Dominic Garzolini had some big shoes to fill.
Given the opportunity to take over the controls of the South Vermillion High football team as a sophomore, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback had a tough act to follow.
However, replacing his brother, four-year starter Anthony Garzolini, proved to be smooth sailing for the third-year senior standout.
"My brother was the reason I wanted to be to the best," recalled Garzolini. "Watching him succeed in sports is what really pushed me to do the same."
Even though Anthony will most likely finish with more career passing yards (490-of-872 for 7,523 yards with 77 touchdowns), Dominic has accomplished something his mentor or any other signal caller ever did.
In a 53-3 win over Attica on October 18, he completed 10-of-11 for 193 yards with three touchdowns to help the Wildcats (9-0) finish unbeaten in the regular season for the first time.
"I think the difference this year is the mentality that this team has," explained Garzolini. "The mentality that no matter who we are playing, each person will give a 100 percent effort to do their job.
After going 142-of-216 for 2,144 yards with 29 touchdowns a year ago, he has already completed 130-of-195 for 2,461 yards with 38 touchdowns and just four interceptions this fall.
"I think a big part of my game being elevated is the chemistry I have with my wide receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen," said Garzolini, who threw six touchdown passes three times (Covington, Fountain Central and Seeger). "They make my job so much easier. Another part of my game being elevated is the off-season work I put in. Me and my teammates got together a lot through the off-season. I also have to credit my gym thirst and my trainer Thomas Morris (QBCountry)."
Although his brother supplied the motivation for his good fortune, others gave him a little nudge in the right direction.
"Thanks to my parents, I have played sports all my life," recalled Garzolini, who is 335-of-515 with 5,564 career yards with 75 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. "My parents were the reason I played football and basketball growing up."
However, mom and dad can't take all the credit for his passion for sports,
"My early influence in football was (former Indianapolis Colts and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback) Peyton Manning," recalled Garzolini. "Growing up, my family watched and went to a lot of Colts games. I grew up with a Peyton Manning jersey on and a Colts football in my hand. I wanted to be just like Peyton, I try to study the game like he did. He inspired me to win by out preparing the other team. "
Dominic has proven to be effective on the hardwood as well, averaging 7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds for the Wildcats (14-9) this past winter.
"To me, I don't see competing in two sports as a challenge, but as a privilege," Garzolini said "At a small school like South Vermillion, I have the opportunity to play two sports that I love. I have always been a multi-sport athlete and to be able to do that in high school is very special to me."
His bond with South Vermillion boss Greg Barrett has also paid dividends.
"My relationship with Coach Barrett started at a young age," recalled Garzolini. "Our families have been friends for a long time. My relationship on the sideline with Coach actually started seven years ago when he asked me if I would be the ball boy. Even before I got my license, Coach would pick me up for practice and we would talk ball. Even now, we talk on the phone quite a bit just trying to find ways to scheme for the next week.
"Coach trusts me to call plays and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, which I know is very special and takes a lot of trust from a Coach. He is more than just a Coach to me. He is someone I look up to and a mentor that I will forever be grateful for."
Barrett has admiration for his field general as well.
"In 28 years of coaching, I can't think of another quarterback that prepares like Dom," explained Barrett, who is his eighth campaign in Clayton, Indiana. "His film study, preparation and understanding of the game for such a young kid is mind blowing. Dom has a very high football IQ. After watching his older brother that he replaced after graduation, this has made him into the player he is today. His success on and off the field has been amazing.
"Dom can make all the throws and understands where to put it and make the right checks. Dom is a great student, a man of character, discipline, and toughness. Dom not only shows this through the playing field, but through the community. He's not only an athlete but cares about the people around him and is a great teammate."
Uncertain of where he will be studying next fall, Dominic plans on being on the playing field somewhere.
"I plan to study business while playing football at a university," said Garzolini, who currently has a 3.2 grade-point average. "I am still going through the recruiting process and hope to find a home soon.
Having captured the Wabash River Conference crown, Garzolini and company are now focused on claiming the program's first sectional championship.
"We are very excited and grateful that we get the opportunity to play more football," Garzolini said. "As a high school player, you only get four of these playoff opportunities, so we plan on making the most of this opportunity."
The No. 7 Wildcats' first post-season test comes on October 25 when they host defending state runner-up North Posey (7-2) in the Class 2A Sectional 39 quarterfinals.
"I think to win our first sectional trophy we just to have to keep doing our thing and trust each other," Garzolini said "Each one of us have to trust Coach Barrett and follow him through the playoffs."
