Staples Soccer Standout Frank Bergonzi Verbally Commits To Colgate

Staples junior soccer standout Frank Bergonzi is headed to Colgate University in the fall of 2011.

The defensive standout recently made a verbal commitment to attend the prestigious school in upstate New York. The Red Raiders play in the academically-oriented Patriot League.

Bergonzi attended Colgate's camp in early March and received immediate interest. The school requested his transcript and ACT scores, and he passed admissions less than a week after the camp.

Bergonzi went for a visit and fell in love with the campus. He made the verbal commitment after being offered an athletic scholarship.

"The decision was easy to me," he said.  "It's  a defensive-minded style of soccer that they play, and I really felt good after meeting (head coach)  Erik Ronning. I'm definitely excited to play for Colgate."

Carrying a 4.1  grade-point average, Bergonzi also was recently inducted into the National Honor Society, one of only 39 students at Staples to receive that honor this year.  Academics also are very important for him.

"Along with the coach and the style of soccer that they play, it's also a great academic school," Bergonzi added. "I've also talked to people who go there as well as Colgate alumni, and everyone loves the school."    

Bergonzi and the Wreckers are coming off another FCIAC title and also will be the defending Class LL state champions.

Boasting one on the most storied programs in Connecticut history, Staples won its 26th FCIAC crown last fall, then went on to capture its 12th state title but first since 1993.

Those are two accomplishments that Bergonzi is determined to revel in again.

"It's something that me, (Staples) coach (Dan) Woog, and all my teammates are focused on," said Bergonzi, who will serve as one of the Wreckers' co-captains in the fall.  "We are going to work as hard as possible to make it happen again next year."

Bergonzi, who plays both outside and inside on the defensive back line, is a player that Woog embraces on a daily basis. Having started since day one as a freshman for the Wreckers, Bergonzi's combination of talent and work ethic is hard to find.

"Frankie was a rare freshman starter for us – and he's improved rapidly since then," Woog said. "It's not easy throwing a ninth grader on the field – particularly in the pressure-filled defensive end.

"But Frankie thrives on pressure.  And that combination of coolness and intensity lifts up the entire team."

For Bergonzi, his respect and admiration for his coach is clearly mutual.

"Coach  does so much for our program," Bergonzi said. "He's all about Staples soccer, 24-7.  He really bridges the gap between alumni and current players, and he loves Staples soccer.

"It really carries over to how all his current and older players feel and how much pride they have for our program. He is a tremendous presence in the Staples community."