Luca Maravola’s position always seems to be in flux for Grayslake Central.
A linebacker, wingback and long snapper, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Maravola has been all over the field, including under center, because of his athleticism and ability to learn quickly.
But he has taken a different approach with his classes. Maravola planned out his entire high school career from day one.
“In my freshman year, I came into the counselor’s office and set up my schedule for the next four years,” he said. “I was told, ‘You don’t need to do that.’ But I got it done, and he let me. I took the exact classes, only dropping one.”
Which class was that?
“Ceramics,” he said, laughing.
Maravola, a senior, said he has a 4.50 GPA and scored a 1,410 on the SAT.
“I’ve always taken academics seriously,” he said. “My dad works really hard, and I take a lot after him. I kind of drive myself. Schooling is what opens up opportunities later in life.
“I’ve always been told I’m way too focused way too far ahead in life, like my end goal and not the now. I live life day by day. But when it comes to more important things, like academics, I focus on the long term.”
Grayslake Central relies on Maravola’s flexibility on the field. The Rams, who play Chicago Hubbard at home in their season opener on Friday, are fresh off their first winning season since finishing 7-3 in 2011. Before the abbreviated season in the spring, the Rams had won just 13 games in eight years.
“He’s a great kid, selfless and a good representative of everything we talk about in our program,” Grayslake Central coach Mike Maloney said. “He’s a high-level integrity kid, very giving to school, community and the team. He’s a model citizen who puts Grayslake Central on his back. Luca personifies what we’re about. He’s a captain’s captain.”
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Maravola, who also plays for Grayslake Central’s bowling and lacrosse teams, is being recruited by colleges like Case Western and Carnegie Mellon. He said he prides himself on having a busy schedule and being well-rounded, including on the football field.
“I’ll play anywhere to help the team,” he said. “I just can’t be a kicker. I can’t do it.
“I’ve loved football since I was a little kid. We’re trying to build off last year. The whole program is rebuilding, so having a winning season was an accomplishment and a good building block. I want to help the team out more than anything.”
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Team: Grayslake Central.
Spring record: 3-2.
Offensive leaders: Chase James, senior, OL; Kaiden Miller, junior, WR; Darryl Overstreet, senior, QB; Matt Ziemke, senior, OL.
Defensive leaders: Jaeger Breault, senior, DB; Kurt Heerdegen, senior, LB; Matthew Jens, sophomore, LB; Luca Maravola, senior, LB.
Playoff history: 2 appearances (as Grayslake Central); most recently lost 35-22 to Tinley Park in the 2011 Class 5A first round.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.