Jesuit’s Gonzalez commits to Hamilton College

Posted Jan 5, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 5, 2012 at 04:11 PM

Jesuit running back and pole vaulter Rico Gonzalez, who rushed for nearly 500 yards last fall and was a state finalist in the pole vault last spring, has made a commitment to Division III Hamilton College, Tigers track coach Andy Wood said.

Founded in 1793, Hamilton College is the nation’s No. 17-ranked liberal arts college and is located in Clinton, New York. The Continentals compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) with 9 other colleges and universities.

Despite a late-season injury, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Gonzalez produced 476 yards and three touchsdowns rushing and made four receptions for another 45 yards and one TD. In track, Gonzalez had a personal best of 12-6 in the pole vault and qualified for the Class 2A state finals, where he finished 14th.

Wood says Gonzalez plans to compete in both sports for the Continentals.