Connor Grogan

Cameron Wyckoff

Training and preparation:

Going into my senior season, I wanted to be as prepared as possible. I trained on my own months before the season started. Each day I ran on the track and threw and caught balls with my quarterback or anyone else who happened to be around. Before games, I like to be as calm as possible, get my thoughts together and envision what I need to do to win. This doesn't mean I'm nervous, just focused. Some prefer to blast music and yell, but I need to be alone.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My teammates know that when I line up, I give everything I have. Even in practice I try to make the team better by letting them experience my 100 % effort on every snap. Giving my all is a habit that was instilled in me when I first started playing football, and it is a part of who I am as a player. Now, I can't play unless I'm giving everything I have. There have been times when I was sick or injured, but I never missed a practice or a game. Even when I couldn't be in the game I still needed to be near it. I love Friday nights because I love the game.

Tommy Hopkins

Training and preparation:

My preparation for the upcoming season started shortly after last season ended. During basketball season, I would lift twice a week. I would lift weights and do footwork. After the basketball season, I worked out five or six times a week. I also went to camps at White Plains High School. While there, we would practice and then scrimmage other schools and also watched film at home.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Throughout the last four years, I have stayed dedicated to my team and training. An example of this is that during basketball season I continued to train. As a result, I often had to work out before or after practice. I gave up free time during the spring and summer so I could train and become the best football player I could. This commitment paid off when I gained 25 pounds and had better footwork than I had before.

Brandon Manosalvas

Training and preparation:

I train to become the best I can be. What inspires me is my 10 other brothers who step onto the field with me. I push myself so that I will never let them down, so that I will never have to look into a mirror at myself and say that I could have done better. Failure drives me to make sure that it will never happen again. During my junior year, I had one of my worst games against a very good team. I allowed my quarterback to get hit multiple times. The next day, I promised him that this would never happen again.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

You do not have to be one of the most outspoken players to lead your team. Actions speak louder than words. I lead my team through the hard work that I put in All it takes is that one big hit to have your team follow your lead. That hit is what can change the tempo of a practice or a game.

John Maddaluna

Training and preparation:

This season is a culmination of 12 years of passion for the game of football, which has included countless hours on the field, in the weight room, watching films, studying plays and building a brotherhood among my teammates. I've been going to speed and agility training every day during preseason for the past three years. I've pushed myself to increase my 40-time, become stronger and more agile. I've spent the last four summers preparing for this season, both mentally and physically. I'm so proud of my team and what we have accomplished and could not ask for a better senior year.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My freshman year, my team was 1-8. It seemed like there was little hope for us. Our team was determined to turn the program in a positive direction. Last year, we had our sights set on winning a state championship. However, we lost in the first round of playoffs. It was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise, successful season. This year, as one of the team captains, I have been pushing my teammates to be the best at all times. We are currently 6-0, won our conference and are determined to bring home a state championship. The last time Bernards won a state championship was when my dad was on the team. Our motto is "Different year, different team, same dream."

C.J. Cimilluca

Training and preparation:

In the offseason, I train with my older cousins who played college football a few years ago. This includes six days in the weight room and on the field, then one day to focus on running and improving my positions. I enjoy training and exercising because I feel that the harder I train the better I can become. To prepare myself for a game, the night before I eat either pasta or some sort of chicken with a gallon of water. I usually stretch and roll on my foam roller and sit in a hot tub to loosen my muscles right before bed. I watch films of my opponents with my dad for an hour or two to get some last minute studying of their strategies in.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Being captain of my high school varsity team means I commit as much of my time as I possible to help make myself and my team the best that they possibly could be. I get up an extra hour early to help set up and make sure everything in practice runs smoothly with my coaches. I push my body as far as it can go -- whether it be physical, mental or emotional. Doing this builds character. Football is my passion.

Ishmael Hyman

Training and preparation:

During the summer, I trained every day -- during heat and rain -- with a local coach on my routes and plays. I did sand workouts every Sunday to strengthen my legs. These workouts continued during summer practices with my football team. This has helped me to become a smarter and stronger player.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I am committed to my team. I love my teammates and want the best for all of us. I always encourage my teammates to excel and do their best on and off the field. I can give them advice on being a better student, because I have worked extremely hard improving my grades. Talent alone is nothing without succeeding in classroom. My leadership skills have rubbed off on my friends. We are now called "the smart jocks" by some of the cheerleaders. We are making honor roll and receiving awards.

