James Vidoni (right) was a big hitter for CMS last season.
He also played basketball, where he fought hard on the boards for the Wolves.
Football is a game of hits, the bigger the better.
So it’s a good thing James Vidoni not only is not afraid of laying down some pain, but actually looks forward to doing so.
“I like hitting, because you get to knock them on their butts,” he said. “I’m stronger on my hitting. I would love to get better, I always have room for improvement.”
Coming off a strong season at the middle school level, Vidoni will join the Coupeville High School squad as a freshman in the fall.
Already a veteran of the game, having started in youth football back in the fourth grade, he’s hoping to make an immediate impact.
He’s played the line, working as a tackle on offense and a nose tackle on defense, but is interested in learning the tight end position to open up his game.
Wherever he lands, he plans on dropping some hits.
“My goals for the season are to get stronger,” Vidoni said. “I also want to sack the quarterback at least once a game and have a good relationship with my teammates.”
A three-sport athlete (he plays post and guard in basketball and is an outfielder/pitcher in baseball), Vidoni draws inspiration and knowledge from his family.
Older sister Monica plays volleyball, basketball and softball for CHS, while dad John is a long-time local ref in several sports.
He also reveres the older players in the Wolf football program as role models.
“I look up to Jake Tumblin and Nick Streubel, because they are awesome and they are really good at sports and have always been nice to me,” Vidoni said.
“Whenever I don’t understand something, the team is always there to help me,” he added. “Aaron Wright and Oscar Liquidano are really kind and are very helpful to me. I wanna be like Carson (Risner), because he’s a beast at football and very strong.”
Away from the gridiron, Vidoni has a wide range of interests, from movies like “The Transformers” series and “Forrest Gump” to playing his XBox and using his chainsaw to cut up logs in the woods while doing yard work.
A big music fan — he bounces from Eminem to Macklemore to the Red Hot Chili Peppers — he has a new favorite thanks to his sister.
“Monica introduced me into Family Force 5 and I love them,” Vidoni said. “My favorite songs from them are “Phenomenon,” “Zombie,” “Chainsaw,” “Kountry Gentleman,” “BZRK” and Cray Button.
“The list can go on; I love them as much as she does. Not kidding.”
He also enjoys his science and PE classes and hanging out with his friends.
“I have to spend the time with my homies, AKA Hunter Downes, Jake Hoagland, Kyle Rockwell, Ben Olsen, Kyla Briscoe, Hunter Smith, Mia Littlejohn, Lauren Rose and Kayla Rose.
“Pretty much my whole class. They’re awesome!!,” he added. “I also love to spend time with my family. They’re the best!”
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