Dual-sport senior athlete James Kratochvil will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Marist College after committing to play Division 1 football there.

Kratochvil played fullback and outside linebacker for the Rams varsity football team, recording a career total of 31 receptions for 447 yards and 7 TDs on the offensive side. On defense, Kratochvil recorded an impressive total of 65 tackles as well as 9.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

Additionally, Kratochvil recorded 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries, adding to his already stellar performance. With such a significant role on the football field, it is no wonder why Kratochvil received the opportunity to play at Marist.

While the effects of his talent and hard work were clearly present on the football field, Kratochvil’s dedication to his sport also impacted his family in a positive way. “Seeing my dad’s face when I got accepted to Marist was such a great moment for me because it is his alma mater,” Kratochvil said. “I have never seen him or my mom prouder and that made me feel great, just knowing that my hard work over the last ten years has paid off.”

Since football ended, Kratochvil has had time to reflect on the last season of his high school football career. “My favorite memory from this season has to be the Wayne Valley game with Aidan Flowers’ last-second kick,” he said. “Getting over the hump of being in the semifinals for three straight years was a huge milestone for our team, and that was a moment I will never forget.”

The fact that Kratochvil’s favorite memory is about the team’s success as a whole is a nod to his selflessness and conveys that he cares about his team, not just personal glory.

Continuing in his selfless nature, Kratochvil acknowledged head coach William Nahan’s assistance in this process. “Coach Nahan does everything he can to get his players to the next level,” Kratochvil said. “He sets up meetings with coaches for myself and my teammates to give us every chance possible at playing in college. I am so grateful for him because it shows that he genuinely cares about his players and will do whatever he can to give them great opportunities.”

Coach Nahan had great things to say about Kratochvil as well. “James is a student of the game and loves everything involved with the playbook, he said. “Knowing what to do at multiple positions has allowed him to find success on the field. James also brings a ton of passion and energy to the team; his teammates feed off this.”

Now that Kratochvil has committed, he has much to look forward to playing at the college level. “I’m most excited to meet the team and really create a special bond with them like I did with my high school teammates,” Kratochvil said. “Football has given me an opportunity to make my best friends who I will love for the rest of my life.”

In addition to commending Kratochvil on his hard work and prominent role in the team, Coach Nahan also commented on the athlete’s promising future on the field. “I am so happy for James and I look forward to his continued success,” Nahan said.

While Kratochvil is looking forward to his career in college, and rightfully so, he said he appreciates his time at Randolph. “Playing varsity football at Randolph is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he said. “Being part of a program that has carried an unforgettable legacy is an honor.”