Senior Athlete Spotlight: Emil Infante

When Emil Infante’s dad encouraged him to play football when he got to Palmer Trinity in the 6th grade, he didn’t hesitate. “My father always encourages me to take advantage of any opportunity that I come across because you never know what could happen,” Infante recalls. Six seasons and a position change later, Infante has become a huge part of a Palmer Trinity Football team that just won its first District Championship since 1980. Head Varsity Football Coach Mark Reese describes Infante as “a great young man who is a tremendous teammate and leader.”

While Infante initially began as a quarterback and played the position throughout his time in Middle School, he switched over to tight end when he joined the Varsity team. Instead of focusing on arm strength, Infante has committed himself to the weight room and the physical change that he needed to go through in order to block defensive linemen while also maintaining his speed and agility when catching passes. Despite missing two games due to injury, Infante is third on the team in both receptions and yards while tied for second in touchdown receptions. Infante also believes his time as a quarterback has helped him as a receiver. “I have a better understanding of why I am running certain routes and what I need to do as a tight end to make my quarterback’s job easier.”

Infante’s experience as a quarterback has been helpful as he has seen action on the Varsity squad as a quarterback when the starter has gone down with injury. In fact, he can’t pick his favorite memory as a Falcon, naming a tie between his first touchdown reception and his first
touchdown pass which went for 70 yards. When reflecting over his time at Palmer Trinity, he
encourages younger student-athletes to give football a try and to take advantage of the time you have because it goes by very fast. “I would tell them to train consistently as early as possible,” Infante adds.

Off the field, Infante volunteers heavily within the sports realm. He has volunteered at Palmer Trinity’s Summer Basketball camp, served as a course director at the annual St. Thomas 5k, and coached younger athletes with special needs. His favorite food is French Dip from Hillstone, favorite movie is Shutter Island, and favorite artist is Disclosure. He looks forward to studying Business in college and names Florida State as his favorite school that he is applying to.

 

Be sure to come out and support Emil and the rest of the Varsity Football team as they have officially clinched their spot in the Regional Quarterfinals on Friday, November 15th. Senior Day will be held on Friday, November 1st at 4:00pm prior to kickoff against Florida Christian.

 

Go Falcons!