Jeovan Santos

Training and preparation:

I use the offseason for getting bigger and stronger. In early spring, I transition into more explosive types of workouts. Then as summer approaches, I balance my speed workouts and explosive workouts to prepare myself for camp. Whenever I feel like taking a day off, I think about how I felt the last time I lost a game. That terrible feeling that you get in your stomach knowing you could have done something different to help the team. Those are usually some of my best workouts. I go by the motto: "Make your next workout your best workout." This pushes me to make every single one count and push myself to go harder than I ever have.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

The desire to achieve is what pushes a team or person to really strive for their goals. Whether to lead the team in touchdowns or tackles, get straight A's in the classroom or make your teammates better by giving them a good look on scout, having the will to make it happen will go a long way. This is seen on winning teams because they have the will to make sure that they win. They will not let anything come between them and a "W" when the clock hits zero. This is also seen in the classroom. When a student has the will to succeed, he or she will make sure to leave time for their studies to make sure that they get good grades.

Patrick Walpole

Training and preparation:

For the last three years, I prepared myself as best as I could for my football season by lifting and running on a regular basis. Because football is not won by one person, I get my teammates to join me so we can train and push each other to get better as a team. During the school year, I lift, do cross fit and run. I also do winter and spring track to stay on top of my running.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My team and I are relentless, and we do not stop pushing forward until we've accomplished our goal. I am a determined player whether it is playing through injuries or training in the offseason when no one is around. An example that sticks out most to me is when I unknowingly tore part of the muscle off of my right hip this season the day before our first game. I didn't think much of it --I have had hip problems in the past and I thought it would be fine. The next day I had a fever but not wanting to let my teammates and coaches down, I insisted on playing. I left everything i had on the field and continued to play three more weeks before finding out my hip was injured worse than I had originally thought.

Kasim Thomas

Training and preparation:

My favorite workouts are speed and agility. I like these workouts because speed and agility are my strengths. I push myself to be the best player I can be by doing at least one more rep or set than what the original workout was planned to be.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Commitment, determination, will and character are all part of perseverance. Determination defines the Heart of a Giant the most. Everyone faces adversity. It takes a giant to go against all opposing forces and come out a champion. This applies to me, because I value overcoming adversity over everything.

Trent Crossan

Training and preparation:

Last season I tore my ACL in Week 4. A lot of work went into getting back to where I was. A normal day consisted of physical therapy twice a day, straight to the gym to lift, straight to my personal trainers and straight to the field to work on cutting and running. Two weeks after I was cleared for physical therapy, I tore my hamstring. So, I had to start my two-a-day therapy again. I had six weeks until the first game, which was cutting it close. I played the first three games, and played well in all of them. I know I wouldn't have been able to play in any game if I didn't do what I did every day to get ready.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Determination. A lot of people thought I would have been done after I tore my ACL. I love when people tell me I can't do something because it makes me work harder and be more "determined" to prove them wrong.

Sean Merrill

Training and preparation:

The best workouts are ones where new personal maxes are accomplished. This shows you have been working hard enough to get better. My favorite workouts are dead lifts because it shows determination and raw strength. I also like squatting since it works on flexibility, improves body control and explosiveness. If you don't become explosive you won t get the weight up, just like if you don't explode off the line, you won't make your block. My favorite training routine is the cross fit style workout. Not only are you working muscles not worked very often, but you also change up the standard workouts so your body can't adapt. It keeps your cardio and stamina high, which helps you play harder and longer than your opponent.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Commitment is very important. To be committed you must always be at training sessions and practices. You must work harder and longer than anyone so they will work to the same level. You shouldn't only work with the team, but also on the days you have off. Whether it be watching film, reading your playbook or working out. This is true commitment and dedication to your team. Commitment is doing everything you possibly can to make your team better. By taking no days off, you are helping move your team towards greatness and helping set a foundation for others to follow.

Douglas Bobo

Training and preparation:

I prepare for the season with a lot of hard work in the weight room and training with coaches. The more time you put in during the offseason makes the season more successful and easier. Working on strength and technique all summer long has made this season a good one. The long hours have prepared me for every game.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Most teenagers love to enjoy the summer and relax. With football, we had practice the entire summer. This took commitment from everyone. Knowing that this commitment would make me better, I went to every non-mandatory practice. Most people would say it was a waste of time, but when you are fully committed to something you can only succeed.

Zachary Sirowich

Training and preparation:

A week after the season ended last year, I began participating in my school's strength and conditioning program. This was held three days a week for three hours. I didn't focus on what other people were lifting or how hard they were working. I focused on getting myself better every day and pushing myself the hardest I could, trying to find a new level of work ethic every day. I made sure I was a student of the game as well. I studied plays for my position right tackle and the players around me so I understand how I can help my teammates.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I am a person that leads by example. I don't yell at my teammates. Instead, I positively encourage them to do better and be better. I am a leader on my team even though I am not a captain. I believe my teammates look at me as a leader as well. Attitude is contagious, so when I behave negatively, my actions are copied by my teammates. I never try to show a negative attitude. When I practice I give 110 percent, never take a rep off and I am always happy and fired up no matter what.

