Entering his final season of varsity football, senior Mason Cofer is looking to lead his team to success one final time. Cofer has proven himself to be an asset to his team. Junior Jovanni Grullon shared, “I feel like without [Cofer] we wouldn’t be able to get to the place we are right now as a team and where we can get in the future.” Additionally, Head Coach David Yaker reflected, “[Cofer] has discipline, focus, and resolve [that] have been tested numerous times, but he has remained steadfast in his willingness to do whatever it takes to make the team successful.”
The Owls started their season off strong, putting up video game-like numbers–they scored 138 points in three games that each ended in a win. The last time the Owls kicked off their season 3-0 was back in 2011. Yaker shared, “[Cofer] is willing to sacrifice individual achievement for team success, and I believe that is one of the reasons why we are having early season success.”
Cofer began playing football when he was eight years old. However, his interest in the sport began when he was six. Cofer’s parents were apprehensive about his safety due to the danger of the sport. But after Cofer’s persistent begging, his parents finally caved, and he was allowed to play football. “Ever since I put on the equipment for the first time, I eat, sleep, breathe, and live football,” Cofer added.
The four tenants of Lynbrook football are connection, composure, character, and toughness. And Cofer, according to Yaker, “…has embraced [all of them].” Cofer has connected with his teammates, coaches, and the community. He is also composed under pressure, and his persistence has allowed him to overcome any adversity that came his way. Ultimately, Cofer is as “…mentally and physically tough as they come!” added Yaker. He gets his work done, he plays hurt, he has sacrificed his body for the team, and he is able to be coached hard.
Similarly, Cofer prides himself on his “discipline, mental toughness, focus, perseverance, togetherness, leadership, and much more” that he brings to the gridiron. Cofer feels that these characteristics help benefit his teammates because he expects the team to “run as one big brotherhood.” Cofer added, “I believe the only way to get the most success is to play for your brothers and support them as much as you can on and off the football field.” Additionally, Grullon said that Cofer feels like a big brother to him because Cofer always ensures that he understands everything and makes sure to check in on everyone. Moreover, Grullon reflected on Cofer’s willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that Chase Samelson, the Owls’ starting quarterback, has enough time to throw the ball. Grullon asserted, “Without [Cofer], we’d be nothing, so I personally aspire to be more like Mason as I learn more and more from him.”
According to Cofer, some of his favorite memories playing football are “the Titans football games and the all-year commitment from the Lynbrook football varsity team.” Cofer added how much he enjoyed the team dinners and events as well. But the one moment that really stands out to him was opening up this season under the lights on the Marion Street turf.
When asked who his biggest inspiration is, Cofer, without hesitation, said his father: “My dad is one of the people in my life that I care about most.” Cofer described the tight-knit relationship he has with him. Moreover, Cofer explained, “The memories that we have shared and the times we have been through together reflect great toughness, determination, and much more.” Ultimately, Cofer looks up to his father and his family whom he credits as his biggest supporters. “I am so blessed to be so loved by my family. The inspiration they give me is so powerful and motivating,” he said. Cofer feels that his family has helped shape him into the person he is today.
Cofer had some words of wisdom for aspiring football athletes: “First, play football simply because it is HARD.” Cofer feels football can push players to limits that they did not know existed before.
As for his future goals for football, Cofer wishes to continue playing football “with every single bone in [his] body.” He added, “Unfortunately, my medical history is the thing that is stopping me.” Yet, he still hopes to continue to understand his body and become a more avid golfer. Ultimately, Cofer is a vital player on the varsity football team’s roster, and he is excited to see what will become of his final season playing as a Lynbrook Owl.
