Class of 2023 Shines on Ring Day
The Citadel Class of 2023 was on full display Friday as they were presented their rings. The ring holds special meaning to all alumni, as it symbolizes a goal or an attainment of past members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. The Citadel’s cadet-athletes share in this excitement, fully embracing the commitment of the corps and their responsibilities within their athletic program.
RIFLE
Rifle head coach Richie Parra '17, an alumnus of The Citadel, is proud to witness his cadet-athletes receive this honor that he and others earned during their time.
In Rifle, it’s very easy to compare yourselves to other top athletes. It’s a common thing to see a Rifle champion doing something different, like balancing the rifle on a few fingers instead of their palm, or an exaggerated twist of the foot; and you’ll see a bunch of other athletes adopt the same. What’s important to keep in mind is that each athlete has their own path, their own journey they followed to get to that point. And I always emphasize to them that not everyone’s path is the same, but I can offer some insight and guidance to help them along the way. Seeing them earn their ring makes me proud to be a part of their journey and contribute to their growth into fine young men and women.Richie Parra, The Citadel Rifle Head Coach
CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK & FIELD
Sam Sharnas is a second-generation cadet at The Citadel, following the path of his father Mike Sharnas '93, who also competed in cross country and track & field. The native of Holland, Michigan shared the excitement of receiving his gold band with his father by his side:
“I am proud to wear the ring like my dad and others before me. Thank you to the coaching staff for always being there for me these past four years.”
FOOTBALL
VOLLEYBALL
That feeling when you finally have your class ring to add to your SoCon Championship ring!!!
Two rings are better than one!
— Citadel Volleyball (@CitadelVB) October 7, 2022
Congratulations to Amie, Gina, Makaya, and Maddy for receiving their class rings! #BattleReady pic.twitter.com/LWVjlMzaOl
BASEBALL
BASKETBALL
"When I look down at my ring the response is always a wave of emotions because my ring resembles everything I have endured during my time here. It's more than just a piece of gold, or a jewelry piece. It is a constant reminder of the great relationships I've made, the lessons learned, both the good and bad times, accustomed leadership skills and my evolution of becoming a man and future Citadel graduate. Ultimately it's a reminder that I am capable of anything I put my mind to and that no challenge in the future is trivial enough for me to quit." - Rudy Fitzgibbons III
SOCCER
“What it means to receive this ring to me is so emotional more than any other gift I have had in my life. Accomplishment. It has not been an easy journey to come this far but staying positive and staying focused on what I love made me stay strong whenever I go through hard times.”
- Suzuka Yosue