Johannes Arias

Training and preparation:

I train before the season by going to the weight room every other day. I work on my footwork with the ladders and stairs, then I work on getting faster by running with parachutes for 100 yards. I watch a lot of football and look up workouts from NFL athletes to see how I can get better. I push myself until I am perfect at the drill. It is hard for me to give up and say I can't, because my heart tells me that I can.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I will do anything to play the game and be great. I will not stop, and I will not quit even if I'm perfect at something. I will always find something to work on to make me a great player. This determination helps me overcome adversity and makes me a better person. It teaches me how to always keep going even if I get knocked down -- to take the criticism and make the corrections, to get blamed for and to be the person they count on. I play football all year round to get better so I won't lose an ounce of my game. I want to play football for the rest of my life.

Eriq Pettway

Training and preparation:

Football starts in March. Three times a week, my teammates and I came together to work out and condition for the upcoming season. I also had a rigorous workout schedule of my own. I was going to the gym immediately after school, six days a week, two to three hours a day. Every day I was growing, preparing my body for the season, getting bigger, stronger and faster. In addition to working out, I did agility drills, including ladder exercises, 5-10-5 races, wind sprints and prowlers.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

During the offseason, I usually play two other sports, basketball and baseball. After our last season's shortcomings, I decided that I was not the best football player I could be and stopped playing other sports to focus on football. I gained 20 pounds and ran every weekend. I worked on my technique and my form. Football was no longer a sport I played. It became a lifestyle. Football was my motivation. I was committed.

A.J. Iarussi

Training and preparation:

Training is the most important thing you can do to maximize your performance on the field. Many have talent, but you can reach your true potential and stand out through your workouts. I lift almost every day all year long. I lift different muscle groups, and in the summer before the season switch to core workouts. I also do speed training through sprints and other conditioning to increase my stamina. During the season, I make sure to work hard all week, then recover as much I can before game day. I also get as much sleep as possible and eliminate junk food and fast foods to make sure my body is as healthy and energized as possible.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Commitment shows leadership, dedication and reliability. I give my team a full commitment in and out of the football season. This means attending every practice, workout and meeting. I also commit myself to others who need my help, and I volunteer to help with our youth football games. The more of a commitment I give, the more I will improve.

Michael Manente

Training and preparation:

We have summer running practices five days a week. Then we lift. As a freshman and sophomore, my numbers were pretty small for squatting. But then, as I began to push myself to the point where my legs would feel like stones for days, I felt the difference when I got onto the field. I had a much more stable base, I could jump higher, and I added power to my punting and kicking. The amount of training that I did during the winter, spring and summer leading into my senior football season was insane. I know that all of my hard work and preparation will be worth it if my team is the North 1, Group 4 New Jersey state champions.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

It is a major compliment when somebody tells you that you have good character. I am a firm believer in teamwork, but in the end it comes to down each and every guy on the field and how hard they are going to push themselves. Character is who you are when no one else is watching. For example, when you are in the weight room and you decide to slack off because your coach isn't watching. That is a lack of character. Character comes from within, and only you have the power to decide who you are going to be.

Zach Tharp

Training and preparation:

Getting ready for the season starts in January. We train at 6 a.m. as a team before school on Mondays and Wednesdays and Fridays, then I train every day after school. This continues until the end of the school year. I attack my training with a blue-collar mentally. I even have the old school metal lunch box as a reminder of the blue-collar attitude. As the school year ends, the workout program gets tougher. We lift as a team three days a week in the morning, and I push myself to my limits and workout twice a day every day. I have to give everything I have every day because tomorrow is never promised. I apply this to my life and my workouts and never quit.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Character is very important to me. Character is what you do when no one is watching. Football teaches us about character. It has taught me to give everything I have because you never know when it is all going to be over. Life is like football. When I get knocked down in life, I get back up. Character is what I am going to carry for me the rest of my life.

Roy Forys

Training and preparation:

Being a high school athlete can be quite the undertaking. You are making a commitment to a program in which you are assuring time, loyalty and non-stop effort. My football training regiment begins with the final whistle of wrestling season. I work out three times a week in the offseason as well as abiding by a strict home lifting session four days a week. The mentality of outworking my opponents is what pushes me to be the best. Nobody has ever achieved success with ease. It is something that requires immense sacrifice.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Having will is one of the single most important characteristics anyone can embody. It means that you have a mind set that you can overcome anything -- whether it is the will to excel in the classroom or on the football field. I aim to be No. 1 in the classroom and on the football field. This could mean having the will or mindset that you can outwork anyone, the will to never quit on yourself or your team and most importantly the will to win.

Kenny Daley

Training and preparation:

Getting ready for my season starts with a big sacrifice. My family vacation is the same time as the start of football in mid- August, so I leave early and report to practice. I workout year-round and during the week, we watch films of our previous game as well as our opponent's game. As captain I make sure I lead by example practicing at 110% every practice, even when doing stretching and drills. On game day I eat a big healthy breakfast and hit the field like it's the last game I will ever play.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My sophomore year was my first year playing varsity and we made the playoffs. My junior year we lost all our seniors from the year before and didn't win one game. I was determined to get this team wining again and prove that the team would go back to the playoffs. Just like what my coach says, "Football is a game of inches," and I think he's right. Every inch you move forward is a huge boost for my confidence. On defense I try to make every tackle, and my teammates see this and give extra effort on every play. With one game left in the season we are four and three and one win away from the playoffs.

