By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

 When Millis High’s Nick Hill lines up for the first snap of the football season on Sept. 8 against Tri County Vocational, it will be a very special time. And it will also be a highly emotional moment for the senior co-captain.

The 17-year-old Hill missed his entire junior season after a very promising sophomore year. A fractured tibia and three torn ligaments in his right knee during a pre-season scrimmage against Nipmuc Regional last year ended what coach Bob Martellio thought would be a dynamic junior campaign for the two-way player who splits time between slot receiver and linebacker.

“Nick was set to start on offense and defense,’’ Martellio said. “On the 20th play against Nipmuc, he suffered the injuries. And, to his credit, he never missed watching us practice or play games. His teammates showed their respect by voting for him to be a captain.’’

Hill has been away from game action for 13 months but he’s ready now. Very ready.

“I know I’ll be excited,’’ he said. “I’ll be psyched. I just plan to have fun and to compete. I won’t think about getting hurt. That’s in my past.’’

After surgery on his knee ligaments a year ago, Hill has undergone a long and exhausting stretch of physical therapy. The torn ligaments did not involve his ACL.

“No surgery was needed for my tibia (lower leg),’’ Hill said. “But, I had to wear a hip-to-ankle brace for four months that prohibited me from bending my leg. Therapy for my knee included bending, strength exercises and agility drills. I finished physical therapy a month before pre-season practice.’’ 

Hill knew if he went all out with his therapy, he’d be able to play again. 

“There was a time when I said ‘why me.’ I was in bed and couldn’t get up. But rehab has been amazing, my knee feels great, and my movement is normal.’’

Here’s the kind of effort and ability Millis will get with Hill playing linebacker: In a game against Case High of Swansea in his sophomore season, Hill finished with 15 tackles and also competed on special teams in a 49-0 Mohawk victory.

“I like being a receiver because you can break open a game with a key catch,’’ Hill said. “I also like playing either linebacker or defensive end because it involves lots of strategy, a lot of thinking. You have to rely on athleticism, too.’’

Martellio likes Hill’s intensity and his desire to excel. “Nick works hard and is an emotional leader who stresses accountability,’’ he emphasized. “On the field, he runs good routes, has good hands and is always in position. He’s an assignment-based player whose mental toughness makes him special. That ingredient got him through a long rehab stint.’’

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder, who started playing football at 12, combines an aggressive style that can evolve into a finesse approach. “I’m eager to pursue and hit on defense and I try to use finesse on offense by running good routs and holding on to the ball.’’

A native of Millis, Hill’s goals this season include a plus .500 season, contending for the Tri Valley League Small Division title, and qualifying for the playoffs. 

“We’re a young team with a blend of seniors with experience,’’ he offered. “I just want to show people what we can do and who we are. I also want to be a high-quality captain who helps mentor younger players. And I want to show I can bounce back and compile some meaningful stats.’’ 

Hill’s elevation to captain is his top thrill in football. “It means a lot when your teammates want you as a leader,’’ he noted. “When I was injured, I wanted the players to know how much I cared about them and the team. I’ll lead by example, by being vocal and help wherever I’m needed.’’

Hill, who’s also a pitcher on the baseball team, is a fan of his coach. “I really like the way Coach Martellio motivates the team,’’ he noted. “He’s supportive and he really encouraged me during my rehab. He knows the game and he knows strategy.’’

Two teammates whom Hill admires are senior co-captain Jackson Glynn (tackle/defensive end) and senior Adam Hart (receiver/safety).

“Jackson is a leader who’s very athletic and relies on a strong work ethic,’’ Hill said. “He missed a few games last year because of a shoulder injury. He can block and tackle. Adam is a solid two-way player. He’s got speed, runs good routes and hits hard.’’

Hill’s athletic philosophy is all about realizing his potential. “If we strive to maximize our potential, then we’ll send a message to our opponents while we’re winning,’’ he said.

Hill has learned some valuable life lessons from athletics and one that stands out after his year off from football is “overcoming adversity.’’

“During rehab, I learned that resiliency is important,’’ he emphasized. “The injury helped me to develop mental toughness. Sports also help players to become good leaders and teammates and to set meaningful goals.’’

Calling his parents (Adam and Jackie) role models for their support and encouragement, Hill also points to three coaches who’ve been very beneficial in his development on the gridiron — Martellio, line coach Brian Kraby and middle school coach Jason Gonzales.

An honor-roll student who hopes to enroll at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., Hill plans on majoring in business administration.

However, before his college days begin, he has something to prove. He wants to excel in football and baseball after a difficult and complex injury. His summer workout schedule was a testament to his relentless approach to athletics.

“I lifted weights and did a lot of running,’’ he said. “I also helped lead captains’ practices and worked on team bonding.’’

After more than a year away from football, Nick Hill’s first play from scrimmage at Welch Field in Millis on Sept. 8 will be special.

“My heart will be throbbing,’’ he said.

Those beats will be throbs of joy.