WHS Footballers Headed to College

Wethersfield graduate Michael Messina will play football for Southern Connecticut State University. Pictured at his signing with father (Lou), sister (Emily), and mother (Liz Enright) / ​Wethersfield graduate Bobby Balesano is headed to Florida to play football for St. Thomas University. Pictured at his signing with his mother, Lisa, and his father, Bob

Many of the 2019 high school graduates are prepping for the start of college later this month, but life-after-high school has already begun for those participating in fall athletics at a collegiate level.   

Wethersfield High School graduates and football standouts Michael Messina and Bobby Balesano are two of those athletes that are continuing both their academic and athletic careers in college.

Messina is staying in the Nutmeg State, heading to Southern Connecticut State University where he will be a student-athlete for the Owls football team. He was a four-year member of the WHS football team, earning varsity letters the past two seasons for his consistent and steady work as a kicker. During his senior season in high school he also mentored some of the freshman players on the Eagles football team.

Messina was also a four-year member of the boys’ track team and was an honor roll student in the classroom. He also volunteered his time as an ALS Aide, as well as working with special needs students.

Outside of school, Messina has volunteered at the South Park Inn shelter in Hartford though his church.
He will major in Athletic Training at SCSU.

Balesano is headed further south, where be playing football at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. He will be joining a football program during their inaugural season in the Sunshine State, as the Bobcats will be making their debut on the gridiron this fall.  

During his time on the field at WHS, Balesano played all four years and earned a reputation as a disruptor on defense, terrorizing quarterbacks and causing turnovers. He was also a member of the outdoor track team.

Balesano also participated in the Yearbook Club and volunteered with the Keane Foundation, as well as Corpus Christi Church. Over the past few years, he was involved with youth sports in town as he was an umpire for the Wethersfield Little League, volunteered with the Mini Kickers program through the Ritchie Soccer Club, and has been a lifeguard for the Wethersfield Parks and Rec Department. 

In addition to athletics, Balesano also participated in numerous school trips and has traveled to Italy, France, Spain, and Belize.
He plans to major in Sports Management at St. Thomas.

​(Information and photos provided by Wethersfield AD Mike Maltese and the WHS Athletic Department)