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For the average young athlete, the dream of playing the sport they love in college is one they find themselves having daily. Many play multiple sports growing up, but eventually are forced to choose which one they will focus on in college. For Reggie Colas, such a choice was not needed as he has been afforded the ability to play both football and basketball as an Engineer.
His father, who played the national sport in Haiti, first introduced Reggie to sports through soccer. "I used to often visit Haiti with my sister over the summer. I think I enjoyed running a lot back when I was kid, I guess I just needed a ball," he said.
The ball on the ground transferred to the ball being in his hands, as his love for football and basketball grew once he entered high school. Like many high school athletes, Reggie had the desire to play at the Division I level. It wasn't until he realized that he could still compete in both sports at a high level, while being in an environment where academics came first, that he decided to attend RPI.
"I appreciate that school still comes first. Playing sports is great and all but there are only a few that get to turn pro. Division III allows you to have a bigger commitment to your academics."
Colas left his native Miami, Florida, and took on Troy by storm, earning the title of football Rookie of the Year three years ago as a freshman. Colas continued to be the leading receiver for the Engineers while also becoming an integral part of the basketball team as well. That is until last spring when he tore his ACL in basketball practice. For many, such an injury is not only season-ending, but career-ending.
"Staying positive was probably the hardest thing to do," Colas said. "It seemed that every time I started to make progress, something would come up and knock me right back down."
For many, a torn ACL also becomes a serious hindrance on their drive to succeed academically. Reggie Colas, however, is living proof that such a dream does not have to be deterred. With extra motivation of an older sister admiring his ability to play sports while succeeding at an academically demanding university, and a younger stepbrother eager to follow his competitive footsteps, Colas was determined not to let his injury stop him.
Overcoming his injury with great fortitude, Colas made a full recovery, and is currently the captain of the basketball team and the leading scorer. After missing the 2013 season, he expects to play football again in 2014.
With more to accomplish, Colas has been accepted into the Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Co-Terminal Program. He loves playing sports and competing, but realizes it must come to an end one day so his ultimate goal is to attend law school so that he may become a patent attorney.
