When Mooney plays for a state title, senior Ray Vinopal will be comfortable on the big stage, since he is already a back-to-back state champion in track in the 4 x 100 relay.
"It's nerve racking sometimes,” Ray said. “You get down before the gun and it's dead silence. As soon as it goes off, all 20,000 are on their feet. It's definitely something special."
Ray has helped the Cardinals go 14-0 and reach the Division III State Championship game. The 5'11'' senior is second on the team in rushing with 595 yards and seven touchdowns, and he is second on the team in tackles with 43.5. On special teams, he is the Cards’ top punt returner.
Division 1 football recruiters believe Vinopal is something special as a safety. He is mulling offers from Michigan and several MAC schools.
"Coach Stoops has taught me a lot defensively over the years. He's a great mentor to have and to get me on track."
By acing his advanced placement courses, Ray carries a 4.02 GPA. He is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club and the service organization Card Control.
"To toughen things out, you can push yourself past your comfort zone and still succeed if you're willing to put in the work."
Cardinal Mooney's Ray Vinopal is seeing his hard work pay off, making him our Student Athlete of the Week.
