Jackson High’s athletic department has had something special happen this year. Senior Stephan Comperchio received five varsity letters, a rare accomplishment for a viking athlete.
‘Work hard and do what you can do’ is the advice Comperchio has followed his whole life in sports. Picking up a hockey stick as a three year old, Comperchio was introduced to hockey by his father, one of his biggest supporters. Comperchio could always find his father in the bleachers watching him play.
“He was there supporting me all the time,” Comperchio said. “If I didn’t do well, he would tell me what I could do better.”
One of Comperchio’s favorite hockey memories is of playing the 8th rank team in the state. He remembers scoring the first goal and winning in overtime 4-3.
“I like hockey because it’s also fun to watch,” Comperchio said. “It’s fast, though people that are watching can keep up with it.” Varsity hockey coach Eric Morgan saw leadership abilities in Comperchio and selected him as a team captain.
“Steve brought great skill and depth to the team, which led to him being one of the captains,” Morgan said. “I wanted him to lead as example. The enthusiasm he brought was for the other players to watch him and marvel at some of the things he was able to do. He is an exciting player to watch.” Though hockey is the sport that comes naturally to Comperchio, he has taken a liking to many sports. He has played varsity golf, football, soccer, and joined varsity baseball this year.
Over winter, Comperchio trained for baseball while being the team captain and an all state player for his hockey team.
“He’s a great kid and a hard worker,” varsity baseball coach Jonathan Hastings said. “Having never played before, I wasn’t sure how well he was going to do. You can tell he’s happy to be part of the team. I’m really happy he came, he’s one to have for his attitude.”
As for Comperchio’s future, he hopes to attend Sault Ste. Marie for hockey. If not, he will attend Jackson Community College for soccer. When it comes to giving advice to other athletes, Comperchio says it’s good to stay relaxed.
“Control what you can control,” Comperchio said. “If you can’t, don’t worry about it; just do what you can do.”