Nick Medina is ready to protect and serve.
The Holy Spirit High School junior is taking on the position of offensive lineman for his school’s football team. He’d also someday like to pursue a career as a state trooper. In both roles, he’s willing to protect by any means.
“This year, before the season started, [the coaching staff] came to me and said they might have to move me to the offensive line,” Medina said. “My mindset is, ‘Wherever they need me to help out the team.’ And overall, I like it.”
Medina was a running back the last two seasons and was more familiar with carrying the ball through the holes that his offensive line created. Now he creates the holes for others. It’s not a glorious position by any means, as linemen have the duty of slamming into each other every play, but it’s one of the most important positions in the game.
“It’s different,” said Medina, a Linwood resident. “You’re so used to getting the ball and picking up yardage and getting praised, to being in the trenches and blocking your butt off.”
Medina, who also plays linebacker on defense, realized he might have outgrown the running back position last year. The coaching staff thought the same thing.
“He came in as an eighth-grader as a running back, and we had to move him around a bit,” said Spartans coach Andrew DiPasquale. “We gave him another chance as a sophomore, and he came up to us and said, ‘Yeah, I’m not a running back.’ We were glad he figured it out. But then, he stepped up into a leadership role.”
Holy Spirit graduated four offensive lineman last year, so there were crucial jobs that needed to be filled.
“We needed some guys to step up in positions they never played before, including Medina,” DiPasquale said. “They were all for it. That’s what being a team is all about.”
Medina now lines up as a guard on offense while continuing to make big plays on defense as a linebacker. He also switched his number from 12 to 55. His skills and strength on both sides of the ball were on display as Holy Spirit defeated Conwell-Egan, 24-7, at the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City on Aug. 27. The showcase pitted the Spartans against an unfamiliar opponent from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in front of hundreds of fans as the annual event opened the high school football season in New Jersey. It was the perfect start to a new season.
“It’s been so fun to come out here the first week and play,” Medina said. “I’ve been playing football ever since I can remember – it’s just always been my sport.”
Medina gets his fair share of hits during the springtime, too, as he plays defense for the Spartans’ lacrosse team. He’s hoping to play football in college, but is open to the idea of lacrosse at the next level. The one thing for certain is that he wants to work for the state police.
“I have the build for it and just love to help people,” Medina said with a smile. “It’s something I have always wanted to do.”
Medina also takes part in extracurricular activities like student council and is a student ambassador. He helps wherever he’s needed.
After seeing Medina step up for the team, DiPasquale has nothing but praise. “He does everything you ask him to do. He’s just an awesome kid.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
