When Cornwall graduate Kevin Arduino completed his studies at American International College, two years ago, he thought his football playing days were over. Last fall, Arduino settled into a role as quarterback coach for his alma mater before being recruited by the Italian Football League.
“When I played my last college football game I accepted the fact that I was not good enough to play at the next level like the NFL or CFL,” Arduino said via e-mail. “I figured that I would land a job and start the next chapter of my life. Things turned out a little differently, but for the good. I’m very grateful that I am still able to play this game that I have played since I was 7-years-old.”
A scout with team Torina Giaguari, asked Arduino if he’d be interested in playing in Italy. At first he was against it, but changed his mind, and signed a contract in October, after some thought, and a little encouragement from his parents.
“They reminded me that this is something I should take advantage of while I am young. Since I have been here, everything has been amazing. The worst part is missing home and my family.”
Arduino landed in Italy on Feb. 2, and started practice the following day. When the season began on March 5, Arduino was not only playing quarterback he was filling in for the team’s injured punter.
“Its actually pretty fun,” Arduino said of the new position. “It’s something different and it’s always fun doing something different. We have a lot of fake punts as well because I can throw it or run it as well as punt it. So that alone makes the game more interesting. When the quarterback is also the punter, the defense doesn’t know what to do.”
Besides playing two on-field positions, Arduino became a team captain a month after he arrived in Italy. It’s a familiar role for him, and goes along with his experience as a coach.
“I was a captain in college, as well as at Cornwall,” he said. “It’s a great honor to be able to represent your team and be the leader on the field. As a coach it’s similar because you’re expected to know the answers and always be right. This can be difficult, especially as a first-year coach. But the roles of captain and coach are very similar.”
The Italian Football League is divided into a north and south division. Torina Giaguari, in the north, plays its 10th and final regular season game on June 4, with playoffs beginning in July.
One of the easiest parts about the move to Italy was the adjustment to new teammates. “They really made me feel comfortable.” Arduino acknowledged. “[My] teammates come over to my house all the time. Everyone is just really friendly and easy to get along with.”
The biggest challenge Arduino has faced is the language barrier, but he is trying to learn Italian.
“There are times, during a game, where the language barrier gets frustrating,” he admits. However, most of the team speaks pretty good English. We use hand signals during games as well, which eliminates any confusion with language.”
Arduino isn’t sure what will happen at the end of the season. He’s considering playing another year, as well as returning home to coach in the United States. No matter where he winds up, Arduino is making the most of his experience.
“My time here so far has been amazing. I have been able to travel to other parts of Europe and play football while I do it. It’s a part of my life I will never forget.”