Local Sports Highlights: Hard Work Pays Off

Matthew Mizzi has accomplished quite a bit, both in the classroom and in athletic competition during his four years at Allen Park High School. And while he’s currently focused on studying and swimming for the AP boys’ swimming and diving team, Mizzi can’t wait to set sail on his future.

The Allen Park senior, armed with his three-sport resume, 4.075 grade-point average and participation in numerous school clubs and activities, was recently accepted to the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

“I have always wanted to give back to my country and serve in the military and when I found out about the Naval Academy it seemed like an extraordinary opportunity for me,” Mizzi said. “The Naval Academy provides an amazing experience that I knew I had to be a part of. I hope to study chemistry.”

Matthew, 17, is the son of Jennifer and Michael Mizzi and participates in National Honor Society (treasurer), Student Council (class representative), SADD, Link Crew, and Ski Club. He also is Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop 1061 in Allen Park and works at Primo’s Pizza in Allen Park.

His athletic resumé includes cross country, swimming and diving team and track and field.

Mizzi recently completed a successful cross-country career in the fall, where he ran five top 10 finishes. His PR time of 17:06.9 landed him in 23rd place at the Lake Erie Regional and helped the Jaguars beat Bedford for third place (by just four points) to qualify for the MHSAA State Finals at MIS.

He first got into running when he was really young.

“I just fell in love with the sport,” he said. “I love the challenges that it presents me with and the struggle that comes with distance running.”

Mizzi had plenty of great moments running with his Allen Park teammates.

“Some highlights that I share with my team would be winning the league and All Area championships back-to-back,” he said. “I am so proud of my team for our appearance at the state meet this year as well. It was a truly amazing experience. I am also proud that I was able to improve every single year that I was running and my hard work definitely paid off.”

Mizzi joined the AP swimming and diving team as a freshman and is currently a diver. He also swims the breaststroke for the Jags.

Balancing three sports and maintaining excellent grades can be difficult but Mizzi has been able to successfully navigate those challenges.

“It's not been easy for me but through a disciplined schedule and dedication I have been able to make it work,” he said. “I have always had the support of my family, friends and teachers to help me put forth my best work and do my best in all aspects of my life.”

Getting into Annapolis was an “extremely challenging and exhausting” experience.

“It is a very long process that constantly keeps you on your toes and requires dedication to just complete,” he said. “It requires lots of physical and mental training just to pass many of the exams. But all the hard work has paid off as I was completely blown away when I received my acceptance. I knew that that was a life-changing moment and I was so proud to tell my mom and dad that I got accepted.”