The Stingrays have been working so hard to prepare for a successful season. Beyond the games, stats, wins or losses, there is something: A legacy built on faith and relationships which defines this bunch. We interviewed the football team to get a deeper look of their passion for the game.
10 Yards: Meaning of the Game
In three words, what does football mean to you?
“Hard work, Passion, and Dedication”
Ninth graders, Griffen Campazano (DE,TE) and Fernado Barreo (OG) share that to be a good player everyone “has to be dedicated to the sport”. Passion is important, too, because a love for the sport and hard work is what football is”. Fernando agrees, “It is hard, my friends play and I have to be dedicated to my team”.
20 Yards: Breaking Points
What moment broke you and what built you back up?
11th grader, Isaac Spitler (WR) said, “Definitely getting injured last year and working over the summer with coach McCoy to help get myself better. Working hard again and getting back into the swing of things”.
30 Yards: The Team in One
If you could describe this team in one word, what would it be and why?
Resilience, Dedication, Hard Work
11th grader, Cullen Jerome (Team Manager) shares, “Resilience because of the courage we have and with all the injuries and losses we have, we still don’t quit.”
11th Grader, Luis Sandoval (OG,DE) chooses “dedication” because “no matter the circumstances we want a win”.
10th Grader Mark Buford (OC,DT) “hardworking” because everyone “works hard at practice”.
40 Yards: Reflection
How do your characteristics, good or bad, reflect you as a player?
10th grader, Rowland Settle (QB) reflects, “I’d say as a player my characteristics can help me through challenges on and off the field by allowing me to show composure during games and being a leader on and off the field when my teammates and friends need me”.
50 Yard: God is #1
How is God at the center of your team? Or what does your team pray for before a game?
Ninth grader Caleb Nicastro (DE, OLB) says, “Before a game we pray for safety mostly and for a win”.
40 Yards: Team Leader
Who on the team pushes you to be better?
Ninth graders Courage Flahive (OG) and Caleb Davis (MLB, OT) both mention that their leader of choice is Capt Brandon Elcholi, because “He pushes us to be better”.
30 Yards: Life Lessons
Is there any lesson or experience football has taught you that will influence you for the rest of your life?
11th grader Logan Greene (RB,WR) shares, “Definitely to respect my superiors and listen to what they say because it will probably go better and they’re wiser”.
20 Yards: Your Reason
What’s your why?
10th grader Rudy Santana (FB) says, “I play it for the love of the game. Since I was a kid, growing up in New York, my family was always close with football. My Grandpa is a New York Giants fan so I would always just watch football with him. Once I met Chance Thomas he really got me into football and he just got me onto a team and that’s how I started playing”.
Ninth grader Hudson Thigpen (WR) says that he “does it for the glory of God. I grew up playing it”.
10 Yards: Is Winning the Point
If the purpose isn’t just to win, what is it then?
Richard Vonmaur (TE/DE), a ninth grader said: “Whether we win or lose we can learn from our mistakes and grow stronger as a team”.
TOUCHDOWN!
The seniors reflect on their last season.
This is your last season, who do you want to be remembered as?
Nicastro (Captain, RB,WR,FS) says, “A player who works hard and doesn’t break under pressure”.
Campazano (WR) shared, “The guy who works the hardest on the team and really was a leader who stepped up. And even if I wasn’t the best on the team, I want to set an example for the other guys to work hard”.
Garcia (RB,OLB) shares that he wants to be “A role model for the team and whenever the coach says do something like… people start thinking of me. Like the standard”.
Elcholi (Captain,TE/OLB) mentions that he wants to be a “good leader and a good example for his team”.
Character is defined by the mental and moral qualities that set individuals apart. These are key components both on and off the field. The Stingrays football team is preparing for a great season. Their focus is going beyond just wins. These interviews show that their heart, time, and passion is fully invested in building a team rooted in faith, teamwork, and character. Across all grades, players share a strong sense of purpose and positivity. Each player brings a unique view of what football means, while seniors aim to finish their final season as leaders and role models. Go Rays!
