Nick Saputo Signs
with Drexel University
Nick Saputo is excited about the future after the Huntington High School senior signed a national letter of intent to play lacrosse next year at NCAA Division I Drexel University in Philadelphia.
The teenager said he plans to study business at the college and play either midfield or attack for the Dragons. He also hopes to be used for face-offs. "It's really wherever the coach wants me," Mr. Saputo said about where he plays.
With the Blue Devil lacrosse team, Mr. Saputo has started at attack for the past three years. He was All-Division as a sophomore after scoring 24 goals and adding 17 assists. Last he earned All-Division and All-County honors with 26 goals and 20 assists.
"He is a leader in the classroom and on the athletic fields," said Paul McDermott, Huntington's head coach. "He is very coachable and can take criticism. I feel Nick is one of Long Island's top recruits."
The Huntington senior has his college plans extensively mapped out. "I plan on doing the five year co-op program, which is a really interesting program that should be a great experience academically and will give me business experience," Mr. Saputo said. "I love the campus and can't wait to get started there."
Mr. Saputo has also played football for the Blue Devils and plays on a club ice hockey team. "I have had amazing experiences at Huntington academically and the athletics program," he said. "My AP and honors classes at Huntington were hard work but I know the extra work will pay off in college."
The teenager said he knows that being a multi-sport athlete "has really helped my lacrosse career. I credit a lot of my success both on and off the field to my coaches. Coach 'K' (Kevin Zaharius) was instrumental in getting me into a workout routine and encouraging me to play football. Coach [Steve] Mueller and the football staff really taught me a lot about teamwork."
But, at the end of the day, lacrosse is Mr. Saputo's real love. "I can't say enough about coach [Paul] McDermott who educated me on what it means to be a leader and really got me ready to be a part of a D-I program," the Blue Devil star said. "When I was a freshman, I had a bad lax injury to my leg, but I came off of it with a positive attitude and got back on track as soon as possible. I would not have made it though my injury if it were not for my coaches, teammates and friends from Huntington visiting me."
"Nick gets along considerably well with both coaches and teammates who appear to respect him and his qualities as a player," Mr. McDermott said. Mr. Saputo played on the junior varsity as a freshman and then moved right into the varsity line-up as a sophomore. He has won 75 percent of his face-offs.
The senior has enjoyed his time attending Huntington High School and suiting up for the Blue Devils. "Football play-offs this year was one of the most intense and best times I have ever had playing any sport, and I am upset to have to stop playing football," Mr. Saputo said. "I jumped right into hockey after missing a bunch of games due to football play-offs. I have been playing hockey since I was five years old and spent four years on the road playing travel."
Mr. Saputo, who has been voted captain of the 2011 Blue Devil lax team, is heading toward graduation with no regrets. "I had an amazing time at Huntington High School and had an amazing time playing football and lax here," he said. "The coaches are great."
With his senior lacrosse season ahead of him and a strong desire to help lead the Blue Devils to the post-season and as many play-off victories as possible, Mr. Saputo is clearing looking forward to next year. "I am excited to continue my lax career at Drexel and excel even more," he said.