In the waning moments of Sachem East’s varsity football game on Friday, Nicky Chierichella etched his name forever in Sachem history.
As Lindenhurst attempted an extra point, Nicky, a special needs student at the high school, barreled through the defensive line and took control of the football on an extra-point attempt by the Bulldogs. Flanked by his teammates, Nicky ran the length of the field to the end zone and spiked the ball in pure happiness.
The crowd roared, cheerleaders chanted his name, and every one on the field that night will remember a wonderful moment for Nick and the Sachem East and Lindenhurst football programs.
Even more special, Nicky was voted team captain by his teammates for the week of the game.
Here’s what they’re saying about the moment:
Sachem East football coach Mark Wojciechowski: “Nick has been with us all year, every walk-through one of our linemen, Rob Wallace, catches kickoffs for us and hands Nicky the ball. He runs 100 yards and we hoot and cheer him on. It is always the highlight of our walk-through. Before the game I spoke with [Lindenhurst] coach Lombardo about if I had a chance I would put Nicky into the game. Nick is a special kid that always has a smile for everyone. Special moment.”
Sachem East Principal Lou Antonetti: “Nick is a genuinely happy person who, no matter what the circumstances, will have a positive attitude. You can always see him with a smile on his face in the halls of East. People can learn a lot from a kid like this as he handles adversity and challenges in a mature manner.”
Sachem Athletic Director Pete Blieberg: “This is a perfect example of sports doing more for a child then a child could ever do for sports. It was a moment that everyone in attendance will never forget. I want to thank the Lindenhurst football program; it’s players and coaches, for their classy display of sportsmanship. This event was a great example of everything that is right in high school sports.”