With the cancellation of the remainder of the spring season and the winter championships, the Cortland seniors and graduate students from those rosters will be highlighted each week. Today's featured student-athlete is senior Ryan Konotopskyj from the men's track and field team.

When did you start competing in your specific sport?
I started running cross country in eighth grade and began track in college.
 
What is your major and why have you chosen it?
Sport management. Sports have been a large part of my life, and I have always been interested in the business aspect of it all. I believe I want to work in collegiate athletics to make the experience great for student-athletes just like mine was.
 
If you weren't playing your sport at the collegiate level, what other sport do you think you would be competing in at the collegiate level?
I would probably play baseball. I've played baseball since I was five, and I've invested a lot of time throughout the years with school ball and travel. It is a very mental and patient game, which I like.
 
If you had only one sport to play the rest of your life, besides your sport at Cortland, what would it be?
Basketball. You can play pick-up games wherever with whoever, and it is always a good time. My knees might not hold up later on in life though. lol.
 
Why did you choose Cortland to continue your athletic career?
I chose Cortland because it gave me the best opportunity to compete at a high level. I didn't want to be on a JV team at the University of Massachusetts, I wanted to be on a team competing for championships and contending in important races myself.
 
What is your favorite memory at Cortland as a student-athlete?
I don't have a specific favorite memory being a student-athlete at Cortland, but the best memories have come from road trips with my teammates staying over at hotels and just practices with my teammates. Going for a run and talking about random things and having plenty of laughs is something I will always remember and cherish.
 
What is your favorite memory at Cortland as a student?
My favorite memory while being a student was the athletic talent show last year. We did a synchronized swim act and that was a lot of fun to be a part of. Overall, walking around campus and seeing friendly faces along the way was always something that made my experience so great here.
 
If you had to eat just one fruit the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would say apples. I eat one almost every day and if you got bored of just eating them then you could use them to make a dessert or something.
 
Would you rather go bowling, throw darts or shoot pool?
I would rather go bowling. Going with a group of friends is always fun, especially making fun of the not so good people.
 
Would you rather go fishing, go sledding or go for a hike?
I would rather go for a hike. I like being active and being out in the sun exploring sounds awesome to me.
 
What show are you most likely to binge watch now that you have more free time?
I would say The Office. I've already seen it so many times but one more time won't hurt.
 
What are your plans after this semester?
The plan was to try and find a job after school to get out into the industry and then find the right graduate program for the following year. Obviously, things can change quickly, so it is important to take advantage of opportunities and things will always work out.
 
What are your thoughts about the shutdown of athletics throughout all divisions?
It is really sad. I feel awful for all the student-athletes being affected, especially the seniors who had their careers shut down so fast. I believe that the higher-up officials made the right decision, although it was a difficult one. Being safe as a society is certainly important. I think it is important for athletes to feel this loss with a heavy heart, but to appreciate all the great things that sport has provided them. I'm just grateful it all happened. We are more than athletes and we will continue to take what we have learned from sport with us to have a successful life.
 
Will you consider using the extra year of eligibility that the NCAA has allowed due to the shutdown?
I would consider it if I went into a graduate program right away and if my body was allowing.
 
If you needed to turn to one teammate in a crisis situation, who would that be and why?
I'd say Court Maurin. I feel like I could go to her about anything, and I know she would listen with open ears and give good advice.
 
If you needed a teammate to make you laugh, who would it be?
Definitely Cabel McCandless. That guy is something else. Plenty of laughs with him throughout the years and I'll miss running by his side.
 
Yes or no, milk in meatballs?
I'm not sure how to answer this. I'd say no in the meatball, but if I was eating meatballs I'd have a glass of milk to drink...I don't know. lol.