By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Pat Halloran is an impressive football player who’s willing to take on all leadership responsibilities. 

The 6-foot, 170-pound junior, a co-captain at Millis High, will play tight end, H-back and middle linebacker this fall. He’s so versatile he’ll also see action on special teams. When he was a freshman, Halloran’s speed and quickness earned him a starting role at defensive end and last year he was utilized at middle linebacker.

“There’s no doubt about it. Pat has evolved into our No. 1 leader,’’ said Millis coach Bob Martellio. “Pat leads by example, by giving 100 percent in games and practice, he’s vocal and supportive of his teammates and he’s respected by our coaching staff. Our players all respect him, and he also leads in the classroom and off the field.’’

A native of Millis, Halloran was also a volleyball captain last year, competing as a middle hitter. 

An honor-roll student, he emphasized that his top thrill during his first two years on the gridiron was “being selected a captain as a junior.’’ 

What’s admirable about the 16-year-old is his ability to adjust his leadership style to wherever the venue is.

“At practice, I stress how important workouts are, how to prepare for game action and to be passionate about football,’’ he said. “When I rally the troops, I focus on elevating our energy and team spirit. At captains’ practices, I try to get everyone on the same page and focus on fundamentals. Off the field, I’m positive, friendly and often get rides for players to get home after practice.

“In the classroom, I work to set an example with my grades and emphasize the importance of being a student-athlete. Academics come first. Overall, I strive to ensure that younger players fit in. It’s a huge honor to be a junior captain and I love the responsibility.’’

Halloran, who led the Mohawks’ defense in tackles last year (66), has all the attributes to excel as a tight end and at middle linebacker. 

“Pat’s strengths at tight end include good route-running, excellent blocking and an improving football IQ,’’ said Martellio. “A student of the game, he thoroughly knows all the plays. At middle linebacker, he’s got great lateral movement, good speed on blitzes, and he’s instinctive, able to anticipate how a play will develop. He’s our QB on defense.’’

A fan of playing on both sides of the ball, Halloran, nevertheless, gets excited when he’s at linebacker. “I like pursuing, tackling, blitzing, getting sacks and stopping progress,’’ he offered. “When I’m at tight end, I enjoy blocking and protecting the QB. Tight end offers a chance to be creative.’’

Labeling his overall style as “aggressive,’’ Halloran says he likes to get motivated quickly and usually is the loudest player on defense.’

Halloran’s team goals for the season, which gets underway on Sept. 13 at home against Sutton, include realistic objectives. “I want us to build solid team chemistry,’’ he said. “I also want us to improve on last year’s 3-8 record, play over .500, and become a playoff team. All the players are eager to compete in the playoffs. My personal goals include becoming a Tri Valley League all-star, to improve as a two-way player, and to help our offense score points.’’

For the Mohawks to achieve Halloran’s team goals, he’ll need help and he knows that senior co-captain Vin Sellers (running back/nose tackle) and junior Chuck Smith (guard/tackle) will compete intensely.

“Vin is a leader who’s aggressive, has lots of energy, cares about football and plays with emotion,’’ Halloran offered. “Chuck is a leader, the line captain who looks out for the younger players. He’s tough and strong.’’

A fan of his coach, Halloran likes Martellio’s motivating style. 

“He’s dedicated and has so much pride in our team and every player,’’ said Halloran. “He wants the best for all of us. His pre-game and halftime speeches psyche us up and give us incredible energy.’’ 

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching his potential and having fun, Halloran says that losing can be a valuable learning tool. “There were lots of learning experiences from last year’s 3-8 record,’’ he said. 

What occurred at the end of the schedule was extremely gratifying. The Mohawks won their last two games — a 43-31 triumph over Holbrook and a 14-0 shutout over Medway. 

“My best was against Medway,’’ he noted. “I felt comfortable, we beat our arch-rival, and everyone played well. I had 12 tackles in that game. That victory provided a positive outlook for the season ahead.’’ 

Martellio likes his team’s experience and knows the expectations are high.

“We’ll be a young squad again but we’re more experienced,” he emphasized. “We’re excited, optimistic and have high expectations that we can surpass .500. But, we’ll need to stay healthy and be in good shape because our kids have to go both ways. They take lack of numbers as a challenge.’’

Last year, the Mohawks started six freshmen and four sophomores. Now, they’ll have 13 veteran returnees (three seniors, six sophomores and four juniors) and there’ll be other candidates in the mix.’’

Calling his older brother (Jack) his role model, Halloran is thankful he could learn some key lessons from him. 

“Jack was a captain in football at Millis and he inspired me early on,’’ Halloran said. “At 12 years old, I went to his team’s off-season workouts and liked the brotherhood, the team spirit and the energy of the players. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of that. Jack motivated me and I’ve adopted his leadership style.’’ 

The personable Halloran is a quick learner who knows that playing football is hard. He also knows that football teaches how one can deal with difficult life situations. “Overcoming adversity and being resilient are life lessons that football teaches,’’ he said. “I’ve also learned how to lead and how to be a good teammate.’’

Halloran has been working out diligently during the summer to prepare for the challenging task ahead. There’ve been captains’ practices, seven-on-seven drills, individual strength and conditioning work, and time at camps.

“I’m eager to work and guide our younger players and see them bond with one another,’’ he said. “This season can be one where our younger players help to elevate our program.”

Halloran will effectively fulfill a variety of roles for the Mohawks. He’s got lots of character but one attribute stands out vividly and he’s quick to embrace it: Pat Halloran is a natural born leader.