OUR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK COMMUNITY PARTNER
Each week, Monitor staff selects and interviews a local Athlete of the Week. Learn more about their accomplishments, their goals and what makes them unique. We’d like to thank our sponsor Capital City Kia.
Our partners do not participate in the selection of these athletes. That is fully at the discretion of our journalists.
Nate Wallace has been a menace to opposing teams on both sides of the football.
The Merrimack Valley senior running back and linebacker opened up the Division II season against Hollis-Brookline two weeks ago with three rushing touchdowns and three interceptions in a 50-21 win. He followed that up last Friday night against Bow with 122 rushing yards, two touchdowns and two sacks to lead the Pride to a 26-6 victory and their first 2-0 start in program history.
As a leader for the team, it’s clear that Wallace’s demeanor and passion are infectious. Younger players, be it on offense or defense, look to him to guide them out on the field.
“He’s the one that’s going to get the guys riled up or get them to calm down if things need to go a different way,” MV head coach Matt Shaw said after the win over Bow. “He’s a great captain.”
As we do each week, the first question for this week’s Athlete of the Week will be posed by the previous participant: Caitrin Bergeron from Pembroke Academy’s cross country and track and field teams.
Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment and challenge that you overcame in your sport? — Caitrin Bergeron
A: My biggest accomplishment was probably making first-team all-state junior year. My biggest challenge was staying healthy and available.
Q: What positions have you played throughout your football career, and how did you become a running back?
A: I’ve played many positions over my 14 years of playing — honestly, all of them besides cornerback and tight end. Being a running back was where I was just placed, and I’ve been playing there ever since.
Q: How have you worked to improve as a running back?
A: I’ve improved by offseason training, working out, lifting and — my personal favorite — watching film on me and other great backs.
Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of your role on the field?
A: My most challenging is being a captain and containing my emotions on the field to not get the other guys in their head.
Q: What does MV football mean to you?
A: Everything. These guys are my family, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them and the coaches.
Q: What are some of your goals, both short-term and long-term, for this season and your senior year?
A: My goals short-term would be winning this next game. Giving everything I got at all times. Long-term, I’d say playing football in November and keeping the momentum for the next team that comes next year. Even though I will be gone, I want these guys to succeed still.
Q: What has worked well for you and the team so far this season, and how can you continue rolling?
A: Playing team football and staying disciplined. We can keep it rolling if we focus on now and not later.
Q: Who are some of your mentors, and how have they helped you through your journey?
A: I’d say my mentors (are) our coaching staff, really, all of them as a whole. My position coaches make me a better linebacker and better running back but a better person as well.
Q: Outside of sports, what are some of your passions and how do you cultivate those while participating in sports?
I mean, I really hang out with my friends and listen to music and I work — the regular teenager things. I balance it by not overdoing myself. If I need rest, I make sure I can do that without hesitation.