Sports
Former Syosset Quarterback Likes Braves Chances in 2011-12
Alex Contino, now at High Point University, says team has potential this upcoming season.
Although recent graduate Alex Contino is no longer standing under center for the Braves, he feels like he knows the key to Syosset’s success in 2011.
“I think the team has a lot of potential,” Contino said. “If the line plays well, they will have a very good season.”
Syosset finished 4-4 last season, needing a .in the semifinals, narrowly missing a chance to play for the Nassau County championship.
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Contino played on the varsity football team for two seasons, his second of which ended prematurely due to injuries. He is currently a history major at High Point University in North Carolina, where he intends to play on the club football and basketball teams.
With the current Braves one week into preseason camp, the former quarterback recalled some of his favorite memories of those hot summer practices.
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“Grass drills,” Contino said, referring to outdoor agility exercises. “They were always the hardest part, but they got the best out of players.”
As for actual games, Contino fondly remembers an afternoon during his junior year where his team never gave up.
“We came back against Baldwin, down 28-0, and we won the game at the last second,” Contino said.
Last season, the quarterback shined during the Braves homecoming game, tossing two touchdowns in a . He also connected with James Cohan for the winning touchdown in an emotional
On top of in-game glory, Contino is grateful for the lessons imparted by Head Coach Paul Rorke.
“I learned to take responsibility for my actions and always give my best in everything I do,” Contino said.
Practicing and playing will always be foremost entrenched in the memory bank of any player who succeeds at the varsity level, but Contino will miss the feeling of representing an entire student body on the football field.
“I will miss the day before the games,” Contino said. “Everyone is wishing you good luck and you feel the pressure on your shoulders.”
The current Braves will start to feel that pressure soon. Syosset will open the regular season on Sept. 10 when According to the team’s website, Syosset will play its first pre-season scrimmage on Aug. 30.
