Eric Plath, a 17-year-old junior at Marquette Catholic High School in Michigan City, Indiana, holds several unique achievements spanning academics, athletics, music, and community service. Excelling in his journey to leading a successful rock band and engaging in environmental advocacy, Plath has carved out a unique and inspiring path. Growing up in rural La Porte County, he balances his many goals with steady focus and a clear purpose.
Massasauga, the sibling punk/hard rock fusion band Plath leads as co-vocalist and guitarist, is at the heart of his story. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic with his younger sister, Katie, on drums and brother, Matthew, on bass, the band’s origins are humble.
“We were all stuck at home with not much to do,” Plath said. “I played guitar, Katie played drums, and Matthew had just started learning bass. We began writing and playing music together. After the pandemic, we took it to the stage and started recording.”
Their band name, Massasauga, pays homage to the native Midwest rattlesnake. Since their first live shows, they’ve played over 170 concerts across the Midwest, opened for national acts like Crowbar and Tommy Clufetos, and even released two albums. Their debut album, “Slither,” dropped in December 2023, followed by “Breaking Point” in December 2024.
“‘Slither’ was the first music we ever released, so it was almost an experiment with songs we wrote years ago,” Plath said. “‘Breaking Point’ is more cohesive and polished because it was written while we were performing regularly. We had a clearer vision for what we wanted it to be.”
For Plath, live performances have been a source of thrilling experiences and growth.
“Live performances have been incredible,” he said. “Breaking guitars onstage at the Hobart Art Theater was one of my favorite memories so far, and now we’re preparing to open for Local H, which has been a huge goal for us. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come.”
The band’s sound is influenced by iconic acts like Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Metallica, and Iggy Pop, blending several subgenres to form their unique sound. While music is a major part of Plath’s life, it’s only one piece of the story. He’s an honor student, recently inducted into the National Honor Society, and a varsity athlete in track and cross-country.
“Balancing everything takes a lot of focus,” he said. “I try to get as much homework done during school as possible so I can practice or finish other tasks afterward. Staying organized is key because I also have track conditioning almost every day until 5 p.m.”
Plath’s love for the outdoors is another big part of his life. A Life Scout working toward his Eagle rank, he credits Scouting for his interest in nature and service. Some of his favorite trips include summers at Camp Tamarack in Michigan and trips to Camp ToPeNeBee in Westville.
“Scouts taught me so much about teamwork and leadership,” he said. “We’ve gone camping in January with snow on the ground, and I wouldn’t have done that without Scouts. Working with the younger Scouts and helping them grow has been one of the most rewarding parts.”
Plath’s connection to nature extends to his family’s involvement with the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association and Indiana Dunes National Park. Through kayaking and canoeing, they’ve built relationships with like-minded advocates.
“My family and I are involved with the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association and Indiana Dunes National Park,” he said. “We’ve done kayaking and canoeing trips on rivers like the Little Calumet and even Lake Michigan. It’s great to meet people who wouldn’t normally get out on the water.”
During the pandemic, Plath explored a new passion for woodworking by founding the Plath Paddle Company, where he handcrafted custom canoe paddles that were then shipped across the U.S. and internationally. Although he no longer builds paddles regularly, he treasures the time spent working alongside his father and is thankful to have learned the importance of craftsmanship.
“I started Plath Paddle Company during COVID,” he said. “I learned woodworking by working with my dad, and I feel like it was a productive way to spend my time. I don’t do it much now because it’s time-consuming, but I’m glad I had that experience.”
Giving back to the community is a big priority for Plath and Massasauga. The band has performed at charity concerts supporting causes like Save the Dunes, Toys for Tots, and local schools.
“We have so much respect for the environmental community and want to give back,” Plath said. “By supporting nonprofits and local schools, we hope to show that music and environmental advocacy can go hand in hand.”
Looking ahead, Plath plans to pursue engineering in college while staying close to home to continue performing with Massasauga.
“My sister and brother still have a few years of school left,” he said. “I want to keep the band going and see where it takes us.”
Plath’s advice to other teenagers pursuing multiple interests is simple.
“Stay persistent and take things one step at a time,” he said. “Everyone’s path is different, and it’s okay to do things your own way.”
Looking ahead, Plath envisions a future where he continues to grow both personally and professionally. With plans to study engineering while staying close to home to pursue music with Massasauga, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether he’s performing on stage, excelling in his academics, or contributing to his community, Plath’s dedication serves as an inspiration to those around him. His steady focus and commitment ensure no matter what path he takes, his future is full of promise.