Today, CFC features class 2013 defensive star from the St. Andrew’s College Saints, Mario Chiodo. Mario began playing football at the age of eight.

Mario Chiodo

Positions:
Linebacker, Defensive Back

Height/Weight:
6’0, 200 lbs

Teams:
St. Andrew’s College Saints (high school: CISAA)
Oshawa Hawkeyes (peewee/junior varsity: OVFL, tyke/atom/peewee: COMFL)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Open

Class:
2013

With the Oshawa Hawkeyes football organization, Mario played eight seasons in the Central Ontario Minor Football League (COMFL), and the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

During his time with the organization, the standout was defensive MVP twice, team MVP and team rookie of the year. Moreover, he was selected to the OVFL first all-star team twice (2008, 2010).

On May 6th at McMaster University, Mario will participate in the all-star game as he was selected on the GTA Rising Stars team. This summer, he’s been invited to play in the OVFL all-star game.

In 2011, Mario experienced memorable highlights of his football career while playing for his high school team, the St. Andrew’s College Saints. The first moment was when the Saints defeated the Upper Canada College Blues to win the Canadian Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) senior championship title.

“After losing the year before to them, this game meant a lot to our football program and to our school community,” adds Mario.

Once the Saints won the championship title, they had to face King City in order to gain a berth into the Metro Bowl. The team prevailed in triple overtime and defeated their opponents. Going to the Bowl game was a surreal, yet special moment in Mario’s football career.

“The environment of the Rogers Center and playing under the lights was electric,” explains the Saints defensive standout. “Although we didn’t win the game, the experience will last me a lifetime.”

During his football career, Mario has been fortunate to have great coaches who’ve shaped him into the player he’s become today. However, the Saints coaching staff including head coach Len Gurr ,offensive coordinator Michael Carroll, defensive coordinator Joe Foote and quarterbacks coach Courtenay Shrimpton have played a significant role in developing the young defensive star.

“They believed in me as a junior coming into grade 10 and offering me to play up and become a member of the senior football team when I was only 15 years old,” comments Mario. “All of the after-school practices, film study, to countless hours of preparation; I truly believe they are the best high school football coaches in the province.”

“They are not only looked up to on the field, but also as teachers, and leaders in our school community.”

On the sidelines, Mario’s biggest cheerleaders are his parents. They have supported the Saints defensive star since he began his football career in the fourth grade. Additionally, they have inspired and motivated him on and off the field.

“They encourage me to do well in my school work, and keep it as my top priority,” adds Mario. “They have given me the opportunity to go to one of the best overall schools in the country, St. Andrews College.”

“Without them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.”

Away from the gridiron, Mario plays rugby and does weight training. Using his leadership skills, he is a house captain for grade six to nine boarder students at St. Andrew’s College.

After high school, the Saints standout wants to attend a school that has a strong academic and football program. Academically, he would like to pursue a degree in history or business.

As a result of spending hours on the field, Mario has learned many things which he applies into all aspects of life.

“The thing I’ve learned from football is the power of a team: when a group of dedicated people strive for a common goal, the sky is the limit,” says Mario. “Also, football has taught me work ethic and determination, which has led me to understand that whatever I put into something, is equivalent to the amount I will get out of it.”

“I am committed to always putting forth my absolute best at all times in everything I do.”

Saints head coach Gurr says that since there was depth at the linebacker position on the team last season, Mario was asked to play defensive halfback.

“He showed his commitment to the team by never once complaining and doing an excellent job for us,” adds Gurr.

On and off the field, the Saints head coach says the defensive star is infectious.

“Mario is an outstanding young man away from the football field,” explains Gurr. “He is a quiet, positive, upbeat person who is well liked by our entire faculty.”

“His tremendous popularity with his teammates is a clear indicator of the type of person that he is.”

If the off-season is any indication, Mario is poised to have a breakout season with the Saints.

“He has been training quite hard this off-season and we’re excited to see the impact he make at his natural position of linebacker during his senior season,” says Gurr.

Video of Mario’s Football Highlights:




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