by William Wombacher
Photo by William Wombacher
Seniors are very talented people. They play sports and instruments, and they might also juggle a job. Seniors are the pillars of our school community, showing the way to incoming freshmen and making our team what it is.
We currently have five seniors on the Willow varsity football roster : Jake Guichet, Ronan Theall, Mauro Nunez, Jared Joseph, and Isaac Rojo, all of whom are great players. Jake has played two years of football, Ronan Theall four, Mauro Nunez three, Jared Joseph four years, and one year for Issac.
So, what do our most experienced football players love about the game?
“My favorite part is being competitive everyday and being able to come out here and give it my all, because I know the guy on the other side of the line is also putting in everything,” Jake Guichet said. “It’s really about who comes out victorious, which is the person who’s putting in more.”
The other seniors agreed unanimously.
“We could take anyone,” Ronan Theall said. “Don’t worry about playing time. Just hop into the weight room, work hard, and you get on the field.”
Issac Rojo followed up with, “It takes dedication really. You need to be dedicated to this sport because it’s hard to be out here, and if you’re not fully dedicated to the sport, then you’re wasting your own time.”
These guys love the sport and all the work they put into it.
“I think that the people on the teams and in the crowd have a great energy,” Muero Nunez said, “and it’s certainly been improving for the last few years.”
To say the least, this team is a work of passion.
So, the seniors put everything they’ve got into their game, which helps them be as good as they are. But do such experienced players have advice for up and coming players entering the sport?
Willow Lifer Jared Joseph said, “If you’re new to the sport, definitely hit the weight room, get your lifts up, and stay determined. You’re probably not going to be the best in the beginning, but it’ll come with time. It’s one of those things that takes time. Just stick with it.”
And what do the seniors think in terms of position advice?
“Watch your position in a professional league, listen to your coaches, and stay committed.”
When the seniors leave, it’s always a huge adjustment. But the good thing about seniors is, there’s always a new crop the next year.
Jake Guichet QB, P | N/A
Ronan Theall ATH | Belmont
Mauro Nunez K, P | Tulane, Notre Dame, Boston College
Jared Joseph C, DT, DE | Tulane, Case Western, Villanova, USC
Issac Rojo G, DT | Tulane, Texas A&M
Many thanks to all the seniors who assisted with this article and the team. Geaux, Lions!