Jimmy Sivolella

Training and preparation:

The offseason is a crucial part of my success. It starts in the weight room as soon as December. My philosophy is that strength, hard work, and speed will always overcome talent. I always start with stretching, working my way to the various lifts assigned for that day. I run through several agility stations to build up speed. Preparation is a key component that keeps me in "game shape" before the season. At the end of every session during the preseason, I go over any key reads, steps, and plays to stay crisp at all times. Staying motivated can be difficult, but I will not settle for failure. Failing isn't an option because you're not only letting yourself down, but also your brothers.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I believe will is the trait that defines me most. Will is defined as having the desire and drive to succeed both on the field and in the classroom. I feel that I fall under this category because a true athlete excels in all aspects. I make sure that I stay competitive both playing football and hitting the books, giving myself the most optimal opportunity to succeed. My will is what pushes me to never give up no matter how much adversity I face. Brian Tracy said, "Will power is essential to the accomplishment of anything worthwhile." This quote is influential because it helps realize how hard I have to work at what's most important to me.

Halit Ersen

Training and preparation:

I prepare for games by thinking what I have to do to be the best that I can be. I go through my scouting report to go over fronts, and I go through the plays that were going to run that week. During the offseason, I'm the first one in the weight room every day and the last one out. I always have someone that I push, and he pushes me back to get us through the work.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I am committed to my team. During the offseason, I was always the first one in the weight room and the last one out to make myself better and make my team better. During the season, I leave everything on the field. This year, we had something called The Sandbox to highlight the people who worked hard during the offseason and who were committed to the team. My name was the first one to come out.

Tyler Jones

Training and preparation:

From the day after football ends to the day it begins, I am preparing for the upcoming season. In the winter, I wrestle. This keeps me in shape and sharpens me mentally and physically for the upcoming season. In the spring, I run track, working on getting faster. Also during track season, I lift weights to strengthen my body. Then comes summer lifting and running begins. This keeps me in shape as well as builds me up.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I am a leader. I get it done in the classroom and on the football field. In school, I am in almost all honors classes and in one AP class. On the football field, I give 110 percent every second. I am always trying to make everyone on the team better -- whether it's getting in their face because they did something wrong or showing them the right way to do something or picking them up while they are down. As a captain, I am that one kid in the locker room, both the day before and the day of a game, jumping up and down, screaming, getting everybody psyched up.

Connor Cuccinelli

Training and preparation:

During the past four years, I have trained vigorously in order to be unsurpassed -- not only as a football player but an all around athlete. This drive to be the best athlete possible comes from within. I have faced numerous trials in my life, all contributing to my character and allowing me to be stronger than the challenge before. Adversity transitioned into a hard work ethic and allowed me to train robustly.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Determination helps me overcome adversity. On Sept. 10, 2011, I was excited and nervous to play the first football game of my junior season -- unaware that during the next 12 hours my world would come to a screeching halt. I was running a quick slant and caught the pass, getting in full stride. Instantly, I knew something was wrong. The searing pain in my right leg was the result of a broken femur. I realized that my response to this setback would determine my life's story. That single second had the power to change my life so drastically but I had power, too. I have become a stronger person mentally as well as physically.

Rahhim Shillingford

Training and preparation:

To prepare myself for the season, I begin to condition my body in the summer, increasing the weights or the number of reps close to the season starting.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

An athlete with character is someone for the younger guys to look up to and for upper classmen to look to for guidance and support. Throughout practice, you have to keep the team focused and help out where you can. Your team can only go as far as your weakest player. Football is a game of strategy. When a team spots a weakness, it will pick at that weakness until you fix it.

Uzoma Egbuchulam

Training and preparation:

This season began Nov. 12, 2011, the day we lost to Saddlebrook in the first round of the state playoffs. From then, my mind was set to never face that pain of loss again. That day I went from being a junior to a senior in the program. It all began in the weight room. This past winter, I pushed myself harder than I ever have. There was one day off a week, from November to Sept. 8, our first game -- lifting and running six days a week. I was able to get myself into the best shape I had ever been. The entire senior class picked up on this work ethic because we all had one goal in mind: The State title.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Leading up to this year, I was very frustrated. My junior year I barely saw the field except on special teams. All I could do was do my best when I did get into the game and hope that the coaches would reward me with more playing time. That gave me the motivation I needed to be the best overall athlete I can be. I am determined to be the best. No matter what anyone says, I will become great, not because of any innate talent but simply because of hard work.

