“Just the little time we spend with them is worth it to show them there are people who care,” said Venezia. “The kids look up to us like we’re NFL superstars. It’s rewarding to see them go home with smiles on their faces.”

Although Venezia tutors the youngsters primarily in math and English, he could also give them some life lessons.

Be persistent. Venezia saw very little action as a varsity player his first three years at Muhlenberg. “There was a point last year where I thought about giving it up, but I just couldn’t pull the string,” he admitted. “I’ve been playing football since fourth grade and I couldn’t let it end like that, sitting on the bench for three years and being a JV player.”

Venezia worked harder in the offseason than he had before and came to camp with a better attitude. The attitude was tested early on, when Venezia, who had played linebacker and end his first three years, was asked to move inside.

Be a team player. “I came in expecting to play defensive end, but we were short at defensive tackle,” he said. “I’m not one to be particular. Whatever I had to do to get on the field, I was going to contribute to the team’s success, even if it was as a special teams player.”

Venezia has contributed on defense, recording nine tackles and a pass breakup so far. “This year has been so rewarding,” he said. “I’m glad I didn’t quit last year because I would have missed out on a lot.”

Never forget the importance of having fun. Venezia missed last year’s ECAC championship game against Wilkes because of a previous family commitment – his grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Hawaii. To commemorate the event, Venezia’s friend, fellow senior defensive tackle Jon Buglione, presented him with a t-shirt that had “V2K” written on one side and “Aloha, Coach D,” a reference to Head Coach Mike Donnelly, on the other.

Venezia has worn the shirt to games this year. “We all get a kick out of it,” he said. “I don’t believe in being serious all the time. The more fun it is, the more you get out of it.”

Serve others. Because of his love for kids, Venezia entered Muhlenberg with tentative plans to become a pediatrician. Although some early science classes forced a quick change of plans (he’s now a business major), Venezia has still found a way to spend time with children through his volunteer work. “If I can’t help them in one way, maybe I can help them in another way.”