The Taconic Tribune

Seniors in Sports: Part Two

Friday, November 13, 2009 By Sandra S.

The Senior Class of 2010 holds another well known athlete, Nolan B. Nolan, jersey number 44, is a 3 year Varsity football player. You can find him playing full back or catch him at line backer. Nolan is coached by Al Pailley. He is currently undecided in where he wants to start his college football career. He is interested in Union, Western New England, and Husson College. Nolan has been playing football since seventh grade in 2004, the first year of the Titan modified football program. When I sat down with Nolan, he described a day on the practice field. “First, we start off with our warm up lap. After everyone separates and lines up behind the captains, we stretch, do some tackling drills, and then we do offense/defense. After that we work special teams. We finish the day off with running. Every day is always different.” This past September, Nolan and the Varsity football team defeated the Cairo-Durham Mustangs 46-8 at the annual homecoming football game. The Titans have not won the homecoming game in over ten years before the win. He said in preparation the guys held tough to the motto “no mistakes.” Nolan also said that their plan was to score and not stop until they came out victorious. After six years of football Nolan says that his proudest achievement in football was making section II all conference when he was a sophomore. He does not want to stop there. “I want to make the senior all-star team and make all conference for the third year in a row.” Nolan also says it would be great to have colleges interested in him. During the replay of his six years, Nolan shares a highlight of his career. “One game when I went after the ball carrier, I hit him so hard my helmet popped off. I finished the tackle without my helmet on.” He also spoke of another game where he broke through four tackles to a 70 yard run touchdown. Nolan has had a phenomenal career here at Taconic Hills. Hopefully we will be able to witness his success next year in college.