WATERVILLE – With his senior football season at Mt. Blue behind him and a world-class skiing career waiting for him in the fall, Ron DiGravio wasn’t even thinking about playing football in July.

“I had a great time playing at Mt. Blue,” said DiGravio. “I was just happy to have been a part of that program and then I heard I had been named to the Lobster Bowl, and that was just awesome. It’s fun to reminisce about the past season with the people that you played against all year.”

When DiGravio got the call, like the 87 other recent high school graduates this summer, he was overjoyed.

“This is such a great opportunity for such a good cause, and that’s what this week is all about,” he said. “We went down to the hospital yesterday and visited some of the children there. It really put some perspective on things.”

Splitting time

While this week is all about recognizing athletes for their football accomplishments, for some this will be one last chance to play in a competitive game. For DiGravio, the situation is a bit more complex. He will attend Bates College and play football starting in the fall of 2004, taking a year off to pursue freestyle skiing.

“It’s going to be hard, I think,” said DiGravio. “But it will definitely be doable. There have been other people in the same situation that have done both.”

DiGravio himself has been doing both for four years. In the fall, the Mt. Blue student would play football and in the winter transfer to CVA, where they offer freestyle skiing. There, he has competed in several national events and placed well.

“Everyone in North America is really excited that the Olympics are going to be in Vancouver in 2010,” said DiGravio. “Those kids my age are the ones that will be about 25 or so when those games happen, and that’s just about the right age to be in the games.”

For the next year, DiGravio will train solely for skiing, resuming regular football workouts next summer under the auspices of the Bates College football program.

“I’m not going to lose too much, I hope,” said DiGravio. “The workouts, being a mogul skier and being an outside linebacker (the position for which he was recruited to Bates), are pretty close to the same. Both need quick legs and strong drive.”

A greater goal

As a semi-finalist for the Fitzpatrick Award and an accepted member of the Bates College, DiGravio is far from the stereotypical football player. During practice, as he trotted away from practice to meet with reporters, a shy smile came across his face as he unstrapped his helmet, still panting from playing defense all morning.

“It’s so great to meet all of these other athletes and to play alongside them,” said DiGravio. “You get to meet all of the people you fought so hard against all season, and I think everyone appreciates how hard we all work.”

Skiing may be on the forefront of DiGravio’s mind as the ski season, like it or not, quickly approaches, but for one last time he will wear his Cougars colors and play football with his peers.

“I was shocked to be the only one from my team to make it here,” said DiGravio, “but at the same time, I know that everyone here is dedicated to being the best, and this week is just amazing. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

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