North Jersey Male Athlete of the Week
Nick Atme
Sport: Football
School: Glen Rock
Class: Senior. Age: 17
Accomplishment:
Atme threw six touchdowns passes to lead Glen Rock by Waldwick/Midland Park in the NJIC Liberty
By Sean Farrell, NorthJersey.com
Nick Atme considers baseball his No. 1 sport and pitching his ticket to college.
But his legacy as a Glen Rock quarterback is shaping up to be pretty good, too.
Atme broke a school record on Friday night by throwing six touchdowns to help the Panthers thump Waldwick/Midland Park, 42-0, in a early battle for first place in their division. The senior wasn’t aware of his place in history until days later, although he did draw some inspiration from the past.
Leading up to the game, Atme heard from teammates, coaches and even family how this time had to be different after getting shut out by the Warriors last year in his first start at QB.
“Before the game, my dad definitely reminded me of that [game] from last year,” Atme said. “But it’s a new season. We’ve prepared.”
Atme is hardly a newcomer to his position. He accounted for 24 touchdowns last season and came back this summer as one of the top dual-threat weapons in North Jersey.
What’s changed so far is his proficiency through the air for a Glen Rock team that brought almost everyone back. His passing average has more than doubled, from 82.1 ypg to 208.
“I think he’s improved tremendously, especially as a thrower,” coach Kyle McCourt said. “This is his third year, technically, in the offense so he’s showing more of a command. Now he’s a captain, a leader, and he’s been looked up to in that light as well. He’s got that calm demeanor as well, which helps us in times when things are chaotic.”
Atme comes from a football family. His dad played for Manchester Regional – yes, the team Glen Rock faces this week – and his cousins Anthony and Nick Casasanta suited up for Wayne Hills and Curry College.
Nick picked up the sport in second grade and gravitated to the skill positions, playing slot receiver as a freshman and sophomore. He still doubles as his team’s punter, but might see less work there if Glen Rock (2-0) keeps on moving the chains.
“We were all new to varsity football and now we have one full season,” Atme said. “So we’re all more experienced. We execute plays better now and honestly it’s the team chemistry overall. We all know where each other is at and communicate better on the field.”
Things can not get much better for Atme, who completed 13 of 18 passes for 276 yards against the Warriors. Atme boiled his team’s big week down to good coaching and execution, and using film to find the holes in his opponent’s defense. Working carefully through his reads was also key after throwing two interceptions the previous week.
“It was more mental to be honest,” Atme said. “I let everything develop. I let all the plays develop. I took my time. I tried to stay under control because I’m the quarterback and I have to lead the team.”
Being in a leadership role isn’t new to Atme. With a fastball that sits in the mid-80’s, Atme has earned his way to the top of the Panthers’ rotation and a spot on the Bergen County first-team.
For now, it’s all about extending his last football season as long as possible.
“I want to take a big jump but week-by-week, I want to keep winning and focus on the upcoming game,” Atme said. “So right now, it’s Manchester.”
