Anthony Catron '26 // RB, SS // St. Pats High School // 6'0, 195lbs

jennycz27
May 30
4 min read

By: Jenny

Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell

Positions: RB, SS // Height & Weight: 6'0, 195lbs // 40 Yard Dash: 4.6 // Shuttle: 4.17

Vertical: 34 //Bench: 265 (1), 225 (8), 185 (25) // Squat (lbs): 405 // Clean (lbs): 250

For most high school athletes, junior year is when everything starts to align. The speed, the strength, and the spotlight. For St. Patrick football player Anthony Catron, that season came to a halt on one painful fall afternoon when he went down with a serious ankle injury. What followed wasn’t just a physical battle to get back on the field, it was a complete mental reset that would test his patience, focus, and resilience.

“When I was lying on the ground in pain, I honestly didn’t think I’d be out for the whole season,” Catron recalls. “Even in the ER, I was already trying to figure out which game I’d be back for.” But just days later, a specialist delivered the news no competitor wants to hear: his season was over. “It was shocking. I’d never been seriously hurt before. It was always other people, not me.”

That moment sparked a year-long journey of recovery, reflection, and growth. “I had to be patient and improve little by little. I’m used to going full throttle all the time, so that was tough. But I realized patience was key if I wanted to get back to who I was.”

Today, as a senior leader on a hungry St. Pat’s squad under new head coach Tom Zbikowski, Catron is back, and more determined than ever.

Sidelined for nearly the entire 2023 season, Catron’s view of the game changed. “I’ll never take the game for granted again,” he says. “Watching practice from the sidelines and not being able to play wore me down. But it made me stronger. Now, every snap means more than ever.”

That renewed mindset has redefined how he prepares, both physically and mentally, for the upcoming season. “I’m doing everything I can to be 100% ready. Whether it’s running back or strong safety, I’m locked in.”

A two-way player, Catron brings explosive playmaking as a running back and intelligent anticipation as a strong safety. “I love being a running back because I get the ball and make plays. But playing strong safety gives me a mental edge. I understand offense, so I can read plays better.”

Coming off the injury and entering his final year, Catron is stepping into a bigger leadership role than ever before. “Before the injury, I mostly led by example. But sitting out made me realize how important it is to be a vocal leader too. Now I try to lead with both my voice and effort.”

With Coach Zbikowski at the helm, the energy in the locker room is electric. “He brings a fresh perspective that’s already had a positive effect on the team. His energy and intensity give us a new edge.”

As the Shamrocks gear up for summer camp, the goals are clear: take it one week at a time, prepare with discipline, and trust the process. “Our goal is to make the playoffs and go to state, but we know it starts with the little things. If we stay focused every day, the big things will come.”

While football defines Catron’s fall season, academics have always been a priority. He currently holds a 3.94 GPA. “My parents deserve a lot of credit. They’ve always made it clear that education comes first. After my injury, it hit me, football can be taken away in an instant, but your education can’t.”

He also credits faculty and staff at St. Patrick for their support. “Ms. Kim was always there when I needed help. Ms. Walls, my AP U.S. Government teacher, pushed me to stay on track. And President Santucci believed in me. Having people like that makes success possible.”

His classroom experience, he says, carries over onto the field. “Group projects helped me become a better teammate. And being coachable in school is just like being coachable in football, you have to be open to feedback and use it to get better.”

Recruiters may not have much junior film to evaluate, but Catron isn’t worried. “My main goal is to be the player my coaches and teammates need. I’ve set a high standard for myself. If I play with that mindset, recruiters will see who I am.”

That mindset is deeply rooted in something bigger than football. “This past year taught me that growth takes time. I believe God has a plan, even if it’s not what I expected. Through everything, my motto has been: ‘Work hard. Trust God.’ That keeps me grounded.”

When asked what sets him apart, Catron doesn’t hesitate. “I lead by example. I’m coachable, competitive, and willing to do whatever helps the team. My dad used to say, ‘we before me’—and that’s something I live by.”

With a breakout senior season on the horizon, Catron knows the spotlight will return. “Selfishly, I want to say I’ll be the one to break out, I’ve worked so hard for this. But honestly, I look around and see so many guys ready to step up. We’ve been grinding. Big things are coming for the 'Rocks.”

As Anthony Catron enters his final season in green and gold, one thing is clear: he’s not just back, he’s better. Stronger, wiser, and ready to lead his team.

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