Senior Profile: Boys' Soccer Player Nick Russo

Nick Russo, one of the boys’ soccer captains, has helped lead the team to a 6-6-1 record in 2011 following last night's game against Delran.

Russo and the Quakers battled the Bears to a stalemate Thursday, avenging a 2-0 loss earlier in the season to Delran.

Russo and Moorestown Patch sports editor Jim Vassallo put time aside this week to talk about the rivalry with Delran, college plans, and what it means to be a leader.

Potential Colleges: University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, Penn State University

Area of Study: Pre-med

Moorestown Patch: Do you play any other sports?

Nick Russo: No. However, I do play soccer all year round.

Patch: How do you juggle your time while constantly being in practice or on the field?

Russo: Sometimes it’s hard. But in the end there’s never an excuse to either miss practice or finish homework.

Patch: What is it like to be a senior leader?

Russo: It's great. This year we have a group of kids that respect the seniors and are willing to listen in order to better themselves. Being a leader in my last year playing the sport competitively means a lot.

Patch: What got you so interested in soccer?

Russo: I've been playing soccer all my life. It’s just something I picked up and never wanted to stop playing.

Patch: What is so enjoyable about soccer for you?

Russo: I really enjoy the high-tempo aspect of the game. There's no time to rest and you always have to be thinking. Every play matters as the outcome of the game is usually decided by a goal or two.

Patch: If there was one thing you could teach the younger players on the team before the season is over, what would it be?

Russo: Just to give it their all every play. You're not going to be playing the sport forever, so the last time you step off the field you want to make sure you don't have any regrets. 

Patch: What are your favorite classes and why? Who are your favorite teachers and why?

Russo: Mrs. Todd, Anatomy and Physiology. I plan on studying pre-med in college, so I take a lot of interest in this course.

Behavioral Science, Mr. McDermott. I wasn't sure how much I'd like this class at first, but Mr. McDermott has made it fun and interesting as it's now one of my favorite classes.

Patch: What has been the highlight of your soccer career so far?

Russo: It has to be getting the start at center mid on the opening home game of my junior year versus Cinnaminson.

Patch: What is the most important thing the coaching staff has taught you in your time on the squad?

Russo: All the coaches at the high school have had a very positive influence on me during my four years here. What stood out to me is they always know how to keep the team loose and positive even when things are going wrong. 

Patch: What have you learned from your teammates while playing soccer for Moorestown?

Russo: Everyone on this team never gives up, regardless of the score; everyone is always giving it their all until the final whistle blows. That’s been contagious to me and the rest of the team throughout my soccer career at Moorestown.

Patch: What motivates you to succeed in each game?

Russo: The will to win. I hate nothing more than walking off the field after a loss, especially as one of the leaders on the team.

Patch: Which school has been your biggest rival throughout your varsity career?

Russo: Delran, because every game between us is always a low-scoring, physical, and close match.