Dominick Trautz

Training and preparation:

When it comes to training for the season, there are no days off. I am constantly lifting, throwing, sprinting and doing whatever it takes to be the best. No matter the weather, I throw at least three times a week, working with my running backs and receivers to perfect every route. I do lots of squats and explosive workouts like cleans, shrugs, box jump, and high intensity bench presses.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 15 and not having a father-figure in my life was hard. My mother always told me, "There are some things you can control in life and some things you can't." I made sure I will control my future and get my mom out of all the troubles she has been facing since she was a teenager.

Zach Augustine

Training and preparation:

I lead my team in weight room attendance, while also assisting in training the freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Some of my favorite workouts include: bench press, squats, cleans and rows. Before games, I try to get to the locker room early. I like to prepare by myself in silence and then with my team. The silence helps for concentration. It helps me fully understand what my job is and how to get it done. Preparing with the team helps build our chemistry. We all may have a job to do, but that doesn't mean we don't have to work together.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I've always had a huge passion to get stronger, not just in football but in everything I do. My sophomore season of varsity football was a huge wake-up call. I wasn't starting, but there were guys the same age as me starting both ways. I wasn't strong, but there were guys younger than me lifting more. I wasn't fast, but you can bet that there were guys blazing past me during conditioning. I would show up to every practice and feel like I was never improving. Then the offseason came and I realized that I wasn't going to get anywhere without hard work and determination. I trained hard, learned from the upperclassmen, went to every workout and stayed focused on schoolwork so I could continue to train. I got to start at the end of my junior season and now, as a two-way starter, we are 7-0.

Zack DiGregorio

Training and preparation:

In order to prepare for the season, I always do the next rep harder than the last. I challenge myself to push a little bit harder. Whether it's power clean, throwing a route or anything that I do, I try to instill that value in my teammates. The notion of working harder than the guy next to me is intrinsic in my work philosophy whether it's preparing for the season or just one game.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I will never be the biggest or the fastest or the strongest, but I will never be out-willed as a player. I line up knowing that I want it more than the guy across the line of scrimmage and have prepared better than him.

Myles Matthews

Training and preparation:

In my eyes there is no real offseason for football, so the winter and summer months are when I put in the most work. The winter is dedicated to the weight room. I focus more on speed and agility in spring and summer. One of my coaches holds 6 a.m. workouts to get our speed and stamina up. I prepare my mind as much as I do my body because that is half the battle. Since I play with Brachial Plexus in my right arm, I have to work ten times harder than my opposition. Being a captain of the football team is a big deal, and I give locker room speeches to make sure my teammates and coaches are pumped and ready for battle.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I feel I have determination. I was born with Brachial Plexus, which hinders the nerves in my arm. Ever since I was young I have heard people say he can't do this, or he can't do that. Well, I hate the word "can't" because if I listened to that, I wouldn't be where I am today, a varsity football player for four years and team captain. The words of others drive me to work harder to prove them wrong. Some say I am an inspiration, and I just want to show everyone that anything is possible if you work at it. Adrian Clayborn in the NFL has a similar thing in his arm, which proves that determination can get you anywhere.

Equan Brooks

Training and preparation:

My teammates and I stretch and condition every day. We also lift weights, but start off light, working on form and technique. It was important for me to gain muscle, but in April 2011, I had surgery on right shoulder. In June, Bullard-Havens football was going to be taken away. We still conditioned and prayed that we would receive our sports privilege back. A few weeks before the season started we got it back. My teammates and I began lifting again to make up for what we missed. Every day I workout except for the day before games. I lift hard every week so I can be vigorous for every game, mentally and physically.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

The trait that defines the "Heart of a Giant" and how it applies to me is determination. Players may mentally and physically look down on themselves, or go through difficult situations and have the "Heart of a Giant" to persevere and the determination to overcome adversity on and off the field. Being able to focus on one thing at a time applies to me because I have been through rigorous times and was able to notice that my teammates needed me to be prepared for the next game.

Andrew Sudano

Training and preparation:

I began training as soon as last season ended. Last winter I began agility and strength training. Every other day was either agility with strength training, or 30 minutes of cardio then my standard workout. Once or twice a week I also look at film from the previous season. I began working with a personal coach during the winter and met with him on weekends. My summer workouts would sometimes consist of me going to the local middle school to hit the sled and run while pulling weights. As two-a-days started I would go to the gym during the four hour break between practice in order to maintain my strength. This year, I have made it my job to become a student of the defense.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I feel that commitment best exemplifies me as a player. I have been given many opportunities to take a day off and stray from my plan, but no matter what the circumstance, I have never swayed or broken my schedule. Family events, attending a concert or being with friends won't keep me from my commitment to succeed. I know how important it is to be better prepared and physically ready. On my day off, I am in the gym lifting. During preseason two-a-days, I will be in the gym lifting between practices. I am always the first one on the field and the last one off the field, doing drills, working on areas I need to improve.

