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| BRETT AND KYLE CASACCIO - PHOTO BY JUDY CASACCIO |
IT’S NOT OFTEN THIS DAY AND AGE YOU HEAR A YOUNG MAN PRAISING BOTH HIS PARENTS FOR THEIR GUIDANCE AND QUESTION WHAT YOU DO BEFORE YOU DO IT. WITH INPUT FROM BOTH PARENTS GARY AND JUDY CASACCIO PLAY A MAJOR ROLL IN BRETT’S DEVELOPMENT AND PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AS CHAMPION HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER. BRETT HAS COME INTO HIS OWN FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND POSITIVE ENERGY.
THIS INTERVIEW WILL LET YOU TAP INTO THE MINDSET OF A FOCUSED CHAMPION DRIVEN TO SUCCEED AND MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN HIS CHOSEN SPORT AND LIFE CHOICES AS A YOUNG ADULT.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, BRETT.
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1) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?
My favorite hobby is listening to hip hop and rap music. My favorite artist is Lil Wayne. My mom and dad always wants to make sure that what I listen to or watch on TV is not a bad influence for me.
2) IS THERE A LOT OF PEER PRESSURE AT SCHOOL? HOW DO YOU DO TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?
Sometimes there is pressure to do things that I know are wrong like ding-dong-ditch and throwing snowballs at other kids. I need to learn to say “no” when someone tries to get me to do things that I know I shouldn’t. My parents always tell me to think through the consequences of my actions.
3) WHEN YOU MAKE A PIN IN A WRESTLING MATCH, HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL? DO YOU HAVE FEMALE ADMIRERS AT SCHOOL?
There are a few girls who I know like me. I think there are some girls who are cute, but there is no on that I really like right now. I just like to hang out with my friends and play sports.
4) THE LAST TIME I CHECKED YOU HAD A WINNING RECORD. WERE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR ACHIEVEMENT?
Pinning an opponent in wrestling makes me feel great; I feel like a winner. I was very happy with my wrestling record especially since this was my first year. I won most of my matches. It was a good experience because I learned a lot of self-discipline.
5) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE OFF-SEASON? WILL YOU BE WORKING TO IMPROVE ON YOUR SUCCESS?
For my off-season progress, I started lifting weights with my dad. I do a lot of different exercises, but my main two are chin-ups and bench presses. I also do pullovers and a lot of stomach exercises. I run a lot since I am on track and cross country too. I have started eating more protein to help get stronger.
6) WHAT ROLLS HAVE YOUR MOM AND DAD PLAYED IN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A YOUNG-MAN, STUDENT AND ATHLETE?
My parents have played a very important role to me as a student, athlete and young man because they guide me along the way and encourage me to do my best everyday. My dad is a psychiatrist, so he is always telling me to believe in myself and know that I can do whatever I set my mind to if I am willing to work hard enough at it.
7) DO YOU THINK BEING MORE PHYSICALLY FIT IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH AND WAS A PART OF THE EDGE YOU NEEDED TO BE A WINNER?
I think that the more physically fit someone is the better they will feel and the better someone feels the better they will think and act. I believe I need encouragement from my coaches and parents. I also think it is important to set goals for myself. I had a goal to bench press a 100 pounds and once I did it my next goal is to bench 110 pounds. My dad told me that he felt being in wrestling which was very hard helped him to do be more disciplined which helped later when he was in medical school which was also very hard. I also appreciate all the encouragement Mr. Robinson has given to me by sending me e-mails to think and be positive and picture myself accomplishing my goals. My dad was a big fan of him growing up and now I am a big fan too.
8) WHAT ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES AND WITH OUR AUDIENCE ABOUT WHAT IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD STUDENT AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THERE CHOSEN COMPETITIVE SPORT?
All I would have to say to other students in my position is set goals for yourself and do your best to achieve your goals. Stay positive even if things are getting hard and never quit.
