Xaverian’s Jack Funke a model of perseverance
WESTWOOD — For a while there, Jack Funke had to believe he was cursed by the football gods. His freshman year at Xaverian, Funke tore the meniscus in his left knee. His sophomore year, Funke tore the same meniscus. His junior year? Yep, you guessed it. “Just when I did the meniscus again (was the frustration level high),” Funke said during practice Tuesday. “It was very stressful when I tore it the third time.”
But Funke was able to play during Fall II, and as he competes this season for the Hawks, he is playing the best football of his young life, according to coach Al Fornaro.
“He’s better this year than he was last year,” Fornaro said of his 6-foot-6, 290-pound left tackle/defensive tackle.
“I do (feel like I’m playing my best),” Funke said. “I feel like I’m only going to get better from here. But I think the more experience I have, the better I’m going to get.”
But first Funke had to get over those injuries. Medically, the doctors had to change their approach after the third tear.
“It’s not uncommon (to have multiple meniscus tears),” Funke said. “Torn it twice. We tried to repair it twice. The third time, it’s like, just remove it. I’ll have arthritis, but that’s the only lasting factor.”
Yet for someone who missed a lot of time, Funke was able to gain the attention of recruiters with a little internet savvy. During the pandemic, Funke posted workout videos on Twitter that colleges were able to see in lieu of seeing him in person.
“(Those videos) were everything, because I didn’t have anything to show anyone,” Funke said. “I barely had any tape from my freshman year, nothing from my sophomore year. So, I just wanted to show them what kind of athlete I was, and the work ethic I have.”
Boston College was already curious, and Fornaro sent film to the Eagles’ coaches. Eventually, BC offered Funke a scholarship, and he verbally committed soon after. Both of Funke’s parents played sports at The Heights, so it was a natural fit.
“(My parents) were very excited,” Funke said. “We were trying to get me recruited. It was tough with the injuries. We were in Covid, and BC thinking I was good enough to offer me was amazing for all of us, and we were very happy they did that.”
Fornaro says Funke is a great offensive lineman, the position he will handle in college. But Funke also is doing great on defense, with three sacks so far this year.
“He’s very smart,” Fornaro said. “He’s a very intelligent kid, and his football intelligence is good. You can be a Phi Beta Kappa, but can you understand the game? He understands the game.”
Funke also understands he has to take a leadership position to get the younger players ready, and that has been one of his main contributions.
“I want to motivate the younger guys to work as hard as me,” Funke said. “I’ve been showing them all the drills to do. I want them to continue on the Xaverian tradition, and have a great offensive line in the future.”
The Hawks are 2-1, and while Funke is excited about the looming statewide playoff, this season is special for a slightly simpler reason.
“I’m just excited to be able to play this many games,” he said. “Couldn’t play early in my career. Only played six games (in Fall II). I’m very excited to play this much football.”
Without question, he has waited more than long enough to do so.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 4