By Abby Chong, Staff Reporter
Under the vibrant glow of stadium lights, the crowd erupts as the football team storms onto the field. Bursting through a banner, Sonny DiMartini paves the way for Conestoga football and a lasting legacy.
DiMartini has been a part of Conestoga football for 25 years. He began his career at Conestoga as a spectator, then as a player, and now an assistant coach. Helping run drills and support players, he has been an integral part of the coaching staff. In only a month’s time, DiMartini will forever be remembered as he is inducted into the Conestoga Hall of Fame.
“I love it. (I’m) so happy it’s almost here,” DiMartini said.
Varisty football head coach Matt Diamond continues to see the effect that DiMartini leaves on Conestoga players. DiMartini inspires many on and off the field by bringing his positive attitude to every practice.
“He is one of the most influential people I’ve ever met in his ability to have a positive influence on others,” Diamond said. “He comes to practice with a positive attitude (and) brings everybody around him up. (He) just does a terrific job of really helping our team create a great atmosphere.”
No matter the game’s outcome, DiMartini remains a constant area of support for the team. His positive relationships with players and the community remind the team why Conestoga football is so great.
“Everybody loves Sonny. It’s been going on for generations of so many graduating classes. Whenever they come back to games, or they think back on their time with ’Stoga football, Sonny’s a big part of what made it so special,” Diamond said.
Senior Robby Whann has been a part of Conestoga’s football program since he was a freshman. Whann’s close bond with DiMartini has left a permanent mark on his life. Whann remembers when Di Martini was first announced to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“I just remember giving him a hug for like 25 seconds, and he was just so happy about it. That was just a great moment that I’ll always remember with him,” Whann said.
Pam DiMartini, Sonny DiMartini’s mother, reminisces on Sonny DiMartini’s journey with Conestoga athletics. Growing up, the football team provided Sonny DiMartini with a reliable support system, even when he was too young to play. Now, Sonny DiMartini is able to give that same support to a new set of players as the community surrounding Conestoga football continues to grow.
“They have always given Sonny a place to fit in, and we feel very blessed (with) the way they’ve accepted him and befriended him,” Pam DiMartini said. “They’re just being great guys, (and) they just really care. What more could I ask for?”
The Conestoga community continues to flourish under DiMartini’s influence. His legacy extends farther than the football field and will be remembered forever as his name is permanently etched into the Conestoga Hall of Fame.
“We’re so proud to have him be a part of our program,” Diamond said. “We’re really thrilled for him and his induction into the Conestoga football Hall of Fame.”
Abby Chong can be reached at [email protected].