Michael Fitz

Training and preparation:

During the offseason I like to lift weights to keep my strength up. I normally try to work out 3-4 days a week. My school has a strength and conditioning training program called FASST. With this program, there is a different workout each day. During the spring, I participate in track and field. Since my school's weight room is right next to the stadium, I go from track practice to the weight room. My diet is just as important as my workouts. Getting ready for a game all starts with the way I practice, and the way I practice transfers to the field. The harder I push myself in practice, the easier things are when it comes to games.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Will is inner power that allows you to not give up. If you want to be successful, you have to want it bad enough. When I think of will, I think of a quote by Vince Lombardi. He once said, "The dictionary is the only place success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." This quote applies everywhere; whether I'm in school or on the field. I take pride in what I do on and off the field. On the field I try to work as hard as I possibly can. In the classroom I try to work with a greater effort than on the field.

Sam Zeff

Training and preparation:

My workouts are very extensive. Our coaches work us pretty hard, but I believe it's what I do outside of practice that got me to where I am today. A day off of practice means a day I work out on my own. The hot summer mornings of training on the field, working on technique and running to be the best football player than I can be. Long weight room sessions with our strength coach and then going out to the field to run on my own knowing waking up the next morning will be brutal. Power clean squats are probably my favorite thing to do in the weight room. The explosive lift really lets you use your whole body and really pushes your limits.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Character is the single most important trait in a football player. I want to be surrounded with players like me. Men who fight through the hard times in practice when coach is watching someone else, teammates who push the man next to them in the classroom because he knows his peers could do better. I want to be surrounded by unselfish players. People who will help the new kid on the team and show him how your coach wants things to be run in the weight room, and then go do their work out knowing they will have shorter breaks between reps. They get through it because they put someone else's needs before themselves. That's the kind of football player I am.

Ryan Fallon

Training and preparation:

I spend my time getting ready for the season in the gym and on the track. It's straight from school to the gym and weights. The motivation for working out in the offseason is the fact it pays off next season. I couldn't skip a day because it feels like your missing opportunities to improve. Even though the season begins, it's important to get your lifts in. The night before a game I usually visit my aunt's grave and say a prayer. She passed during the season my sophomore year. I write her initials on my tape every game and say a prayer to her and my grandma before I go out. They're up there watching me play and I play to make my family proud.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Determination is a huge aspect of my life. I played football freshman year only weighing 120. I was tiny. No matter how many hours I spent in the gym, or how much money I spent on supplements, I couldn't catch a break. I was in the gym every day after school by myself. I wasn't the biggest on the field sophomore year, but I had the biggest heart. I went on to make second team all-league honors. Working twice as hard, I made first team all-league LB my junior year. Senior year, I was 40 pounds heavier. I have played my heart out. My coaches say I have the heart of a lion. I will never quit improving; there is always room to improve.

Justin Minucci

Training and preparation:

For my offseason at Brooklyn Tech we like to have a competition that will motivate our players. There are four teams with captains and I was one of those captains. This friendly competition encourages hard work and staying focused on getting stronger and keeping grades up. As a captain, it was my job to help my team, especially the younger players. My mindset was to get as strong as I could and work as hard as I could. I got my bench to 315 and my squat to 520. Every day I went into the weight room knowing that the only way to succeed was to give it all I had each day. The same thing applies for games.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

"Heart of Giant" is a combination of all four traits. Will is the foundation to all the other traits. If you have will, you will stay determined and committed to whatever it is that you're doing. By this display of commitment and determination, it will build character and force you to stay focused. Will can be applied to me because my desire to succeed overcomes any emotion or trait and it brings out the other traits in me. My desire to succeed has forced me to stay committed to my team even though there were times I wanted to quit. Also, this desire has forced me to stay determined to succeed and try my hardest even when obstacles have been placed in front of me.

Steven Casali

Training and preparation:

In first grade, my fatigued dad sauntered in from work that started at midnight until I got home from school. He sat down on the couch and he closed his bloodshot eyes. Before I knew it, he stood up and said, "I'll see you later son, I'm going back to work." This is how I found my work ethic at an early age. My dad showed me that the way you work determines your success. Every day this summer I worked out from 7-11, two hours of speed training and two hours of weights. At 4 p.m. I worked out again. Around 9 p.m. most nights I would run. My coach actually stopped me from working out twice a day because he didn't want me to hurt myself.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Commitment is a hard trait to have, but when you love the game, it makes it that much easier. I don't put in the extra hours for myself. It's to show my teammates that I'm giving everything I have for the man next to me. Sometimes it's rough getting out of bed, but I get up and work because I don't want to let my teammates down. At the end of my football career, I won't have anything to be ashamed of because I gave everything to be the best person that I can be.

