Reposting from earlier this month
NORTH SHORE (Podcast) For their excellence both in the classroom and their respective athletic endeavors, Peabody High senior volleyball star Abby Bettencourt and Bishop Fenwick football captain Luke Connolly have been chosen as the Moynihan Lumber Student-Athletes of the Month for October. For details on Abby Bettencourt – Click Here
Luke Connolly – Bishop Fenwick Football with Bill Newell
Story by Phil Stacey
Connolly is also an exceptional three-sport athlete at Bishop Fenwick, where he not only dominates as a two-way standout in football but is also one of the state’s best wrestlers and is a valuable weapon for the Crusaders’ lacrosse team in the spring, taking faceoffs and playing long stick middie.
During the school day in his classes, Luke more than measures up, too. Owner of a 4.3 grade point average and member of the National Honor Society, he thrives in an atmosphere where both his
teachers and his peers challenge him academically.
“I love to push myself academically, ask questions, get involved in discussions, and get help when I need it,” he said. “I’m not afraid to give the wrong answer, because then I can find out the mistake and not make it again.
“I’m in a lot of high honors classes,” he continued, “so the others in my classes really push me to be a better student. My parents (Scott and Renee) help me in that regard, too.”
Wanting to study engineering in college, Luke’s favorite class is physics.
“I like the concepts and to see how things in the world actually happen,” he said. “I’ve always been a math guy, too, which helps me understand physics that much better.”
Luke has had a sensational season for Bishop Fenwick on the gridiron this fall. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder is averaging 15 tackles per game as a strong safety, unafraid to step up and make big hits before opponents reach the second level of the Fenwick defense.
Offensively he’s been a jack of all trades, lining up in the slot but also running out of the backfield more than he ever has. Heading into the Crusaders’ season finale against Masconomet on Thanksgiving, Luke is leading the team in rushing yards with 787 while also catching 29 passes for 540 yards. All told, he has scored 13 touchdowns and one 2-point conversion, good for 80 points.
With his school ineligible for postseason play this school year, Connolly’s role as a team captain have meant more than ever.
“It’s been a season where we’ve bonded as teammates more and not taken things for granted,” said Luke. “I honestly feel like we’ve cherished each and every game more than ever. I try to remind the boys, ‘Sometimes life doesn’t go your way, and you just have to fight through it.’ I’m always trying to encourage the guys and focus on what we can control, not what we can’t.
“Sports are very important,” he added, “but I always say to my teammates, ‘Remember that you’re a student-athlete, not an athlete-student.’ School always has to come first.”
