2020 LYCOMING COLLEGE SPRING MAGAZINE

REBECCA FOX NEIL ’05, PH.D. (Swimming; Biology major, Environmental Science and Chemistry minors) Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Studies, Washington College “Swimming was an integral part of my experience at Lyco. It provided me with instant friends, gave me a schedule to structure my coursework around, offered stress relief, and was fun. Plus, it allowed me to eat whatever I wanted in the cafeteria! I truly believe that swimming shaped my work ethic, time management skills, and ability to set, work toward, and achieve challenging goals. Swimmers learn to race the clock and oneself, but also work together as a team. I think swimming shaped my ability to work with others and make compromises for the betterment of a larger group. Swimming continues to be an integral part of my life, and I swim frequently to train for open-water swim events or triathlons. It continues to help me make and maintain friendships, provide stress relief, and allows me to eat mostly what I want! My job requires the juggling of many responsibilities and goals, and the various skills that swimming helped me develop at Lycoming are critical to balancing teaching, research, and college service. My background also allows me to make connections with student-athletes on campus. I know what they are trying to balance because I did it, too. I understand the challenges, but I also know students can meet these challenges.” HARRY PERRETTA JR. ’78 (Basketball; Social Studies major with Special Education teaching certification) Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Villanova University (retired) “I entered Lycoming as a student- athlete. You learn very quickly about time management. I learned the balance between academics, athletics, and social life, which resulted in having a unique experience at the College. I came to college as a history major and member of the men’s basketball team. Unfortunately, my freshmen year I suffered a career- ending injury. My coach at the time, Dutch Burch, offered me a position as the men’s basketball junior varsity and varsity assistant coach. During my junior and senior years, I became the head junior varsity and assistant varsity coach. I always knew that I wanted to coach later in life, and Coach Burch helped to jumpstart my career as a college basketball coach. Because of his guidance and support, my involvement as a student-coach at Lycoming opened the door for me to become the head women’s basketball coach at Villanova University at 22 years old. I have enjoyed a successful coaching career at Villanova for the past 42 years. All the experiences that Lycoming and Coach Burch provided me paved the way for my entire career.” ANTHONY WATSON ’09 (Basketball; Business major) Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, Baltimore Ravens “Playing a sport at Lycoming is the single most important factor that shaped my experience as a student. Basketball gave me a sense of pride in being a Warrior. From the day that I stepped on campus, being a part of the basketball program prepared me for life as a student-athlete. Coaches Don Friday and Guy Rancourt instilled the importance of discipline, leadership, and work ethic. The sport held me accountable, not just for my actions, but for my grades, my spoken words, and the way our team conducted itself on and off the court. Most importantly, basketball gave me a second family. My closest friends today are the ones that stood by my side each day on the hardwood. I’d argue that Lycoming’s student-athlete experience is just as good as any college or university in the country. In order to have success as a student- athlete, Coach required us to have a certain mindset — that of confidence, humility, and strength. Without that, I would not be the person, father, or career-driven individual that I am today.” Neil in Ecuador during a May Term course she led with students 19 www.lycoming.edu