By Quinn Donovan and Domenic Casparriello
Senior Anthony Casparriello is a dedicated three-sport athlete at Westborough High School. Casparriello recently wrapped up his senior year of varsity football and basketball and is currently playing in his final baseball season. He takes pride in always being the hardest worker wherever he goes: “I don’t have to always be the most talented, but I have the will to overpower my opponents. I’m never outworked by anyone,” says Casparriello. His athletic ability and work ethic combined with his extreme love and passion for sports have led to unimaginable success for the student-athlete.
Casparriello led the football team this year as a captain, playing fullback and defensive end. Although the season was not one to remember, as the Rangers went a lackluster 2-9, Casparriello’s hard work and leadership was never in question. Although the team did not have great success this year, Casparriello’s drudgery certainly paid off individually. He was selected as a Division 2 All-Star, Mid-Wach League All-Star, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, and received an invitation to play in the all-star game. The star athlete was also selected as MVP of Rangers Football this year. “When it comes to football, I’m a psychopath. Being crazy pushes me to go the extra mile on the field. It gives me the confidence I need to be successful,” Casparriello says.
He showcased his skills not only on the football field, but also on the basketball court as a power forward. According to Casparriello, he was not always the most skilled on the basketball court, but what he lacked in skill he made up for in hustle. Casparriello’s leadership by example certainly helped the younger players grow this year on the basketball court.
A lot of the success Casparriello has had comes from great role models who he looked up to growing up. One role model Casparriello emulates is fictitious movie character Rocky Balboa played by Sylvester Stallone. Balboa’s dedication and desire to succeed in his boxing career inspired Casparriello to never give up under any circumstances. “Rocky Balboa is a huge role model to me, I watched the movies growing up and it was epic and inspiring because he never gave up and proved everyone wrong. I wanted to be that guy, the one that opponents hated to face off against.” Another huge influence in the young man’s life has been his father who played collegiate football for Boston College alongside college football legend Doug Flutie. His father’s athletic achievements force Casparriello to strive even further in whatever he does, in hopes that he could follow in his father’s footsteps.
Some of Casparriello’s greatest and most heartbreaking memories come from sports. For example, one of Casparriello’s fondest memories was just this year, when he ran for over 200 yards and scored three touchdowns as well as dominated on defense in the Rangers’ victory over Hudson.
Casparriello says of his worst experiences, “All of my losses are terrible. I hate to lose.” Every sport Casparriello has played in over the years has been difficult, and wins have come at a premium. When asked about what difficulties he came across, Casparriello said, “In football, we never had nearly enough kids to physically compete with bigger schools. Basketball proved tough for me simply because I never had a true skill set, although I just outworked everyone on the court. As for baseball, last year I hurt my ankle and couldn’t get back on the right track, I missed a lot of games. Im expecting big things this year though, and I know we can do well.”
Casparriello is clearly enjoying an exciting baseball season this year, and expects his team to continue to be successful. After losing in the district semifinals a year ago, Casparriello and the fiery Rangers are hungry to advance further. As for how the squad can achieve their goals this season, the outfielder says, “We just need to focus on each game and win them one by one. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have the confidence to win every game.” Throughout his four years in the high school, Casparriello has risen to the top of the ladder in terms of sports. The three-sport star has a bright future ahead of him in any career he may partake in. Casparriello has chosen to continue his education at UMass Lowell this upcoming fall.
To all current and future athletes at Westborough, Casparriello says to “never give up and always try to be the best. Preparation gets you far, determination gets you farther, and never accept losing.”
