Gunner Rapone
Batavia Football – Lineman
Year: Senior
Post-graduation plans: Plans on applying at the University at Buffalo and will pursue a law degree.
Favorite thing about HS sports: “The support from everyone.”
In our first installment of “Meet the Blue Devils”, we take an inside look into Gunner Rapone’s Senior season in the Blue and White. Sitting at 1-1 with Hornell on deck Friday night, Rapone and his teammates have an eye on the ultimate prize, a Sectional Title, and seem very confident in their chances.
AB: Coming out of the first two weeks of the season at 1-1, where are you guys at emotionally right now?
GR: “Coming off that win over Wellsville, we are definitely in high spirits. However, we can not allow that to get to our heads. We still have to grind every practice to achieve the outcome we all want in the end.”
AB: As a team, what do you guys have your sights set on? What is the primary goal that you have set for yourselves to help drive you day in and day out?
GR: “It’s no secret that the guys in the locker room and everyone within the Batavia football program are hungry for a Sectional Title and everything in between. I believe having a home Sectional game would be a step in the right direction in order to obtain the ultimate goal: a Sectional Title.”
AB: You mentioned the guys in the locker room. How important are those guys to you and to each other? Will your success this season have any extra significance stemming from the relationships you have built as teammates?
GR: “As a football team you have a special bond, and knowing everyone on the team (outside of football) makes bonding way easier. Some of my best friends are in that locker room. I believe that if we win that title we are working towards every day, that we can be known as the team that turned Batavia football around. It will be an experience my teammates and I can look back on for a long time.”
AB: Other than your fantastic teammates, what has gone into become the player you are today? In other words, what has gotten you to the level you are playing at today?
GR: “I believe it’s been a number of things. Believe it or not, I used to be one of the weakest kids in the football program; but I was determined to get stronger so I could get more reps (on game day), and play at a higher level. So if I had to choose I would have to say my offseason work, as well as my love for this team and my teammates along with my desire to win. The coaches enstilled in me a never-quit attitude that has been applicable to my success.”
AB: Last question: What is it going to take for you to beat Hornell this week?
GR: “The same head of steam and positivity that we came in with for the game against Wellsville. If we do what we have been coached to do and execute the way we did Saturday night, we should be just fine.”
Can the 2014 Blue Devils be the team that changes the fortune of Batavia football going forward? Rapone seems to think so.
Other articles you may like:
Week 2 Results: Batavia and Elba walk away with one-sided victories
Blue Devil Weekly: Batavia is ready for Wellsville on Saturday
Mruczek, Dobbertin, and Rapone confident as Batavia Football looks ahead to Livonia in Week 1
