Bernardi proves that hard work pays off on the field
Posted by The Skyliner on October 28th, 2009Billy Cannada
Staff Writer
If you have been to a North Greenville football game, chances are good you’ve noticed number 93 Andre Bernardi.
That’s because he’s a nightmare for offenses all over the Southeast and has been nothing short of sensational in his senior season as a Crusader.
“Everyone knows how great of a player Andre is,” head football coach Jamey Chadwell said. “But he is a great person, and he has an extraordinary love for his teammates and the game.”
Bernardi is currently the Crusaders’ third-leading tackler with 38.5 on the season and has also accumulated a staggering 10.5 sacks throughout the season. Bernardi has also forced three fumbles, which currently leads the Crusaders.
“I didn’t think that I would be this successful at North Greenville,” Bernardi said. “It took hard work to get where I am.”
Bernardi said that training is something that is very important to him and that he has to work hard to see results. During the summer, Bernardi trained for three to four hours each day and only took one or two days off a week.
“I love to train,” Bernardi said. “Preparation in the off-season was very important for me.”
All of the hard work has paid off for Bernardi, and as a result, the awards are piling up for him.
The three-time all-American was named NCAA Division II Independent Colleges’ pre-season defensive player of the year and was added to the pre-season NCAA Division II All-American Second Team. Throughout the season, Bernardi acquired two NCAA Division II National Independent Player of the Week honors.
“These awards mean a lot to me, but I can’t be satisfied because I always want to get the next level,” Bernardi said.
Bernardi’s dedication has given him a chance to break the NCAA Division II all-time sack record with just three more sacks—a record that he says he is really striving for.
“I’m not the best pass rusher,” Bernardi said. “But I feel like I get in good position to make a play and breaking the sack record is something I want to do.”
In his last year at North Greenville, Bernardi has become one of the primary leaders on the Crusader defense. Bernardi believes that in order to be a good leader, you have to show it on the field.
“You have to become a leader with your play,” Bernardi said. “Someone has to look up to you, and you have to set a good example.
Leadership is something Chadwell encourages, and he believes that Bernardi has an important influence on this Crusader defense.
“Players look up to Andre because he gives 100 percent all the time, no matter what the score may be,” Chadwell said.
The All-American is hoping that his future holds something bigger and better and is planning on continuing his football career.
“Obviously I would like to play football and I am definitely going to give it a try,” Bernardi said. “But if that doesn’t work out, I have a plan to get my masters’ and become a strength trainer.”
Bernardi can be seen in his last home game as a Crusader when North Greenville takes on UNC Pembroke on Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 7