Men's Cross Country: Get to Know the Blue Devils
CCSU athletics is rolling out a new series to "Get to Know the Blue Devils." Despite sports competition being suspended during the fall season, CCSU student-athletes continue to succeed in the classroom and have an impact in the community. Through a series of questions and answers, CCSU fans and supporters can become familiar with many of the Blue Devils' student-athletes and learn who their favorite athletes are, what talents they have, bucket list goals and other interesting tidbits away from the field of competition.
This will be an ongoing feature throughout the semester, check back on our social media channels and at CCSUBlueDevils.com for updates.
Yankarlos Diaz | Fr. | Manchester, CT
Major: Criminology
Why did you choose CCSU?
It was closer to home, cheaper and small class room environment helps!
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
I like archery and swimming
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
I'm looking Forward for a good season for xc
Who is your inspiration and why?
My parents because they always to push me to do my best!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Making state opens!
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Aaron Rodgers because he's a great quarterback!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Scooby doo
What superpower would you like to have?
Ultra instinct
What would be your spirit animal?
A Dragon
Hunter Graves | Fr. | Gardner, MA
Major: Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Why did you choose CCSU?
CCSU has Robots and Running
Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
Started running Cross Country & Track in 5th grade. Senior year at Gardner High school awarded solely the Mens Triple crown award for being a three sport, four year athlete. Was a two year cross country cap-tain,Two-time Midland-Wachusett League cross coun-try All-Star (2018,2019)...Midland-Wachusett League indoor track All-Star (2020)...Placed third at the Midland-Wachusett League Cross Country Championships (2019)...Was the treasurer of the Gardner High School Leo Club. Put in countless hours volunteering for Templeton Swimming Red Cross program during many, many summer's.
What are you most looking for-ward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Better understanding of robotics
Who is your inspiration and why?
My Uncle John
What is your proudest accomplishment?
jr districts race
What are your future plans?
Robotics
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I can handle stressful situations
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
To be a Rock Star
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
Playing Bass guitar
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Learn from everyone, Follow no one"
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bacon
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Adventure Time
What superpower would you like to have?
teleportation
What would be your spirit animal?
Wolf
Who is your favorite musical artist?
AC/DC
Greg McGuire | Fr. | Pittsgrove, NJ
Major: Pre-Accounting
Why did you choose CCSU?
To run
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Hopefully getting a degree in accounting and winning a championship hopefully
Who is your inspiration and why?
My mom, she has raised me alone and is the strongest person i know
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Stay true to yourself.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Not sure
What are your future plans?
Get a job in accounting and start my own company
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
i get bored easily
Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
JuJu, he has so much fun playing the game
What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
Repay my mom for raising me
Besides playing your sport, do you have any other tal-ents?
I play golf
Do you have a favorite quote?
"For i know the plans i have for you declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Steve Prefontaine
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken fingers
What is your favorite childhood TV show?
Jimmy neutron
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
1/4 of your bones are located in your feet
What superpower would you like to have?
invisibility
What would be your spirit animal?
wolf