The Everett High School football program has reached tremendous heights under the leadership of head coach John DiBiaso. Every year Everett produces outstanding student-athletes who go on excel at the college level. Some EHS players – Dr. Omar Easy, Diamond Ferri, Dan Ross, Pat Hughes, and Bobby Leo, among others – have played professionally. The late Mr. Ross starred at Northeastern Univeristy and set a Super Bowl record for receptions as a tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals.
This past weekend, two former Everett High stars, Manny Asprilla and Rodman Noel, signed free agent contracts with the San Diego Chargers and Cleveland Browns, respectively. Both athletes developed their skills under DiBiaso and his staff of coaches while helping the Crimson Tide advance to the Super Bowl. Manny (Boston College) and Rodman (North Carolina State) both received full college scholarships.
As a result of their stellar collegiate careers, Manny and Rodman have earned an opportunity to compete for a spot on a National Football League roster. This is a high honor for these two fine young men, who were teammates here and led by example with their hard work in practice and their exemplary conduct off the field. We should note that Rodman follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Jimmy, who played football at BC and received a pro tryout with the Seattle Seahawks. Their younger brother, Nerlens, is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association.
There is no doubt that the instruction and guidance that these two student-athletes received from coach DiBiaso and his staff helped them prepare well for the next level. In fact, Manny told the Everett Independent that he owes a debt of gratitude to coach DiBiaso and his family for their encouragement and support since his arrival in Everett.
Of course, the success of the Everett High football program and its players – and we must add the name of Matt Costello, who just wrapped up a brilliant career at Princeton University – would not be possible without the full support of the Everett school administration. Supt. of Schools Frederick Foresteire has been so supportive of the EHS football program – and the annual Homecoming Game comes to mind as one of the best events on the sports calendar – and his leadership has helped our city build the best and most successful program in Massachusetts.
So we offer our congratulations to Manny Asprilla and Rodman Noel on their latest athletic achievement and we wish them the best in their quest to play in the NFL.