Sophomore Summer: Rahul Batlanki of Men’s Track and Field

Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2024 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers" presented by the Norwich Inn.

This installment focuses on Rahul Batlanki of men's track and field. A native of Flower Mound, Texas, Batlanki took first on three different occasions for the Big Green during the 2021-22 season.

DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Rahul Batlanki: Summer term has been zooming by! Aside from class and training, I have been getting to know a lot of the people in my class and becoming closer to the people in my fraternity.

DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
RB: Memorial Field has always been one of my favorite places on campus but, during the warm summer months, it definitely takes the top spot. After all my hard workouts I make sure to climb to the very top of the home-side bleachers to relax for a bit before I head back to the locker room. With the warm weather, a light breeze, and the rolling hills you can see from up there, I can't think of a more relaxing spot on campus.

DS: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
RB: It was most definitely my official visit. In fact, prior to my official visit, I looked up Dartmouth on Google Earth and watched as the screen zoomed in to the middle of nowhere and was sure that this was not the place for me. During my official visit, however, I got to experience an ounce of Dartmouth culture and was then confident that Dartmouth was, in fact, the place for me.

DS: If you could play another sport at Dartmouth, what it would be and why?
RB: I would give rugby a go. I have no clue if I would be good at it or not but always thought it was such a cool sport since I watched the movie Invictus starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman. Rugby tends to have a good bit more contact than track does though…

DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
RB: Without a doubt, my older brother Rohan. My role model since day one.

DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up?
RB: I grew up in the Dallas, Texas area so the weather is very different for me. (55-degree nights in July are crazy!) The rural setting of Hanover is also something I've come to enjoy despite having grown up in a suburb. Specifically, I love how many stars are visible in the sky here at Dartmouth.

DS: What show do you binge watch?
RB: My most recent binge-watch has been Stranger Things. I love science fiction so I'm a big fan of the series.

DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
RB: Take some more risks, step out of your comfort zone a little more, and be grateful for each and every moment because they pass by so quickly.

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