The PEAR Department is taking this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the seniors on our spring sports teams. While we are sad that we were unable to watch them compete this season, we are excited about what the future holds for each of them. Keep checking back in the coming weeks as we take the time to highlight each of these individuals. Click here for our Senior Spotlight archive.
 
Varsity sports played at Carleton: 
Track and Field (4 years)
 
Hometown:
Moscow, Idaho
 
Major:           
Japanese and Computer Science
 
What are your plans after graduation?     
Good ol Corona threw a wrench in my plans to work as a Software developer in Tokyo, so at the moment I'm not sure. I will see how things play out as this whole pandemic situation develops.
 
What was your favorite sports moment at Carleton?      
My favorite moment was breaking the 4x800 school record with my brother Donson Cook Gallardo during my freshman year. More so than any athlete from other team, my brother has been my biggest rival and role model. Despite only being able to run with and against him during my first two years of track, it is no exaggeration to say that my main drive throughout my 4 years of competition came from my brother. Thus, the feeling of achieving a record together as both competitors and teammates is one I won't forget.
 
Why did you choose Carleton?      
Although not the most interesting or poetic of reasons, I chose Carleton because of it's reputation as a school of academic excellence, it's financial aid plan, and because of the convenience that comes from your brother attending Carleton at the time.
 
Outside of athletics, what will you miss most about Carleton?  
Easily the Japanese department. As is probably not surprising given that fact I majored in Japanese, I have a love for the professors and department of Japanese whose intensity can only be rivaled by an 800 (track jokes). Outside of my room, I probably spent more time in Japanese lounge than anywhere else. As someone who has a disdain for the high ceilings and white lights of a certain building, the lounge also became my go to location for CS work.
 
What else has your Carleton experience included?         
My study abroad to Japan through the AKP program was easily the most memorable part of my 4 years at Carleton. As such, instead of talking about other Carleton experiences, I will take this time to say that I highly recommend to anyone who is on the fence about going abroad to do so.
 
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective student-athletes?   
Have you considered taking Japanese? If not, consider taking Japanese.
 
What is a favorite memory you have of your head coach?
Although it definitely would not be my coach Dave Rick's favorite memory, the enjoyment I got from seeing Dave try to fruitlessly clear out people from lane 5 on a daily basis, is something that always put a smile on my face.
 
Quote from Coach Dave Ricks:
"School record holder in the 600m. Joey was possibly the hardest working athlete that I have ever coached. He was the most reliable member of our 4x400m relay team all four years. He worked so hard in practice that it was like going to a track meet every day; and that was with the coaching staff keeping him reeled in. He's the kind of athlete that inspires coaches to coach.  His work ethic will serve him well all of the rest of his life."