Newsday's Athlete of the Week is Jacob Bruno of Cold Spring Harbor

Jacob Bruno may be the rare three-sport athlete for Cold Spring Harbor, but it’s the senior’s glowing success in the classroom that makes him an exceptional student-athlete.

A wrestler for the Seahawks who is also a premier defenseman for the lacrosse team and was a standout running back/linebacker on the football field, Bruno has earned a 4.0 GPA (4.19 weighted), 1540 SAT score and has never received less than an A in any class since seventh grade. He’s committed to play lacrosse at Amherst College next year and though he is still undecided on a major, his interest lies in business science.

On Jan. 5, the senior was named part of the Nassau Golden Eleven by the National Football Foundation and Nassau County football coaches for his academic achievements as a scholar-athlete.

For his recent feats as both a competitor and scholar-athlete, Bruno earned Newsday’s Athlete of the Week honors.

“It was incredible,” Bruno said of being named one of the Golden Eleven. “I didn’t know too much about it going in. But when I learned about it I realized it was definitely a milestone for me in my academic and athletic career. I don’t try to get recognized like that. I just do it because I love it. For others to see that, it was such an honor for me.”

Bruno was elevated to the varsity wrestling team in eighth grade, and joined the varsity football and lacrosse teams during his sophomore year. He recorded 1,189 yards and 16 touchdowns on 89 carries and 21 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks in his senior season.

After dislocating his elbow in the opening round of the playoffs, Bruno was named defensive player of the game for the Seahawks in the county final. He went on to win the Kessenich Award at the Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association Gridiron Banquet, given to a three-sport athlete who excels both academically and within the community.

Bruno said football ingrains another layer of toughness in him, and plays a major role in his success as a wrestler.

“He’s very tactful. He waits for his opportunity and takes advantage when he can,” Cold Spring Harbor wrestling coach Mike Ferrugiari said. “He’s very smart on the mat and he’s a leader. He really excels at that. We’re going to miss that next year in all sports with his knowledge of everything going on, on and off the field.”

Ferrugiari commended Bruno, who usually competes in the 160-pound weight class, for his leadership abilities as well.

“He’s the kind of guy that will pull over seventh- and eighth-graders and help pick them up,” Ferrugiari said. “He got called up at that time and he relates to them and can push them through and encourage them to get better.”

Whether it be in an athletic or academic arena, Bruno is constantly driven to thrive.

“It means a lot,” Bruno said. “I just try to be the best I can in every aspect of my life. It’s important for me.”