Panther Pride

Transcript

Next, we’re going over to the Panther Aquatic Center here on campus. Here, we’re going to meet Gennaro Zappariello, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, and also a star on Florida Tech’s rowing team. Gennaro is going to walk us through athletics here at Florida tech, and explain what panther pride is all about. Gennaro, you’re on, take it away.

Thanks, Alex. I’m here to talk about Panther Pride, and athletics. You know, it wasn’t too long ago where I was a high school athlete, thinking about taking my last strokes as an athlete. A quick email I sent to Coach Granger over the summer, rekindled my passion and love for rowing, and pushed me to pursue competing at a higher level.

This story is not uncommon at Florida Tech. A lot of our student athletes here are walk-ons to novices, and everybody’s experience is valued. Participating in collegian sports has allowed me to meet people from all over the world. I have teammates from Lithuania, Greece, and even some from right here in Melbourne. We’re a diverse group here who come together collectively to represent the Panthers. So what’s being an athlete at Florida Tech all about? As a mechanical engineering student, I’ve mastered the balancing act of a rigorous course load, and being a collegian athlete. It’s not easy, but without self-discipline, success is impossible.

For me, and a large group of students here on campus, our days begin before 6:00 a.m. It’s a great opportunity to get practice in before class, and it allows us to catch every sunrise here on the Space Coast. After practice, it’s typically a protein shake, or six eggs, Rocky style, and then it’s off to a full day’s worth of classes. I get asked a lot, “Gennaro, when do you have time to study, “or do some homework?” And I always respond with, “Your teammates are there for you, not just in competition, “they’re there for you in the classroom as well.” This is why the athletic experience at Florida Tech is like no other.

We get to excel as NCAA Division II athletes, and as students. And while I’m a little bit partial to rowing, I can confidently say among our 19 varsity sports, the other students can attest to this as well. While we’re putting in work at practice to make those three pointers, home runs, and goals, come game time, we’re also putting in the work in the classroom for when it’s game times in our career. At Florida Tech, I like to say, “You’re not an athletic student, “you’re rather a student athlete.” That’s all for me, Alex. I got to get back to practice, back to you.

Gennaro, that was great. Awesome job. Thank you for bringing us into the world of Florida Tech’s student athletes. It’s super impressive how you and your fellow panthers, balance competitive sports with extreme academics. Thanks again, that was great. Cheers, Gennaro.