College football: Former Holy Name star Dylan Diorio helps Anna Maria continue on rebuilding road

PAXTON — Grafton resident Dylan Diorio came into the Anna Maria College football program at the same time as coach Dan Mulrooney. Though saddled with the challenges of rebuilding, both agree the decision to commit to AmCats' football was a good one.

"I knew coming in that playing at Anna Maria would be a challenge, and I knew that they had had some losing seasons," said Diorio, who played his high school football at Holy Name.

"But after meeting with coach Mulrooney, I got the feeling that my experience here would be special," Diorio added. "Coach was revamping things — that intrigued me. I wanted to be a part of the rebuilding."

Throughout the rebuilding process, Diorio has gotten it done at the linebacker slot, as he played eight games as a sophomore last season and registered 33 tackles and a sack for the AmCats.

Playing football at the collegiate level requires commitment and hard work, Diorio noted. Nonetheless, Diorio enjoys the challenges that go with the territory and to also be a key component of an evolving program.

In addition, college football has been rewarding for Diorio, a player who has exceeded the expectations of many. If anything, the "too small, not-athletic-enough" description has provided the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Diorio with inspiration over the years.

Watching the AmCats' roster expand has been somewhat inspirational as well.

"To see people stick around and buy into the program, and believe in what we are doing here has been really huge for us as far as improvement goes, on and off the field," Diorio said.

No matter what the setting, Mulrooney is glad to have Diorio on his side.

"Dylan Diorio is an interesting kid — he came in from Holy Name three years ago with me as part of our first recruiting class," Mulrooney said. "He's played great, but ultimately what we're looking at is his leadership and his mentorship, especially with regard to the young guys."

Mulrooney noted that the AmCats have youth, so Diorio's ability to serve as a role model and friend to incoming athletes is pivotal.

Best of all, the team has looked good in the early going.

"I'd say that things are definitely looking good this year," Diorio said. "We've got a large, close group this year and we have a lot of incoming freshmen. We work very hard incorporating the freshmen into a program that has a solid foundation."

Getting the younger players to have a good feel about Anna Maria football is important, Diorio added. One goal is to make the freshmen feel comfortable. Diorio said that one way this is done is by using a "Big Brother" program, a scenario in which older players take younger ones under their wings.

The positive relationship between veterans and newcomers can be seen on the field.

"We have about 55 guys returning, and we've looked strong in the early going," Mulrooney said. "Dylan is one of the guys who has been through two losing seasons in a row. But we knew that that (losing) was going to happen. The freshmen who started out with me are now juniors. Things are on the upswing, and Dylan is a big part of it."

Mulrooney said that Diorio's experience and knowledge benefit the team. In a nutshell, Diorio knows where to be and what to do, and understands his role.

"He's played a lot of snaps — he's started about 15 games for us in his two years," Mulrooney said.

Diorio brings a lot to the football table.

"I play fast, I play physical, I put my body on the line, and that's always been my game," Diorio said. "I'm very football-oriented in terms of the smarts of it. The brain side of football, like knowing where everybody lines up. I'm also emotional and vocal, and enjoy communicating and leading."

Participation in athletics has been enjoyable for Diorio and he plans to stay involved in sports after college. He is working to get a business degree with a background in sports. The focus is on the business part as Diorio is planning on a career in sports marketing. Working with Nike or the Patriots would be great, Diorio added.

Mulrooney and Diorio are excited about the direction of Anna Maria football. Fueled by the team motto of "passion, fun and family," they are proud to be part of a positive football culture.

Anna Maria opens the season at Becker at 7 p.m. Friday.

—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.

Coach: Dan Mulrooney, 3rd season (2-18, 2-11)

League: Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC)

2018 record: 1-9 (1-5)

Schedule:

Sept. 6, at Becker, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14, Union, 1 p.m.

Sept. 21, Nichols, 2 p.m.

Sept. 28, at Rensselaer, 1 p.m.

Oct. 5, vs. Apprentice, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 12, at Alfred St., noon

Oct. 12, vs. Dean, 1 p.m.

Oct. 26, vs. Maritime (N.Y.), 1 p.m.

Nov. 2, at Castleton, 2 p.m.

Nov. 9, vs. Gallaudet, noon

Anna Maria at a glance