Dunmore middle linebacker Nick Donvito named first-team all-star by coaches
By Steve Svetovich
Dunmore junior middle linebacker Nick Donvito is starting to reap rewards for his strong work ethic on the gridiron.
After being selected as a first-team NPF Division III all-star at middle linebacker last season, the tough junior was picked as a first-team Lackawanna Football Conference Division II Coaches’ All -Star for his efforts at the defensive position this season.
Son of William and Ann Marie Donvito, Dunmore, Nick totaled 111 tackles and four fumble recoveries for Dunmore this past season.
He also plays fullback and tight end for Dunmore. He added two touchdowns on offense.
His Dunmore teammate Nico Ruggiero was named first team on both offense at running back and defense in the secondary. Another teammate Max Hunt was selected first team by the coaches as a kicker.
Nick also excels in the classroom. The scholar-athlete is a member of the TACT club and has an impressive 3.7 academic average at Dunmore.
He wants to play football in college and is thinking about attending Bloomsburg University.
The hard-working junior said he has learned a lot from his parents.
“They tell me to always stay confident and surround yourself with positive people who make you a better person.”
Dunmore head football coach Kevin McHale has also been a very positive influence. “Coach McHale taught me to be a leader both on and off the field. He taught me school is first and football is second.”
Nick talked about a remarkable Dunmore football season in which the Bucks advanced to the District II Class 2A championship, losing to an undefeated Lakeland, 20-14, in a hard fought battle. Dunmore finished the season 8-4.
“It was an amazing season from the first game on,” said the senior stalwart. “No one believed in us, especially against Old Forge. And we beat them, 43-36, in the first game of the season. We believed in ourselves. That game got us going. It built up our confidence.”
Nick talked about what it takes to excel at the middle linebacker position in high school football.
“You need to be a leader on defense,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. You need to be a dog out there on the field. You need to do the dirty work.”
The talented junior said his favorite academic subject is social studies. He would like to see American rap artist Don Toliver in concert.
He talked about the future. “I want to help Dunmore football win a district and state championship next year. I want us to make the community and our fans proud.
“Then I want to play football in college, graduate, and start my own business. I want to become an entrepreneur and maybe own and operate my own clothing store.”
The two-year starter on the football team said he loves Dunmore.
“Dunmore is the best place on earth,” he said. “There is no place I would rather be. My experience as a member of the Dunmore football team is the best. I have made so many great friends and memories. Dunmore is the greatest.”
