By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Caron Robinson proved himself on the gridiron. It was what the Aquinas senior did off the field, though, that set him a part from the rest.
Robinson led the Li’l Irish to their eighth NYSPHSAA football title this past fall. Now he has his sights set on a career at the University of Buffalo.
“This is a real blessing, a dream come true,” Robinson said during the recent signing day at Aquinas Institute. “I was waiting for something. When it came, I was just excited. My dream. I got to take advantage.”
Robinson amassed 1,016 all-purpose yards for the Li’l Irish last season. He rushed for 897 yards on 62 carries while making three catches for 73 yards. Robinson scored 13 touchdowns.
The 5-foot-10 running back/linebacker proved himself during a six-game stretch that he spent on the sidelines with an injury.
“As far as Caron goes, he showed his true mettle when he was out in being a leader for our team,” Aquinas head coach Derek Annechino said. “Getting those guys to play hard, so that he could come back. I couldn’t be any prouder for a kid then I am for him.”
Robinson was injured in AQ’s win at Binghamton on September 8th. He did not return to the lineup until the Li’l Irish beat Pittsford on October 27th.
“It was very important to me,” Robinson said of his making sure his team stayed alive in postseason contention until his return. “Ever since I was little, getting hurt and not being able to play I’ll stay on the sideline and make sure everybody is on track and keep everything together.”
Robinson is one of five Aquinas student-athletes to sign National Letters of Intent joining Danielle Hartman (Soccer/Mercyhurst College), Maeghan Kennard (Hockey/St. Michael’s-Vermont), Mickey Knapp (lacrosse/Niagara University) and Regan Nugent (Soccer/Niagara University).
A four-year starter on the Aquinas girls’ soccer team, Hartman was named Private-Parochial Rookie of the Year as a freshman. She plays club soccer with Empire United where she has been part of a state champion and regional finalist for the past two seasons. Last year, Hartman played with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
Knapp is a four-year player on the Aquinas varsity lacrosse squad. She received the scholar-athlete award the each year and was named Most Improved after her sophomore season. A two-year team captain, Knapp plays travel for Relentless Hustle.
A First Team Private-Parochial selection as a senior, Nugent has played four years on the Aquinas varsity team. She also earned second-team honors her sophomore and juniors seasons. Nugget earned on a spot on the New York West Region I squad which advanced to the Olympic Development Program Final Four in Arizona.
Kennard is a five-year player in the AQ hockey program. A captain her senior season, she also has been named scholar-athlete each season on the team. Kenner won state championships and attended national with the Rochester Monarchs and Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles. She also attended the U18 U.S. National Development Camp following her sophomore year.
“It means so much to me,” said Kennard who also plays volleyball and softball for the Li’l Irish. “The number one reason I wanted to play college hockey is because I love and I didn’t want to give it up. To be able to play another four years, it means so much to me. It’s everything I ever wanted.”
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