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October 12, 2023

Huntley senior Zack Garifo
Steve Peterson
Huntley senior Zack Garifo

Sports • October 12, 2023

Garifo: class unity had early start

By

HUNTLEY — Senior defensive back and wide receiver Zack Garifo answered questions and reflected on his Huntley High School football career.

Describe the togetherness of the senior class has since reporting freshman year.

Garifo: “The togetherness of the senior class has been unreal. Since our freshman year was COVID year, we didn’t really get to spend a lot of time together. This has made us grow closer since we all missed the same year and wanted to have as much time as possible now to play a sport we all love. This past off-season really helped us grow closer since we spent almost every morning together. I have played defensive back all through high school but this season I have also started at wide receiver.”

Describe your youth football days?

Garifo: “My youth football days were very eventful. Some games I felt hurt and some games I felt good. In my very first year of football, we made it to the Super Bowl but lost. Ever since that, I have had a blast playing football. I also played a lot of baseball growing up. I played baseball until my sophomore year of high school.”

HHS alumni who have helped your career?

Garifo: “A recent grad who has helped influence my work ethic is Chris Medina. Chris and I were very close since my sister and he were in the same grade. When Medina broke his foot his senior year I felt very upset for him. On our last game of the 2022 season, Medina came to me and told me that it was my turn and that I would have to lead the team. Ever since then, I strove to be a leader and a hard worker.”

Most memorable game?

Garifo: “My most memorable game so far would be Week 5 last year against Jacobs. I was able to block a punt and return it for 48 yards for my first varsity touchdown. We were also able to get the win after we lost to them the year before that.”

Biggest challenge and how you overcame it?

Garifo: “My biggest challenge in sports was breaking my ankle this past July and not knowing if I would not be able to play some games my senior year. I was able to recover quickly and make it back in time for my first game.”

What will you miss most about HHS?

Garifo: “The thing I will miss most at HHS is my friends and the teachers I have made connections with. Every day I talk to these people and they always know how to make my day better. I have applied to many schools for academics but have not made a decision about sports. I’m waiting until after the season to make the decision on if I want to play football in college. I am looking to study sports management or something with business in college.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Garifo: “My favorite professional athlete is Garrett Wilson because of his work ethic. Wilson was one of the best wide receivers in college football and continued to work so that he could improve his draft stock. In the NFL Wilson has already won many awards and is having a great career.” (Wilson is a wide receiver for the New York Jets).

Team goals the last two games?

Garifo: “Our team goals for our last two games are to win. Our playoff goals are to get a win in the first round and take each week slowly. Being in an 8A class selection the teams that we play are very tough. If we get ahead of ourselves and start to think about the next week everything goes downhill.”