St. Anthony's HS Student From Smithtown Is 'Heart Of A Giant' Nominee

MELVILLE, NY — Alex Menghi, a St. Anthony's High School student from Smithtown, was nominated for the 2023 USA Football "Heart of a Giant" award, his father, Mark, said. He played tight end for the high school.

The award, presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recognizes high school students that demonstrate unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game within the Tri-State area. Athletes nominated for a "Heart of a Giant" demonstrate five main characteristics on and off the field: commitment, character, teamwork, dedication and will.

"Values like commitment, character, teamwork, dedication and will are crucial every season," the award's webpage reads. "But in times like this, they matter even more. When they can't be side by side, when they don't take the fields on Friday nights, who helps keep the team together? That's who we're looking for."

That description, Mark said, explains Alex in a nutshell.

"As many of you know, football is this kid's life, but what some of you might not know is that it's been a very long and winding road filled way many ups and a whole lot of downs," Mark said. "The way Alex has managed and overcame all the obstacles through his life (no child should go though) is mind-blowing, plus he is a pretty damn good football player to boot."

People can vote for the Heart of a Giant award here.

Alex suffered a season-ending injury and played in his last high school game without knowing it. This caused him a physical and mental toll, his father said. Since the day Alex was injured, he has spent hours in rehab and physical therapy every day.

"If anything, Alex getting injured set off a whole new level of work ethic in him I didn’t even know was possible," Mark said. "The dude's work ethic was unrivaled before, but now it's at a level I can’t even explain. And if thats not enough, not even a week after the injury, he hobbled his way (on crutches) to mid-field to resume his captain's roll for the coin toss."

Alex's role as a captain changed from being an on-field workhorse to being a player on the sidelines helping his coaches and teammates, doing what he needs to inspire his team to win.

"We>Me mentality," his father said. "I am asking every single person I know to cast a vote for Alex and share this with anyone you might know who would wanna vote for him or who you know that knows Alex and/or has been a part of his journey."

Alex is one of 60 nominees for the "Heart of a Giant" award. Mark said the number is "microscopic" when considering all the high school kids playing football across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Ten nominees are announced per week over a six-week span. He is on the clock as a Week 5 nominee. People can vote once every 24 hours.

"Let's make this a habit over the next few weeks," Mark said. Voting ends on Oct. 22.

Alex graduates high school in early January. Only a few days later, he is expected to play at Stony Brook University on a full Division I scholarship. Soon after, Mark expects Alex to finish his rehab, put the pads back on, and perform at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.

"Let’s make this Alex’s time," Mark said. "He is not one for individual achievements, nor one looking for recognition or individual accolades, but as his Dad (who sees the good, bad and ugly) I believe he is due and he should be celebrated for the amazing person that he is (on and off the field)."