Keeping Up With… Chris Torres '19
In the Keeping Up With series, I reach out to alumni and interview them. This week, I am interviewing Chris Torres '19. Chris played basketball at Wooster, was a multi-time HVAL champion for basketball, and went on to play in college and then professionally. Currently, you can see him around Wooster as he has been substitute teaching.
Where did you go to school, and what did you study?
For my undergraduate degree, I attended Sarah Lawrence College where I completed a physical chemistry degree. I now attend Durham University in the United Kingdom pursuing a data science degree.
What was it like to play college sports?
It was a dream come true. It was everything I hoped for and more. I am a person who needs a schedule to flourish and sports really did that. It set me up for success if I’m being honest. I feel that sports really cause you to be honest with yourself. It’s a way to continually improve yourself.
What is it like to play professional sports?
It’s an intense schedule. Definitely is a rewarding time of the year, having long mornings and nights in the gym and weight room leading to wins on the road and at home feels that much more rewarding. When we punched our ticket to the playoffs that was a blast. We were in a position to play a team we had already beaten. As the season goes on you see the difference between putting in all that hard work during the offseason and during the season, it really pays off, I feel sports in general are rewarding. You get what you give, and I’ve given just about my life to the sport.
Now shifting toward Wooster, who was your favorite teacher during your time at Wooster?
I loved all my teachers at Wooster. They were all great. They all shaped me into a better individual. I can’t thank Wooster enough for my time here.
How would you describe your time at Wooster?
I would describe my time as special. I still talk to a number of my classmates. I would say Wooster has created both long-lasting friendships and memories.
What's your favorite memory at Wooster?
My favorite memory at Wooster would have to be back-to-back championships, but that first championship was special. It was a game that went to the wire. It was a great game we won by 1 or 2 possessions.
What do you miss most about Wooster?
I miss the community. I felt at home with Wooster. I’ve even begun substitute teaching at Wooster, and to no surprise, I was welcomed back with open arms.
If you had any advice you could send to current Wooster students what would it be?
My advice would be to never give up on your dreams. My dream is to play basketball in Mexico and I’m one step closer as I’ve just gotten back from England. As long as you put your mind to it there should be no reason to stop, don’t let someone who has no control over your path tell you what to do, or what to be.
If you could describe yourself as an animal which would you choose and why?
I would describe myself as a honey badger. I am very determined and hardworking as a honey badger. They are known to be very stubborn and do not know when to quit almost like my dog Primo a French bulldog.