Knights striker hits the books
Michael DiMaurizio gets it done both on the pitch and in the classroom.
The 22-year-old Thorold native, who is one of the go-to offensive players for the Niagara College Knights men’s soccer team, is also an excellent student who is so committed to his education he is taking a full course load at Brock in addition to his studies at Niagara.
DiMaurizio is in his fourth year of Concurrent Education studies at Brock and in his second year of general arts and science at Niagara.
“General arts and science is a pathway into any program I choose after that so I’m still reviewing my options at Niagara of what I’m going to take next year, because it’s going to be a new program,” DiMaurizio said.
As well, he is deciding whether to take all six years of the Concurrent Education program or finish after this year.
“I still haven’t decided yet,” he said, adding he is not sure if he wants to work in education or not.
With so much school work on his plate, DiMaurizio doesn’t have time to spare.
“It’s not like I get any special privilege because I’m doing both,” he said. “I have to deal with it. I’m sure the schools know, but they don’t take that into consideration so I’m doing as much work as anybody else in those programs.”
He said discipline and organization are the keys.
“It’s just how I allocate my time. I just have to stay focused on what I need to do and what I need to accomplish,” he said.
DiMaurizio feels his strict school regimen aids him on the field.
“I’ve learned an immense amount of discipline and focus and just drive of what I want to do and what I need to do,” he said.
On the field, the Denis Morris graduate has a knack for the net, scoring two goals so far this season after potting a pair in pre-season action.
“He has breakaway speed,” Knights head coach Frank DeChellis said. “He has a nose for the net and he’s aggressive on the ball. He’s getting healthy again and as he’s getting healthier, he’s getting more shots on net.”
DiMaurizio said he has always had good luck around the net thanks to his speed and athleticism.
“I used to play for Frank’s brother (in Thorold and Pelham) and I was in the same position,” he said.
DeChellis said DiMaurizio is also a top-notch person off the field.
“He’s always been a good kid,” he said. “Even when you talk to the people he knows in Thorold, he’s a good guy who associates himself with good people. He has a good circle of people around him and good parents.”
The Knights, 2-4-1, are in Conestoga Thursday.
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