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Sports

No Off Season For Basketball and Football Player Charlie Credendino

This week's athlete of the week is Harrison's spectacular freshmen Charlie Credendino.

Most freshmen at Harrison High School spend their time learning the campus, adjusting to their new schedule and avoiding intimidating glares from upperclassmen.

But Charlie Credendino is not like most freshman.

The varsity basketball and football player has not only met expectations in the classroom, but exceeded them in athletics and he is now working hard to get even better.

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It wasn't difficult for Credendino to fit in on either varsity team this year. His great play, good work ethic, hard-nosed attitude and willingness to learn in practice made it easy for teammates and coaches to accept him.

"I always felt that both teams accepted me and made me feel right at home," Credendino said. "I was always treated like one of the guys on both teams."

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During the football season, Credendino's playing time was somewhat limited; however, once senior Mark Caligiuri suffered a season ending injury, Credendino came out and excelled on the team's defensive line. In an abbreviated season, Credendino compiled 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Harrison also saw Credendino's value during basketball season. His playing time was limited, but he proved to be an important member of the team both off the bench and in practice. He averaged less than three points a game and added three rebounds, but his impact was always felt.

Playing both basketball and football, Credendino felt compelled to change his in-season workouts this year, so that he could compete better in games and excel in practice.

"During football season I try and lift a lot different than I would during basketball," Crendendino said. "I try and do a lot of workouts for explosion during basketball season so I can be faster, jump higher and be much more agile."

The young player credits the coaching staff for his seamless transition from modified and recreation sports to varsity athletics.

"In football, coach Troilo was a big help to me, especially because it was my first year on varsity. He worked very hard to make me feel comfortable and to make me a much better football player," Credendino said. "The entire basketball coaching staff were all a very big help during the season. They helped me to not only make the jump from modified basketball to varsity, but they also helped me to get in shape and still maintain my strength and size."

Credendino also credited one of his teammates on both teams for helping him.

"Dennis Rinaldi was a big help for both sports, but most importantly during basketball season. He and I share the same position (center) so he was always working with me and showing me things he has learned in his years on varsity."

Credendino was lucky enough to be a key factor in both seasons, he looks back at two moments that really stand out from his freshmen year.

"The Eastchester game in football was one of my favorite moments. Just to see how our team was able to come together and make the comeback. Not to mention the game itself was the most exciting game I have been apart of so far," he said.

During basketball season, Credendino said an early season game against a big rival was his best memory. 

"Beating Rye at the Westchester County Center was a great experience for me," he said. "There is nothing like beating your rival on a big stage like that."

Credendino knows he will still need to improve to be the player he wants to be during his varsity career, and is working hard at Halliwell's gym in Mamaroneck. He said he is currently training for speed, strength, explosiveness and agility. With his natural strength, athleticism and willingness to learn and get better, it is hard to imagine just how good he might become over the next three years.

Best of luck and continued success Charlie Credendino, Harrison Patch's athlete of the week for the week of March 21 - 28.

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