Congratulations to senior Connor Pane on becoming a Steve DiGregorio Man of the Year finalist! He attended a ceremony at Metlife Stadium to celebrate alongside the 7 other football players who were nominated and were presented this award by the NY Jets; only a select number of boys are chosen out of 114 schools to be considered for this award.
In order to be deemed eligible for this award, the player must have a range of qualities: community service, selflessness before selfishness, creating a positive school/team environment, leadership on and off the field, setting a positive example for teammates and peers, and good academic standing (Sportsengine). It has been evident since he transferred to Ramapo his sophomore year that Connor shows nothing less than these characteristics. He’s demonstrated endless dedication and determination when it comes to bettering not only himself as a player, but also the team as a whole.
This year, Connor played as the team’s lockdown corner on defense. His ending stats this season were 26 tackles, one sack, and an interception – earning him 1st team All-League Defensive Back. Offensively he learned two different positions. Coach Guttuso, head coach of Ramapo’s Varsity Football Team, says that “Connor always had a notebook with him and wrote down all of his responsibilities”.
Whether it was waking up early at 6:30 in the morning to train, attending class, working alongside fellow student council members, or or staying at the field until 8:30 P.M., Connor has managed to become a noticeable defensive player on the field and a leader that the others could look up to off of the field. “As a coach you try to inspire your players to be the best people and players that they can be. Connor has inspired me to strive to do more and help serve others in the community,” Guttuso comments. The sacrifices he has made and the great amount of effort he puts into all he does is unmatched.
Ramapo football has been a part of Connor’s life that he will always remember. “We practiced year-round – through summer heat, freezing winters, and rain or shine. It didn’t matter, we were out there six days a week, always together,” Connor notes. “I think the most unique thing about football is that you can practice 150-200 times a year just for about 12 games. As crazy as it sounds, even without those Friday night games under the lights, I’d still choose every day to be out there again on the field with my friends. The time I spent with my teammates left a lasting impact on me that I’ll never forget and that I can never replicate.”
Connor’s dream school is Notre Dame University. However, no matter where he chooses to attend college and whatever career he decides to pursue, there is no doubt that he’ll be successful with the leadership and strength he has shown as both a football player and student for Ramapo. We wish you the best of luck, Connor!
