athletics. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Grad school at RPI.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Real blue collar guy. Came in as a walk-on and just worked his tail off to get on the field and help the team in any way he could. Never complained, just kept working. Has a huge heart.
• Always has been a consistent leader by example on the field and in the classroom. One of my favorite teammates since I've been at RPI.
• From a coach: Hard work pays off. Riley transformed himself physically and mentally during his time at RPI. It has been great to see him evolve from a timid freshman to a confident player and person.

JOE CUOMO

North Babylon, New York | Biomedical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Winning the Shoes Game at Union my freshman year. Was such a great game and showed me how important the game is to us.

Halloween lifts with Coach Sergio; he always made waking up at 5am fun. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Just how close-knit the community is. No one is out to get each other. The teachers, coaches, students and teammates are all willing to help each other because we have common goals and struggles. Feels like if I went anywhere else I’d just be a number, but RPI makes you feel like you belong.

Post-Graduation Plans: I’ll be completing a summer internship with Edwards Lifesciences and returning in Fall 2021 to finish my M.Engr. in Biomedical Engineering and to play one more season.

FROM A COACH:

• Joe does everything in his life with intention. His positive attitude and perspective will be valuable assets moving forward.

DENNIS DECICCO

Blauvelt, New York | Business and Management

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• One of my best friends and love this guy. One of the most down to Earth people if you get to know him. Always willing to help, he'll just complain a little bit first. Love this guy.
• From a coach: Dennis gave his all to better himself as a student and an athlete. A major contributor to special teams and the offense in his first few seasons, he will continue to make an impact as he moves to defense this year. He takes no days off studying or training to be his best.

TRE JONES

Washington, District of Columbia | Business and Management

FROM A COACH:

• Tre has developed as a student, player and person while at RPI. He has overcome obstacles during his time here and has made the most of his opportunities both on and off the field.

AMAECHI KONKWO

Alexandria, Virginia | Computer & Systems Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My favorite memory was definitely beating Brockport in 2018 to advance to the Elite Eight of the National Championship. While it was an upset to those on the outside looking in, we as a team had one of our best practice weeks ever and felt extremely confident in our abilities. The whole season was one of the best I've witnessed in all my years playing football. While we fell just short of our goal of a National Championship, we made it farther than anyone thought we would and proved a lot of people wrong. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: What makes RPI special is the fact that bright students from all walks of life are able to come together, learn and grow with one another. 

Post-Graduation Plans: I plan on coming back to RPI to pursue a Master's within the Lally School of Management. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Amaechi is a great person to be around; he makes everyone's lives better through his personality.
• From a coach: From the moment he stepped on the field, Amaechi made a difference for our program. His abilities as a player and leader have been instrumental to our success in recent years.

SANJAY KRISHNAN

Rockville, Maryland | Mechanical Engineering

FROM A COACH:

• Sanjay epitomizes the balance between student and athlete. Every year he excelled in the classroom and made continuous strides on the football field. His hard work paid off as one of the best kickers in the leagues. 

GEORGE MARINOPOULOS

Slingerlands, New York | Business and Management

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Beating Brockport in the second round of playoffs in 2018 and advancing to the Elite 8. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: All of the people here. I've enjoyed growing through the program with my teammates and coaches, and everyone else who has provided support to our team. 

Post-Graduation Plans: One more semester to finish my Master's degree in supply chain management.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Ever since our freshman year together, I could tell how devoted he was to his studies as well as the game of football. A true student of the game, George will either be studying or doing something football related. He is one of the most level-headed people I know, and I can't wait for another season with him.
• From a coach: George will leave RPI Football at the top of many statistical categories. His on field accolades do justice to his perseverance, drive and love for the game. He is one of the best players and people I have ever been around.

VINNIE MCDONALD

Elmont, New York | Industrial and Management Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Vinnie is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever been around and can do anything he sets his mind to. He is also a pillar of the RPI community outside of athletics among both students and faculty.
• All around great person, on and off the field. Really exemplifies excellence in all things and remains humble.
• Freshman year, Vinnie was the only other player on the team who shared the same major as I had so we spent a lot of time doing work for classes together. A best friend and brothers on the team,  he has ambition and drive unlike anyone I've ever seen. Anything he does, he does to the best of his ability. The growth Vinnie has shown from freshman year to now is unbelievable, and I can't wait to see what he does in the fall.
• One of the hardest working and most well-rounded men I know.
• From my time meeting other student-athletes are RPI, no one else has matched the friendliness and kindness that Vinnie has brought to the RPI campus. I will remember him as the guy who was known by all, as being a selfless leader who always put others before himself.
• From a coach: Vinny is a fantastic leader. Those who spend time with him become better as a result. He is a great player, but an even better person. His story serves as an inspiration of the things that can be accomplished with focus and hard work.

