Varsity Insider

I have a few Captain’s Corners to publish this week, but let’s start with one I just received from Horace Greeley’s Joe Magardino.

If you have a captain you’d like to suggest, send me an e-mail at jthomson@lohud.com. And please check back tomorrow morning for Captain’s Corner No. 2. First up…

Name: Joe Magardino
School: Horace Greeley
Year: 2011
Jersey number: 56
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 245
Offensive position: C
Defensive position: DL

What is your favorite part about football?: My favorite part about football is the contact. I love the thought that no matter how bad I am hurting after I make a hit, the other kid is hurting 10 times worse. It helps me release some negative energy in a positive way.

What do you do to prepare for games?: To prepare for games I always eat as much as I can at our pregame pasta dinners. Our team then goes to 7-11 where we sit outside and just hang out with each other. I then get as much sleep as possible and from the time I wake up to the starting whistle I think of all my possible assignments for every possible
scenario.

What did it mean to be named a captain?: It meant a lot to be named a captain. Last year, I saw how much of a positive effect the captains can have on a team and I knew it was a great honor to be one of those people. Also, being a captain, I have had to take on a lot of responsibility which has helped me mature and become a better leader.

As a captain, what will it take to be a leader?: To be a leader, I must be a positive role model on all of my teammates. I must always be the first in the gym and last out of the gym. During practices I must never take a play off and always hustle. I will sometimes have to make decisions that I know will benefit the team as a whole but not be favored by some of the individuals on the team.

Who is your team’s best teammate? Why?: Although there are many great teammates on the team, I would have to say Matt Abemayor is our best teammate. In the past, Matt hasn’t received much playing time but this has never stopped his dedication to the team. The amount of time he spends in the weight room is unmatched and he always gets back up after being knocked down. I really think because of Matt’s hard work and perseverance he will see some time on the field this year.

Who is the best athlete on your team? Why?: Justin Ciero is definitely the best athlete on our team. It is really amazing the things that this kid has done as a freshman and sophomore on the varsity level. Everyday, it seems like he gets better and better.

Who is your funniest teammate?: I would have to say Jason Bressler is our funniest teammate. Anyone who knows Coach Tribou, knows that he can sometimes yell a lot. Jason always manages to lighten the mood when we are getting yelled at by making a funny comment. Although his comments are often said at the wrong time, they always make people laugh.

What are your team’s goals for the season?: My team’s goal for the season is to win as many games as possible and make it to the playoffs. Our goal then is to win a section championship. We know we have
something special and we want to take advantage of it.

What will it take for you to achieve them?: To achieve this goal we need to work hard and dedicate ourselves to the game. When we feel pain we need to suck it up and keep pushing forward. During the summer we
all need to work out and get stronger and faster. During our practices we need to give our undivided attention to our coaches.

After high school, what’s your next step?: After high school I hope I can play football at the next level. I am undecided about what I want to study in college but am pretty sure I want to be an officer in a sector of the military.