Exceptional senior Gianni Goodrich, a member of Student Government, LEO Club, wrestling, baseball, and a standout on the football field will take his skills to Franklin & Marshall College of Lancaster PA to study either Engineering or Pre-Law.
During his formative sports years, Goodrich developed as an athlete in multiple sports. Currently playing first base in baseball, he has high hopes for the season.
“Our ultimate goal is to win the Colonial League. I think it will take team chemistry. Personally, I would like to drive in some runs and play lockdown defense,” Goodrich said.
Before baseball, Goodrich competed in wrestling as a heavyweight for the Slaters. He often gave up 30-40 pounds in each match, but his size was not necessarily a disadvantage.
“It allowed me to be physical and faster. I like the idea of being the last match of the night, so I can bring in six points for my team,” Goodrich said.
The athleticism from football prepared Goodrich for wrestling.
“Football and wrestling both require great use of your hands and feet. Body control is incredibly important. There’s a lot of crossovers between these sports,” Goodrich said.
Ultimately, Goodrich’s favorite sport is, in fact, football.
“I’ve played since I was a little kid. Watching PSU my whole life, you fall in love with the O-line position,” Goodrich said.
Goodrich was a lineman for the Slater, and for all his success, Goodrich knows that much of his journey is shaped by the people around him. As he prepares for this next chapter, he is thankful for the influence of his coaches and teammates.
“My coaches have taught me discipline, commitment, and other very important life lessons outside of the sports I have played under their coaching,” Goodrich said. “I have been playing with my friends on these teams since I was about six years old. And it has helped strengthen my friendship between them and the sports themselves have opened new opportunities to form relationships with those people.”
Next year, Goodrich is taking his football talents and academic achievement to Franklin & Marshall College. The varsity letterman and honor roll Slater has found a new home and is very excited for the upcoming opportunities.
“Franklin and Marshall is a beautiful, unique community and town. F&M is not only athletically dominant but academically poised. They rank as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. It is also a very competitive Division III school,” Goodrich said.
In this next chapter of life, Goodrich hopes that Franklin and Marshall won’t be just a destination but a home where he can grow into a better person and athlete.
“F&M seemed like the place to continue my life. The vibrant campus and student atmosphere felt like home,” Goodrich said.
Although he had to reduce his athletic commitments, Goodrich recognized that this change would be an opportunity for growth, nonetheless.
“It’s going to be a big change. I have a lot to adjust. I have been a three-sport athlete and now I’ll have to become just one. It is going to allow me to master my skills and focus on a deeper and more technical side of my game,” Goodrich said.
Goodrich believes that his future coaching staff can help him excel.
“The coaching staff is strong. They are very passionate about what they do. And they are committed to everyone in the program. The coaches are great mentors, respected, and very tactically smart,” Goodrich said.
While advancing his athletic skills, Goodrich will also be furthering his educational career. Choosing between engineering or pre-law, he will be preparing himself for success not only on the field, but also after graduation.
“Engineering is something that I always have wanted to do since I was young. ‘Mechanics’ intrigued me, how machines function, and how they work. Having a law degree is in my family. My mom is a judge, dad is a lawyer, and my grandpa was a judge. I am very passionate about debating, standing up for what I believe, and I do not like losing,” Goodrich said.
Goodrich expressed his gratitude and appreciation for being a Slater, acknowledging how his experiences have now geared him towards success.
“The past four years have been incredible. I have gotten to enjoy a lot of time with my friends. I have had many relationships created. Bangor itself has advanced my education and perception on every aspect of life. This is a great, involved community. I am grateful to have been a Slater,” Goodrich said.
As Goodrich continues his journey at Franklin & Marshall, the lessons, friendships, and experiences he has had shaped him into the renown athlete he is today. Bangor Area High School has prepared him not only for the challenges of collegiate football but also for the academic opportunities that are ahead of him. Whether he chooses engineering or pre-law, one thing is for certain—his drive, determination, and passion will lead him to success.
