The Spotlight: Tom Urena
When watching the varsity football team play, one thing becomes clear for the Owls’ defense: #9 is flying all over the field, a dominant, one-man wrecking crew. This linebacker is senior Tom Urena, a captain and starter for the team who had an astonishing 124 tackles last season. Urena has been on the varsity squad since his sophomore season,
even getting called up for the playoffs as a freshman.
Urena’s football career began back when he was six. His mother, scared about potential injuries, allowed Urena to play flag football for his first few years. Then, in third grade, his dad was able to persuade his mom into letting Urena join tackle football, and consequently, Urena joined the Valley Stream Green Hornets. Thus, his tackle football career was born.
Urena began his school football career where he ends, at linebacker, where he leads the defense but keeps the opposition back. “I love being the leader of the defense and being able to call out the different schemes and plays,” Urena said about being a linebacker “I also love being able to hit someone every play, which is always fun.” he laughed. Urena’s quickness and ability to read the opposing quarterback’s moves often determines the result of play before it even starts, making Urena’s football IQ invaluable to the defense’s success.
Urena did, however, have a brief stint at defensive end during his underclassmen years. When he shifted back to his natural position last season, he flourished, becoming a force for which all of the opposing teams were aware.
Entering his junior year campaign, Urena was primed for a huge season, and he delivered. Even more impressive than Urena’s extreme amount of tackles were the ones he took on himself, capturing 71 solo tackles, while only 53 assisted bring-downs. His game also impacted the team further than in just the secondary, as he disrupted offensive motion in the backfield with an impressive three sacks. Additionally, Urena completely took the opposing offense off the field a couple of times, ending the season with two huge forced fumbles.
At season’s end, Urena, unfortunately, missed “All County” designation by one vote, even earning about 30 more tackles than the “best linebacker of the year” in the county, a title determined by the Piner Award.
Although he did not receive this prestigious honor, his talent did not go unrecognized. Before the start of this season, Urena was named a “Top-100 Football Player on Long Island for 2017” by Newsday.
Urena’s influence draws far beyond his own sphere though. One of his best attributes is his ability to lead, both vocally and by example, in the locker room and on the field. As best stated by longtime teammate and friend senior Matt Renz, “Everyone looks up to what he does on and off the field. He’s an all-around great leader.” Urena is without a doubt a special player to all, including his coach. Varsity Head Coach Steve LoCicero comments, “Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant once stated, ‘If you believe in yourself, have dedication and pride and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.’ These are the qualities exemplified by Thomas. He is a true winner who gives his all toward every given task with leadership.”
