POUGHKEEPSIE, New York - Cross country and track & field were able to compete for much of the year, but for many people, the spring season stands out. At that point in the year, you had come farther along in your training, you had already raced well, and you were ready to go outside and compete on a full 400-meter track. However, this year, the spring season did not happen.
The eight members of the Marist men's track & field class of 2020 did not get to race in their final outdoor season, but they each had amazing careers that they can all look back on proudly. They were all part of some of the best success in years for the program, on and off the track, that will help the team for years to come. Because of their efforts with setting an example for the younger generation, the Red Foxes are ready for the future with renewed team identity and motivation.
"This group of senior men did so much to cultivate a sense of team culture, laying the groundwork for current and future success. The loss of the outdoor track season was particularly devastating, coming on the heels of an extremely successful indoor track season," stated Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Pete Colaizzo. "Like so many other athletes, these guys were robbed of that experience. What I will remember and take away from this group is all the good they did for us -- on and off the track -- and how they were able to convey the messaging that we wanted for this team. Even after they are gone, their contributions to the team will be evident in the future performances of our guys. Neat!"
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In four years with the Red Foxes,
Connor Levins practiced and competed hard. He raced many of the distance events, and represented the Red Foxes at the MAAC Championships multiple times. He had a standout 2019 indoor season in which he recorded multiple personal bests.
He ends his senior season with career marks of 4:12.25 in the 1,500m, 4:27.23 in the mile, 8:58.61 in the 3,000m and 10:15.05 in the 3,000m steeplechase. Though he did not compete as much as he would have liked to towards the end of his Red Fox career, Levins was valued by his teammates and coaches and will be remembered fondly.
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Matt Hawker was an interesting kind of runner in the sense that he specialized in middle distance, but competed in cross county in his last two seasons. He would race in the 800m on the track and sometimes run as short as the 400m, but would compete in 6k's and longer in the offseason. He stayed involved with the Red Foxes even when his main events were not raced.
Hawker closes his senior season with personal bests of 1:25.69 in the 600m, 1:57.45 in the 800m, 2:37.39 in the 1,000m, 4:14.13 in the 1,500m and 4:28.33 in the mile. While he did not get to race this track season, he worked hard with his teammates and was a great example of a Red Fox during his career.
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"Marist track has been the most incredible experience for me," said Krishnan. "Being able to represent our senior class in all the sprint events has been so rewarding and a lot of fun."
Santosh Krishnan had a great career for the Red Foxes. From the day he stepped on campus until his last race, he never stopped improving. He kept on reaching new personal bests on the track every season, and would certainly have continued that if given the chance in the spring.
"I'm going to miss every part of being on track from morning lifts to fast workouts. I'm grateful to have stayed injury free for almost all of my four years and have been able to compete in almost every meet. I ran times that I never thought I would be able to run."
As captain of the sprinters, Krishnan worked hard to lead the short distance squad throughout the 2019-20 indoor season. He was a big asset to the program, and is known around the athletic department as well. He graduates with personal records of 7.61 in the 60m, 23.46 in the 200m, 39.38 in the 300m and 50.97 in the 400m.
"Now I want to continue to train for speed as means of working out for as long as I can and it's all thanks to my coaches and supportive teammates for allowing me to enjoy it. Go Red Foxes."
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"I think what stands out most for me as I competed through my collegiate years was learning to appreciate the team system and grind of it all," reflected Stack. "Most importantly, the ability to have a caring and energetic coach (Pete Colaizzo) coupled with the countless hardworking and dedicated teammates that I have trained with and spent so much time with over the years makes the entire process more than worth it."
In his time at Marist,
Conor Stack has consistently contributed and guided the team to success. The distance specialist constantly worked to better himself and help his teammates to improve.
"Over the years, Coach Pete has become a second father-like figure for me, and for that I will always be thankful. My teammates and fellow captains have also become some of my best friends and brothers and I cannot thank them enough," said Stack. "To train so hard with them and then be able to traverse through college with those same guys is one of the best things about having a team around you."
Stack was named a captain for his senior year, a title which was well deserved. His senior year was his most successful on the cross country course, in which he ran career-bests at three different distances. He had hoped to get a chance to do that in the spring season as well.
"When the news broke that all NCAA athletic practices and events were to be canceled effective immediately, it left me feeling pretty confused, upset, and unaware as to what was next. I remember thinking pretty quickly after that announcement how much I would begin to miss the routine and normalcy of going to practice, seeing Pete, and joking around with my teammates. It was an abrupt termination, and I find that those moments will be the ones I will miss and cherish most."
The captain finished his career with personal bests of 4:16.22 in the 1,500m, 4:26.61 in the mile, 8:42.12 in the 3,000m, 15:17.83 in the 5,000m and 10:25.42 in the 3,000m steeplechase. While he had hoped to run a few more races with the Red Foxes, Stack acknowledges that his time with the program was more than just competition.
