The WPI Department of Athletics has launched a daily series that spotlights the most memorable moments from each varsity program as the 2025‑26 season unfolds, offering fans a glimpse into the team's progress and achievements.
A punter who rewrote the record books
Graduate student Josh Castro emerged as a cornerstone of the special‑teams unit, earning AFCA First Team All‑America honors after a season that included a school‑record 94‑yard punt. He finished with 2,675 punting yards and an average of 44.6 yards per attempt, numbers that placed him at the top of the team's performance metrics.
Castro's impact extended beyond the field, as he was also recognized on the New England Football Writers Association College Division All‑New England Team and received D3football.com All‑Region 1 Third Team accolades. His versatility was further highlighted by a second‑team All‑NewMAC selection at wide receiver, underscoring his all‑around contributions.
Honoring the seniors who shaped the program
The department took the opportunity to recognize 17 seniors for their dedication, including Zachary Zambardi, who received the Ray Cherenzia '73 Award for embodying the spirit of an unsung hero. Senior Colin Chandonnet was also selected as WPI football's representative on the NEWMAC All‑Sportsmanship Team, reflecting the team's emphasis on character and leadership.
Academic excellence ran parallel to athletic success. A total of 38 student‑athletes earned placement on the NEWMAC Academic All‑Conference Team, while eight engineers were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All‑District Team. Notably, Josh Castro captured CSC NCAA Division III Academic All‑America First Team honors with a perfect 4.00 graduate GPA, illustrating the program's commitment to scholarly achievement.