Meet the Captains: Football

Conor Schlittler

(Photo /Conor Schlitter)

What sport are you a captain of?

I am captain of the football team.

When did you start playing the sport?

I played flag football as a kid and started tackle football in third grade.

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

Yes, I plan on playing football in college.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

I would say that my dad was a prominent coach. He coached me in youth baseball and football. He made me fall in love with football and was a huge inspiration for me to try to better myself in the sport. 

What other activities/sports are you involved in?

I am a pitcher on the Walpole baseball team. 

How do you feel going into this season?

I feel like a weight has definitely been lifted off the seniors’ shoulders, as we are finally getting to start our final season. It will definitely be different than usual but we have to adapt and overcome the obstacles in order to be successful.

What are some goals set for the team this coming season? How do you plan to achieve them?

Our goals this season [would have been] to make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. Because of COVID-19, there will be no playoffs. So as a whole we would like to go undefeated in the games we will play in. We plan on reaching this goal with the help of our underclassmen. For them it’s all about learning the schemes of the game and better developing their skills for the upcoming years. 

Who are some big opponents/rivals? Why?

Some big opponents we could face are Natick, Needham, Milton, Weymouth and other league teams. Our schedule isn’t 100% accurate yet, but we plan on making game plans to fit each opponent’s individual styles. These are also teams we have all been playing against since youth, so there is some history with our previous matchups.

 

Cole Tashjian

(Photo/ Cole Tashjian)

What sport are you a captain of? I’m captain of the football and lacrosse team.

When did you start playing the sport? I started playing football in seventh grade.

Do you want to continue this sport in college? No, I’m playing lacrosse at Oberlin College.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why? My head coaches, Coach Sullivan and Coach Andalo, have both had a major impact on me. Along with the rest of the staff, these coaches have helped me develop as a player and person.

What other activities/sports are you involved in? I am a member of the Student Council and National Honors Society.

How do you feel going into this season? I am hopeful and excited to start our football season.  The team has come together in just the few practices we have had. I am equally as pumped up for my spring lacrosse season, which will hopefully begin this April.

What are some goals set for the team this coming season? How do you plan to achieve them? As a football team we are looking to go undefeated in the short five-game regular season.  We must come together and focus to develop and better ourselves as a team before facing our first opponent. For now, working out and practicing as individuals is key to our future success as a team.

Who are some big opponents/rivals? Why? Our biggest opponent this year will be Natick. Natick has had a good and hard-headed football team this past couple years. Playing Natick is always a challenge, yet I believe we will be victorious this year.

 

Brian Malone

What sport are you a captain of? I am a captain of the football team.

When did you start playing the sport? I started playing when I was 4.

Do you want to continue this sport in college? Yes, I’m playing at Springfield College.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why? Coach Tosone because he taught me many skills, mentally and physically, that I still use to this day.

What other activities/sports are you involved in? I also play basketball.

How do you feel going into this season? I’m very excited that we are actually able to have some sort of season with all of the COVID-19 restrictions. Seniors are all very grateful to have the opportunity to step on the field one last time.

What are some goals set for the team this coming season? How do you plan to achieve them? A goal we have is just to leave everything on the field. We are hoping to play 5 games and want to leave no regrets after playing those 5 games. 

Who are some big opponents/rivals? Why? Natick is always a big game because they are very good all around and a win over them really can make a statement in our conference.

(Photo/ Brian Malone)