Melia Steps into Leadership Role for Millis Grid Squad

Steve Melia is gearing up for his third varsity season as a starter on Millis High’s football team, and the senior co-captain wouldn’t mind experiencing a repeat of the last two seasons that produced a pair of Super Bowl championships.
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound fullback-linebacker is acutely aware that every Millis opponent is aiming to defeat the champs and claim some bragging rights. He knows the Mohawks must be physically and mentally ready for a season that will include Herculean challenges.
“We’ve got big targets on our backs,’’ Melia said. “We must be up for every game. We’ve lost 18 seniors to graduation, so a lot of new players will have to step up. We’ve got to forget last year. This is a new season with new players and a new coach. Our talent is good and our coach is passionate and motivating. We can shock some people this year by getting into the playoffs and going deep again.’’
Brian Kraby, a Millis alum who played on a Super Bowl title team and coached the freshmen, has replaced Dana Olson as head coach. And, he’s already shown he knows talent by moving Melia from defensive end to linebacker and labeling him as “an old school Millis football player.’’
“Steve is tough, hard-nosed and no doubt will play a big role for us on offense and defense,’’ Kraby said. “He’ll run the ball a lot in our two-back scheme, and we’ve move him to linebacker because he’s got great instinctive ability to read and react. His pursuit is excellent, he hits with intensity, and he’ll also be a good role model.’’
As a captain, Melia intends to lead in a variety of ways. “I’ll definitely lead by example, and I can be vocal if needed,’’ he said. “And, if an underclassman needs help or advice, I’ll be supportive and offer help.’’
Melia started at defensive end as a sophomore, then was utilized last year as defensive starter and a reserve fullback behind all-league back Kurt Hopkins. Melia’s assets and strengths are many and on offense they include physical and mental toughness, a high football IQ, an ability to run with power. At linebacker, he possesses good lateral movement, a nose for the ball and a hard-hitting style. “Where I can improve is on my cutting skills and blocking,’’ Melia said. “My speed can also be better.’’
A native of Millis, Melia had two quality outings in the Super Bowls, delivering some key tackles and getting credit for several sacks against Maynard and Hoosac Valley. “The titles will always be his top thrills. “We had great players and coaches both times, and nothing can compare to the feeling of winning a Super Bowl,’’ he emphasized. “Those victories were the reward for all the hard work and effort we committed to.’’
To win a third consecutive Super Bowl would be an incredible feat but Melia comes from a program that might be small but can never be counted out. He understands that anything is possible and he isn’t ruling out No. 3.
“The sky’s the limit,’’ he noted. “What it’s going to take is 110 percent effort daily, a never-give-up attitude and an aggressive style.’’
Although dynamic players like quarterback Bryce Latosek, Hopkins, and wideout PJ Adams and Dom Zonfrelli have graduated, Melia is bullish on the players available. He admires Millis’ other senior captain —Thomas Fallon — and a trio of other seniors — Murrell Quashie, James Works and Hayden Olmsted.
Melia also is a fan of Kraby, whom he played for as an eighth-grader on the freshman team. “Coach Kraby is solid with X’s and O’s,’’ Melia noted. “He knows football, and his pep talks are inspiring.’’
Rating Medway and Dedham as top contenders in the Tri Valley League Small, the National Honor Student isn’t sure if he’ll play football in college, but he plans on attending college in the south. “As far as college football goes, I’ll see how I do this season,’’ he said.
Melia, who plays right field and pitches for the baseball team, relies on an athletic philosophy of working hard and striving to reach his potential. “If those things are done with no shortcuts, then winning will follow,’’ he said. “Sports have helped me to learn to never give up, to try my hardest and to overcome adversity.’’
Calling his parents (Maura and Steve) his role models, Melia fully realizes how fortunate he’s been to have been part of two Super Bowl titles. Both crowns rate highly, but if a third Super Bowl were to become a reality in his final year at Millis, Melia would rank that one as his favorite.
“That one would mean the most,’’ he emphasized. “It would be with all the friends I grew up with.’’
Don’t discount the thought of Millis being in the mix for a third Super Bowl, because Steve Melia is the kind of leader who makes things happen.