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Marc Anthony Minichello’s accomplishments throwing the javelin lifted him to heights even he never thought were possible when he was at Wyoming Area.
His talent got him to the University of Pennsylvania and then the South Eastern Conference Conference at the University of Georgia. He won Ivy League and SEC championships and was a multiple All-American.
However, there is more to Minichello than just the ability to throw the javelin. He earned All-Academic in 2019 and 2022 from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Even that should come as no surprise, considering the time and effort he put into his role as a student-athlete, taking seriously the role of student.
While his dream of being an Olympic athlete and having the opportunity to shine on the sport’s biggest stage is still alive, Minichello added one more award to what is already a crowded trophy case.
Minichello recently received the prestigious NCAA 2025 Today’s Top 10 Award, given to just 10 student-athletes in recognition of their success on the field, in the classroom as well as the community. Minichello received the award at the NCAA Convention in Nashville.
“It came as a complete surprise,” said Minichello, who resides in Athens, Georgia. “The idea how I got it, I don’t actually know. Some people from the (University of Georgia) athletic department had to nominate someone from our school. … They thought it was appropriate to nominate me.”
Minichello learned more about the award after speaking with members of the selection committee. After reviewing applications from all three divisions of the NCAA, the list was narrowed down to 10.
“I knew ahead of time that I was getting it,” Minichello said. “I got an email in November with a couple people from our athletic department attached. It notified me I was receiving the award and was told it was a pretty big deal. They told me I had to keep it a secret and there would be a press release sent out at a later time. I was surprised I did get it.”
Minichello proved to be at his best in the community in the Athens area. He is very active with Special Olympics and organized several activities within the organization.
“I try to do anything I could to hang out with the kids in Athens,” Minichello said. “Anytime the University of Georgia athletics is doing something that involves elementary, middle and high school kids, I will do whatever I can. I took pride in doing a lot of that stuff.”
Minichello helped organize a Special Olympics prom where he dressed the part, played games and escorted participants down a runway for photos. There is also a day set apart at the University of Georgia baseball stadium where Special Olympic athletes play Wiffle ball, hit off a tee and have a day on the baseball field.
“That’s a nice day, it was a lot of fun for everyone,” Minichello said.
As for his athletic career, Minichello is still shooting for the Olympics. He also has aspirations of turning pro, but for that to happen he needs to have a sponsor. Getting a name brand to sponsor him to wear a specific company’s apparel is not easy, especially for someone who throws the javelin.
“I’m kind of holding out hope and hoping to speak with a brand,” Minichello said. “I’m still at Georgia training with my coaches and fully integrated into the team. My schedule looks a little different. Instead of meets at the University of Florida and Texas, I’m not bound by any limits. My goal is to travel and get involved in international competitions, maybe in Europe or Asia.”
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