James Manginelli

Training and preparation:

To get ready for the season I play basketball over the winter to stay in shape. I weight train with my teammates from February to August just to get ready for the season. I've done speed training throughout the summer to try and get faster for the season because I knew it was going to be a quick division this season. I started to pull man whole covers to build stamina and leg strength to get off the ball quicker. I would go into our school's weight room lift before school was over. I did this any time I was free. As the season progressed, I would go into coach's office just to watch film on my opponents.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

The trait I have chosen is determination. I've faced adversity this season with my mother having breast cancer for the second time in her life. This continuous struggle of not knowing she would be ok is terrible. I think about her every day and text her just to see how she is doing throughout the day. I know with the help of my team and coaching staff that my mother will turn out strong in the end just like last time. I also chose commitment because I know that not a single person in my division worked as hard as I did in the offseason. I was determined to be the best I could be my senior year in high school.

Chris Soule

Training and preparation:

Over the summer I worked out four times a week from 6-8 a.m. with my team. We had a weightlifting program as well as a running/fitness program designed by Bluestreak. I workout my legs the most since it's the strongest part of the body and the most critical when you're an offensive lineman. Even though I'm an offensive lineman and strength is critical, I believe that speed matters just as much. I usually work out an extra 3-5 times a week on agility and speed drills. I use agility ladders, hurdles and run wind sprints. I always try to push myself beyond my limits. If I'm not incredibly tired or sore after a workout I haven't pushed myself hard enough.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I believe the most fitting trait in regards to me is determination. I believe anyone is capable of overcoming any obstacle. The key to pushing forward and overcoming adversity is your mentality. If you believe it, you can achieve it. The only thing stopping you from doing something is yourself. There is no shame in trying and failing, but if you don't try you'll never know what you are capable of I am nowhere near the biggest player, and as an offensive lineman that can be a disadvantage. There is nothing I can do to change my physical size, what I can do is guarantee that I outwork every one of my opponents.

Walter DeCanio

Training and preparation:

My training begins as soon as my season ends, starting off with lifting on my own to stay in shape. During baseball season, I also attend my football's speed and agility workouts. To be the best athlete you can be, you need to go all out and practice even when you don't want to.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Someone once told me: "Always believe in yourself, give it your all, and if you do that you'll be successful." It took me a while to actually believe that, but when I did I learned that if you want it more than your opponent you will never lose. My determination is what makes me a successful athlete. People always say I'm too small or I'm not strong enough. I don't let that affect my game. I give it my all and prove to them that I got game, that I got talent, that I will work harder than anyone on the field.

Sean Regan

Training and preparation:

I lift weights once football is over, then during the summer, I lift weights Monday to Friday from the last day of school to the first day of school. During summer camp, coach always makes us run hard and hit hard. One of my favorite drills is chase the chicken. My line coach made me in love with the five-man sled. It's a love hate relationship.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

During practice, I always try to do my best and always ask questions to learn how to play better. In the classroom, I do the same thing I was on the honor roll all of last year and hope to do the same this year. It is important to show up and participate. I do that both on the field and in the classroom. I did not miss one day of football summer camp, I did not miss one day of school last year, and I did not miss one practice or game this year.

Ryan Adzima

Training and preparation:

For the offseason I worked with four different quarterback coaches/camps to improve my arm strength, footwork in the pocket and rolling out. I work on my throwing and footwork at least 12 hours a week so that I am prepared for season. I lift and condition at least 10 hours a week to get stronger so I can compete to my fullest potential. I also do board work and learn defenses five hours a week so I can pick them apart in the games.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My determination to be an NFL quarterback is unmatched by anyone my age. I know I'm not the fastest or most athletic kid on the field, but I know I'm the hardest working kid. Nobody outworks me. I'll never give up in a game. I don't care if my team is down. I still fight for every yard when I run the ball and make great throws. Life is going to constantly test you, but you just have to keep fighting and keep pushing and getting through what you have to overcome.

Anthony DiLeo

Training and preparation:

When our team started our offseason weightlifting and conditioning program, our coach decided to not elect captains until the beginning of the summer because he wanted to see who really wanted it. I knew I was fairly undersized for an offensive lineman, only 6-1 and 205 pounds, so I knew I needed to work as hard as I possibly could to add the weight and make it healthy weight. I worked as hard as I could to get bigger and stronger as well as push my teammates so they could get bigger and stronger to help the team. My coach and teammates recognized me for my hard work and dedication by electing me a captain.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I set a goal at the beginning of the offseason to get bigger and stronger. I committed myself to doing that by making sure I got to every workout on time from January until mid August. During that span, I went up a significant amount in every one of my lifts and gained 35 pounds of healthy weight, going from 205 pounds to 240 pounds, completely transforming my body. I worked very hard, making sure I did every exercise with good technique and increasing weight and reps every workout.

