Position: Thrower
Class: Senior
Hometown: Valparaiso, IL
Named after: Ross-Ade Stadium at Purdue University
Major: Exercise Science Masters Degree
Hobbies: Watching hockey and football, listening to music, frisbee golf, throwing in the Highland games, riding my motorcycle, fishing
Favorite food: Lou Malnati's of Chicago's deep dish pepperoni pizza and pie
Favorite book or movie: The Boondock Saints (movie), Fight Club (book)
Favorite website: Google - because my life would be a complete fiasco without it
Favorite smell: Leaves burning in the fall
Favorite spot/special place on earth: A particular beach by Lake Michigan and northern Wisconsin
What did you want to be when you grew up? A fighter pilot or an Indy car driver. My mom was a pilot and I grew up around the Indy 500, so those two have always held a special interest for me.
What super power would you like to possess? To be the hulk (minus the whole raging mad and screaming thing), to have perfect coordination to make myself master any task set before me, or the ability to fly (due to high gas prices)
Future career goals: College throwing coach - it's something I have a very deep passion for.
Most influential person in your life: My parents - they've been very successful in life, while being grateful for everything they have. It reminds me to never to waste a gift or a day - always make sure you can look back and be proud of your effort.
Most influential person in your athletic career: Jon Kochmit and Mindy Harrington, my former teammates. They helped me get into throwing in the first place, so without them I wouldn't be here today.
Who would you like to have a conversation with? Captain Jack Sparrow - something tells me that if he were a real person, having a conversation with him would be extremely eventful.
What makes you the person you are today? Being an underdog has always made me a better person. I've always had to fight to earn my place because people have consistently underestimated me and counted me out, especially in sports. I think that drive and determination, coupled with the attitude and responsibility that my parents instilled in me, have made me into the person I am today.
Coach Brink's comments: Ross has been a great addition to our team - not only as an athlete, but also as a student and a team leader. He is very team oriented and has made a quick adaption to our team and the competition at the DII level. It was very exciting to have him become a two time All-American last year. We are looking forward to continued success for him this year.
