Thirty-three seniors were on Davidson Wildcat rosters as this spring began, and though their 2020 seasons were abbreviated, their contributions to their respective teams, the overall athletics program and college itself make them worthy of recognition. Each Tuesday and Thursday, we will feature members of the class of 2020 as part of the Senior Spring Scholar-Athlete Spotlight.
What was your favorite class and why?Anything taught by Tim Chartier —his passion for teaching and ability to productively engage students is the best I've ever been around.
Where are you completing your studies this semester? From home, just outside Pittsburgh, Pa.
Though it was cut short, what will you remember most about your senior season?Jake Biederman taking BP under the lights at our final practice.
If you had to choose, what was the defining moment of your athletic career?It is unequivocally the relationships I've built as a result of baseball, particularly with my teammates and coaches. I am, far and away, prouder of that than anything myself or the team's ever done.Matt Frey is greeted by his teammates after a 2019 home run.
What was your favorite trip you took as a team and why? Any time we'd go to Winthrop. Their batter's eye is completely ridiculous, and I can't get enough of it.
What makes a Davidson scholar-athlete different?I can think of a number of instances where I've had conversations with professors, there watching the game with their families, while I was in the on-deck circle. I don't know where else in the country the student/professor relationship is like that. It's pretty cool.
You can invite any three people to dinner. Who is joining you?Jesus Christ, Coach Bangs and Kieran Casey. (Honorable mentions: Barack Obama, Trey Donathan)
Most memorable college moment outside of competition?Some of the guys on the team have legendarily creative senses of humor, which provides for a lot of favorite non-competition moments. If I'm picking one, it's probably the team-wide improv sessions in the clubhouse and on the bus.
Did you have a pre-game superstition?Sort of-- I'm convinced I played better when I got to watch Greg Lowe eat banana peels pregame. Didn't happen all the time, but sure was a treat when it did.
What lessons from sports have helped you deal with the unusual situation of the spring semester?Paraphrasing a quote from a baseball guy I really trust, people aren't defined by their behavior in times of excess, but in times of crisis. I think that's a really pertinent point both on the field and in a situation like this (though, much less seriously on the field).
Who do you want to thank for their support?My parents, for their unwavering support and eternal optimism, the Davidson coaching staff, and Kyle Lindquist, who has been an even bigger part of my growth off the field than he has been on it.
What's next for you?I have no idea. I'm going to try to get A's in my classes this semester and try to pursue my final year of NCAA eligibility.
