EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB) — Running for a touchdown into the end zone. It’s a familiar place for East Longmeadow High School senior Anthony Vega. He’s also talented on the basketball court and on the baseball field. To always cheer him on in the stands are his parents and his siblings. But Vega’s hard work doesn’t stop here.
“Definitely a big part about playing sports is you gotta do what you gotta do to get grades,” said Vega.
There are many students who excel in both academics and sports. What sets Vega apart is that he also finds the time to help kids get to the same place he is. He coaches pee-wee up to eighth grade players in baseball, basketball and football.
“Talent starts young and if you help them when they’re young, then they’re gonna get better when they’re older,” said Vega.
This includes academics. His lesson to the younger kids is straightforward.
“To keep up your grades and you’ll excel in college and excel in life,” said Vega.
And speaking of college, Vega is thinking about Westfield State University and a major in either criminal justice or math.
