Athlete Name: Gianni Mazzone

College: Monmouth University

Sport: Football

Position: Center

Why did you choose to go to this college?

I chose Monmouth University because I felt it was easily the best fit for me.  I loved everything about it, and could not find any negatives.  The campus itself was immaculate and was the perfect size.  The coaches were plain out awesome. I agreed with their “football philosophy” and I could easily tell that they cared about me not only as an athlete, but as a student as well.  Also, the players on the team are the type of people I want to surround myself with, as I could easily tell that they were great people who want themselves and each other to succeed. Overall, Monmouth felt like it could easily be my home away from home and that is why I decided to commit.

What are the biggest highlights of your playing career?

First off, being named team captain is one of the biggest honors that I have ever received.  Knowing that I had the respect of all my teammates and that they would look to me in high-pressure situations gave me a new sense of responsibility, and more motivation to be the best player and leader that I could be. The biggest highlight of my career would have to be beating Edison at homecoming and earning a spot in the playoffs.  During my four years at Freehold Township, we had not won a homecoming game until this season. It was an incredible feeling to be on the field, under the lights, in front of all our fans and make a statement as Freehold Township made it to the playoffs for the second time in the history of the school’s football program.

What will you miss most about playing at FTHS?

In the words of Don Billingsley (Friday Night Lights) from one of the greatest football movies of all time “I’m gonna miss the lights.”  Being a high school football player, one of the many things I will never forget is the feeling of running out onto the field to a host of screaming fans underneath the lights of the Freehold Township football field.  But any football player will tell you that.  What I am going to miss the most about Freehold Township football is the coaches and my teammates. Playing under Coach Davies for my senior season was something I will never forget. I would like to thank him and all the other coaches for giving me some of the best years of my life and for teaching me not only how to be a better player but also a better person. I will also never forget my teammates and the bond that we share. As an offensive lineman, there is a special bond with the men who play next to you. I would like to thank Alex Schlumpf, Henry Bader, Matt Cruz, and Johnny Lucas for playing beside me, and knowing that they will always have my back because I will always have theirs.

Who had the biggest impact on your playing career?

My parents easily had the biggest impact on my career. Whether it was taking me to and from practice, attending all my games, or encouraging me to be the best I could be, my parents have been, and always will be the most supportive people in my life.  My parents always gave me their all, so in turn, I gave it my all on the field for them. I would like to thank my parents, because without them, I would not be half the man I am today.

What advice would you give to younger teammates who are just starting out?

I would tell any teammate that any obstacle can be overcome with hard work.  There are always going to be people who are bigger than you, stronger than you, and more than talented than you. But that is never an excuse to let someone out work you. So go to the weight room, and do what the coaches tell you to do because they have more experience than you can imagine. Lastly, never become content, always be hungry and always compare yourself to the elite.  I can go in the weight room and squat over 500 lbs. To the average person that may seem like a ridiculous amount. If I was content with being average I wouldn’t work hard anymore. But I’m not content with being average. I look at people in the Olympics and at people in the NFL and say to myself, those elite athletes can lift over a thousand pounds like it’s nothing. I am not even on their spectrum. But I work every day, as hard as I can and as long as I can, not only to get to the elite spectrum, but to one day create my own. If you are not prepared to work hard and you’re fine with being average, then don’t even bother putting on a patriot’s uniform.  But if you want to become elite, and you willing to give it your all, then there is a spot on the team for you, no matter how big, strong, or talented you are.