|
Name |
Anthony |
|
Institution |
Cocuzza |
|
Year |
Senior |
|
Sport |
Baseball |
|
Hometown, State |
Absecon, NJ |
|
High School |
St. Augustine Prep |
|
Major |
Economics, B.S. |
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What made you choose your institution? |
Both of my parents and a large majority of my family attended TCNJ. It always felt like home. With the high quality education, competitive athletics, affordable price, and overall welcoming community, I had trouble seeing myself anywhere else. |
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What made you want to be a DIII collegiate athlete? |
I wasn't always the fastest, strongest, or flashiest baseball player. I quietly went about my business and did my part to help the team win. When I didn't recieve a large DI offer, I decided I wanted to go somewhere where I knew I would be happy regardless of baseball. Academics were a priority. I also knew that I wanted to go somewhere where I would have the opportunity to play and contribute immediately. TCNJ met this criteria and then some. |
|
What was your first memory of playing your sport? |
I can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with the game of baseball. I remember having my birthday parties as a kid at the local field, playing a pick-up game orchestrated by my dad with all of my friends and family. I remember my first home run in machine pitch and my first home run in little league. I remember how packed the local field complex used to get with tons of little league games going on simultaneously and how I never wanted to leave. I remember young rivalries with different towns and how I hated certain players who eventually became some of my best friends throughout high school. |
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What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experience as a collegiate athlete? |
We've had a ton of big wins and crazy games. But my most memorable moments will be this year, 2015, during my senior campaign. |
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Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they? |
I don't really have any superstitions or weird rituals that I do before games. I am pretty religious so I do always say a quick prayer before the game though. Other than that it's just listening to some music and staying loose. |
|
What famous athlete do you look up to and why? |
Derek Jeter. I've had a life-size poster of him in my room since before I can remember. He's actually in uniform holding a Skippy Peanut Butter jar, haha. But he embodies what I've always tried to be as a ballplayer: a leader, a clutch player, and a classy opponent. He seemed to always come through when the team needed him most and was universally respected because of how he carried himself on and off the field. I've looked up to him my whole life, it's why I wear #2. We also named my cat after him, haha. |
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years? |
Practicing law in NYC. I just got accepted into law school, but I would absolutely love to play baseball professionally for as long as I can after college if I'm afforded the opportunity. |
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What is your favorite part about being an NJAC student-athlete? |
The intense rivalries. The NJAC is one of the best DIII baseball conferences in the country and you play against the same guys year after year. You get to know a lot of them through summer ball and just playing in the same area and you end up knowing people on just about every team in the conference by the time you're a senior. It's fun and just adds to the competition. |
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What is your biggest accomplishment off the field, court, etc.? |
Being admitted into law school was a pretty awesome accomplishment for me. However, I'll be more relieved once I graduate, pass the bar and land a job. |
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Quick facts about Anthony: |
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3 things you can't live without: |
Working out, 2% milk, Netflix. |
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Favorite movie: |
It's a Wonderful Life. Also, weirdly, Forgetting Sarah Marshall. |
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Favorite class you've ever taken: |
POL324 Moot Court |
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Favorite food: |
You're killing me. Hm. Well I eat omelets every day and love them, but that's pretty basic. I love Wheaties and 2% milk. Obviously pasta and my mom's sauce. Chocolate ice cream. Cannolis. One of them, haha. |
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Biggest fear: |
Underachieving |
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Favorite musical artist: |
Right now I'm loving J Cole's new album. But I like college rap and Bruce Springsteen. |