Moving Ahead TRENT FAGAN

written by ELIZABETH FULTON ('11) & JENNIFER PORTER ('07)

The word 'run' is defined as “moving at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all feet on the ground at the same time.”

Trent Fagan likes to be on the move. Not only is running his passion, but his overall involvement in RU’s community might lead one to question whether he’s ever not “in motion.”

Trent grew up in Warren and was recruited to run cross country at RU. The mass communication major will soon complete his junior year, during which he has served as cross country team captain, resident adviser, co-president of the social club Sigma Phi Delta Nu, Crimson Leader for incoming students, and member of the student-run Shield Media. Last, but certainly not least, Trent enthusiastically stepped into the role (and wings) of RU’s new mascot, Crimson the Winged Warrior.

At first glance, Trent seems like a typical college student, and that he is. He can also be characterized as a fighter. Trent has been overcoming adversity since day one, beginning with a stay in the NICU due to delivery complications at birth.

During his adolescent years, Trent says he “fell down the wrong path” and quickly learned sports are a privilege that can be taken away. His passion for running ultimately helped him course-correct after a tumultuous few years of behavioral issues and struggling with sobriety. He became determined to do everything in his power to not jeopardize any opportunity to take part in the sport he so cherished, and he has made good on that goal.

However, in November 2021, Trent started experiencing acute pain that interfered with his mobility. He quickly scheduled a physical, and on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. His sense of humor ever present, Trent likes to joke that he got a great half off sale on Black Friday when he underwent surgery to remove the cancer. Four surgeries and chemotherapy later, Trent is cancer-free.

Most students in Trent’s situation would probably have taken a break from their normal activities—stepping away from their studies and back from campus life. Trent did the opposite; he continued to move forward and make the most of his college experience. He showed up for classes, those around him and what he loves most—running.

Coach Andrew Bowman says getting to coach Trent has been an honor and privilege. “He shows up each day with a shining personality that is quite literally infectious, and he immediately stood out as a naturalborn leader. Although he still has a lot to learn, his charisma, energy, dedication to himself and others and desire to pursue excellence lead me to believe he will find success wherever he goes.”

Right now, Trent is finding success at Rochester University. He says, “The RU community truly cares and many people have gone out of their way to support me. Faculty and staff have been in my corner since I arrived. RU means family to me.”

The familial trait of approaching tough topics with love and respect is something Trent says he has experienced at RU. “It has been a place for me to learn, expand, and have open conversations about religion and other controversial issues while still walking away as friends. It is encouraging and allows me to explore my beliefs.”

Trent doesn’t consider himself to be a religious person, but he is the first to admit that since coming to RU, he has learned more good work can be accomplished through a faith in God.

The coalescence of the obstacles Trent has faced throughout his life, his RU experience and his long standing passion for running brings to mind the text of Isaiah 40:31:

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.