Courtesy of UR Athletics
Senior linebacker Thomas Marone has led the team in tackles, racking up 28 so far this season.
The Rochester defense has been able to hold opponents to minimal scoring, with Marone as a major factor.
In addition to being Athlete of the Week, Marone was also honored as the Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Week.
1. How did you first get into playing football?
I have been playing football for as long as I could remember. I always used to have catches in the front yard with my dad, and I was five the first time I joined organized football in the youth league in my town.
The catches in the yard and watching it on TV were probably the two things that piqued my interest in football most.
2. What is your favorite part of the sport? And of playing linebacker?
My favorite part of the sport has to be the contact and physicality. It is one of the only sports where you can go out and legally hit someone. If you’re having a bad day, it all goes away on the field, and you’re in a different world to release any anger or stress you have.
The best part of being a [linebacker] is that we are the heart and soul of the defense. We are right in the middle of the action—whether it is a run or a pass, we are involved and in a position to make plays.
3. Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Absolutely. Before every game, I like to get down to the stadium early and take my time getting my equipment ready and talking to the guys. Then, I like to go out on the field before warmups and do my own little stretching routine to get myself ready and have a catch on the field with other members of the team. I also join in the team prayer at midfield before warmups and have my own little individual prayer to my Grandpa before the coin toss.
4. How does it feel to start the season 3-0, specifically dominating the game on both sides of the ball?
Starting off 3-0 feels great, and it’s awesome to be a part of something so special. That being said, 3-0 is only the start of what we hope to accomplish this year in a league title. The fact that we have been dominating teams the last two weeks has been great to see. The offense has been moving the ball efficiently and scoring points, while the defense has now gone two full games without letting up a touchdown and scoring two of our own [goals] last week. Those are the kind of performances we need to run the table and win the league.
5. How do you feel being the team’s leading tackler so far?
Being at the top of the leader boards for tackles this early in the season is an awesome feeling. I wanted to come out my senior year and really have a good year, and that shows me that all the time put into training this off-season is really paying off.
6. Would you rather make s’mores with Mike Tyson or Keanu Reeves? Why?
I would definitely rather make s’mores with Mike Tyson, but only if he brings his pet tiger. That would be a deal breaker.
Eber is a member of the class of 2017.
