Logan Guttadauro '27

Logan Guttadauro ‘27 | Physics major, Mathematics minor

Logan Guttadauro ’27 transferred to Saint Anselm College after hearing about the new track and field program. With the support of his teammates and coaches, the Physics major has excelled in his event, hammer, on the Men’s Track and Field team while simultaneously advancing his academic subject knowledge.

What brought you to the Hilltop?

Athletics. I transferred to Saint Anselm after just one semester at Merrimack College. When I heard that Coach Peter Early was starting a new track and field program and was looking for throwers (for shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin,) I emailed him right away. I threw in high school, so I figured why not give it a chance! I had no idea what I wanted to do at Merrimack and wasn’t involved in athletics, but after transferring to Saint Anselm I am very happy to say that I like it here a lot more!

What made you want to study physics? 

I was originally planning to study engineering because I’m a math guy. I liked learning about physics and about how things work, so engineering seemed like a good fit. Once I transferred, I realized I could continue with those interests but instead as a Physics major. There are so many different opportunities in physics—it’s the language of how things work. 

What are you hoping to pursue as a career?

I’m looking into engineering management and would attend graduate school for it. There are a lot of engineering pathways, but management is my focus because I enjoy leading and helping people. That’s also how I am with my sport. I believe if I’m doing something that I’m knowledgeable in, I can offer good advice to others. 

Being on the Men’s Track and Field team, do you have a favorite event?

Hammer is by far my favorite even though I came to Saint Anselm for discus. I think hammer has become my top choice because of the way Coach Jumpp introduced me to it. When I first started, I couldn’t hold the weight and would spend the entire practice attempting hammer turns. I didn’t like it at first, but there was one time we were at a conference, and I saw people getting medals for hammer. That made me stop and think, I want one of those. I ended up buying a 14-lb hammer to practice with and the rest is history. Hammer is so technical and incorporates the entire body. Everything about it just makes sense to me. 

What’s the most difficult part of hammer?

It requires a ton of strength and I’m not a big guy, but if you have good form and technique you can compensate for not having the weight! I shine in having great form. I can compete against bigger guys and make it to conferences. 

Will you incorporate your love for track and field in your future? 

I’d love to coach track and field at a high school or college level. My coaches both have full-time jobs and make it work! Coach George Jumpp is a chiropractor with his own practice and Coach Nicholas Pope works in construction safety, so if they can manage I don’t see why I can’t. 

Do you view your coaches as mentors?

Coach Jumpp and Coach Pope are some of the most intelligent and knowledgeable coaches that I’ve ever had. I’ve made such great improvements under their guidance; I already beat my personal record and have qualified for conferences, which I hadn’t done before. I know I can shoot Coach Jumpp a text and that he’ll answer right away. I feel like I can talk to him about anything for hours. He’s a wonderful guy and he always finds a way to relate the conversation back to hammer. My coaches have also inspired me to be a leader for first-year students who don’t know hammer. Sometimes I find myself speaking and I’m like, “that wasn’t me, that was Coach Jumpp talking!” 

Have you conducted any undergraduate research?

Yes! Since I’m obsessed with hammer throw, I proposed research on that. I studied projectile motion, release angle, release velocity, and how those things matter when doing a hammer throw. I also researched how practicing certain lifts when conditioning can influence your performance in the event. I was able to conclude that height have an impact on the execution of a good hammer throw but being heavier can be very beneficial. 

How has being a Saint Anselm student-athlete changed you? 

My experience as a student-athlete has given me a new respect for my teammates and has made me a better person overall. I’ve gained more patience and developed better time management skills. In a meet setting, my events don’t typically take very long so I end up sitting around—but that’s when I get to cheer on my team. You can’t just go home after you finish your event, you have to be a team player. Also, you can’t go into meets with a bad attitude. Everyone is there to have a good time and of course you want to win, but you need to respect the officials, coaches, competitors, and your fellow teammates. I might not always want to do something my coach asks of me, but I do it anyways.

How have you felt supported as a student?

This team is by far the most dynamic team and my favorite that I’ve ever been a part of. My coaches are also always there for me—there’s a huge roster of them, but they are all there if I need them. Even if I haven’t seen one of them in a while, the second I do we jump right into a conversation like no time has passed. I also feel supported by our team’s study halls. At the study halls, we can meet up to get our work done. Even if I’m not in the mood to study, just hearing that someone else is motivates me to do the same. Our GPAs are all going up because we hold each other accountable in our academics!

What do you enjoy doing on campus your free time?

In the winter I like to go sledding with my friends! I also love the annual gingerbread competition which I’ve been able to participate in twice. Whether its studying or going to eat in Davison Dining Hall, I just love spending time with people. 

What’s your favorite thing about Saint Anselm?

I love my team—they are the closest thing to family on campus. I love seeing my home family over breaks, but I am always eager to get back to campus and see my teammates.