Aiden Abate
What sport are you the captain of?
Football
How long have you been playing your sport?
I started playing football my freshman year.
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
Probably but I am still not 100% sure.
How do you feel going into the season?
I feel very good and our goal is to go to the Super Bowl and win this time.
Who is a prominent coach in your career? Why?
Our defensive coordinator, Coach Joe Abate, is a prominent coach in football for me. Coach Abate is my favorite coach because he is a great motivator, wants the best for his players, and truly cares about the program. He is also my uncle and played a big part in convincing me to play football.
What are some pre-game rituals you have? (songs, pre-game meals, traditions?)
On the day of our games, I drink a ton of water and Pedialyte. Before I arrive at the High School for the pregame, I go to Cumbies and get an energy drink. My pregame music genre is usually a bunch of rock songs. Lastly, but most importantly, I put on my Tiger Balm.
What advice would you give an underclassman playing your sport?
Work hard and put on weight.
If you could have any faculty member join your team, who would you pick?
I would probably pick Mr. Kamper because he is a Marine and would bring a great mentality to the team.
Which team are you most excited to play this season? Why?
I am most excited to play Natick and Milton. Natick because they are huge rivals, and we play them at home this year after we lost on the road to them last year. Milton also because they blew us out in the Super Bowl last season.
Dylan Burgess
What sport are you the captain of?
Football
How long have you been playing your sport?
I’ve been playing since 1st grade.
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
Yes I do.
How do you feel going into the season?
I feel confident and excited going into the season because of being a captain and senior year. I am also excited to see where we end up at the end of the season, hopefully at Gillette again.
Who is a prominent coach in your career? Why?
Coach Barry Greener has been a prominent coach because of the way he taught me the high school offense and made me understand the game better and is just a great guy.
What are some pre-game rituals you have? (songs, pre-game meals, traditions?)
Favorite pregame songs are 1. 38 Baby – NBA Youngboy 2. War With Us – NBA Youngboy 3. Dance the Night Away – Van Halen. Before every game I have to do a certain stretching routine, pray and shower before every game.
What advice would you give an underclassman playing your sport?
Keep showing up and try to self improve in every way you can, mentally and physically.
If you could have any faculty member join your team, who would you pick?
Mr. Wing because he’s a giant and used to play football.
Which team are you most excited to play this season? Why?
I’m excited to play Natick and Milton. Natick because I hate natick and it’s a rivalry that’s been in Walpole for a while. Milton because we lost in the state championship to them last year.
Joey Malone
What sport are you the captain of?
Football
How long have you been playing your sport?
I have been playing since 2nd grade (10 Years)
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
Yes, I plan on playing in college.
How do you feel going into the season?
I feel confident and very excited to see what we’ll be able to do with Walpole having the toughest schedule in Massachusetts.
Who is a prominent coach in your career? Why?
A prominent coach in my career is my father. He has coached me ever since I could remember and has taught me how to succeed as a person and as a player.
What are some pre-game rituals you have? (songs, pre-game meals, traditions?)
Before each game when we run out onto the field, I always bless myself and slap my wrist twice and point up at the sky to honor my godmother.
What advice would you give an underclassman playing your sport?
To any underclassmen playing football, try to make the most out of every opportunity you get, whether it is in practice or in a game, because it can lead to so much success for you and the team.
If you could have any faculty member join your team, who would you pick?
Probably Mr. Wing because he played when he was younger and I know he has the attributes and the knowledge to play.
Which team are you most excited to play this season? Why?
I am most excited to play Milton this year. There has been a lot of history and rivalry that has built up in the past few years. I think that it will be a really fun and competitive game.
Noah Mackenzie
What sport are you the captain of?
Football
How long have you been playing your sport?
12 years
Do you plan on continuing your sport in college?
Yes
How do you feel going into the season?
Very good, team has been improving every day.
Who is a prominent coach in your career? Why?
My father, he always reminded me that the only play that matters is the next one, and to keep my head up.
What are some pre-game rituals you have? (songs, pre-game meals, traditions?)
I usually listen to music all day, start with slower music and ramp them up as it goes.
What advice would you give an underclassman playing your sport?
I would tell them that they should take every chance they get to practice harder, and show their skill set.
If you could have any faculty member join your team, who would you pick?
I think I would pick Mr. O in the math department.
Which team are you most excited to play this season? Why?
I am most excited to play Milton because it will be a rematch of the Super Bowl.
