Published: November 24, 2007 09:51 pm            

CRUNCH: GI’s Nestark is the Niagara Gazette Player of the Year

Sure Christian Nestark had 90 tackles this season. But it wasn’t the quantity, but rather the quality that earned the senior linebacker from Grand Island the distinction as the 2007 Niagara Gazette Player of the Year.

Just ask Nestark.

“The goal was to either kill the running back or kill the quarterback every play,” he said.

And how he should be remembered?

“He hit really hard,” Nestark said of himself.

That toughness has been Nestark’s trademark during his time in the Viking program, according to coach Dean Santorio.

“He was one of the most intense and toughest kids we’ve ever had,” the coach said.

Those compliments weren’t earned easily as Nestark broke his ankle three games into his junior year and was forced into a lengthy rehabilitation process. But he never complained and in fact, that injury and the disappointment that ensued made him work that much harder.

His efforts certainly paid off as he led GI back to the playoffs in Class A and picked up several postseason honors individually.

“Just his approach and work ethic in practice is really second to none,” Santorio said. “He never had an off day. He’s all business when he’s out there.”

That same attitude has carried over into one of his new-found loves — mixed martial arts. Nestark trains out of Lockport and is intently interested in the budding sport. Still, he has a passion for football and would like to find a good fit where he could continue his career on the gridiron.

“He might have to switch to a strong safety, but I think he could definitely do it,” Santorio said.