Borruso commits to SUNY Buffalo

For many high school football players on Long Island, Division I college football is a pipe dream. Admittedly, Long Island is not a football hotbed. But every now and then, an overachiever comes along and makes waves.

On Feb. 3, Oceanside Sailors star lineman Andrew Borruso committed to The State University of New York at Buffalo. He will be playing center and guard for the Bulls, who are a member of the Mid-American Conference in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Perhaps what sets Borruso apart are his accomplishments on and off the field. Borruso was named to the All-State, All-Long Island, All-County, All-Conference, and All-Star teams. He was also a finalist for The Martone Award (Nassau County’s best lineman), named a member of the Golden 11 (top Nassau County athletes both on the field and in the classroom), and named Academic All-Conference (All-Conference players that stand out academically). With all of these on-field accomplishments and his role in helping to rebuild the Oceanside football program, it is no wonder Coach Rob Blount named him a captain at the beginning of the season. But Borruso exhibits leadership in the classroom as well. He is an AP student and a member of the National Honor Society.

After a strong season in his junior year, in which he was the starting center during the Sailors dramatic 8-2 run, Borruso slowly began to realize that he had a legitimate chance to play Division I college ball. He sent highlight films to potential schools, and this is when reality began to sink in.

“I got some good feedback from many of my dream schools and invites to camps,” Borruso said. “That’s when I realized I had a shot.”

Borruso followed up his junior year with another terrific season as a senior. Before long, he had several top-notch D-I and D-II programs recruiting him. But once Borruso visited The University at Buffalo, he knew. “The choice wasn’t as easy until I went up there,” he said. “Football wise, I love the coaches, the facilities, and the philosophies. It just fits who I am.” From an academic standpoint, Borruso loves the fact that UB has a top-notch business program (he is a potential business major). He had found his dream school.

Borruso admits that his dream has always been to play in the National Football League and although The University at Buffalo is not an NFL hotbed, they have produced some significant NFL talents over the years, such as Green Bay Packers running-back and Super Bowl champion, James Starks. But for right now, Borruso says his focus is being successful at UB. “When the times arrives, if I have another great opportunity like the NFL, I’d certainly not hesitate to take it,” he said.

Unfortunately, leaving Oceanside may not be so easy. Borruso will miss many things about his hometown. “I’ll miss the way the school gets behind us during games, teachers getting excited, and having a principal like Mr. Secaur who cares so much about the team,” said Borruso. He will also miss those who helped him achieve success. He credits his coaches: Rob Blount, Joe Supple, Kevin Carlock, Rob Rovegna, Mike Postillio, Rick Voight, and Tony Caiazza.

“Coach Blount literally made my recruiting another full-time job and I think he’s happy it turned out well and it’s over,” said Borruso. Borruso also credits former OHS English teacher and football coach, Frank Luisi. Luisi has always been a driving force behind student athletes, especially in the area of recruiting. He has been known to help talented athletes get into their dream schools with his undying work ethic as well as his connections with many colleges. Despite retiring as an English teacher last year, Mr. Luisi can still be found working in the school, dedicated to student athletes and recruitment. “Mr. Luisi would do anything for you,” Borruso said. “He’s that kind of guy.”

At home, Borruso has many role models and supporters, especially his mom, a breast cancer survivor, and his dad, a former college football player. “I really look up to my mom. I always say she may be small, but she’s tougher than me,” said Borruso. “I was always inspired by my dad, too. He is a hard-working guy and he played college football as well, at St. John’s University.”

Borruso plans to excel in the classroom at UB this fall, but also plans to compete for a roster spot with the Bulls. “I’m going to compete and try to get as far up the depth chart as possible and give everything I have,” he said.

Borruso’s philosophy is one that has brought him success in every aspect of his life thus far. “I just really believe in hard work over talent,” he said. “Hard work can take you places and if you have talent as well, you’re going to be very successful.”

As one of the school’s best athletes, best scholars, and most respectful, outgoing students, the Oceanside community will suffer a loss when Borruso heads to Buffalo this August, but will be wishing him much success at UB and beyond.