It’s not everywhere that Dan DePuccio could belong to both the football team and a music ensemble.  The Troy, NY, resident graduated from Troy High School in 2005.  Upon arriving at St. Lawrence, he joined the football team and started playing bass guitar for the Improv Lab, an ensemble that plays a variety of genres of music.

 “It has been difficult at times to balance these two activities on top of academics,” DePuccio said.  “But the two are very connected, believe it or not.  In order to be successful, you have to be around other people who love it as much as you do.  This constant interaction with others who have the same passion motivates me and allows me to grow as an athlete or a musician,” DePuccio said.

DePuccio added that people have to be willing to make mistakes in the game and in the ensemble.  “Each ‘performer’ brings his or her own strengths and fills a role,” he said.

DePuccio said that both require practice.  “The more prepared you are, the more freedom and confidence you’ll have once it comes time to perform.  That’s when it is the most fun,” he said.

“Music has always been an outlet for any kind of feeling I experienced, and it is a constant in my life that will remain with me for the rest of my life,” DePuccio said.  “When it comes to playing football, I realize my days are numbered, but it has taught me life-long lessons, such as determination, dedication, cooperation, and sacrifice for a purpose that is bigger than any individual.”

DePuccio is interested in becoming a teacher.  A chemistry major, he is a member of ODK academic and leadership honorary and the American Chemical Society, and works as a General Chemistry tutor.