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5-foot-8, 175 pound legacy senior Mario Jacovino, who has played quarterback, safety, cornerback and linebacker for Fort Lee High School, chose Wilkes football over all of the other Division III school offers.
"He's not a big guy," said Jacovino's father, who also played Fort Lee football and graduated in 1982. "But he has worked and trained his body so hard that he's earned this moment."
According to his father, Jacovino had offers from over 40 other Division III football teams, as well as walk-on offers from both Sacred Heart and Fordham, but he had a "gut feeling" that Wilkes was the place for him.
Jacovino ate, drank and slept Fort Lee football. Wanting to play since he could walk, his father organized Fort Lee's first flag football team when he was five-years old.
"But he always wanted to tackle," Jacovino, Sr. said. "That kid couldn't wait to tackle."
And tackle he did. And pass. And run. From the third grade to the eighth grade as a Fort Lee Jr. Bridgeman football player before taking the field on the Varsity team at Fort Lee High School.
For someone with a passion for the game, having the opportunity to play college ball is the opportunity of a lifetime, and Jacovino is well aware of that.
When he is not playing football, Jacovino is planning on studying Education while at Wilkes.
Saturday night, the Jacovino family invited family and friends to In Napoli Restaurant to celebrate his signing.
"We not only wanted to celebrate his signing," Jacovino, Sr. said, "But we wanted to thank all of our family and friends who have always supported Mario."
When asked if there was something he wanted people to know about his son, Jacovino said, his voice brimming with pride, "He's worked so hard to reach this moment. He's worked so hard."
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Jimmy Jazz
8:38 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I'm sorrry, I really don't want to sound negative, but were talking about Division 3 football, Anyone can try out for Divison 3 football so how is this news worthy?
Holly Flaim
9:37 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Obviously Jimmy Jazz you have not played sports at a college level. Whether it is Divsion I or Division III , to make it on a college team is a great accomplishment. Too bad your parents never taught you...."If you don't have something nice to say - don't say anything at all." Mario - Congratulations I know it took a lot of hard work to get there...have fun and enjoy the moment!
Keith Jensen
10:24 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Congrats Mario! Way to represent Fort Lee and your family. Be proud of your accomplishment and don't pay any attention to people that try to belittle you, for it takes a great leader to incite negative comments and weather them, especially by someone you don't know. Heck, negative anonymous comments normally come from less confidant people, like a teammate who is jealous of what you did and they could not earn themselves.
To add some humor to my post, give my best to your Coaches (picture inset above):
Straub who I drilled a home run over the Center field fence of the Ft.Lee American League field when he played for Ft.Lee A.C. and I played for Babe's Taxi.
DePalma who abducted me on freshman Friday and through me in the back seat of Nashale's Mustang, only to be stuck on the laps of three of the Ft.Lee High School cheerleaders. Ended up at Franco's Metro where the girls sat with me.
Donna Straub Medaglia
10:37 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Congrats to you Mario and to your wonderful mom and dad.
Mayor Mark Sokolich
10:46 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Mario is the perfect example of "Hard work, Brings Results". I know of no one more serving of playing college ball. With all my Love, Uncle Mark
Art Elmers
10:54 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I guess it is only "news worthy" if it involves something negative.
Mario, Congratulations on achieving this goal you have set for yourself. You are a fine young man, come from a fine family, and make us all proud. Isn't it good to have occasionally a reason to be proud to say "I am from Fort Lee".
We need more of these stories.
Baba O'Riley
10:59 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
While it is always nice to read about a Fort Lee student athlete doing well; I do agree with Jimmy Jazz (as it is only a Division III school). Hopefully one day we will see him in the NFL (in some capacity).
Robert
11:37 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Only a division 3 school ? So what ? Why would anyone attempt to belittle the efforts of a young man who worked hard to maximize his talents ? I am sure his parents are proud and rightfully so.
mario jacovino
5:27 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thank You all for the kind words for Mario. He read and appreciates them all, as do I and the rest of my family. We are very proud of our son on and off the football field. He has worked extremely hard and dedicated his life to football.
He is a Fort Lee athlete who is proud to represent his town from junior football to his senior year in High School. No matter what level he is playing at he is fortunate enough to continue playing and we are happy and grateful for that.
Fort Lee Truth
8:49 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Congrats to Mario. One of the politest kids you will meet.
regina pennacchio
9:27 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Congrats Mario!!! Your future is starting and what an amazing start and accomplishment!! At such a young age you have shown other kids with a lot of hard work and giving up comes a great future ahead of you!! with the support and time that your Father has given to you ,you are headed in a direction that only few have the opportunity.
I see there is some negativity written but take it and smile because remember it is easy to criticize and not easy to recognize hard work. Any fool can criticize and condemn and most fools do. Don't let someone like that darken your light because baby your light just started and will only get brighter.
Ilyssa Kleinfeld
9:51 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Congrats to Mario and his family! The Kleinfelds are very proud of you and your accomplishments!
Lou Tantillo
3:33 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
As the "other guy" who started Flag Football in Fort Lee and a former Division 3 football player I wish Mario nothing but the best. You get to play the sport you love for another 4 more years. Division 3 athletes play for the love of the game and unfortunately not for scholarships. Make the most of your opportunities, get your degree and I am sure you will be successful.