Patrick Heneghan is a senior quarterback for the Trevians. He is a sophomore and has already been named an All-Conference selection.
1. Do you have any rituals or superstitions before the game?
The day before the game, I try to stay calm. I listen to music before the game. I try to be myself. I don’t like to change things, but right after the national anthem, I kneel down for a minute and think about my old coach (Bob, Junior Trevians). He was a really big influence on me. Then it’s time to play ball.
2. What do you hope to do next year?
My goal is to play college football. I’m looking for a school with strong academics and a good football program. I have some great options right now. … I’m just looking for a school that I fit in with, but I’m also really focused on this football season.
3. Who is your favorite athlete?
Right now, Caleb Williams (QB – Chicago Bears). As a quarterback, it’s always fun to watch other quarterbacks play at a super high level. I love the way he plays. I see some of the stuff he does and practice and try it out, whether it’s a breakaway play in the pocket or something like that. He does a great job of keeping his eyes on the field. I’ve always enjoyed watching him, even the last few years at USC.
4. If you could try another sport, what would it be?
I would choose hockey. As a football player, I love physical contact and when I go to some of those games at New Trier Green, there is some physical contact. … I’m not that good at skating though. That’s the first thing I’d have to get good at.
5. When did you know you were a quarterback?
In fourth grade I played running back and in fifth grade I became a quarterback. I’ve played baseball my whole life so I’ve always pitched. One day at practice I tried it out and I’ve been playing quarterback ever since and I love it.
6. What is often misunderstood at this point?
I would say people think it’s a position where you throw the ball. That’s just one part of the quarterback position. What I pride myself on is my leadership. As a quarterback, that’s an important tool – you can support teammates and support each other. Also, football is a very fast game. As a quarterback, you almost want to play in slow motion. In a defense, there are a lot of different things moving. … You have to see that and find ways to attack it.
7. What do you like to do most off the pitch?
I love hanging out with friends and family. Whenever I get a chance to play a quick 9 or 18 holes with buddies, I love doing that. I’m working on getting better. I’m not great, but I have a lot of fun. I really enjoy coaching and refereeing in the youth program (football) – just giving back to the program that helped me become the athlete and person I am today.
8. When you go to Walgreens with a few dollars, what do you buy?
I’ll have a Glacier Freeze Gatorade and some Cheez-Its.
9. What don’t people know about you?
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few years ago in eighth grade. It shaped me into the person and player I am today. I met some great people through it. With some former New Trier players – Nevan Cremascoli and Charles Olges – we started a nonprofit called T1 Athletes that supports athletes with type 1 diabetes. It’s great to meet people who are going through the same experiences as you. It’s been a godsend.
10. What are your goals for this season?
I love coach (Brian) Doll and the goals he sets before every season. The first is to win Week 1. That’s a big goal for the football program. Then win the conference and go deep in the playoffs. Those are the goals you set every year. This team is really special. There’s a different vibe in the school, with the players and coaches. There’s a lot of positivity in the team, so I think we can accomplish all of that, and those goals far outweigh any personal goals I have.
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