Medway & Millis October 2019

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Page 20 Medway & Millis Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com October 2019 Sports Kane’s Versatility Key Asset for Millis Football Squad By KEN HAMWEY, Staff Sports Writer Pictures sometimes accompany words in a dictionary to emphasize definitions. When it comes to defining versatility, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bryan Kane’s photo next to the word. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Kane plays football for Millis High and the junior captain personifies versatility. He can play linebacker or safety on defense, and on offense he can be used as a running back, wide receiver or quarterback. “Versatility is an asset,’’ he said. “I don’t mind playing any of the five positions. It presents a lot of different opportunities and it helps to better understand the game. Sacrificing for the welfare of the team is important.’’ Head coach Brian Kraby is counting on Kane to contribute in a variety of ways to help the Mohawks improve on last year’s 4-6 record that prevented them from qualifying for a playoff berth. Now in his second year as Millis’ head coach, Kraby is delighted Kane has overcome an elbow injury and very pleased Kane was selected by his teammates to be a captain. “Bryan should be able to take advantage of having a solid offensive line,’’ Kraby said. “He’ll be effective running the ball because he’s a grinder. He’ll gain four or five yards and if he gets to the outside, he can break it for long runs. On defense, he’s tough as nails, and we expect him to make lots of tackles.’’ For all your Automotive Needs Both Import & Domestic 1461 Main Street, Millis, MA 02054 508-376-2557 • 800-894-2557 • www.stevesautoparts.com Steve Bullock Bryan Kane is only a junior, but he’s a captain whose versatility, mature approach, and classy style make him a breed apart. Kraby also is bullish on Kane as a captain. “We’re a young team and Bryan will be extremely important in establishing our chemistry,’’ Kraby added. “He’ll help keep the players positive and optimistic.’’ Kane, who also has experience as a varsity basketball and baseball player, says football is his favorite sport, and he wants play it in college. The odds are high that college ball is in his future, especially after attending a summer camp in Ohio in June. I went to a USA Football regional camp at Bryant University,’’ Kane noted. “I started as a receiver, but finished up at safety. When it ended, I was selected to attend the national USA camp in Ohio. I was one of 260 to be chosen, truly an honor. The four days were so valuable. It was intense and the instruction was great. I learned a lot at safety, and I’ve shared that knowledge with teammates.’’ Besides his versatile nature, Kane has other assets. “Bryan has a high football IQ, he’s passionate about football, he’s athletic and coachable, and he’s got size and strength,’’ Kraby said. Those plusses were on display in the Mohawks first two games — a victory over Randolph and a loss to Shawsheen Tech. After the two games, Kane had 178 yards rushing and 63 yards receiving. He recorded 17 tackles and 2 interceptions playing safety. “My team goals for the season are to get to the playoffs, beat Medway and defeat Dover- Sherborn,’’ Kane emphasized. “We’ve got the talent and the dedication to qualify for the tourney. I’d like to defeat Medway, our top rival, and Dover- Sherborn games are always intense and fun. I also want to promote team chemistry. Personally, if I continue at running back, I’d like to gain 1,000 yards and be selected as a Tri Valley League all-star.’’ A native of Millis, Kane has been hampered by torn ligaments in his elbow for the last two years. He was injured as a freshman catcher in baseball trying to throw out a runner stealing. “I heard a pop,’’ Kane recalled. “I didn’t have surgery but I spent five months in rehab. I missed half of the baseball season as a freshman and missed two games in football as a sophomore. I skipped baseball last spring to make sure I’d be fully healthy as a junior.’’ Not only is Kane healthy, but he’s also a captain who’s eager to be a leader. “It’s a big honor to be a captain as a junior,’’ he said. “I’ll lead by example, by being vocal, and I’ll also be supportive.’’ Kane is quick to laud three teammates he expects to be major contributors this season. Two are captains — junior Tally Smith and senior Johnny Pateuk — and junior Ernesto Olivieri. Smith is a linebacker and defensive end, Pateuk plays linebacker, tackle and fullback and Olivieri plays tackle and nose guard. “Tally is a junior who’s a quality leader,’’ Kane said. “He’s respected, and he plays aggressively. Johnny is also respected, and he’s a hard hitter. Ernesto is energetic, aggressive and pursues very well.’’ Kane also appreciates Kraby, admiring his coach on three fronts. “Coach Kraby treats us like a family,’’ Kane stressed. “He knows the game, and he’s a strong motivator.’’ Kane’s style on both sides of the ball is easy to classify — he’s aggressive, likes to hit and he thrives on pursuit. A starter in eight games last year, he had 45 tackles, 6 tackles for losses, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. “My two best games were against Dover-Sherborn as a freshman and against Hull last year,’’ he said. “Both were victories. My first start was as a freshman against D-S and I had 10 tackles and forced a fumble. Against Hull, I had 10 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble.’’ An honor-roll student, Kane plans on majoring in business administration in college. He’s not sure yet what school he’ll attend, but he wants to continue playing football, a sport that has sharpened his athletic philosophy and helped him learn valuable life lessons. “My competitive philosophy is to win, to reach my potential and to enjoy sports,’’ he emphasized. “Some of the life lessons I’ve learned are how to overcome adversity and obstacles, how to deal with losing, and how to become a strong leader.’’ PLEASE RECYCLE