Brandon Louth

Training and preparation:

Training starts the day after our season ends. I lift five days a week for an hour with my personal trainer. I also participate in winter and spring track, where I run and throw and am a team captain and defending prep state champion in shot put. This summer, I spent more than 150 hours in the weight room and on the field working on my strength and skills. I was able to set new personal bests this year with a max bench of 375 pounds, max three rep squat at 565 pounds and a 40-yard dash timed at 4.56 seconds.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Being a four-year varsity starter, two-time captain and team leader, I have the character to help propel my teammates through any situation. Leading the team in tackles since my sophomore year, I showed my team by example and add momentum after big plays to help carry us to victory in tight games. Before practice, I am the first one in the locker room and talk to everyone on the team to help build the family connection that will help as the year goes on. I push everyone from fellow seniors to new freshman to strive to be the best they can. Nothing is more important to me then the wellbeing of my team I make in my goal to push everyone to be fit and prepared for every game of the season.

Bryan Burnette

Training and preparation:

I stay focused on my grades first, because without them I cannot play. During the season, I am dedicated to the sport and will do anything I can do to prepare for the game that is coming up. After the football season ends, wrestling has taught me to keep a good diet and how to keep my body in shape throughout the winter. In the summer, I focus on my speed and agility aspects with my trainer and at practice with my team.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

To have a Heart of a Giant, you should be willing to do anything to better your team and stay focused while doing it. This takes determination and character. During my sophomore year at Jackson County High School, I found out that I was moving to attend Holy Cross. This move has been a huge obstacle that I had to overcome. With a new team and new coaches, I had to push myself and show I had what it took to get the starting job on varsity. Now that I have been at Holy Cross for a few months, I have grown to play with and drive this new family to do good and commit themselves into the game.

George Knoth

Training and preparation:

To prepare for this season, I started lifting weights and conditioning four days a week one week after our last game. I knew that while we had struggled last season, with the returning players we had we could do something special. I held a team meeting a few days after the season and explained to my teammates that if we pushed ourselves beyond our limits during the offseason, we would see no limits on the field. I lost 40 pounds in order to make the transition to linebacker, as that was one of our team's weaknesses. I also concentrated my efforts to increase speed and agility. I have seen that hard work and discipline pay off on the field this season.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

Determination has helped me overcome the challenges of having two younger brothers diagnosed with autism. My brothers are unpredictable, and their attitude changes in a heartbeat. They often break down emotionally and become upset over something they can't control. The hardest part is knowing that as their older brother, there isn't much I can do to help them. But this is why football plays such an important role in my life. Football has provided an opportunity for me to rise above the difficulties often present at home. My brothers can't play and probably never will be able to, but I can play for them and make them proud.

Monrico Cummings

Training and preparation:

When playing football, there is no offseason. To stay on top of things, I work and prepare year-round. I am continually in the weight room and staying conditioned by running track to maintain and gain speed for the football season. Tensions before a game can be nerve-racking, but I try to be a leader and steer my teammates' thoughts in the right direction. I do this by reasoning with my linemen and communicating with my quarterback to get the best results on the field.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

I have two goals to carry out when it comes to football: win games and enable myself to play on a higher level. Determination to win games comes with teamwork. I work all year to stay close with my teammates. For example, I currently have a broken scaphoid bone in my wrist, and I'm out for the season, but I stay very close to my team by making it to practice every day and giving my fellow running backs advice to ensure that they play with all the thought and intensity that I would. One of my goals is to have a post-high school career playing college football.

Matt Magaraci

Training and preparation:

I work hard to prepare for my season. I flip tires, climb ropes and do whole body workouts. My favorite workout is the bench press because at my position I have to bench press the man in front of me to get to the ball-carrier. Every night before I go to sleep, I do pushups and pull-ups. I eat as healthy as possible so my body can be ready for the season. I push myself to be the best I can be by doing a little extra then everyone else. Greatness is earned not given, and I strive for that every time I walk on the field.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

From the time I was a young boy, I was always told that I was too small to play football. It never stopped me from playing. It just made me work harder. I worked hard and never missed practice. I never gave up. When I broke my leg in high school, I still went to every practice and took mental reps so I could be a part of the game. After that year, I was determined to start, and every year I progressed tremendously. I am now a captain of my team.

Jason Ippolito

Training and preparation:

In the offseason, I train in our schools weight room every morning four days a week. During the summer, I usually participate in Speed Camp, which is hosted at my school. My favorite workout is agility ladders. Since I am a running back, working on my speed and agility has a major impact on the way I play football. If I stumble on a ladder I must run through it another 10 times until it is perfect. I owe most of my success to the hours spent fumbling over ladders attempting to increase both my speed and control.

Why I have the Heart of a Giant:

My will is one of my defining traits both as a team captain and student. From a young age I was taught the importance of being the best version of myself in any aspect of life. Football has taught me that only through hard work can one achieve success. I apply this philosophy in the classroom as well as on the field. I always put forth my best effort when studying for tests and understanding concepts. My hard work has paid off with a four on my AP Chemistry exam, AP Global History exam and a perfect five on my AP U.S. History exam. I was accepted into a summer program at Columbia University, which specialized in computer science. My goal is for myself and my teammates to be successful on the football field and have successful and productive lives.