Senior Mick Rapinchuk knew he was going to make his dream of playing football in college come true, even at a young age. This is a common goal and dream of many athletes who inevitably fade away as they grow up, but not Rapinchuk.
Committing to college for a sport is a major accomplishment but it is not right for everyone. For Rapinchuk, college commitment has always been his biggest goal. He has many thoughts and preferences about colleges, which all connect to his love for the sport.
While going on plenty of college visits for football and talking to his brothers about his decision, he gained knowledge about what he’s looking for in a college.
“What I’m looking for is success from the program to go somewhere, but I’m also looking for somewhere I’m going to be able to play within the first year or two and actually get on the field… I’m trying to see, do I actually have a significant role on the team,” Rapinchuk said.
Thinking back and leading into Rapinchuk’s decision of wanting to play in college, he came across some bumps and doubts along the way. Starting high school football, Rapinchuk was smaller than most other players and experienced consequent mental challenges. He grinned when recalling having a strong and supportive coaching staff that boosted his confidence along his sports career.
“My sophomore year, I got to do varsity summer camp. That was when I first met my defensive coordinator, and he kind of just helped me fight fears of failure and fears of judgment…a lot of mental stuff, so I was able to kind of break through that and realize, it’s possible as long as I just put my head down at work, which I’ve been able to do,” Rapinchuk said.
Mental and physical growth is a long journey, but Rapinchuk never gave up. Throughout all of his struggles on the field, he always had someone there to push him and motivate him no matter what. Rapinchuk grew up with two older brothers who also played football in high school and college; they were always huge role models for him.
“My brothers, obviously, because they’re older than me, they’ve kind of pushed me above my age level and above my abilities,” Rapinchuk said.
Growing up with brothers all falling in love with the sport together motivated him; however, when times get hard and with his brothers off to college, Rapinchuk often turns to one of his biggest supporters– his faith in God. This guides him through many challenges and motivates him to work to the best of his abilities.
“My faith in God just motivates me the most,” Rapinchuk said.
Rapinchuk’s next game is this Friday, Oct. 10 against Hinsdale South High School.
