By Rory Madden
Eric LeBlanc is without a doubt the definition of a student athlete and leader, yet also a humble person. Eric has a lot of qualities about him, some that make him a leader, a great person, and a great role model for others. But there’s one quality that stands out the most to him- his ability to never give up.
“If I desire to do something I do everything in my power to reach my goals. I never just give up and say I tried.”
It isn’t just for his life goals it’s also for short term goals as well such as academics or athletics. He likes to see things through.
“I stay up late to finish homework or spend hours practicing for sports each week. I believe it has made me a better person, to be able to follow through with everything I do.”
With these great qualities, people have noticed. So being selected as a captain for two different sports is a great accomplishment, and doesn’t surprise a lot of people. It shows that he can be a leader and is viewed as a role model for people younger than him. Eric maintains being humble and respectful because of the new titles he’s earned.
When asked about his choices for college and majors Eric put out some very good schools a lot known for their engineering classes.
“Next year I plan on attend either RIT, UMass Amherst, UMass Lowell, or Wentworth in pursuit of a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering.”
Eric further explained that he was very interested in engineering from an early age considering his uncle was one as well. However, his involvement in science classes in school brought his true passion to light.
“I have always loved math and science, especially physics. I have always been interested in how thing work such as gravitation and kinematics. I enrolled in an drafting and engineering course for 3 years (at Oliver Ames High School) where my interest grew.”
While Eric is the captain for two sports teams, a lot of people would think he’s choosing a college that would let him be able to play sports. However, he actually has no input in sports when it comes to college.
“Sports were not a major concern in my college selection. I would like to play a sport in college however school comes first so I selected based off of programs and what the school had to offer academically and socially”
Eric is probably the best example of a student athlete at Oliver Ames High School and he defines himself as one. He believes he handles his time well between both while allowing for time to relax as well.
“I definitely define myself as a student athlete. I am an alright student athlete. There are many better and worst than me. I believe I handle my time between sports and school well. There is always room for improvement”
When I asked a kind of a goofy question but all in all a good one, “what is your spirit animal,” Eric gave a pretty good answer.
“My spirit animal is a Wolverine. Because they are quick and fierce.”In a way, they are just like Eric small in size but very quick, ( Just kidding).
After knowing Eric for such a long time and knowing the type of person he is I wasn’t surprised when I heard him talking about a future career and retirement dream.
“I see myself working for a respectable engineering company. Then I will retire on a golf course down south and visit and see family a lot.”
It is truly stated that Eric Leblanc is a person who we can all count on for leadership, sports knowledge, and just simple companionship.