WVMS Wildcats kick off new season and My Jersey, Your Impact campaign
![student poses next to teacher and both hold one shoulder of a purple football jersey with number 7 on it]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758209814/warwickvalleyschoolscom/qdpicgeuxokkca8nyue7/MyJersey_91825_Zach.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758209814/warwickvalleyschoolscom/qdpicgeuxokkca8nyue7/MyJersey_91825_Zach.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758209814/warwickvalleyschoolscom/qdpicgeuxokkca8nyue7/MyJersey_91825_Zach.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758209814/warwickvalleyschoolscom/qdpicgeuxokkca8nyue7/MyJersey_91825_Zach.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758209814/warwickvalleyschoolscom/qdpicgeuxokkca8nyue7/MyJersey_91825_Zach.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1758209814/warwickvalleyschoolscom/qdpicgeuxokkca8nyue7/MyJersey_91825_Zach.jpg","width":2200}])
The Warwick Valley Wildcats modified football team kicks off its season today at 4:30 pm at C. Ashley Morgan Field against Pine Bush. And that means the return of another fantastic Warwick tradition, the team's My Jersey, Your Impact campaign!
The heartfelt initiative, spearheaded by Warwick Valley Middle School teacher and football coach Mark Botta, celebrates the meaningful connections between student-athletes and educators. Each week, members of the Wildcats football team select a teacher who has made a significant impact on their middle school experience and presents them with their Wildcats jersey as a gesture of appreciation.
The teachers who are honored are invited to display the jersey outside of their classroom for the day (some have even taken to wearing them) symbolizing the bond between students and teachers, and the connection between academics and athletics. The tradition has been a great way to show off Wildcat spirit, while also reinforcing the value of mentorship and gratitude within the school community.
Here this week's Wildcat players and honorees!
Zach McCabe, #7
Zach is a returning eighth grader and a vital piece of the Wildcat team. He plays halfback on offense and outside linebacker on defense. He brings a great combination of speed and physicality to both positions, and his determination inspires the entire team.
Zach chose to present his jersey to his seventh-grade ELA teacher, Amanda Terralavoro. Zach knew from the moment he met Ms. Terralavoro, that “Ms. T” was a kind an caring teacher. Zach said he hadn’t always been the biggest fan of ELA, but that he gained a tremendous amount of confidence in her class. That translated to the subject feeling “way easier,” and making a lasting impact on Zach’s learning.
JJ Jackson, #77
JJ is the Wildcats starting right guard and defensive tackle. Another returning eighth grader, JJ brings tremendous power and grit to the field. He has an explosive first step, and coaches think he may just might be the strongest guy on the modified football team!
JJ chose to present his jersey to his seventh and eighth-grade ELA teacher, Sarah Begley. JJ, who brings a huge personality to everything he does, made an immediate lasting connection with Ms. Begley. "Ms. Begs is my twin!" he said, about how the two share tons of inside jokes with one another. One of those jokes: JJ wishes Ms. Begley “happy birthday” every day, determined to finally figure out when her birthday actually is!
