Washington grad
will serve and protect

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Kevin Marano never shied away from hard work.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound offensive tackle has no problem running daily and exercising four days a week.
That’s because come game day, all that work paid off.
Now with a partial athletic scholarship to a military school and aspirations of joining the Marines, Marano’s determination has taken him far beyond the gridiron.
The 2007 George Washington High School graduate will attend Valley Force Military College, a two-year military school in Wayne, Pa., this fall.
"After college I was planning on joining the Marines," said Marano. "It’s been a dream of mine since I was little. This gives me a perfect opportunity to find out what it’s about."
Marano has already received a second-hand glimpse into the Marines from his father, Ron, who enrolled in the Marine Corps in 1986. He served four years. He was 20-years old at the time.
"The fact that my dad served his country is a huge inspiration," said Marano. "He tells me stories — some good and some bad. He always says how the drill instructors were on his back, but that’s OK. I know I can handle it."
The 18-year old has had plenty of training at home. His father is the strength and conditioning coach for the Eagles, but also pushed Kevin the extra mile at home to continuously strengthen his stamina.
"My dad pushes me every minute of every day," said Marano. "He is always yelling to try harder and it works. He’ll make you work. He always made sure I was running and in top shape. In the beginning it’s tough, but in the end it’s worth it."
Marano’s rapid success at George Washington High School can be attributed to his intense workout regiments. Just four years after he picked up a pigskin for the first time, Marano earned a collegiate scholarship for his football talents.
"I guess I’m a natural athlete," he said. "I’ve played baseball, rugby, soccer, just about everything. I tried football my freshman year and it just clicked. I instantly loved it."
The offensive tackle helped the Eagles achieve second place in the Public League Red Division regular schedule with a 4-1 record.
They went on to lose to Frankford by a point in the Public League finals on Nov. 18.
"Frankford kicked a field goal in the last forty seconds of the game," said Washington coach Ron Cohen. "But the kids played very well. They played their hearts out and I’m very proud of them."
But the game isn’t what Marano will miss most.
It’s the team.
"I miss Washington a lot already," he said. "All of my friends there were like brothers, and losing them was tough. I think we were the best team."
Marano will be charging the field with a new crew on Sept. 8, when the Valley Forge Military College starts their 2007 season.
"Kevin is a real tough player and a smart player," said Valley Forge coach Don DiCarlo. "He was highly recommended by Ron Cohen. He’s a hard worker and we’re proud to have him here."
It’s been a long road of preparation, but now the time has come for Marano to prove what he can do.
"I’ve been working out and getting ready," said Marano. "Military school is going to be intense, but I’m confident. I want to earn their respect. It’s going to be tough, but I got to do what I got to do." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com