As there is one week left of my basketball career at Hartwick College, I am slowly trying to stop the seconds from passing. These past four years have certainly made a tremendous impact on my life. I went through a drastic transformation from being a shy, skinny freshman to what I am now.
I have built a great collection of memories at Hartwick. Playing Oneonta State each year was always the most anticipated game. I’ve never been part of a game with a crowd of over 2,500. Each year playing RIT was an experience in itself. We have had many battles playing them, most seeming like roller coasters. The fondest memory was probably wining the ECAC championship over St. John Fisher. Having not beaten them in over 20 years, and not winning the ECAC in multiple tries, gave me great pride in being part of the Hartwick Men’s Basketball program.
It is easy to say I do not regret coming to Hartwick. Four years ago I chose to come to Hartwick simply based on the great people at the school. I easily became friends with the players. You won’t find any other team in the U.S. like the Hartwick Men’s Basketball team. I’ve seen many unique personalities through my four years. Matt “Simo”, ate, drank, and breathed WWE. Jan Coccoziello had a severe obsession over Kobe Bryant, and tried to mimic every posture, facial expression, and move Kobe did on the court. Greg Bankowski looked like he came right out of the 1980s and belonged in the movie Goodfellas. Teddy Bridgeman couldn’t tell you the president of the United States, but could give you the whole NY Giants roster with player stats and thorough analysis. Eric Mingos is famous for two things, his gauging biceps, and a killer jump shot. Dan Devantier always has a mental meltdown before he even shoots the ball. It’s these bizarre, yet endearing characters, and more, that have made my time at Hartwick College worthwhile.
In the months to come I look to finish school and graduate and put my mathematics degree to use.
I have built a great collection of memories at Hartwick. Playing Oneonta State each year was always the most anticipated game. I’ve never been part of a game with a crowd of over 2,500. Each year playing RIT was an experience in itself. We have had many battles playing them, most seeming like roller coasters. The fondest memory was probably wining the ECAC championship over St. John Fisher. Having not beaten them in over 20 years, and not winning the ECAC in multiple tries, gave me great pride in being part of the Hartwick Men’s Basketball program.
It is easy to say I do not regret coming to Hartwick. Four years ago I chose to come to Hartwick simply based on the great people at the school. I easily became friends with the players. You won’t find any other team in the U.S. like the Hartwick Men’s Basketball team. I’ve seen many unique personalities through my four years. Matt “Simo”, ate, drank, and breathed WWE. Jan Coccoziello had a severe obsession over Kobe Bryant, and tried to mimic every posture, facial expression, and move Kobe did on the court. Greg Bankowski looked like he came right out of the 1980s and belonged in the movie Goodfellas. Teddy Bridgeman couldn’t tell you the president of the United States, but could give you the whole NY Giants roster with player stats and thorough analysis. Eric Mingos is famous for two things, his gauging biceps, and a killer jump shot. Dan Devantier always has a mental meltdown before he even shoots the ball. It’s these bizarre, yet endearing characters, and more, that have made my time at Hartwick College worthwhile.
In the months to come I look to finish school and graduate and put my mathematics degree to use.
