It’s not every day a freshman makes the leap into varsity football, let alone be a starter. Every once in a while a young freshman athlete climbs the ranks showing he put in the work and determination to be on the varsity team.
Anthony Chianca started playing football at the age of eight for the Milford Eagles and immediately fell in love with the sport. Even though he may not have played as long as the other players, his work ethic gave him a place on the team for years to come. Chianca put over five years into improving his game in order to the level he is at now.
Being the varsity football team Chianca has to learn how to balance school and football. With all this new responsibility and having to balance school work on top of it, Chianca already has a strategy for staying on top of it all. “I plan on getting a lot of school work done after school and before practice if possible,” he said.
Chianca can play multiple positions but mainly plays as a right tackle on offense and a defensive tackle on defense. This year Chianca is suiting up to start at offensive tackle for Foran’s varsity football team. First year Head Coach Garret Walker states, “We are hoping Anthony can help secure a dominant offensive line.”
In a sport where experience gives the athlete an edge over opponents and other teammates, Chianca is still gaining that, he explains. “My skills at my positions and my size allow me to have leverage over them.” Chianca is proof that having the most experience is helpful but is not always required.
Coach Walker agreed with Chianca on what gives him leverage over others. Walker states, “Anthony has size and strength well above his age. He has shown the ability to compete at the varsity level right away.”
Upperclassmen have also noticed Chianca’s talent. It’s rare for a freshman to be on varsity, but to start is a whole different story. Captain Jack Beaupre says, “Anthony definitely has a lot of potential to be dominant. He’s learning fast, and I’m proud of his improvement already.”
This shows the belief the team has in Chianca’s potential to grow and develop into a cornerstone on the team during his years at Foran.
When Chianca found out he made varsity, he experienced a range of emotions. He states, “I was very excited obviously, but also very nervous. For the most part I was really excited and really glad.”
Chianca has been absorbing the information given to him by his coach. Everytime Coach Walker speaks Chianca sees how he can implement it into his game.
Coach Walker offered advice for Chianca and other players who love the game. “Fall in love with the work. Enjoy the effort you put forth on a daily basis and enjoy the people you spend hours doing it with.”
