MOSCOW, Idaho – Sophomores Nick Romano and Elise Abbott have been selected as this week's Vandals of the Week for their continued success not only on the field, but also their academic success through unpredictable times.
 
Romano, a running back for the football team, has achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.73 during the constant changes to the school curriculum due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Romano is a double major, studying Finance and Marketing with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship.
 
"When I was younger, I always loved money and saving money," said Romano. "That is what really got me into finance. When I get older, I want to be a financial advisor and help people plan out and save their money in various ways."
 
"This whole last year has been adapt and overcome. The transition was not too bad, I focused in on it and made sure it did not affect me."
 
Abbott, a runner for the cross country and track and field team, maintained a 3.93 cumulative GPA in the classroom. Abbott is majoring in Biology with a minor in Pre-Health Professional and Bioethics.
 
"I am a TA for a biology lab, and I like to help other students out," Abbott said. "It is also helping me access my own knowledge because if you teach it, it is a lot easier to understand."
 
"Discipline and hard work are a big part of sports in general. In running, we focus on the process and all the little things you do gets you to the bigger results in the end. You cannot achieve your goals without all those little things. When you transfer that to the classroom, all those little things will help you succeed in the long run."
 
Both were appreciative for the recognition of their continued dedication to their studies.
 
"It means a lot to be looked at as more than just an athlete," Romano added. "We come in her being student-athletes, and the primary objective is to get your degree."
 
"I think it is really cool because this is a huge part of what I do," Abbott said. "It is important to be recognized for what we do in the classroom, and outside."