Three-Sport Athlete Robert Carducci Finishes Senior Year

Robert Carducci spent his senior year as a member of the football, wrestling and baseball teams. He was one of only ten three-sport athletes in the 2010 Harrison High School graduating class and our choice for athlete of the week.

This year on the football team Carducci was a jack-of-all-trades. He was the team's starting safety and played wide receiver on offense. But his biggest mark on the Huskies was as the team's punt return man.

Early in the season he had difficulties handling punts, but after a few games he made the necessary adjustments to become an offensive weapon. By the end of the season Carducci also became one of the emotional leaders on the team.

"Robbie is a naturally gifted athlete but people had doubted his leadership ability," said Harrison kicker Jack Molloy. "But during halftime of the Eastchester game he delivered the motivational speech of his life and led by example on the field which helped us win."

Carducci was also one of the few seniors of the school's wrestling team in the winter. He wrestled at 145 pounds and used his quickness and agility to defeat his opponents. Carducci's record on the mat hovered around .500 for the season but his contributions were about more than wins and losses.

"Robbie is a very naturally talented athlete," said Harrison's wrestling captain Duke Alvora. "You can tell he was a natural on both the football field and on the wrestling mat."

In the beginning of the baseball season the Harrison coaching staff asked the senior Carducci to move from his natural position of shortstop to second base. The transition proved to be somewhat difficult for the senior, as Carducci had an error in each of the first two games. But once again, a few adjustments was all it took and the soft-handed infielder limited his mistakes for the remainder of the season, ending the year with a fielding percentage of .950.

"Carducci was a consistent player," said Harrison designated hitter Mike Chiarella. "He was a key leader and contributor when making the run in the playoffs."

Offensively Carducci proved to be a very valuable weapon for Harrison, he hit low in the order and always saw a lot of pitches. Carducci made the opposing pitchers work hard but actually rarely walked, an indication that he rarely swung and missed. He ended the season hitting .315 in 84 plate appearances. He also collected 15 RBIs and scored 15 runs.

"Robbie gave his all for us all season," said Harrison's Zach Eklund. "He made a seamless transition to second base, and he always gave his best efforts at bat and on the bases."

In the fall Carducci will be attending Sacred Heart University where he will be furthering his academic career.

Best of luck and continued success Robert Carducci, Harrison Patch's athlete of the week.