Around the Horn with .... RPI distance runner Chris Donais of Bradford

The Bradford native recently graduated magna cum laude (3.86 GPA) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in only three years to earn an electrical engineering degree. After receiving a prestigious scholarship, the third-team Division 3 Academic All-American will be returning to RPI in the fall to pursue his doctorate.

Donais, a graduate of Phillips Academy, comes from a long line of accomplished runners.

His older sister, Melissa, still holds the area schoolgirl mile record of 4:53.90. His grandfather was legendary road runner and beloved Haverhill High math teacher Tony Sapienza, who died at age 63 after winning a New England masters race. The annual Tony Sapienza road race is Thursday at 6:45 p.m. at Haverhill High.

The studious distance runner took time out of his busy schedule to talk about his grandfather's race, study habits, and sibling rivalries in this week's Around the Horn.

"Well, I entered with AP (advanced placement) credit so I already was about a semester and a half ahead. I had about 24 credits to make up if I wanted to finish in three years so I was debating whether to do it or not. Ultimately it came down to when I was awarded the IGERT Fellowship scholarship (for terahertz research; full tuition plus a $30,000 stipend), that will kick in during the fall, to go after a Ph.D. I was very pleased to be awarded that and it really tipped the scale."

"I would say three or four hours of work each night. Then I ran cross country so that would take up time as well. Then another hour to relax for a bit."

"Its not easy. Basically, I had to make sure I was caught up on my work. I planned out my week and made sure I did not procrastinate. I also talked to my coach to make sure everything fit in the right way for my schedule."

Your older sister, Melissa, is a record-breaking runner. What was it like to follow her at Phillips?

"I never felt like I was in her shadow. I felt like a separate runner and never really compared us."

"We had a sibling rivalry. I was a freshman when she was a senior. She was the first to break the five minute mile and one week later I broke it and that was my first opportunity. We used to have a friendly rivalry."

"I never felt like I had to run cross country, I just wanted to. I've been running since I was six and it's what I love to do. I enjoy other sports too, but competitively it's what I love."

"I work in Holyoke at ISO New England (Independent Systems Operator) and basically they run the wholesale electricity market. I work in the market administration department. It's an internship for the summer."

"I think probably during this past cross country season. I ran 25:59 at the RPI home course at Saratoga Springs. It was my best career time."

The Tony Sapienza race is coming up. What is it like running a race named after your grandfather?

"It means a lot. I never really got to know him because he died when I was two but after all I've heard about him I'm sure he would be happy to see me racing and running well."

"I'm not sure, I'm going to try my best to be there but I work in Holyoke. If I can get it off, I will be there."

"It's pretty cool. We have a special connection. I guess we're closer than normal. I tend to hang out with her more than my older sister and we have similar likes and dislikes."

"My older sister is going to nursing school at BC and my twin is going to Syracuse for education."

"I am. I haven't been able to watch as much of the Olympic trials as I would like though."

"Chicken parm, Gladiator, House, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, ESPN.com, O.A.R."

Photos

Academic All-American Chris Donais of Bradford is a standout runner at RPI, where he graduated magna cum laude in only three years. Staff photo