UMBC track and field athlete Vincent Rentzsch ’16, information systems, has capped his exceptional career as a Retriever with a 21st place finish in the javelin at the 2016 NCAA Championships held June 9 in Eugene, Oregon.

Rentzsch holds the UMBC record in the javelin throw, set at 74.28m during this year’s Raleigh Relays. He has represented UMBC in three NCAA Championships, the most for any Retriever competitor. In addition to competing in javelin, throughout his career he has also represented UMBC in the 60m dash, 60m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, and heptathlon.

Coming to UMBC from the Elite Sportschule Potsdam just outside Berlin, Germany, Rentzsch shares that the language barrier was the biggest challenge he initially faced in transitioning to life as a college athlete in the United States. Once acclimated, he excelled, and he attributes that success to support from Retriever coaches.

“Here, the coaches treat us like human beings, and for me, it is important to receive support to help you feel comfortable,” Rentzsch says. “[W]hen you feel comfortable, confidence and greater things can occur.”

Former teammate Yao Adantor ’15, psychology, says Rentzsch’s strong work ethic has been core to his success. “He has this undeniable force to keep going,” Adantor says. “From the classroom to the field, he feels that he can do anything he sets his mind to.”

Head coach David Bobb shares his pride at seeing Rentzsch progress over his four years at UMBC: “It is very impressive to see what he has done.”

As for Rentzsch, “It’s not just my accomplishment,” he says. “I am honored and grateful to represent the university at the championships.”

Learn more about Vincent Rentzsch in the UMBC Athletics article and video on his journey to the NCAA Championships.

Image: Vincent Rentzsch competes for UMBC in javelin. Photo courtesy of the America East Conference.