Gridiron Greats Zamot ’26 and Zampardi 26 Honored

Two members of the Big Red football team have been recognized by outside organizations for their accomplishments on-and off-the field.

Michael J. Zampardi ’26 received a 2026 Scholar-Leader-Athlete award from the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The honors are presented to high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance (typically a 3.5+ GPA) and excellence in varsity football. Zampardi (Princeton, N.J.), a consistent high honors student, has been part of Lawrenceville's football program for the past four years. He started at tight end last fall, anchoring a powerful offensive unit that scored 100 percent of the time when within 20 yards of the end zone.

“Michael is a rare four year letterman whose impact on our program cannot be overstated. A selfless competitor, he has played nearly every role asked of him with a mindset of 'whatever the team needs to win,’” said Lawrenceville Football Head Coach Napoleon “Poe” Sykes. “Beyond his physical versatility, Michael is a standout in the classroom, proving that he is just as dedicated to his academic pursuits as he is to his teammates. He is exactly what this award represents."

“I am incredibly honored to be selected for the Delaware Valley Scholar-Leader-Athlete award.  I have always taken pride in my academic pursuits, and I am grateful to have impacted my teammates,” said Zampardi. “I would like to thank Coach Poe and the entire Lawrenceville coaching staff for their commitment to building men of character and service through football. This award recognizes the biggest passions in my life: academics, athletics, and service to others. I look forward to applying the spirit of TCB (Take Care of Business) in everything I do beyond the Lawrenceville campus.”

Quad-Captain Joey Zamot ‘26 (Millville, N.J.) won the 2026 Mini Maxwell award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club, to standout high school football players in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Nominated by their head coaches, players are evaluated on their on-field performance, academics, and community service.

"From the moment Joey arrived on campus, he has served as the ultimate standard bearer for our program. While his physical talent is undeniable, his true impact lies in his selfless leadership and his role as one of the architects of our team culture,” said Sykes. “Joey didn't just join our program; he fully invested himself in its mission, leading by example and elevating the expectations of everyone around him. He embodied the toughness and tenderness that we try to instill in all of the kids that come through our program."

Zamot has been a part of the Big Red varsity football team since he arrived on campus as a Fourth Former. A perennial Dean’s List student, Zamot spends his summers working with youth football players back in his home town of Millville, N.J. On the gridiron, the Fifth Former plays inside linebacker and had more than 140 solo tackles over the last two seasons. He has been accepted to the University of Delaware where he will compete for the Blue Hens football team.

“First off, I would like to thank God for always putting many blessings in front of me and everything he has done for me in my life. I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for supporting me and pushing me to be better everyday,” said Zamot. “This award means so much to me because it truly shows that all my hard work and endless time I have put into myself and this program was truly worth it. It means even more to me because it’s not just about football, but also about character and community. I’m very proud and blessed to receive this great honor, and it motivates me to keep working hard and staying humble as I continue my journey in college.”

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.