Determination and desire. Those are the traits that you must posses in order to win the prestigious Turelli Award, given to one football player every year who has excelled in athletics throughout their high school career as a Lake Forest Scout. This year, the award went to Matthew Barigazzi, a senior who has played cornerback for the Scouts since his freshman year. I recently sat down with Barigazzi to learn more about his career, his plans for the future, and what it means to be a recipient of the Turrelli Award.
After winning your first two games, you guys had a rough start to conference play. You were also sidelined due to an MCL injury and were unable to help your Scouts on the field. How did you manage to stay determined and positive on the sideline and on the field when you made a return?
“I had an unfortunate knee injury that sidelined me for 6 weeks of my senior season and I knew all I could do was just go out there and cheer on my teammates and do whatever I could in the training room to get back out there with my brothers.”
Going back to your game against Waukegan, you had two huge interceptions. Would you consider those picks your signature moment as a football player at Lake Forest?
“I would certainly consider it a highlight of my career as a Scout. I had two interceptions late in the game, one you could say should’ve been batted down on 4th down, but it was a great feeling for me and a proud moment in my career.”
What would you say motivated you the most throughout the four years of your high school football career?
“I always went by the motto that if you do something, you have do it at 100 percent, and when you listen to your coaches and peers, only good things can come from it.”
As of right now, you are looking at colleges to play either lacrosse or football. It is still unclear if you will commit to a school where you will participate in athletics, but if you do, what is the strongest attribute that you believe you will bring to either a lacrosse or football team?
“Yes, I am currently looking to compete in athletics at the college level and will announce where I will be attending closer to February 4th. I am looking to play both football and lacrosse for a division III program.”
Lastly, what does it mean to win such a prestigious award like the Turelli award?
“It means a lot. This award has been given out for the past 28 years here at the high school and I feel it is an incredible honor to receive. I am grateful to receive it.”
Matthew Barigazzi has truly excelled in athletics at Lake Forest high School not just as a football player, but also as a lacrosse player. Despite getting sidelined due to an injury towards the beginning of the season, Barigazzi was still able to make a significant contribution to his team. This award was well-deserved as Matthew will continue to have the same determination and desire to play the sports that he loves if he decides to go to a Division III college in February. Congratulations to Scouts cornerback and lacrosse player Matthew Barigazzi on his achievements and winning the Turrelli award.
