By Steve Svetovich

When Dunmore senior lineman Danny Schmidt is on the football field, he knows someone is watching over him.

His late grandfather Michael Freund, who died at age 73 in 2018, will always have a special place in his heart.

Son of Beth and Joe Schmidt, Danny is a four-year member of the Dunmore football team.

He learned about Dunmore football at an early age from his late grandfather.

“My grandfather meant so much to me,” Danny said. “He taught me about football.

“My grandfather took me to every Dunmore football game since I was six-years-old. He was always with me at the games.

“He just did so much for me. He taught me about loyalty and to work hard all the time. He always told me that if you do something, do it right, Danny recalls. “And he always said to do unto others as you would want done unto you.”

The tough, hard-working lineman said his mom has also always been a positive force in his life.

“She tells me to keep working hard and keep your head down. Be kind to others.”

Danny, 17, has a 90 academic average. His best subject is history.

He enjoys listening to music in his spare time and would like to see classic rockers Motley Crue in concert.

The senior standout talked about what it takes to excel as a lineman in high school football.

“You need to be accountable to your teammates, work hard, and show up every day,” he said. “You need to be a good teammate. It is all about teamwork.”

Tough-minded and strong-willed, Danny said he knows Dunmore head football coach Kevin McHale well and has learned a lot about football and life from him. “I have been working with coach McHale since I was 10-years-old,” he said. “He taught me to always be accountable and work hard. He taught me about dedication. Coach McHale taught me a lot over the years.”

The dedicated senior scholar-athlete said he is undecided about where he will attend college, but is leaning towards East Stroudsburg or Temple University. He is undecided on a college major and is hoping to play college football if the opportunity presents itself.

Danny said his future goal is a simple one. “I just want to be a success in life.”

The personable senior said his hobbies include fishing, working out, and hanging out with friends.

His goal this year is a big one. “Winning a football championship here at Dunmore is always the goal,” he said.

Danny loves Dunmore football and is looking forward to his senior year.

“Everybody is accountable here on our team,” he said. “There is nothing better than Dunmore football. It is like one big family.

“My senior year at Dunmore is going to be great. There are a lot of friends I am close to here at Dunmore. We will have a good run. Our football team will have a great run. Dunmore High School has been terrific to me, I love Dunmore.”

Danny can’t wait to get out on the gridiron for his senior year.

His late grandfather will be looking down and beaming with pride.