After finishing junior season as 1st Team All-MIAA, Silvio continues to better himself.
BY: Jack McLeay
During the entire month of April, the UNK football team has been battling against each other in spring football practices in order to get ready for the first game against Missouri Southern on September 5 at 7 p.m. Although this will be the beginning of the season, it will be the “beginning of the end” for 21 seniors. One of those seniors is UNK’s 3-time starting linebacker Sal Silvio.
Last year, Silvio finished with 107 total tackles and was named First Team All-MIAA linebacker. Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scott Lewis spoke about Sal and his effectiveness on the field. “The thing about Sal is, he is one of the most instinctual players I have ever seen,” said Lewis. “He has an ability to sniff out what the offense is trying to do and has a nose for the ball I have never seen before.”
Silvio talks about his personal accomplishments and what that means for him going forward.
“Being selected All-MIAA was truly an honor, but I am not fully satisfied,” said Silvio. “My main focus is to be a better overall team and compete for a conference championship next season.”
One of Silvio’s main goal this upcoming season is to be more of a leader. “Last year, I still was trying to find the type of leadership role I wanted to play,” said Silvio. “I think I have found that now and want to be the person that people look to on defense and can count on.”
Last season, UNK’s defense finished fourth in the conference in overall rush yards at 141 per game and third in pass yards at 185 per game. With an experienced defense that returns eight starters, Silvio says that execution will be key to being one of the best in the league.
“We need to be able to execute well at tackling and communicating,” Silvio said. “If we can all be on the same page and tackle well, I think it will be hard for people to get past us.”
Silvio’s notable recognition does not only come from on the field though. His acts off the field have given him a reputation as well. Offensive lineman Josh Stoltenberg talks about Silvio off the field.
“Sal is a great guy with a great heart,” Stoltenberg said. “Just seeing how he treats people around him really says a lot about his character and the way he carries himself.”
Coach Scott Lewis went on to talk about Sal’s personality and what he brings to the team. “Sal truly is a joy to have around,” Lewis said. “He likes to have fun and mess around with his teammates, but also would have any of their backs any day of the week.”
UNK football has four remaining practices before their spring football game on April 20. Silvio is ready to make some noise in the MIAA this upcoming year.
