Emily Orsini, Sports Editor–
“When one guy in the room starts to work harder than the rest, everyone tends to follow,” said Trey Fabrocini, a fifth year on Denison’s football team. “It’s always good to either be that guy or be around that guy whoever it may be.”
This philosophy has been one of the keys to Fabrocini’s success as he finishes his last semester on The Hill.
When COVID hit in 2020, fall athletics at Denison were put on a pause, granting student-athletes eligibility for a fifth year of participation in the NCAA. While some athletes declined this offer, others took advantage of being able to have an extra year in collegiate athletics, and Fabrocini is one of them.
“Ultimately, I want to live my life without regrets,” said Fabrocini. “Obviously it’s taken a toll on me physically, but 10 years down the road I’ll be happy that I did it.”
From receiving first-team All-NCAC honors for the past three years to being just within reach of the all-time rushing yards leader title, Fabrocini is well-decorated within the football program. Accolades like these don’t just appear out of thin air, they’re earned by determination and hardwork.
“I want the younger guys to look up to me and know to not get complacent and always strive for more, whether that’s in sport or out of sport. It’s always a good mindset to have,” said Fabrocini.
When holding a leadership position on an athletic team, it’s easy to let external and internal pressures affect how you play the game. As someone who has been in the spotlight for the Big Red in the past, Fabrocini has mastered his technique to stay present in-game.
“I just step on the field, take a deep breath, and disconnect myself from the real world. It [helps me] clear my mind so I can focus on the positives and learn from the negatives.”
A challenge within athletics is being able to distinguish positive from negative, especially when playing a sport as physical as football.
“Football is almost like a game of chess— you have to have great coaches and teammates around you to put yourself in the best situation to succeed. It’s definitely the most challenging part [of football],” said Fabrocini.
Fabrocini is surrounded by hardworking athletes who all have their eye on the prize, that being a conference championship.
“The past two years we’ve come within 10 points from being the conference champions. We’re just right around the corner from getting in and being where we want to be,” said Fabrocini.
Being a fifth-year student-athlete is only able to be done by those who are truly passionate towards their sport, and Fabrocini is no exception. When asked about his involvement in athletics post-grad, he had an enthusiastic response.
“I’m going to grad school for exercise physiology, so I’ll be in a realm working with athletes,” said Fabrocini. “I’m also a personal trainer and I own my own LLC back in Colorado, so I’m constantly surrounded by sports and will carry on more so in the sports performance world because of the passion I have for [football].”
The Big Red is now 3-2 overall and 3-0 in the NCAC after defeating host Wittenburg 30-20 on Oct. 5 as Fabrocini rushed for 103 yards and three touchdowns. With 4,096 career rushing yards, he now trails only Chris Spriggs, who amassed 4,248 yards from 1983 to 1986.
With the meat of the season still in front of them, the Big Red have the potential to do something spectacular, and give Fabrocini a final season to remember.
“I’m just striving for a conference championship and the best outcome possible, and for me to be on my way in good peace and fashion,” said Fabrocini.
The Big Red will travel to Wooster on Oct. 12 before playing host to DePauw on Oct. 19 and at Wabash on Nov. 2. DePauw (3-0) and Wabash (2-0) are the other teams undefeated in conference play.