LYNN — In front of teammates, coaches, and loved ones at the Lynn Tech library on Thursday, two student-athletes sat side by side to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Tyler David and Michael Monbleau – in their matching varsity jackets – signed their National Letters of Intent to play football at Curry College.
If you ask Monbleau about his excitement level for the Division III program – one that scored nearly 25 points per game last season – it’s all about “new beginnings.”
“I’m very excited. It’s a new chapter in my life,” Monbleau said.
As for what separated Curry from other options, Monbleau pointed to the school’s camaraderie.
“What separated Curry for me, personally, was the brotherhood they have over there,” Monbleau said. “They just have this will to win like no other.”
As for David – who was often seen throwing, tackling, and returning kicks on Friday nights at Manning Field – he has some goals he’s excited to check off.
“Gain knowledge, get better, and just have fun,” David said.
An emotional James Runner, Tech’s head football coach, emphasized on multiple occasions how inspirational the pair was to other members of the team.
“What you’ve done here will never be forgotten,” Runner said. “You guys going to Curry is going to change the outcomes of students here.”
He also commented on the “early morning workouts” and “late nights” both players have worked hard on the past four years.
“I’m really proud of them,” Runner said of the two captains. “They’re ready, I know they’re ready. I don’t know if Curry is ready.”
Monbleau’s mother, Kelli, said her son has given “110 percent” since day one.
“I’m very proud,” Kelli Monbleau said. “Michael has worked so hard up to this point.”
David was accompanied by his father Peter and mother Amy. Peter David said his son’s decision comes with “big responsibility.”
“It’s surreal [and] it feels like he just started playing football,” Peter David said. “I trust him though.”
Just minutes after signing, both student-athletes thanked their parents.
“Someone I really want to think is my mom who’s right there,” Michael Monbleau said. “She’s been a huge support system for me the past four years, helped me through everything, and gave me the strength to make this decision today.”
“I’d just like to thank my mom and my dad – they just push me every day,” Tyler David said. “Just overall life, [they’re] always there for me.”
Amy David also commented on Tech’s athletic program as a whole – one her son thrived in.
“Even though it’s a trade school, college is still an option,” Amy David said. “If you fight, it’s an option.”
Their time in Tiger colors may have passed on the football field, but their impacts aren’t going anywhere according to Runner, who said he hopes the pair will come back and talk to future players.
“This is not just their commitment, but it’s also your commitment too,” Runner said to members of the team huddled around the future-Colonels. “It’s dear to my heart.”
The two will not only share the defensive side of the field, but will be roommates off it.
“They’re like best friends,” Peter David said.
