By James Zygadlo ‘24

After junior year, I thought my time at Brother Rice couldn’t get any better. I was excited but nervous to start my final year at a school that has taught me so much. Little did I know that my senior year would be the best year of my life.

The summer going into my senior year felt grueling. Waking up before the sunrise and sometimes staying after the sunset to run routes is something I will never forget. Working hard and in the heat might not seem enjoyable to many, but to me, those practices were some of the best times of my life.

During that summer, I made so many new friendships with guys I will never forget. Many people forget about the work we put in behind the scenes, and spending the summer with my boys is something I will never take for granted.

Day after day, I would try to make myself better in some way. Whether that be at playing football or becoming a better man, I would always have the support of others around me.

Looking back, Charlie Boyer getting on my case for jogging through a route or laughing with Patrick Mangin and Luke Drew after the 2’s were cooking the 1’s are memories that will last a lifetime. Even after feeling exhausted after practice and getting to eat a team dinner with the guys is something I can always look back on knowing those are my brothers.

Creating a Turkey Bowl team with my best friends, Charlie Boyer, Jimmy Lyons, Owen McShane, TJ McNichols, and Luke Drew was such an amazing experience. Losing to the championship team by a controversial call was heartbreaking. We still put on a clinic with Luke Drew throwing for over 400-yards and me and TJ McNichols having a combined 14 touchdowns.

Senior year has been the most fun year by far. Some days in class it feels like it’s just me and my friends hanging out. I know my boys would do anything for me and I would do the same for them.

After the first semester of senior year, school doesn’t seem real. Teachers still assign work, but it feels “optional.” In reality, homework is still homework and you should still do it. With the year coming to an end, it’s difficult to focus in class, but Ms. Pacetti keeps us in line.

Advice I would give to underclassmen is to make the most of your time here. The four years go by quickly and once it’s over, you can’t go back. Get involved or try something new, but remember, school work always comes first. If something doesn’t work out, your grades are something you can always fall back on.