Athlete of the Week: Patrick Heneghan, New Trier football

Patrick Heneghan is a senior quarterback for the Trevians. He has started since his sophomore year and is a previous All-Conference selection.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

The day leading up to the game I try to stay calm. I listen to music before the game. I try to be my normal self. I don’t like to switch things up, but right after the national anthem, I take a quick knee and send a thought up to my former coach, coach (Bob, Junior Trevians). He was a really big influence to me. Then it’s time to play ball.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

My goal is to play college football. I’m looking for a school with high academics and a good football program. I have some great opportunities right now. … I’m just looking for school that I fit into but also I’m really focused on this football season.

3. Who is your favorite athlete?

Right now, Caleb Williams (QB — Chicago Bears). Being a quarterback, it’s always fun to watch other quarterbacks perform at a super high level. I love the way he plays. I see some stuff he does and I practice it and try it out, whether it’s an escape move in the pocket or something. He does a great job at keeping his eyes downfield. He’s been a fun player for me to watch, even the past few years at USC.

4. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

I would pick hockey. As a football player, I love contact and going to some of those New Trier Green games, there is some contact there. … I’m not great at skating though. That’s the first thing I’d need to get good at.

5. When did you know you were a quarterback?

In fourth grade, I played running back and in fifth grade I picked up quarterback. I played baseball all my life, so I had always been throwing. One day at practice I tried it out, and ever since then, I’ve continued to play quarterback and I love it.

6. What is something people often misunderstand about the position?

I would say people think it’s a position where it’s throwing the ball. That’s only a bit of playing quarterback. Something I take pride in is leadership skills. As a quarterback, it’s a vital tool — picking up teammates, supporting one another. Another thing, football is a very fast-moving game. At quarterback you almost want to play like you’re in slo-mo. There are a lot of different moving things with a defense. … You gotta see that and see ways you can attack it.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I love hanging out with friends and family. Whenever I get the opportunity to play a quick 9 holes or 18 with buddies, I like to do that. I’m working on getting better. I’m not great but I have a lot of fun. I really do enjoy coaching and reffing in the youth (football) program — just giving back to the program that helped me become the athlete and person I am today.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’m going to go a Glacier Freeze Gatorade and some Cheez-Its.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, back in eighth grade. It shaped me to be the person and player I am today. I’ve met some amazing people through it. With some former New Trier players — Nevan Cremascoli and Charles Olges — we formed a not-for-profit called T1 Athletes that supports athletes who have Type 1 diabetes. It’s awesome to meet people going through the same experiences as you. It’s been a blessing in disguise.

10. What are your goals for this season?

I love coach (Brian) Doll and the goals he puts in before every season. The first is win Week 1. It’s a huge goal of the football program. Then, win conference and make a deep playoff run. Those are the goals set before every year. This team is really special. There’s a different feeling around the school, players, coaches. There’s a lot of positivity around the team, so I think we can accomplish all that and those dramatically outweigh any personal goals that I have.

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