SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- The Slippery Rock University athletic department would like to recognize senior men's track and field athletes Lucas Bracken, Dylan Colcombe, Gunner Coleman, Kyle Edgar, John Marenkovic, Andrew Maxwell and Jonathan Snyder in the fifth of six #SRUSeniorDay features this spring that will celebrate The Rock's spring senior student-athletes.
 
ABOUT #SRUSeniorDay
Throughout the month of April, the Slippery Rock athletic communication office will be recognizing The Rock's senior student-athletes online as a way to celebrate the seniors that did not get to have their traditional Senior Day celebrations this spring.
 
Each weekday throughout the month, a few seniors will be profiled on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics) with graphics, photos and quotes from the student-athlete about their time at SRU.
 
Once each senior from each respective spring team has been profiled on Twitter, we'll create a page like this one for each team that includes all of the graphics and complete responses to a number of questions about the student-athletes' experiences at SRU.
 
Follow along with the hashtag #SRUSeniorDay on our Twitter page and come back to the web weekly to check for more features on the SRU spring seniors.
 
MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD SENIOR DAY
• Total Seniors: 7 LUCAS BRACKEN  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Throws
• Hometown: Berlin, Pa.
• Major: Physical Activity and Fitness Management
• Parents: Susan Bracken and Ron Fochtman
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Primarily competed in shot put and discus over the last three years … collegiate personal bests of 12.47 meters in the shot put and 36.22 meters in the discus.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
LB: Phenomenal.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
LB: Squatting 605 pounds at my last weight room session and going after the record. Everybody went big and the energy was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I'll remember that day for the rest of my life.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
LB: The SRU Open.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
LB: May of 2020. My degree will be physical activity and fitness management.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
LB: Yes, I will be attending Lock Haven University for my master's in sport science.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
LB: Yes, I am hoping to compete again next year at Lock Haven.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
LB: Dr. Kovacs.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
LB: I would say that choosing to be a student-athlete at Slippery Rock was the best decision I ever made.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
LB: Work hard. I know it's tough right now but you must stay focused. Don't lose sight of your goals. We're no longer teammates but we'll always be family. I love you guys.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
LB: It's been real. Thanks for everything. GO ROCK!!!

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DYLAN COLCOMBE  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Multi
• Hometown: North Huntingdon, Pa.
• Major: Physical Activity and Fitness Management (minor in Adapted Physical Activity)
• Parents: Christina and Doug Colcombe
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Six-time All-Region honoree in the multi-event competitions and the pole vault … five-time All-PSAC finisher … 14-time PSAC qualifier … competed in a total of 18 different track and field events over four years … collegiate bests of 6,273 points in the decathlon, 4,786 points in the heptathlon and 4.65 meters in the pole vault.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
DC: Amazing.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
DC: The "One" workout the multis have to complete from time to time.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
DC: A tie between the first, second, seventh and eighth place finish of the Decathletes at 2019 PSAC Outdoor Championships, earning 21 points for the men's team, and competing in the ROTC Ranger Challenge for my first three years at SRU.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
DC: May of 2020. My degree will be physical activity and fitness management with a minor in adapted physical activity.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
DC: Not graduate school, but Chemical Officer (ChemO) Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
DC: Unfortunately, I am unable to use my extra year of eligibility from the NCAA due to my military service obligation. After the conclusion of this semester, I will attend Basic Officers Leaders Course (BOLC) in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon graduation from this course, I will be stationed in Fort Irwin, California.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
DC: My favorite class at SRU was Coaching of Track & Field taught by Dr. Kovacs because I was able to bring my knowledge from outside of the classroom to share with my classmates and learn more about my desired career field.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
DC: Heavily consider The Rock as a valuable option if you look forward to having a strong and deep bond with your fellow teammates, while working hard and thoroughly enjoying your time together. Also, never take your time together for granted, because you don't know when it will end.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
DC: To the returning athletes: don't let this time be an excuse for any one of you or your teammates.  Hold each other accountable, stay in touch with each other, come back ready to go to work and keep doing what you know that you should.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
DC: I cannot express my gratitude in words to my coaches, teammates, professors, family and friends.  Each and every person that I have had the pleasure of knowing within these past four years has left a lasting impression on me. I wish nothing but the best for all of you in the coming years. "Alright Rock!!!"