"Despite not hitting some of the goals I set for myself in my career, I am now finding that the privilege of being a part of a loving and hardworking team was much more important. I would also like to thank the Marist Athletics Department and the fellow Marist student-athletes who showed continued care and support for all aspects having to do with our lives as Red Foxes."
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Elias Platanais came a long way in his four years at Marist. His senior year he emerged as one of the top distance runners on the team, and broke the 15-minute barrier in the 5k. Entering 2019-20, he was selected as one of the captains on the team and worked hard to lead the Red Foxes.
Platanias graduates with personal records of 8:58.17 in the 3,000m and 14:59.28 in the 5,000m. While he did not compete as many times as he would have liked to, the captain made every race count, and showed exceptional growth through his career.
"I am very grateful for my time as a member of Marist Cross Country and Track and Field," stated Platanias. "I'm proud of what we accomplished as a team not only this year but the last four years. A huge thank you to the best teammates and coach I could ever ask for."
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Another of the 2019-20 captains,
Alexander Hogue was a leader for the Red Foxes on many occasions. Whether he was racing or he was cheering on the team, Hogue always showed energy and enthusiasm that was infectious to others.
"There are not enough words to explain what Coach Pete has done for me and my teammates," began Hogue. "Both Pete and Marist have given me a second home and something to be truly proud of."
Hogue is thankful for his career with the Red Foxes, and like the others, wish it didn't have to end. Having competed in many different events, he earned personal bests of 2:41.13 in the 1,000m, 4:31.87 in the mile, 8:50.10 in the 3,000m, 15:01.12 in the 5,000m, 31:45.22 in the 10,000m and 9:50.00 in the 3,000m steeplechase. Hogue knows he will look back on his time at Marist fondly, and treasures his memories with the team.
"Whether I was sidelined due to injury or up in the lead pack with my teammates, I remember each and every race from start to finish," explained Hogue. "Although it feels like losing this season is like having a race stop halfway through, I am proud of the accomplishments me and the other men have done in our time at Marist."
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As a long sprint and middle distance specialist,
Zachary Ropes has seen a lot of success with the Red Foxes. He has picked up a number of medals at MAAC Championship meets throughout his time, and has been on multiple program-record relays.
With the conclusion of his senior season, Ropes holds spots on the school record sprint medley relay and 4x1500m. He also holds personal bests of 52.46 in the 400m, 1:54.37 in the 800m and 4:01.12 in the 1,500m. Ropes was always a major contributor for Marist, and whether it's on or off the track, will continue to find success.
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"I knew from the first time I stepped on campus that I wanted to come to Marist. When I was recruited for the cross country and track team I expected to gain a group of friends, and what I got was a family," stated Rivas. "Being a part of the team has not only developed my athletic and academic capability, but positively impacted who I am as a person. Like any sport, we learn from the times when things don't go exactly the way that we plan, and never forget the feelings of bliss after a successful competition; both of which have played a role in constructing who I am today. "
As one of the top members of the distance squad for every year of his career,
Christopher Rivas has constantly grown and improved in his time with the Red Foxes. From his first day at Marist, he has worked hard on and off the track to set a positive example for his teammates.
"This program has had an immense amount of success over the years. The team is strong in more ways than one, leaving great potential for success going into the coming seasons. I am truly honored and humbled to have been a part of its legacy throughout my time at Marist and am excited to see the continued growth after graduating. He won't admit it, but much of this success can be awarded to the leadership and dedication of Coach Pete Colaizzo," added Rivas.
A captain for the 2019-20 seasons, Rivas was recognized by the team for his work ethic. He has achieved much in his career, from competing at Penn Relays, to running Sub-15 in the 5k, to being named CoSIDA Academic All-District. He finishes his time as a Red Fox with personal bests of 8:32.58 in the 3,000m, 14:46.97 in the 5,000m and 31:08.29 in the 10,000m. Rivas took delight in running the longest events, and only wishes it didn't have to come to an end.
"As a final note, if you were to ask me why I run, I would tell you this: We experience an immense amount of pain and sacrifice in order to be successful at this sport, for that one moment of glory in crossing the finish line with your teammates. It's an addicting feeling, and yes, it is absolutely worth it."
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This squad of runners impacted the program in many ways, and their mark will be left for a long time. They were fundamental in building this team to their current level of success, and as the program continues to grow, the future generations can look back on this group and be thankful for their guidance.
While this outdoor season was not completed, and the world will never know how this group would have performed, it's clear they all had successful careers. While some will continue to run, others will remember the times they had with their teammates, and they will all look back on some of the best days of their lives.
Each week, the Marist Athletics Department will spotlight the Class of 2020 from the spring sports whose seasons ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To learn more about these seniors, check back on GoRedFoxes.com, and follow Marist Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Senior Spotlights: Women's Tennis (March 23) | Men's Tennis (March 25) | Women's Lacrosse (March 30) | Baseball (April 1) | Water Polo (April 2) | Softball (April 8) | Women's Track and Field (April 7) | Women's Rowing (April 8) | Men's Lacrosse
