In reflecting back on Rensselaer's recently completed athletic season, it quickly becomes obvious that there were – yet again – many memorable individual and team accomplishments, as well as other significant events that occurred. In an effort to relive, remember and celebrate some of our student-athletes and staff members who played major roles in making those occasions a reality, we introduce 11 4 2010-11.
The story below is one in the 11-part series, which will run throughout the next couple of months. The events are not ranked in any particular order. For the full list, along with some 'honorable mentions', eventually, please click HERE.
Are there significant events you remember? You can submit them by clicking HERE. Thank you and enjoy!
Senior Garrett Harms hustles to National All-America; Third National Academic All-America
It was only fitting that
Garrett Harms had to take advantage of both his mind and body throughout his final week at Rensselaer. After all, he used them both so skillfully in his four years while in Troy.
After hearing news he had qualified for the NCAA Meet – the best of the best – Harms traveled with his coaches and a teammate to Delaware, Ohio, where he would compete against 19 other world-class athletes in the Division III Decathlon Championships.
The competition began Thursday and the senior from Newburyport, Mass., found himself in 12th place, four spots out of All-America contention, after the first day.
Undaunted, he forged ahead with a number of spectacular efforts on day two to make up precious ground. A key result came in the second-to-last event, the javelin, in dramatic fashion in his signature event. After fouling on his first two attempts, he tossed the javelin 53.92 meters on his final effort to finish first.
Now in eighth place heading into the tenth and final event, the 1500m-run, Harms and a competitor from George Fox University, who was just a single point behind Harms, came through the final turn in a full sprint. Despite a dive at the finish line, Harms was narrowly edge out of first place in the race. But, his runner-up was good enough for seventh overall. He had earned his coveted place on the All-American stand.
After collecting his trophy, Harms headed to the hotel for an early morning wakeup call so he could board his flight back to the Capital District. With no delays he might actually be able to make it to Rensselaer's 205th Commencement Ceremony in time.
His plane was scheduled to land at around the same time the festivities on campus were to begin so Harms made certain a friend was waiting at the airport. A hurried ride ensued and when close enough, Harms jumped out and ran to his place in the proceedings.
It wasn't long before he was able to walk (no running, jumping, or throwing were required) across the stage with his GPA of better than 3.9 to receive his degree as a dual major in nuclear and mechanical engineering. And not only did Harms walk Summa Cum Laude, but also as a multiple National Academic All-America and as a National All-America in the most difficult of track events.
He worked through a demanding daily course load before enduring track & field practice twice a day. He had an outstanding career on the track. He had an even better stint academically. The culmination of his tremendous dedication and efforts were realized that week in May.