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GUNNER COLEMAN  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Hurdles/Sprints
• Hometown: Slippery Rock, Pa.
• Major: Exercise Science
• Parents: April and Rick Coleman
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Five-time PSAC qualifier that competed in five different individual events and multiple relays …  collegiate bests of 56.73 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles and 1:59.67 in the 800-meter run.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
GC: Life-changing.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
GC: My favorite memory from track was my freshman year running the 4x400. As I was running, my hip number flew off my hip and stuck to my forehead. I then struggled to rip it off as I finished the race with a sticker on my face.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
GC: May of 2020. My degree will be in exercise science.  
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
GC: I will be attending SRU to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
GC: I do plan to use my extra year to run this upcoming year.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
GC: My favorite class at SRU was Clinical Exercise Physiology with Dr. Jensen. My favorite professor was by far Dr. Holmstrup/Jensen/Larouere/Gordon/Verba/Urda/Dicus.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
GC: Do it. SRU is a perfect mix of small town vibes with a big campus feel. Our athletic programs are the best in the PSAC and we are without a doubt rock solid.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
GC: Never give anything but your all.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
GC: I've lived in Slippery Rock since I was 12. I grew up on Slippery Rock Road and attended Slippery Rock High School. This place is my home and I will always love this town. When I leave this place I will have attended Slippery Rock Middle School, Slippery Rock High School and Slippery Rock University for two degrees. I'm what most call a "townie," and I'm damn proud of it! Rock Nation is my home.

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KYLE EDGAR  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Sprints/Hurdles
• Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pa.
• Major: Exercise Science
• Parents: Ann and Rich Edgar
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Two-time All-PSAC honoree and 11-time PSAC qualifier that competed in seven different individual events and multiple relays … collegiate bests of 55.29 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles and 8.87 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles … four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
KE: Unbelievable.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
KE: Myrtle Beach spring break trips, Maple Street and hanging out with friends and teammates.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
KE: 2018 PSAC Outdoor Championships at The Rock.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
KE: May of 2020. My degree will be exercise science.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
KE: Yes, I will be attending graduate school at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, working towards a Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
KE: I would love to have one more year to run and I am considering walking-on at Chapel Hill to run the 400-meter hurdles, but I am undecided right now. I plan to get back into recreational sports (running, soccer, basketball).
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
KE: My favorite class was Advanced Exercise Physiology. My favorite professors were Dr. Gordon, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Holmstrup and Mrs. Fagan.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
KE: It's so much more than the sport or game, you become a family.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
KE: Don't take any opportunity for granted from the minute you step on the track in September to the bus ride home from outdoor PSACs. I can't wait to see what you all accomplish as you carry on the "Built not Bought" mentality.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
KE: Thank you to all of the professors, coaches, teammates, friends and families for an amazing four years at The Rock. Each person's dedication and support has made my time as an athlete here one of the greatest experiences of my life.

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JOHN MARENKOVIC  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Distance
• Hometown: Hubbard, Ohio
• Major: Exercise Science
• Parents: Kelly and John Marenkovic
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Four-time All-PSAC honoree … one-time PSAC champion … 10-time PSAC qualifier … third place finisher at 2019 PSAC XC Championships … career-bests of 8:35 in the 3,000-meter run, 15:22 in the 5,000-meter run and 4:17 in the mile.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
JM: Family.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
JM: This past spring break was the best one yet. In my opinion the team felt the closest it's ever been. Getting the bad news of our season being canceled sucked, but getting that news with my second family made it a lot easier to handle. The whole team met out on the beach the last night before we left.  Everyone cried, screamed and danced together. True family. 
 
• Most memorable game/events from your SRU career?
JM: Indoor PSACs freshman year finishing seventh the 3k in a stacked field. I knew it was possible going into it, trusted in my ability, executed my race plan and dug DEEP to get it. That was Ryan Thompson's really good year too. Him being in that race made me proud to have gotten seventh. All the hugs and positive affirmations after that race made the hard summer and fall training worth it.  Other victories like getting third in the PSAC for XC this past season and second in the 3k this past indoor season. Winning the DMR with my boys. The fact is that every one of my teammates in the relay did their job and delivered when we needed it most!  Tim started the relay with the 1,200 leg. He went from the back of the pack to handing off the baton first with a big move on his last lap. Alex Dickson kept us in second, I believe with the 400 leg. Troy got us back in first with his 800 leg. All three of those guys did exactly what they needed to do to give me the best chance to bring it home. There was an "oh crap" moment when Troy gave me the baton because I knew I had no excuses. I've NEVER been prouder of my teammates.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
JM: May of 2020. My degree will be exercise science.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
JM: Yes. I've been accepted into East Stroudsburg for exercise physiology and I am waiting to hear back from UNC Charlotte.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
JM: If I go to ESU, you will probably see me in the PSAC again. If I go to UNCC, I am unsure if I will use the extra year. 
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
JM: Dr. Gordon. He truly is a professor who cares and has helped guide me in making decisions regarding grad school. He is a down to earth guy, never puts you down, the type of guy to give a second chance when standards are not met. He is incredibly knowledgeable in his field of exercise science. He has only been at Slippery Rock for a few years now, but that guy deserves a promotion of some sort.   
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
JM: When I first came to Slip, I had no idea how good I was or how competitive I could be against other college athletes. I remember my parents asking me if I actually thought that other people were doing what I was doing the summer before my freshman year. Three lifting sessions a week with 60 miles a week seemed absurd. But when I got to slip and found success, it was addictive. My advice would be to come prepared and have fun with it. It is fun to know that you are good at what you do. Take pride in it. Do your best in your sport because it is the right thing to do.  People will notice. Less talk. More do.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
JM: Be humble. Be smart. You know your body better than anyone else, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take advice. Put all advice through a filter. Respect one another. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do your best to squash bad energy. Keep it fun. Keep it simple. Live healthily. A stressed-out runner isn't running fast. Establish yourself in your major, social circles and running. Make it a priority to keep those three in check. Choose friends that have a genuine interest in your well-being. TAKE CHARGE of your running career.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
JM: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to compete. Thank you for the memories. To the good people, the teammates, the coaches, the athletic communicators and all who contributed to a net positive experience for my time at The Rock, you made it worth it. There were times where I felt like an absolute rock star and times where I felt as if I was repeatedly kicked in the stomach and told to keep digging. And I did. Racing for The Rock took me to mental spaces that I really don't think many people get to experience. To be able to hold and control your emotions during a race takes incredible amounts of self-discipline. I have already begun to apply what I have learned through running in life's challenges.

