By Michael LaSalle ‘22

The Chaminade varsity football team is back in full swing this year. One player who has contributed to the team’s success is Christian Alacqua ‘22. 

Alacqua grew up in Manhasset and went to St. Mary’s for middle and elementary school. He came to Chaminade because his older brother loved it and also because, as he explains, he “wanted to prioritize his Catholic education.” Alacqua’s favorite subject in school is history, and he is particularly interested in learning about the history of war. 

When asked about his favorite war movie, he responded with Black Hawk Down: “It’s about U.S. Army Rangers, and I want to be a Ranger.” 

Alacqua is a dedicated student both in the classroom and on the football field. 

Alacqua is the starting running back for the Flyers this year and is also a captain. Even though he is committed to Cornell University for lacrosse, he has a deep love for football.

“Football and lacrosse are two different sports but my work ethic doesn’t change,” he said. “It’s my senior year and I need to work my hardest in an attempt to leave my legacy at this school.” 

Lacrosse may be his favorite sport, but he wants to be known and remembered for football just as much as lacrosse. 

Alacqua was named the New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) Week 3 “Player of the Week,” totaling 187 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a game vs. St. Peter’s on September 25. 

Reflecting on his performance, Alacqua stated, “I thought I played well. My offensive line gave me great blocking and created holes for me to run through and make plays in the open field. Since we lost to Cardinal Hayes the previous week by one point, it gave me fuel to come back and play even harder to get in the win column.” 

Alacqua also revealed he has a “short-term memory” mentality to always focus on the next task at hand. 

“I know that in order to be a great player, you need to have a short-term memory,” he said. “Whether it’s a bad game or a bad play, you need to move on in order to succeed. If you let it linger in your mind too much, it’s going to have a negative effect on your play, and that’s something I’ve experienced in my sports career.” 

This mentality, when combined with his coolheadedness on both the field and sidelines, may be why he was voted offensive captain by his teammates. 

Through his hard work and commitment to the game, Alacqua has solidified this exceptional season as his best one yet.