I first met Abel in August of 2016 when we both had arrived at The University of Arizona to participate in the Race Track Industry Program. Abel's academic achievements speak volumes about the tenacity and vigor with which he approached his studies. It should not be overlooked though, that he approached helping his classmates in the same way. Whenever someone was struggling with their coursework, Abel was there to guide them. The responsibilities he took on outside of normal student-related matters were robust, especially considering his own immense workload. It was no surprise that he was selected to assist in the writing and editing of RTIP communications, development of the their revamped website, and coordinating different student affairs such as the mentor luncheon at the RTIP symposium.
Another cherished memory was the time we spent together during the summer of 2019, during Abel's internship at Arizona Downs. Abel rented an apartment behind the house I was living in with another couple, the Campbells. The apartment only had a small kitchenette, so the back door of the main house was always left unlocked so he had access to the full kitchen. The running joke was that Abel was our Kramer, as he would make a pronounced entrance, usually with a topic of discussion that would lead to some comedic conversations or vigorous discourse about minutiae.
Attached is a photo from a trip with some of our RTIP classmates to Santa Anita Park in October of 2019.