a recent Island Trees football game.
(Photo courtesy of Cameron Provenzano)
Cameron Provenzano, a running back and outside linebacker, is known as the “ultimate teammate” for the Island Trees High School varsity football team.
“His only concern is getting the team better week-in and week-out,” head coach Tom McCormick said. “He’s not a guy that talks about his stats. All he is concerned about is the team getting a win.”
But Provenzano’s stats are quite impressive. The senior has 14 touchdowns already this year as the lead running back for the Bulldogs. His versatility on the gridiron is a large reason as to why Island Trees is 4-1 to start the year, compared to 2-6 a year ago.
With the two positions Provenzano plays, his body takes a massive toll. Impact-upon-impact adds up, but he’s learned how to handle it throughout the years.
“I’ve been doing it for a decade now, and it’s like second nature for me,” he said. “My guys help me recover, and they’re the ones who make me come back every single day.”
When Island Trees faced Malverne on Oct. 12, Provenzano rushed for an astonishing 205 yards, featuring five touchdowns.
The on-field success is accompanied with a leadership ability that McCormick truly appreciates. So much so that he named Provenzano as a captain in his junior year.
“In 10th grade, my brother was on the team as a senior,” Provenzano said. “He would take charge and tell people the right spots. I always looked up to him. When I was named captain in the 11th grade, it was an honor for me. Now that I’m in my final year, I know the rules and I feel like I’m in charge. I like it when the team tells me what to do and I can tell them what to do.”
And football isn’t the only sport Provenzano participates in. He’s also a basketball player for the Bulldogs.
In the past, he’s played baseball. This spring, he’ll be playing lacrosse, giving himself a new challenge prior to commencement.
“My eye coordination and my strength will help me for not only lacrosse, but when I play college football,” he said.
Playing collegiate ball is certainly the goal for Provenzano. He’s already started the recruiting process. Thus far, he’s speaking to a handful of universities, some Division III and even a few Division I programs.
“I’m the first one in my family to experience this recruiting,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play football at the collegiate level. Now, I get to take my talents even further. I want to be the best I can be.”
