On Sunday, April 10, senior football captain Nicholas Garofano received the Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award at the annual National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholar-athlete dinner held at the UMass Student Union.

Over 500 in attendance witnessed the Yorktown Heights, NY, native become the 17^th Williston recipient of this prestigious award, given to the top prep school football scholar-athlete in western Massachusetts.  The Boyden Award has been presented since 1962.  2016 Williston Hall of Fame inductee Stephen H. Durant was one of the first recipients when he won the award in 1963.

Garofano has had a tremendous football career at Williston. He rewrote the school record books as a running back, setting the single-season and career scoring and rushing records.  He totaled well over 3,000 yards from scrimmage, averaging an astounding 8.6 yards per carry and nearly 18 yards per reception!  During his junior year, he scored 126 points in 8 games leading Williston team to a championship bowl berth while earning All-New England honors. Despite missing half of his senior year with a fractured tibia, he led the Wildcats in rushing and earned All-League honors for the third consecutive year.

As a student, Garofano has been equally successful over the past four years, where he has consistently earned the distinction of Honors.  His teachers speak glowingly about his work ethic and contribution to their classes.  Beyond the classroom, he has been an outstanding three-sport athlete, where he lettered in hockey, lacrosse, and football.

Williston’s Head Athletic Trainer, Blayne Lapan, speaks highly of Nick’s commitment to athletic preparation, “Nick is one of my hardest working athletes in the weight room.  Not only does he push himself to get better every day during the school year, but he comes into the school year having reached new limits with his strength and athleticism from his summer training.  He knows what it takes to play at the next level, and he is a great teammate, always willing to lend a helping hand to the younger kids on his team.”

Nick was able to carve out some time during his busy spring schedule to talk with our community about his experience at Williston, his keys to success, and his excitement about college.  Garofano will attend West Point in the fall.

What emotions did you experience when you received the Boyden Award from Coach Conroy?

I was one of the last people to go up and speak before the whole room full of people. There was definitely a lot of suspense up to that point. I was a little nervous, but I wanted to speak from the heart and show my family, coach, and teammates how appreciative I am of them.

You have played football, hockey, and lacrosse at the Varsity level during your time in high school. Do you have a favorite?

Starting all three sports at a very young age, I feel very passionately football, hockey, and lacrosse, having shared a lot of cherished memories in all three. Growing up in a hotbed lacrosse area while also having a football-loving father as a football coach in my younger days, I’d say lacrosse and football definitely hold a special place in my heart. I am a product of my environment.

Who did you look up to when you were a younger student-athlete?

When I was sophomore, one of my best friends at Williston was Max Willman, a post-graduate hockey player from Barnstable, MA. He was, and still is, a person I admire, not only for his work ethic in the classroom and when training and preparing for games, but also for the way he carried himself around campus and how he interacted with people.

What have been your keys to success as an athlete?

I strive to be the best in whatever sport I compete in. By heavily investing my time into my body and my craft in the off-season, I feel I get a huge edge on my competition. My summers consist of gym visits four to five days a week and field sessions for football or lacrosse two to three times a week, while also playing for a summer lacrosse team.

Is there a particular moment from your time at Williston that you will never forget?

I will always remember playing in a football bowl game my junior year with that particular group of men. The natural high that game brought me was unlike any other feeling in the world.

Was there someone who inspired you during your time on campus?

One of my football coaches here at Williston when I was a sophomore, Brian Crockett, who passed away that same year, was a huge inspiration for me as an athlete. When I contemplated not playing football going into my junior year for the fear of getting injured for my lacrosse season, he encouraged me to never give up on doing the things I love. That life was too short to not spend as much time as you can doing the things you love and are passionate about.

How has Williston prepared you for college as a student-athlete?

Williston has helped me tremendously as a student.  The school has helped me channel the fierce competitiveness I have on the field into the classroom. We have supportive teachers that are genuinely passionate about teaching and helping students learn. As an athlete, prep school sports are the highest level of competition for the sports I participate in. Quickly transitioning into a faster pace of game and higher skill level helped me to improve my own game and prepare myself for the collegiate level.

What excites you about attending college next year?

I am excited about attending West Point. I wanted to put myself in what I thought was the best place for college, and I feel West Point exceeded those standards when I visited their campus. Playing Division I lacrosse for a terrific program with great coaches while also dramatically changing my lifestyle to become an Army officer is the vision I have for myself, and I am excited for the challenges both present.

What advice would you give younger student-athletes at Williston?

While at Williston take advantage of every second you have here. You will receive a high school education that is second to none, surrounded with different kinds of people that are just as motivated as you. Find your passion, stay motivated, and work your tail off.

To read more about Garofano’s award on MassLive, click HERE.