To quote former UCLA basketball coach and renowned American icon John Wooden, “It is the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” This year on the Saint Anselm football field, no one lived up to this lofty standard more than senior Shea Cerio. Playing both kicker and punter for the Hawks, a position that is vitally important but sometimes little appreciated, Cerio concentrated on the little things throughout his college career. “I just focused on bettering my skills and becoming the best player I could be.” Cerio proclaimed.
Cerio began playing youth football at a young age and played mainly because he enjoyed spending time with friends and wanted something to do during the fall season. “I played football during the fall, basketball during the winter, and baseball during the spring and summer,” Cerio said. Nevertheless, Cerio quickly found out that football was the game that he wanted to pursue
During his accomplished high school career, Cerio played four years at the varsity level and excelled at kicker and cornerback, as well as wide receiver. Due to his accomplishments, Cerio was recruited by multiple colleges, and after his recruitment he decided to play kicker and punter here at Saint Anselm College. In Cerio’s words, “I decided to play here for a few different reasons. The academics were outstanding with a renowned Criminal Justice program and I also wanted the opportunity to play in the highest division of college football that I could.”
When asked about his favorite moment during his college career, Cerio alluded to a game against New Haven during his sophomore year. “New Haven was nationally ranked that season and I remember beating them and ruining their chance to make the playoffs.” However, what Cerio said has been one of the most rewarding parts of his time here at Saint Anselm was the opportunity to be a part of an institution that challenged him both athletically and academically. “Football has helped me stay focused and excel in my academics.” Cerio stated.
Nonetheless, even with all of his other accomplishments, what is possibly Cerio’s most outstanding achievement is his opportunity to attend the New York/New Jersey regional NFL combine in March. Cerio said that it was an outstanding opportunity to attend the event because he always dreamed of having the chance to try out for the NFL. At the combine, Cerio performed brilliantly and placed among the top one-third of players at his position. According to Cerio, “There is a chance that I could be contacted by an NFL team after the upcoming NFL Draft. But even if I do not get the call, I am just glad to have had the opportunity to attend the combine.”
During his college career, Cerio broke a total of eight school records including punting yards in a season, punting yards in a career, and most PATs in a game. Cerio will be graduating Saint Anselm in May and his absence will leave a gaping hole on the Hawks’ sideline next season. It was Shea Cerio’s focus on the little things that made big things happen on the field and will make bigger things happen for him in the future.