After the previous disappointing season, the Woodland Hawks were not happy. They had ended
the season with a record of 5-5; however, Senior Captain Brett Lato wants to change that.
Lato has tried out other sports such as baseball, but he has always found himself coming back to
football. His love for the game is not surprising, as his father is Woodland’s very own football
coach.
Both my uncle and my dad played college football. Watching him coach when I was younger
made me want to be out on that field. I think my dad is a big reason why I decided to start
playing.
Lato truly loves football. He views the game not only as a way to have fun, or a way to get into
college, but also a way of life. He believes that football teaches a multitude of valuable life
lessons that make playing the sport worth it.
Football is fun, but I think it’s more than just a game,” Lato said, “It teaches you
important lessons, like brotherhood, honor, and working hard. I don’t know who I would be if I
didn’t play football.
Captain Lato is determined to reach for the skies and hopefully receive a state title.
We want to make the state championship. We may have only gotten 5-5 last season, but I think
we have a real chance with our team composition this year.
When asked what he would do in college, if he would continue to play football, the captain
contemplated his final year in Woodland. After what seemed to be a while of consideration, Lato
gave a strong answer.
I would like to play football in college; football is important to who I am as a person.” Lato
continued. “However, I would like to focus on my academics. I plan to go to either Springfield or
Southern Connecticut State University, they both provide career paths for Gym Teachers and Physical Therapists.
Both are careers that I would be interested in.
With a future in helping others with physical fitness and sporting, perhaps Lato will prove
himself in that field this year as captain. Only time will tell, but with Lato at the helm, the future
of the Woodland Hawks looks bright.
Photo by Rebekkah Lawton