Wednesday, December 18, 2013

3DPT interviews Anthony Diorio, Shawnee HS '14

Shawnee High School started the season 3-3, and bounced back to win the Group 4 State Championship, led by two way starter, Senior, Anthony Diorio. We had a chance to sit down with Anthony and learn more about what goes in to preparing for a sports season as well as what allows an athlete to continue to play through injuries.



3 Dimensional Physical Therapy: Congratulation on winning the Group IV SJ state championship!   Your team overcame a tough start to win it all.  What did you have to do mentally to put the start of the season behind you?

Anthony Diorio: The 3-3 start never truly fazed us. We did start to treat every game like it was a playoff game after that start though. That mentality brought our game to another level.

3D: And on top of that, congratulations on being named Defensive Player of the Year in SJ by the Courier Post and Offensive Player of the Year in SJ by the Inquirer!  You play both linebacker and running back.  Which position to do you like to play more?

AD: I prefer to play linebacker. That was the position I played for my first 3 years at Shawnee so I take great pride in our Shawnee Defense. Being able to make contact with an opposing player every play is a lot of fun, too.

3D: Running backs and linebackers get a lot of wear and tear over the course of a full season. Did you have any injuries during the season?  What did you and the athletic trainer do to allow you to play through the season and have one of your best games in the State Championship?

AD: I pulled my groin the second game of the season against Williamstown. I constantly received deep tissue massages from the trainers and constantly had heat on my groin.

3D: As a four year starter for the Renegades, what is your favorite memory of your high school career?

AD: My favorite memory from the past four years was walking on the field with my brother for the first time. That was a special day for my dad, brother (Robby, Shawnee '13), and me.

3D: Did you do any strength and conditioning training in the off season?  How hard did you work in the winter, spring, and summer when the spotlight was not on you to have the success that you have had this year?

AD: I worked out nonstop in the off season.  I did strength training at Impact with Keith Scott and when I was not there I was doing speed work with Luke Bonus.

3D: What are your remaining college choices to play at next year?

AD: I am still going through the process and evaluating all my options.