Athlete of the Week: Zack Rockmore

Lauren Whelan, Sports Co-Editor

As their game versus Navy wound down to the final minute, the Bison men’s soccer team needed not look any further than senior Zack Rockmore ’17 to carry them to victory with the go-ahead goal. Rockmore, a seasoned member of the Bison squad, transferred for the 2014 season from Boston College with three years of eligibility remaining. Since then, he has left quite a mark on the program with numerous contributions establishing him as a crucial member of the team.

In his first season for the Orange and Blue, Rockmore competed in almost every minute of every competition, holding down the defense as a center back. After leaving the field with an unfortunate injury in the NCAA Tournament at the end of that season, Rockmore showed resilience and entered his second season strong for the Bison.

He commented on his struggle with injuries, stating, “The greatest challenge of my career would probably be my fitness. Each year I’ve had some health problems and without an extended period of healthy playing it’s hard to be yourself and play with complete confidence.”

Despite this challenge, Rockmore returned the next season and served as an anchor for the Bison in every game, playing the entire duration of every competition. Though he plays as a defender, Rockmore was able to contribute four goals throughout the season to solidify his contributions on both ends of the pitch. In addition to a few weekly honors throughout the season, he earned a spot on Second Team All- Patriot League as post-season honors.

As evidenced by his most recent game-winning goal, Rockmore has continued to prove his strong presence on the field in his final season for the Bison. With a portion of the season still ahead of them, Rockmore has already earned honors such as a spot on the Peter Baldwin Memorial Classic All-Tournament Team and the Duquesne Invitational All-Tournament Team.

He said, “Personally, my goal is to just continue improving and try to be the best defender in the league. If that can happen, and I do my job, then I can help do my part in our quest to make it back into the tournament.” Most recently, Rockmore was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week after his standout performances.

Looking forward, Rockmore has high hopes for the team as they move closer towards the post season in their last few games. “I’m looking forward to the big league games that determine our season. We spend all winter, spring, and summer preparing for the season and it all comes down to these final four league games.”

Rockmore continued, stating, “To be able to play in the games of this magnitude is all you can ask, and it’s an exciting prospect.” The Orange and Blue will be returning to action on Oct. 22 when they will face American at home.

STATS

2015:

4 Goals
1 assist
Preseason All-Patriot League Team
Second Team All-Patriot League

2016:

2 goals
Peter Baldwin Memorial Classic All-Tournament Team
Duquesne Invitational All-Tournament Team
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