Arlington's Michael Rescigno among 'Heart of a Giant' finalists honored for character

Michael Rescigno often would find himself in a familiar position, surveying his surroundings and making reads while the eyes of several supporters were affixed to him. The group would hang on every word as they huddled around him.

Those were some instances when the Arlington star wasn’t playing quarterback.

Rescigno was among a slew of athletes in his high school who routinely visit an elementary school and read to students. The senior also often volunteered to help coach kids in the local youth programs and officiate their games.

“Those kids idolize him and they’re seeing the varsity quarterback working the chains on the sideline,” Arlington football coach Michael Morano said. “He doesn’t hesitate to humble himself.”

Or pay forward what he considers “blessings.” Rescigno remembers being delighted as a small child when the older kids watched him play. Their presence made the games and practices feel more important and gave the youngsters an audience to impress.

“I have a blast being there and seeing the smiles on their faces lets you know it matters to them,” Rescigno said of the kids. “That’s meaningful to me and it’s a priority.”

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So much so that, despite juggling the responsibilities of being a straight-A student and multi-sport athlete, he willingly sacrifices a chunk of the little free time he has.

Teammates described him as a natural leader, one whose words can galvanize and whose example inspires them on the field and in the classroom. They rave about how helpful he is, how generous, and giving of his energy.

Those things are a snapshot of what spurred Morano to nominate Rescigno for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant honor. The award, presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, seeks to recognize people involved in scholastic football in the tri-state area who demonstrate notable character, diligence, and passion.

“It had very little to do with his on-field performance, although that’s exceptional,” Morano said of Rescigno, who broke several records while leading the Admirals to their best season this fall. “It’s for who he is as a person and what he’s done as a leader in our program and the school community.”

A pool of nominees has been whittled from hundreds since September, and Rescigno’s résumé and reputation helped earn him selection this week as one of the 11 members of the “Heart of a Giant” team.

“It was a rush of emotions; I was really excited,” Rescigno said of learning he was a finalist for the award. “Something like this reminds me of how fortunate I am to have so many great people in my life. I’m extremely thankful of Coach for choosing me for the nomination, and for everyone who has supported it.”

With his advancement comes a $1,000 grant to Arlington for football equipment and Rescigno being invited onto the field at MetLife Stadium. The finalists will be honored during a Dec. 11 game as the Giants host the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.

“I’m a big Giants fan so that’ll be a surreal experience,” he said. “Standing on the turf, looking around and appreciating why I’m there, it’ll be amazing.”

A groundswell of local support helped push him through a round of 60 in which the list of top applicants was trimmed through public votes. The finalists each submit a video highlighting their merits and a committee representing USA Football, the Giants and the Hospital for Special Surgery will choose a winner. The prize is a trophy and an additional $9,000 grant to the school.

This process already has been fulfilling, Rescigno said, as so many people have expressed to him their appreciation. As well, he said, Arlington potentially receiving that money is a small token to “give back to a program that’s given me so much.”

“He carries a 4.0 GPA, and his character is impeccable,” Morano said. “I’ve had a lot of people who’ve influenced me and who I look up to, and it’s usually people older than you. But he’s one of those people for me, and he’s done that as a kid.”

Rescigno credits his parents, Kerri and Mike for having instilled those qualities and practices. His father is an offensive coordinator for the Arlington football team and once was head coach at Yorktown. Michael said as a small child he noticed his dad’s demeanor and tone in addressing players, and how they responded, and from that he innately developed the tact required as a leader.

“As I got older, it wasn’t as much me consciously trying to be like that,” Michael said. “I genuinely love my teammates, the people around me, and I like trying to make someone’s day better.”

All that, of course, is supplemented by his dominance on the field. The dual-threat quarterback set program records this season with 2,888 total yards and 37 touchdowns, and excelled as a defensive back, leading the Admirals to a section final.

Rescigno was named the Section 1 Class AA Offensive Back of the Year, adding to a growing pile of awards.

“The highest compliment I can pay to him is to say that I hope one day he takes over this program,” Morano said of Rescigno, who aspires to become a teacher. “If he does ever become a coach, I think he would be excellent, and I know the positive impact he would have on young people.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Football: Arlington's Rescigno is finalist for Heart of a Giant award