Mamaroneck Football Ready to Climb the Hill in '11

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- The first day of practice for the Mamaroneck varsity football team told senior Brett Poniros all he needed to know.

The team arrived early for the 8 a.m. start. Once Mamaroneck coach Anthony Vitti issued his first direction for the 2011 season, the Tigers embraced it, even though it meant running hills.

“It was 8 a.m., but everyone was into it and wanted to get going,” said Poniros, a three-year starter. Mamaroneck has maintained that excitement and intensity throughout as the Tigers look to improve on its victory total -- one -- from last year.

“Last year, we felt we let ourselves down and we let the coaching staff down,” said Poniros, during a break in practice, Tuesday. The effort was there, but in the end the record did not show it.”

The Tigers returned to the field after not practicing on Monday. The school and fields were closed because Tropical Storm Irene ravaged Mamaroneck. Following the 2010 season, the juniors got together to discuss what went wrong.

“We all agreed that this was not going to happen again,” said Poniros, who will start at running back and cornerback. “We all planned to work really hard in the offseason, and we did, and now this year’s juniors have put in the work and the effort because they want to help the seniors.”

Poniros is one of four impact seniors for the Tigers. Parker Thelander returns at quarterback and his favorite target, Will Parkinson will line up outside. Vitti pointed out that Parkinson led Section 1 in receiving last year. Steven Puglia will anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Mamaroneck is already off to a positive start and will look to carry it throughout the season.

“The effort is there,” Poniros said. “Everyone gets to practice early every day. We are a team and what has impressed me is our team camaraderie.”

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