Frank Feola contributes on and off the field for playoff-bound Spartans
Published: November 6, 2009
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linda morgan / staff photographer A three-sport athlete for Mid Valley, Frank Feola plays basketball and baseball as well as football.
Frank Feola is a throwback athlete, who is truly old school.
Once a youth soccer player, he switched to the American version of football as a freshman in high school. He also plays basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring. A rare three-sport athlete in this day of high school specialization.
He's played strong safety, tailback, flanker and some split end.
Willing to do whatever it takes to help Mid Valley win, Feola has been a key contributor to the team's run toward a District 2 Class AA playoff berth this season.
An all-around player, and a dedicated student, Feola is enjoying a memorable senior season.
"Frank is a very versatile player for us," Mid Valley coach Frank Pazzaglia said. "He's a young man on offense that we can play anywhere, the backfield, flanker, he also knows split end and he's a very smart player."
Trying it all
A very active student at Mid Valley, Feola knows the value of experiencing life, while taking part in his school community.
Not only is he a three-sport standout, the 18-year-old is a member of the Outdoor Adventure Club and has even tried horseback riding.
Taking part in the school SADD Club and a member of the honor roll, Feola is doing his part each and every day to make himself better.
"I think it is important to do those things," Feola said. "I know that colleges really look at that."
Hoping to go to college and possibly study the sciences, Feola has set his sights on either the University of Pittsburgh or a school out west, including San Diego State.
"My uncle lives in Arizona and he took me to visit all the California schools," Feola said. "I really liked the area. The weather is amazing. The climate is the best thing about going out there."
And while budgeting his time academically, he is able to devote what's left to sports.
"My parents had me involved in sports since I was 4," Feola said. "I am dedicated. I try to be a hard worker and the best teammate I can be. Sports keep me focused. They keep me out of trouble and away from everything else.
"I used to play soccer before football and I think that has helped with my footwork for football. Basketball helps football and baseball helps with my hand-eye coordination. The skills for each sport really help the others."
Making his mark
Breaking into the starting lineup as a strong safety in his junior season, Feola has been a dedicated player for Pazzaglia since he took over as head coach three years ago.
"He's a real pleasure to coach," Pazzaglia said. "He does anything you ask him to do and he tries to do it better."
Hoping to turn the fortunes of the program around, the 6-foot, 175-pound Feola dedicated himself in the weight room, on the field and in the classroom.
His intelligence on the field has made him a complete player, one who has excelled at changing positions at a moments notice whenever the team needs him.
"I know my role and I will do anything for the team," Feola said. "I started out as a tailback, but I am more of utility player.
"I take a lot of pride in knowing different positions."
So far, Feola has been a solid defensive player for the Spartans, who are the top-ranked defense against the pass in the LFC Division III.
He has also contributed offensively, filling in for wide receiver Dennis O'Hara, who injured his hand against Holy Redeemer in Week 5.
And the Spartans are on the brink of making the District 2 Class AA playoffs.
A win tonight at Lackawanna Trail would clinch them a spot.
"It's been so much fun," Feola said. "Coach Pazzaglia and his staff have turned around this program. We are having such a good time. The biggest difference is that we are working hard and trying to be consistent every week.
"We are just playing good football."
Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com
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