Few things are as humbling as being part of a team. Working with others and unanimously contributing effort and ideas to reach a goal creates bonds that will last a lifetime and builds character that will set you apart. This is the very mindset of Zachary Hicks, the newest Kicker on Patchogue-Medford’s Varsity Football Team.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Zachary to discuss his experiences thus far on the football team; and there is nothing he promoted more than the importance of team effort and the support of one’s peers.

R&B: What was your reason for joining the football team to begin with? Was it something you had always wanted to do, the knowledge that this was your last year to try something new, or something else entirely?

ZH: It was definitely a bit of all of that. I had always enjoyed playing the game with friends, even though I wasn’t on the team, and it’s the quintessential High School sport. Mr. Rudnicki actually always said that his biggest regret was not playing Varsity Football while he had the chance to and that really stuck with me.

R&B: What has your experience thus far been like? Team effort, crowd atmosphere, etc..

ZH: It’s completely different than any other sport. With soccer, baseball, and even track, you can get away with having just one outstanding player, but with football, the entire team has to be up to par. Your offensive line, defensive ends, defensive backs, quarterback, everything, has to be strong and they all have to work together, you can’t just rely on one person. It is a complete team effort at all times. As far as the crowd atmosphere goes, it’s awesome. Getting the whole student section hyped up before a defensive drive is just really exciting.

R&B: In the first home game of the season you kicked a 44 yard field goal. Was there anything in your previous athletic training that helped you prepare for that moment? physically, mentally?

ZH: I guess some could draw the conclusion that my soccer past has helped me, but really it’s completely different; you would never kick a football the way you kick a soccer ball. Really, I think just drilling it over and over again during practice is what made it happen. I also got a lot of tips from Hannah Martin, which was essential in my success because I was going into the season a bit clueless.

R&B: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the season/is there anything specific you’re hoping to get out of it?

ZH: We’re going up against some really good teams in the next few weeks, which is going to be tough, but we’re excited, and we’re hoping to make the playoffs this year.

R&B: What can we, the audience, expect at this years homecoming?

ZH: We’re going to win. I have complete faith in the team.

As we concluded, Zachary mentioned how he wanted to ensure that, despite being the interviewee, the focus was on the importance of the team and everyone’s effort. It’s not so much about the individual, he stressed, but rather the dedication and spirit of the whole; being part of a team, whether you’re on the field, or in the stands.