Throughout the spring semester, we are honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Angelo Petracci, a neuroscience major from Youngstown, Ohio. Petracci is a member of the football team.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I chose Wooster because it felt like home. The people were welcoming every time I came to campus, and I loved the environment Coach (Frank) Colaprete creates for his players.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fighting Scot student-athlete?
A: It means hard work, dedication, and pride. The ability to compete as a Fighting Scot has helped me grow into the person I am today, and I appreciate my college experience.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: My favorite memories have been spending time with my friends and professors within the neuroscience department as a student. Athletically, I cherished the time I spent with my teammates on the field, in the weight room, and in all the film sessions.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: The best part about being a student-athlete is donning the Black and Gold on a Saturday. At this point in time, the focus is centered on football and solely that, and you are able to showcase all the hard work that is put in behind closed doors.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I am a member of Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity, Men Working For Change, Neuroscience Club, Psi Chi (campus chapter of international honor society in psychology), Nu Rho Psi (campus chapter of national honor society in neuroscience), and the Inter-Greek Council.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: The faculty member who has made the greatest impact on me is Dr. Amy Jo Stavnezer. Professor Stavnezer has guided me through the stages of Independent Study and supported me throughout my entire athletic career. Her patience, understanding, and commitment to high standards has helped me grow as both a student and individual in the community.
Q: What other people or resources impacted your Wooster experience in a positive way and how did these people/resources set you up to be successful at Wooster?
A: The other people who have impacted me greatly are Coach Colaprete, Dr. (Brian) Karazsia, and Dr. Amber Garcia. These three individuals have dedicated their time to help me balance my athletics and academics as well as provide emotional support.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: In my I.S. I am applying forced exercise to rodent models susceptible to Alzheimer's to measure correlates of learning and memory. This I.S. project aims to support the idea of the cognitive reserve as a means of resistance to brain damage.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Something cool I have is volunteer with Men Working For Change. Our organization on campus teamed up with OneEighty to advocate against domestic violence and provide educational resources. This work helped advance not only the campus' understanding of domestic violence, but the larger Wooster community.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what is one piece of advice you would give your first-year (freshman) self?
A: Don't count the days, make the days count. Take advantage of every opportunity the college offers.
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