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ANDREW MAXWELL  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Distance
• Hometown: Slippery Rock, Pa.
• Major: Exercise Science
• Parents: Pam and Jeff Maxwell
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Two-time PSAC qualifier on the track and three-time PSAC XC competitor … PSAC-Scholar-Athlete … career-best of 15:52 in the 5,000-meter run.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
AM: Transformative.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
AM: The trip to Colorado this fall was by far the best memory I have from my time at SRU. To see so many beautiful things and make so many memories with my Rock family is something I will never forget.
 
• Most memorable game/events from your SRU career?
AM: The 2019 Bill Lennox Invitational, where John and I went 1-2 on our home course and our team won in front of all of our friends, teammates and family. That day was the culmination of what we had been trying to build over the last few years and I am thankful I got to be a part of it.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
AM: May of 2020. My degree will be exercise science.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
AM: I will be attending Gannon University to pursue a master's degree in sport and exercise science.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
AM: I plan to pursue volunteer coaching with the Gannon cross country team while pursuing my graduate degree.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
AM: My favorite class at Slippery Rock was Advanced Exercise Physiology with Dr. Jensen. Dr. Jensen brought so much passion to the class while maintaining his usual awkward quirkiness. I learned a great deal about my field and my sport through that class, and will carry what I learned in that class well into the future.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
AM: From a cross country and track and field perspective, I would say that you must be prepared to take responsibility for your training and your growth as a young adult. Nobody is going to hold your hand. I would also say that you should take advantage of every day on campus, every practice, every class and every memory you can make. It goes by fast.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
AM: Stay the course and make the most of the time that you have here. We have done great things in recent years and this is no time to slow down. As coach Papa often says, you never know when your last race will be, as many of us learned this semester.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
AM: The Rock is a diamond in the rough. It might not look like much from the outside, but it can be the place you build greater friendships and make greater memories than you ever imagined.

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JONATHAN SNYDER  |  Roster Bio and Results
• Events: Distance
• Hometown: Schencksville, Pa.
• Major: Exercise Science
• Parents: Lorraine and Christopher Snyder
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Ran in two PSAC XC Championship races over three years … collegiate best of 27:54 for 8,000-meter XC races and 17:19.01 in the 5,000-meter run … PSAC Scholar-Athlete.
 
IN HIS OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
JS: Entertaining.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
JS: Spring break and Colorado trips, camp week for cross country and presenting the final group project for Aerobic Leadership.
 
• Most memorable game/events from your SRU career?
JS: The Edinboro cross country meet my sophomore season.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
JS: May of 2021. My degree will be exercise science.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
JS: Yes, I will be attending the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Slippery Rock and beginning my courses for that program in the fall.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
JS: Dr. Permenter.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
JS: Do not take a single day for granted. Your time here will go by before you know it. Put yourself 100 percent into everything you do, not just athletics.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
JS: Love you guys and I'll see you around.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
JS: Alright Rock!

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OTHER SENIOR DAY CELEBRATIONS
- April 6 - Softball
- April 13 - Women's Tennis
- April 28 - Women's Lacrosse
- April 29 - Baseball
- April 30 - Men's Track and Field
- May 1 - Women's Track and Field



To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics), Instagram (RockAthletics) and Snapchat (@RockAthletics).