By Steve Svetovich

When Andrew Durkin went from Dunmore Middle School to Scranton Prep, he was not sure what to expect.

But he is going to end up as a four-year member of Scranton Prep’s football and baseball teams and, in his words, a changed individual. 

“Going to Scranton Prep has been a great experience for me,” he said. “Through sports and school, it has changed who I am as a person for the better.”

Son of Atty. Larry and Kristine Decker, Dunmore, Andrew, 17, is looking forward to his senior season as a member of the Scranton Prep football team.

He is a starting tight end and linebacker on the Scranton Prep football team.  Andrew plays outfield on the baseball team and hit .394 as a junior.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and has an impressive 95 academic average at Scranton Prep. His best subject is math.

His football coach at Scranton Prep is Terry Gallagher.

“I have learned a lot from Coach Gallagher,” he said. “He taught me how to be physical, mean, and tough on the football field. He taught me to be disciplined and take responsibility.”

Andrew talked about what it takes to be a good tight end.

“You need to be physical and be a good blocker and receiver.”

The scholar-athlete also excels at linebacker. “To be a good linebacker,” he said, “you also need to be physical and tough. You need to stay low. You need the low leverage.”

Scranton Prep was 4-1 in the COVID-19 shortened football season in 2020. “Our goals are a district and state title this year,” said the senior standout. 

Well-spoken, confident and mature, Andrew said he has learned a lot from his parents. “My parents taught me to always respect others and have respect for all the players and coaches on the team.”

His dad has a law office in Dunmore.

Andrew enjoys listening to music in his spare time and would like to see Drake in concert.

He plans on studying business or finance in college but is unsure where he will attend school.

“I would like to have a job in the business world,” he said. 

Andrew said he is looking forward to his senior year. “I love playing sports at Prep,” he said. “Along with school work, it takes up most of my time. I want to have a winning senior football season. The goal is championships. 

“My personal goal is to succeed and work hard at what I do.”