This year’s varsity football season was filled to the brim with suspense, excitement, and emotion for all players, fans, and supporters alike, and there was no exception for Massapequa High School junior Brad Baldinger. As the starting quarterback, his high level of skill and dedication was clear from the beginning of the season, and this unbelievable work ethic did not fade as the season progressed.

Every season has its challenges: long hours of practice, exhausting physical training, tough opponents, and so on. For Brad, however, this season had an unexpected hitch.  During the third game of the season, the team was playing hard against Freeport High School. Late in the third quarter, Brad was hit with a hard, unexpected tackle, rupturing his spleen.

“A lot was going through my mind,” Brad said. “I knew I was going to be out for a while, and I wanted to be back in the game.”

His injuries kept him off of the field for the rest of the season. Not being able to play for so long would crush the spirits of almost any player, but not Brad Baldinger. This injury has only motivated Brad to work even harder for next year.

“I was really upset… but I knew that I was lucky to still have another year to play,” Brad said.

With this year’s experience on and off of the field behind him, Brad is eager to play next season.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Brad said, “the team, the atmosphere, the whole thing.”  This great attitude towards the game and towards life has gotten Brad far already–and who knows where it will take him next.

“I’m hoping to play in college if possible,” Brad added.  With an impressive record already behind him, this young athlete is already looking towards a professional career in football.  “That’s my dream, but it’s not there yet.”

Nonetheless, Brad Baldinger is one of the most talented athletes that Massapequa High School has to offer, and his next year, playing will only serve to improve his already stellar record and reputation.