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Michael DiFrancesco has never had any hangups in holding himself to high standards to acquire what he wants, be it an academic goal or an athletic pursuit. Always physically blessed, the 18-year-old has become a studious standout, too, with his combined talents helping him to gain acceptance into Temple University, where, as a preferred walk-on for the football team, he will look for collegiate success to rival that of his high school prowess.
“I’m eager for what’s to come,” the resident of Broad and Pollock streets and recent graduate of Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., said of his North Broad Street-based odyssey, which he commenced Monday through a summer class. “Especially with the football team, I have a few dream scenarios, so I’m excited.”
Distinction as a preferred walk-on means the Marconi inhabitant will not head to the squad as a scholarship recipient, but he loves the idea of applying his skills so as to achieve that title by his junior year. He found Temple, which bested suitors such as Bloomsburg University and the University of Pittsburgh, appealing partly because of its proximity to home but also because of its pigskin program’s increasing stature.
“I think I’m going to fit in really well,” the fitness fanatic said of bolstering his body for the rigors of Division I action. “There’s a good group of guys, especially among the linebackers, so I want to contribute and help us to win the [American Athletic] conference championship. That’s a huge aspiration I have.”
If he can aid the Owls in landing that crown, he will continue to count himself as a member of a laudable club, with his senior season at his East Passyunk Crossing-based alma mater having initiated a cherished tenure as a victor. The Saints walloped West Catholic 34-12 in Nov. 8’s Catholic League AA final, halting the Burrs’ 52-game winning streak against parochial opposition and endowing their institution with its first gridiron plaque in 60 years. They granted backers another four quarters of joy a week later by downing Prep Charter, 1928 Point Breeze Ave., 12-6 for the City AA championship at the South Philadelphia super site, 10th and Bigler streets.
“Both unforgettable, just timeless memories,” DiFrancesco said of the triumphs to which he contributed as a linebacker and a fullback, tallying a 19-yard catch in the latter role versus their West Passyunk-situated adversary. “Everything we’d worked so hard for finally came our way.”
The locals capped what would become a 9-5 slate by earning a state playoff destruction of Springfield (Montco) at the super site, with the entire campaign of success leading numerous players, including DiFrancesco as a double First-Team honoree, to receive league kudos.
“With the guys who will be coming back and the experience they’ve gotten, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did it again,” the proud alumnus, who also claimed First-Team AA All-State merit, said. “I’m happy that I was able to be a part of something so great. Now it’s time for new challenges.”
Though football has become the fostering force behind his athletic maturation, it once had competition from other sports, including baseball, which he tagged as a beloved pastime through his days at St. Richard School, now St. Pio Regional Catholic School, 1826 Pollock St., and basketball, which he considered a slam dunk of an obsession until his junior year. Following participation in touch leagues, he transitioned to tackle football through involvement with the St. Monica School unit and excelled as a multi-position presence, with the culmination of his elementary school years, much like the end of his secondary school stretch, infusing him with additional fascination for the unknown.
“I knew I’d have to step it up,” he said of enrolling at Neumann-Goretti, which united him with brother Chris. “I came in with a new coaching staff, and everyone was committed to fielding a great team. When I look back, I’m going to feel so happy that we made so many people so proud of us.”
DiFrancesco also heightened his own sense of satisfaction through his academic diligence, with one date with the ACT and four brushes with the SAT further proving his allegiance to being a well-rounded young man.
“Nothing is really that intimidating because I know what I’m capable of,” he said of beginning this phase of his life, which will include distinction as a criminal justice major. “I know there will be come battles, but that’s part of growing up.”
With a clearly defined team goal, DiFrancesco added that he has a personal passion, too, namely to earn a starting role, with thoughts of facing off against the Penn State University Nittany Lions especially desired.
“I feel pretty prepared,” he said of handling the novelty. “I’m staying on top of my strength and conditioning, so that’s going to be a plus as I make the adjustments.” SPR
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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