ZAC MONTRIEF

Suwanee, Georgia | Aeronautical Engineering

FROM A COACH:

• From a coach: Zac is a master technician. He works tirelessly on his technique and is always striving for perfection. He is a weapon for us on special teams. He has a chance to break every punting record at RPI.

DELANO MUNOZ WHATTS

Bethesda, Maryland | Industrial and Management Engineering

FROM A COACH:

• Delano is a worker. He is always looking to improve himself both on and off the field. His efforts to improve are contagious to his teammates. I am proud of the player that Delano made himself into, but I am more proud of the man he has become.

PATRICK NAUGHTON

West Nyack, New York | Civil Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Wasn’t a loud or flashy guy, but he kept his head down and was always grinding, helping make plays for the team and got everyone better.
• From a coach: Pat is the ultimate teammate. He has always done everything asked of him and then some. His loyalty to his teammates and this program will leave a long lasting impact.

FRANCIS PERRY

Staten Island, New York | Industrial and Management Engineering

FROM A COACH:

• Francis has developed tremendously as a player and student at RPI. He is a student of the game and has been a great teammate during his time. We look forward to having him back in 2021.

STEVE ROBINSON

Freehold, New Jersey | Business and Management

FROM A COACH:

Steve, known as Stevo, worked hard in everything he did on and off the field. Graduating early, Stevo will be missed.

ANTONIO ROGLIANO

Eastchester, New York | Civil Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My favorite moment of my RPI Athletics career was RPI vs. former No. 3 Brockport in a playoff game. We were predicted to lose by a significant amount for a fourth consecutive week. We practiced in the rain, snow and slid in the mud all week. I remember most of the team standing outside before the game, on maybe the coldest day of the season, because we thought they were trying to make us feel uncomfortable by putting the heat on so high. I remember myself and my guys being absolute bullies to some of the best players D3 football had to offer. We actually celebrated and danced harder than they did when they scored their first touchdown. But the best of it all is that I remember never seeing a team so defeated.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The people that make up Rensselaer. Some of the most influential figures in my life consist of coaches, staff and professors. My teammates and colleagues are what pushed me through this incredible program because we were all in it together. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Amalfi Blue Pool & Spa LLC; General Contractor & Pool Contractor

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• He always brought the energy, always positive and funny. Will never forget his "sun citations” at 6am lifts and Thursday morning practices.
• From a coach: Antonio had the ability to play as a freshman, making an impact immediately. His hard work and energy were vital to our success throughout his career.

KYLE SAMUELS

New City, New York | Industrial and Management Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Inspiring to see him continually bounce back from being knocked down with injuries. I've always enjoyed training and improving with Kyle every step of the way.
• Super scrappy guy who’ll never give up on a play, always gets after it and brings the juice. Even with some nagging back problems, managed to play a decent amount of the season and made big plays.
• Kyle has been a tremendous voice in the defensive back room and player on defense and special teams. While dealing with injuries, he was always involved and helpful while not being able to play. We are excited about his return to the field in 2021.

KENNY SCHRADER

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Business and Management

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• One of the hardest workers I know. Guy has a motor like no other, always goes to the echo of the whistle.
• From a coach: Kenny brings a blue collar mentality to everything he does. He is a sparkplug in the weight room, a tireless worker in the classroom and an absolute joy to be around. He will be missed dearly by the staff.

LIAM SHEEHY

West Newbury, Massachusetts | Business and Management

FROM A COACH:

Liam loves his teammates and football. He served in many roles on special teams and defense, always stepping up whenever needed. He will be missed as a player and person in our program.

RYAN SKIVINGTON

New Windsor, New York | Biomedical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Beating Union freshman year.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Elite combination of sports and academics.

FROM A COACH:

• Ryan made the change from QB to DB and has not disappointed. He is a great competitor and worker, always finding ways to improve physically and mentally. We are excited to have him back in 2021.

DILLON SMITH

Keller, Texas | Business and Management

FROM A COACH:

• Dillon has a quiet confidence that will drive his future success. He is always looking for ways to improve himself. Dillon had a positive impact on all he encountered.

NICK SMITH

Wayne, New Jersey | Computer Science

FROM A COACH:

• Nick is a pleasure to be around. He sees things in the bigger picture, a rare trait for people his age. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge will make him a valuable asset to any organization.

MAGNUS WAMBLE

Bear, Delaware | Mechanical Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• One of my best friends and will not miss serenading anybody more than him. One of the hardest working guys I know and is so in love with RPI and football he'd do anything to finish off his last season. Hats off to this guy for being one of the most influential guys that I could always go to if I ever need anything.
• A hard-worker who has begun to realize his true potential in everything that he does. He is highly motivated and fun to train and improve with. 
• From a coach: Since day 1, Magnus brought a special energy to our football team. His love for football was obvious along with his desire to get better. He put extra work in before and after practice to improve his skill set. Magnus has been a major impact to our football program as a player, grinder, vocal leader and student.

Special thanks to Eric Cohen for his generosity with photographs.

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 28, 2021