When watching high school football players bash against each other on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, it’s easy to see how much they want to compete on the field of battle.
What goes unseen, however, is that during the rest of the week, they are students in a classroom battling the academic rigors set forth to them like every other student in the building.
Some do it quite well, in fact, and the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame sees fit to reward them for it.
Thus, the 62nd George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Dinner will once again acknowledge one player from each area school for what they do on the field and in the classroom. The dinner, sponsored by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, is Sunday, March 10 at 2 p.m. at the Princeton Marriott Forrestal.
This year’s honorees from the Hamilton Township public schools include Hamilton West’s Connor Mooney, Nottingham’s Antonio Martinez and Steinert’s Michael Rizzo. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship and are eligible for five larger scholarships that will be handed out at the banquet.
“Receiving this award from such a well-founded foundation makes me feel humble for all the hard work that I have been doing in the classroom and on the turf,” Mooney said. The defensive lineman had 30 tackles last fall, including nine solo and 4-½ for loss. He forced one fumble and had 1-½ sacks.
“Connor’s work ethic in the classroom, on the field, and in life in general consistently exhibits outstanding effort and desire for perfection,” Hamilton coach Mike Papero said. “Over the past four years I have watched a fine young man emerge as a mature student-athlete who is committed to hard work and excellence.
“Connor is clearly a leader amongst his teammates and classmates both on the gridiron and in the classroom. He is someone who others would look to for guidance. He dedicated himself to his team and always had the best of the program in mind.”
In the classroom Mooney has a weighted GPA of 4.6 and is ranked 19th in a class of 321. He is a National Honor Society member this year and earned the Academic Achievement Award his first three years. Interestingly, Mooney turned Covid-19 into a positive for himself.
“When entering high school, I found that all I could do during the pandemic was learn and try to do well in my classes as there wasn’t much else to do during that time,” he said. “I learned from my freshman year that I wanted my academics to be my first priority and if you’re willing to look at a book each day, you could learn a lot.”
Tim Kline, an honors math teacher at West, feels Mooney is as aggressive in his studies as he is in football.
“Connor brings an energy, a quiet confidence, an enthusiasm for learning, and a work ethic to our class that is second to none,” Kline said. “These are rare qualities in a high school student, but so essential to the learning process. His strengths in all subjects, as well as his commitment to excellence, make Connor an ideal fit for this award.”
Mooney is a member of the Criminal Justice Program at Mercer County Community College, and has served as a counselor at the Hamilton Youth Football Coaches’ Camp. He is also on the Hornets winter and spring track teams.
Along with his DelVal scholarship, Mooney had the added bonus of being a Mini Max award winner, which is awarded to 150 seniors throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It goes to players who show dominance on the field while being a scholar and also performing community service.
“To be part of this elite club and to receive the award is an honor,” Mooney said. “Hard work really does pay off.”
It has paid off in the form of multiple college scholarships. Although he is still deciding, Mooney’s plans are to major in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice.
* * *
Martinez transferred to Nottingham after a year at Trenton Catholic and was a two-year varsity performer. As the Stars back-up quarterback Martinez completed 50 percent of his passes for 64 yards and helped with the development of sophomore Donte Vazquez.
“Being nominated for this award means the world to me,” Martinez said. “Not only do I represent myself, but my school, town, and most importantly my family. I love what I do as a quarterback, and to obtain that position means having the knowledge and discipline to achieve the mental part of the position. The attributes that enable me to succeed on the field were cultivated in the classroom.”
Off the field, Martinez has forged a 3.9 GPA while also helping aid the community through different clubs. He is a Nottingham Peer tutor, leading a small group of students to help other students with work and studies. He also leads a group of students that provides food for people in need for the holidays in a Community Outreach program, and helps teach young players in a Youth Training Program.
“Academics are just as important to me as playing the sport I love,” Martinez said. “But in reality, for most athletes, sports eventually come to an end. So, being educated sets up my ticket for the real world, and will help me set up a bright future.
“People have told me, “Work hard now, and play hard later.” So hitting the books now is very important to help prepare me for what comes after football.”
His efforts have impressed Jessie Mull, now in her first year as Nottingham Athletic Director after a career as teacher and coach. “As a student, Antonio demonstrated a love of learning and the level of commitment necessary to succeed in college and beyond,” Mull said. “Antonio distinguished himself as an incredible young man by taking advantage of the various programs Nottingham offers as well as his involvement in the community.”
Like so many young athletes, Martinez feels his dad has been a major role model.
“I would not be the man I am today without him,” he said. “ He taught me to always show up, do what I’m supposed to do, regardless of whether I’m rewarded. He taught me that showing up matters and builds character. And I want to thank the rest of my family, my coaches and the specific people in my life who helped me get to this point. They have constantly helped me push through the hard times and helped me become the person I am today.”
Martinez is unsure what his future plans are, but said that “I know my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, knows what the future holds for me, so I have nothing to worry about. My plans do consist of going to college and pursuing sports medicine, and playing football as well.”
* * *
Rizzo was third on Steinert in tackles with 72 from his defensive back spot. He had 6-½ tackles for loss and 1-½ sacks.
“It is a tremendous honor to be a recipient of the award,” he said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity. I’m proud to see my hard work has paid off both on the field and in the classroom.”
It took just one season for first-year coach Thaddeus Richards to appreciate Rizzo, who was a captain this past season.
“He served many roles on the team but most importantly helped guide the younger players with compassion and diligence,” Richards said. “Our football program is incredibly lucky to have had a man of his character on our team.
“Mike has shown extreme discipline and focus throughout his high school experience. No matter the situation, you can never question the amount of work and quality of work Mike is willing to do and I believe that speaks volumes about his character.”
Rizzo has a 4.4 weighted GPA while taking advanced placement classes in European History, German Language and Culture and U.S. Government and Politics. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the German National Honor Society.
“He is very respectful, attentive, intelligent and responsible,” German teacher Lacey Smith said. “Michael is a very well-rounded student. I would love to have a classroom full of Michaels. He finds German exciting, and he is one of those kids who always says hello in the hallway, no matter how many times a day he sees you.”
It’s just a way of life for Rizzo. He has not yet committed to a college but is looking to major in Political Science and hopes to run for political office one day.
“Academics have always been greatly stressed in my life,” he said. “I have my grandfather, mother and family to thank for inspiring me to strive for the best I can be.”
Rizzo is already community minded, as he hands out candy to children for the Trunk Or Treat Halloween event; helps maintain the fields at Sunnybrae Little League, and volunteers for Trinity Methodist Church in Bordentown.
Richards summed up Rizzo’s impact on Steinert: “I am confident when I say he has left this school in a much better place.”
Steinert defensive back Mike Rizzo (number 54) had 72 tackles for Steinert this season.,
