NCAA Canadian profile: Marco Iannuzzi, Harvard University (Calgary, AB)

Over the next few months CFC will be profiling Canadians playing in the NCAA. CFC tracks all Canadian action south of the border and at the end of the year will update our ‘Canadians in US College’ list.

To check out the list of players that played in the NCAA / NAIA in 2009 please click here.

Check out the bottom of each article for links to other Canadian NCAA player articles.

Today’s Profile:
Marco Iannuzzi
Wide Receiver
Harvard University
FCS (Div 1AA)
Junior
Calgary, AB
St. Francis High School

1) For those Canadians who do not already know, talk a little bit about how you got to where you are right now.

I wish I had a short answer for this question, but please bear with me. Football started with the Calgary Cowboys, where I played pee-wee, bantam and midget football. It was here where I mark three major accomplishments: I began tuning my football skills, I developed a great work ethic, and I built some of the greatest friendships that I cherish to this day. From there I was then very fortunate to continue with a great group of players and friends whom went on to play three undefeated seasons in high school with the St. Francis Browns. In my senior year I was again very fortunate as I received some wonderful offers to play football all across Canada and the US. Of these options, none matched the athletic and academic promise that Harvard University had to offer. From the moment I was contacted by their coaching staff I became fixated on becoming part of the Crimson.

Contact with Harvard came about very late in the recruiting season which did not grant me admission for the year following high school. Harvard coaches then advised me to play the highest level of football that I could without tampering with my eligibility. It was then when I decided to play with the Edmonton Huskies (CJFL), which is where I found not only the most solid football program but more importantly the best group of coaches and players at the time. While in Edmonton, I fortunate enough to take part in a National Championship, and I was also able to undertake a very valuable management internship.

After completing my first post-secondary year, I began the Harvard admissions process again; only to find out that they were not too enthusiastic about the fact that I was removed from the academic environment for so long. It was then when I was finally advised to attend one of Harvard’s “approved” prep-schools which lead me to Ohio. There I played football, ran track, coached strength &conditioning and perhaps most importantly in Harvard’s eyes, re-entered the classroom atmosphere at a well recognized institution.

Finally, yes finally, I was then granted admission into Harvard’s class of 2011. Though my first two seasons here were plagued with unlucky injury, I was able to stay healthy for my junior season; through this time I was fortunate enough to take part in two Ivy League Championships. This year marks my senior and final season with the Crimson.

2) What is the best thing about playing NCAA Football? What is the most challenging thing?

I would have to say that the best thing about playing in the NCAA is that I am hopefully able to be a role model or mentor figure for any young athletes out there who aspire to compete at the next level. I can remember while I was growing up, Larry Deck was a true inspiration to me having also played football at St. Francis and then going on to play at Fresno and then in CFL.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of being an NCAA athlete is the unfortunate realization that football at this level is based upon a business-model rather than one of innocence and fun. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to take football to the collegiate level and I became well aware of the politics and business involved which is why I am able to embrace this challenge as it presents itself today. Throughout my career, I have tried to focus on the game in its purest form, playing each play hard and to the whistle, while allowing the other side of things works itself out.

3) What is your biggest individual goal for 2010 season? Team goal?

My biggest individual goal for 2010 is to win the Ivy League championship; my biggest team goal for 2010 is to win the Ivy League championship.

4) What is something that people should know about you?

I am extremely grateful for all of the support that I have received throughout my journey as a football player. Namely, my wife Jenn and daughter Isla, who have been extremely loving especially during our past few years in Boston. Also, I cannot thank my parents and brothers enough for their endless support and encouragement throughout my entire life.

5) What advice do you have to young football players in Canada?

Work hard. Know what you want. Work hard to get what you want. Never stop wanting more.

Past Articles

George Pearkes TE, Duke University (Nelson, BC)

John Bender, OL, Nevada (Cochrane, AB)

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