After four great seasons on the Edgemont Varsity Football team, Milan Gialleonardo will be continuing his football career at Trinity College. He’s been the starting quarterback at Edgemont since his sophomore year and has left quite an impact on the program. Although he has showcased his amazing talent at quarterback throughout his high school career, he was recruited to play wide receiver in college. Luckily, I was able to sit down with him and ask him a few questions.
What made you play football growing up? What made you play quarterback?
Football has always been a part of my family. My dad played football, and both of my older brothers played football, so it was expected of me to play football. I had been a pitcher in baseball growing up, so I always knew I could throw a ball. This made me try to play quarterback in football, and once I started, I never looked back.
Describe your worst sports moment and what you learned from it.
My worst sports moment would have to be my first game of modified football. I threw 4 interceptions, and I got benched. Despite it being a terrible moment, I learned a lot from it. I learned that once something happens, you have to let it go immediately. There is no point in dwelling on your mistakes because they will only hurt you more. As a quarterback, this was an important lesson for me to learn. If I start the game by throwing an interception, I had to learn how to shake it off.
Describe your best sports moment.
My personal best sports moment is a specific game against Croton during my sophomore year. After getting a concussion in my first varsity game, I didn’t get a chance to bounce back because we had a covid pause for the next two weeks. Coming into my first varsity start, I knew I needed to get the win. We beat Croton 41-0 ,and I had one of the best games of my career. This game really introduced me to varsity football and showed me that I could be successful.
What are your pre-game rituals/routines?
If we have a night game, I will go to the locker room immediately after school. I’ll set up all my equipment outside, and, after that, I put my headphones in. I listen to music during our pregame in the locker room to get me focused. Before I get into my pads, I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This always gives me some energy for the game. Once I get down to the field, I like to run by the end zone and touch the goalpost.
What are you looking forward to most about college football?
I am looking forward to playing football surrounded by other kids who have the same love for the sport. I am also excited to test myself and see how good I really am. I’m going to have to work harder than I ever have before, but I know that it will be worth it for the friendships I will make. Playing at the next level just makes it feel that much more important.
What is one goal of your college football career?
The one goal of my college football career is to get a NESCAC championship. Trinity has been a powerhouse team in their conference for a while now, and I really hope I am able to win a championship when I am there.