Justin Rivera has officially committed to play college football at St. John Fischer.
The Sachem football captain and winner of this year’s Black Helmet Award chose to play for the Cardinals over LIU Post and Cortland.
“It had both what I wanted academically and the feel of the campus I loved and could without a doubt see myself going there,” he said. “Talking to the coaches and players on the football team, I felt right at home.”
Rivera said the program appears to have the same mindset that he is used to from his days at Sachem, which is to stay on top and win championships.
“I want to be a part and contribute to a successful team,” he said.
Looking back, Rivera said he will always remember the last few seconds of the Long Island Championship victory against Farmingdale.
“I gave my everything,” he said. “Knowing that we made history, realizing how I got to that exact moment in time, it took more then blood, sweat and tears.”
Rivera’s legacy speaks for itself. You’ve heard the saying that defense wins championships. Well, Rivera was the centerpiece and key linebacker on Sachem’s defense that went on a historic run in the second half of the 2013 season and was lights out in the post-season.
“Justin’s legacy will be that he anchored the defense that lead the 2013 Long Island Championship team on its playoff run to the championship,” said Sachem coach Dave Falco. “His steady play and ability to make the big tackle at the big moment all season long was key to our success. St. John Fischer is getting a great football player, leader and more importantly a great young man. He will have great success at the next level.”
The Black Helmet Award is given to a Sachem football player each year who combines both a passion for the program and Sachem’s winning tradition, along with a blue collar work ethic and skill on and off the field. It’s meant to honor the total Sachem football package. Watching Rivera is more then enough proof of him winning the honor at last season’s annual Sachem Touchdown Club dinner, but listening to him speak amplifies his passion.
“I played many sports and nothing compares to the sport of football and what Sachem has taught me as an individual,” he said. “It meant everything to me and to go out on top it couldn’t have happened any better.”
Rivera’s teammate Chris Biryla also committed to St. John Fisher College. Check Sachem Report soon for a story about his commitment as well!
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro