Eric grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia and was a competitive swimmer since the first grade.  In high school, he qualified for the YMCA National Championships three years in a row, was editor of the school newspaper, and a valedictorian of his class.  He attended Case Western Reserve University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion.  He graduated summa cum laude and is member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society.  After a brief stop in Medical School at West Virginia University (3 weeks, to be exact), he decided to pursue his passion for theology and philosophy.

In May 2006 he graduated summa cum laude from Yale Divinity School with a Master of Arts in Religion.  He is now a PhD student working in philosophy of religion in Yale's Religious Studies Department.  Eric is excited to be returning for his fourth year with YG!