October 2019 Medway & Millis Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com Page 21 Sports Mia Ferzoco Moves Up as Mentor in Millis Volleyball By Christopher Tremblay, Staff Sports Writer Growing up Millis’ Mia Ferzoco had been involved in gymnastics since the early age of three, but by the seventh grade, she would find a new sport, and gymnastics would soon become a thing of the past. Thanks to her friend, Hailey Chilsolm, Ferzoco would be introduced to volleyball. “Gymnastics was an individual sport, where volleyball is all about the team atmosphere,” the Millis senior said. “After finding volleyball, I decided to stop gymnastics in ninth grade as it was very time consuming and my school work was getting harder.” Soon after she found volleyball, Ferzoco joined the Blast, a club team out of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Taking part with the Blast as well as playing on the high school team helped the newly found volleyball player improve her skills. During her freshman and sophomore seasons, Ferzoco saw the majority of her playing time with the junior varsity team with a handful of games coming here and there on the varsity level. By her junior year, she was starting for the Mohawks as the team’s setter in addition to being named a captain for the first time. Being named a captain was something totally new and very strange to her. “Being named captain my junior year was a great honor, but it was something that was totally out of my comfort zone, and I had to become a leader to the rest of the team,” the now two-time senior captain said. “It was very nerve racking at first, but I eventually felt comfortable with the girls on the hand, especially when they were helping me through it.” Ferzoco, who had already played four seasons with the Mohawk volleyball program, had seen how the upper classmen were enjoying the sport and that was something that she wanted to do as well. The now senior setter originally found her position to be somewhat challenging. “Again, being a setter for the team took me out of my comfort zone as I had to be one of the loudest players on the court and pushing the other girls,” she said. Mia Ferzoco has had a chance to grow as an athlete and as a leader in her time with Millis Volleyball. “While it was not easy at first, I believe it was for the best as I am now a totally different person when I step onto the court.” Although Ferzoco didn’t see herself as a team leader, her coach certainly did. “What can I say about a kid who just gets it, she is a born leader but that doesn’t stop her from pushing to learn and achieve more,” Millis Volleyball Coach Lisa Farese said. “She works each moment of each day to better not only herself, but those around her as well. She may not be the oldest or most experienced athlete in the gym, but she bridged the gap between all of our teams.” Now as a senior, Ferzoco has to remember what it was like when she was an underclassmen and wants to use that to her advantage in preparing the younger girls on this year’s team. “I need to stay loud and positive, even if I’m not playing at my best,” she said. “It can be tough at times, but I have to remember that the younger girls look up to me so I need to stay positive and keep the energy high.” Once she steps onto the court, Ferzoco may seem to be all in and serious, but at times she wipes the seriousness away and is all smiles. “I often find myself thinking how do I coach the philosophy of working hard, while being willing to take risks. We are always looking for progression and not perfection,” the Mohawk Coach said. “But then because of Mia I am reminded that we just need to have fun. She puts in the work on and off the court, but makes sure she opens her arms to silliness and that makes our team a family.” Last fall Millis finished the regular season with a 10-10 record and found themselves playing in the Division 3 Central Volleyball Tournament. The Mohawks were able to defeat Bellingham 3-0 in the round, but unfortunately meet up with Whitinsville-Christian, the eventual Sectional Champions, in the next round. With the volleyball team advancing into the post-season Ferzoco was not only excited about the opportunity that the team had but with her own play. “I felt that I had played really well last year,” she said. “But being the setter my success is because of those around you, you need the whole team to do well.” As the season gets underway the senior setter knows that it’s not going to be an easy campaign this fall. “We’re in a rebuilding year, and I don’t want the younger girls to get discouraged,” she said. “I want the younger girls to learn, but also keep volleyball fun.” Despite being her only varsity returner this season the Coach is anxious to get things started and see what her setter brings to the table this year. “I am super excited to see what she can do with our team,” Farese said. “Now that she is not only the oldest, but most experienced player on the court.” In addition to keeping volleyball fun, Ferzoco is hoping to play a competitive game while also enjoying her senior year. Once the season ends, the senior would like to continue playing the sport on the collegiate level, but most likely on a club level. Your Vision; Our Mission Michael T. Damon Financial Adviser* Damon Financial, LLC** 45 Milford Street, Suite 3 Medway, MA 02053 (508) 321-2101 Mike@DamonFinancial.com DamonFinancial.com Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. *Financial Adviser offering investment advisory Services through Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. ** Damon Financial, LLC is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its affiliates. Eagle Strategies LLC & NYLIFE Securities LLC are New York Life Companies.
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Medway & Millis October 2019

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