DiGiallonardo signs with MSU-Bozeman
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON – Good news came to Polson football fans Jan. 4 when Pirate star Vince DiGiallonardo verbally committed to Montana State University Bozeman, where he will compete as a kick returner, safety and possibly a slot receiver.
“It’s great,” DiGiallonardo said. “I’ve wanted to play college football at the highest level since I was young.”
There’s a lot to look forward to for those who saw DiGiallonardo compete as the quarterback and free safety for the Polson Pirates, who finished their regular season 8-0 before falling in the second round of the playoffs to Miles City at home.
The senior star put up impressive numbers during his final season with the Pirates. On offense, DiGiallonardo carried the ball 94 times for 602 yards and 17 touchdowns for an average of 6.4 yards a carry.
During his senior year, DiGiallonardo was named the Northwest Class A All-State quarterback on offense. He was also named first-team All-Conference as a quarterback, and was named Offensive Most Valuable Player. On defense, he was awarded first-team free safety honors in Northwestern Class A.
His passing numbers almost matched his rushing yards, completing 30 of 64 attempts for 601 yards and six touchdowns for an average of 20 yards a completion.
“Coach (Rob) Ash made a home visit and spoke with my family,” DiGiallonardo said. “They’ve got a good coaching staff and back-to-back, nine-win seasons and conference championships.”
The young athlete says he didn’t receive much interest from the University of Montana, but says he’s alright with that. DiGiallonardo received offers from all the Frontier Conference schools, and Army was initially interested but lost contact.
“They didn’t spark interest in me,” DiGiallonardo said. “But I’m excited (to go to MSU); they have a really good thing going there — good momentum. I think they’re gonna surpass the Griz in enrollment, and I know some kids that go there already.”
On the field, the young athlete wants to make his mark by working his way into the starting lineup in either his freshmen or sophomore year.
In the classroom, DiGiallonardo set goals to accomplish during his time in Bozeman, stating he’d like to get his degree in pre pharmacy in the traditional four years.
Polson football head coach Scott Wilson says he’s excited to see DiGiallonardo advance to the next level.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for Vince,” Wilson said. “He’ll be relatively close to home, so people can go watch him play.”
Wilson added MSU is a perfect match for DiGiallonardo.
“MSU is a very good program to step into,” he said. “A lot of schools were interested.”
DiGiallonardo was a four-year starter for Polson, showing Wilson he had what it took to continually improve as an athlete and a student.
“He’s going to use his work ethic in college on and off the field with strength, conditioning and school work,” Wilson noted. “I think he’ll be very successful.”
