By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
Photo/submitted
School: Saint John’s High School
Sport: Football
Class: 2016
Position: Defensive Tackle
Accolades: Voted team captain for the 2015 season after recording 29 tackles and three sacks during the previous season
What are your earliest football related memories?
“My earliest football memories are linked to the anxiety of messing up plays, the excitement of being able to strap on pads and hit kids my age, and the fear of conditioning post-practice.”
Which coach or family member encouraged you to stick with football and succeed at it?
“My father encouraged me to continue football mainly because it was a sport I was good at, and it was something I could do to make myself proud. In high school I was given a shot to play my sophomore year by my defensive line coach, Rob Ginisi. He has become a great role model for me as I enter my senior season.”
What’s it like to be a part of such a historic high school football program like Saint John’s?
“Having the ability to wear the Saint John’s red on the football field has become a truly wonderful part of my life. The history and true tradition of success on and off the field makes it an honor to suit up from August to December for the Pioneers.”
What has been the single most special game during your young football career?
“The single most special game that I have taken part in was during my sophomore year. We played Leominster in the Central Mass. Final and won 51-42. The significance was that we had been unable to beat Leominster since 2012 and finally after many bitter defeats, we had beaten the team that all of our players longed to defeat. I have never struggled or fought so hard to win a game as I had that winter night.”
What is your favorite class in school?
“My favorite class in school is probably any of the history courses I’ve taken. It’s a very vast and interesting topic that I have taken a liking to since I was very young. My teachers at Saint John’s have all been extremely enthusiastic and made the learning process interesting.”
What is your favorite type of music, and artist within that genre?
“My favorite type of music will always and forever be rock. My favorite artist within that genre is The Rolling Stones because that is the band that originally introduced me to rock.”
What are your hobbies off the field?
“Outside of school, I try my best to enjoy my time with friends, I train and condition for sports year round, and I am a member of the Power-lifting Club.”
Who is your favorite NFL team and player?
“My favorite NFL team is New England’s beloved Patriots. My favorite player is J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, who in my opinion is one of the most dominant players that the NFL will ever see. He is a role model not only on the field but off of it as well.”