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12/07/2022 09:11 AMWhether it is in the trenches and behind the defensive line on the gridiron, or in the classroom with his academics, Wesley Selmani strives for only the best out of himself-paving the road to great solo accolades in both avenues as he prepares for the next phase of his life.
The Hand football team senior offensive lineman and middle linebacker began playing with the pigskin in 2nd grade and, “fell in love with it ever since.” This season for the Tigers, Wesley accumulated
61 total tackles (27 of them being solo), a sack, and interception in eight games while being named to the All-State Team and All-SCC Tier 1 Team. Additionally an honor roll student, Wesley has committed to school at Trinity College next fall.
“I love the friendships, the dedications, and being part of a brotherhood while having a good time with everyone and the coaches,” says Wesley, who also plays lacrosse for the Tigers. “To be named All-State and All-SCC teams was awesome and a huge moment for me. It was a moment of relief knowing that the past 12 years of football have paid off. My success has come from the offseason, plus working on team chemistry with my teammates.”
Being upfront for his offensive designation, Wesley knows that his position is often the unsung hero following tallies by the Tigers, yet he knows the appreciation for his efforts is certainly there. Defensively, Wesley has woven himself into a solid slot as being the eyes and ears in the middle of the field.
“Playing offensive lineman is rewarding, because every touchdown, the offense knows the play starts with us. We also had a great offensive line coach in Steve Filippone,” Wesley says. “This was only my second year as middle linebacker. It was fun, because I could really take control of the defense and be a key leader. It is important to be vocal and push people to their full potential.”
While Wesley balances the books and the ball, he notes his work ethic was instilled in him by his coaches and family. Wesley adds that it may be late nights and long hours, but what keeps him going is the dividends on the other side of things.
“[Hand football Head Coach Erick] Becker and my dad always told me academics come before sports, so I took that into consideration in high school,” says Wesley. “I know I need those good grades to get into college. Doing the school work, the homework, and getting things done with school projects, I know it will pay off in the end.”
Becker boasts that Wesley was consistent in setting only the most terrific template to the younger Tigers on how to carry themselves all around campus, in addition to being a defensive stalwart.
“Wesley set the standard for this team every day,” says Becker. “He was as good as any linebacker we have had here at Hand.”
Fulfilling a childhood dream by performing under the Friday night lights in Madison, Wesley is eternally grateful for a championship mentality that was forged on and off the football field with one of the state’s most prestigious programs at Hand.
“Playing for Hand football has been my goal since I was a kid. It has helped me grow by making friendships, building relationships, and being a gentleman,” Wesley says. “It is all about hard work and dedication here. It all comes down to attitude and mindset. It will be great to carry on what I learned here at Trinity.”
Speaking of his next move, Wesley, a prospective freshman and economics major for Trinity College, is eager and willing to continue winning both on the turf and throughout the lecture halls and classrooms.
“I want to major in economics and maintain the grade-point average just like I have done here,” Wesley says. “I want to keep excelling in the classroom. Trinity is a small school with small class sizes, so that will help me learn easier and make good relationships with my professors. As far as football, I want to work hard and dedicate myself to earning a starting spot on the team and do whatever I can to better myself.”