This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Q&A with Absegami's Big Blocker Mike Ottaviano

The Absegami High School offensive lineman discusses football, piano and future plans.

’s Mike Ottaviano, a three-year starter for the Braves' football team, is a leader and a standout offensive lineman.

Galloway Patch spoke to the 6-foot-1, 260-pound tackle a few days before the Braves take on district rival Oakcrest on Thanksgiving morning.

Ottaviano discussed what he loves about being a lineman, his new appreciation for the piano, and his future plans.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Galloway Patch: When did you start playing football?

Mike Ottaviano: I have been playing football since the sixth grade.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: What do you like better: pass blocking or run blocking?

Ottaviano: That’s tough. I love run blocking. Pass blocking is a lot easier than run blocking, but I love run blocking.

Patch: Do you like playing defense?

Ottaviano: Defense is fun. It’s a lot different than playing offensive line. There are a lot less rules and you go on animal instincts. But offensive line is where my heart is at.

Patch: What's the best part of playing on the offensive line?

Ottaviano: I like when we score. I like when I’m going against a guy and both of us know I’m going to win. That’s the best part and there is nothing they can do to stop it.

Patch: Any particular reason why you wear No. 75?

Ottaviano: No real reason. During my freshman year when I sat varsity on the bench I had that number and stuck with it ever since.

Patch: What is your favorite football memory?

Ottaviano: Definitely just to be able to go out every Friday and play football. A lot of people take that for granted. So many kids are not able to play and I’m humbled by the fact that I can go and play football. I love playing football and playing with my best friends I have grown up with.

Patch: Do you have any superstitions?

Ottaviano: Not any big one. I wear the same Under Armour every game whether it’s 100-degrees or 20-degrees. I also wear the same undershirt that says "Beast" on it no matter what.

Patch: What do you do for fun away from football?

Ottaviano: I just like hanging out with friends like everybody else. I also love hanging out with my grandma (Loretta).

Patch: What is your favorite class? 

Ottaviano: My piano lab. I like playing the piano a lot. It's fun and I like it.

Patch: When did you start playing piano?

Ottaviano: I started this year. I selected it as an elective and I like it a lot.

Patch: Are you good?

Ottaviano: I’m not bad. I’m not Beethoven, but I’m not horrible at it.

Patch: What are your plans for next year?

Ottaviano: My dream is to play college football somewhere. I have some schools recruiting me. I will go anywhere to play football.

Patch: What has football taught you?

Ottaviano: Playing football has taught me discipline. If I work hard I can achieve basically anything. I have achieved so much in my high school career because of football. It also gives you a sense of family. I love every single person on the team. It teaches you to be unselfish. I will do something not for me but for the other person I’m with.

Patch: If you could write a script for Thursday, how would it end?

Ottaviano: If I can write a script for Thursday, we would win by a lot and every single senior will be able to play. That would be a perfect script to end my high school career on a happy note.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?