For head football coach Jason Foster, junior captain Christian Arteaga was sure to be reassigned captain given his character.

“On the field, he’s just a natural leader, brings younger kids along, helps with different techniques and fundamentals of the game. (He’s) always willing to learn more, a student of the game, watches his film intensely,” Foster said. “He acts good and never questions a coach, he always does what he is taught to do and does it 100 percent all the time. I’m very (full of) joy to be his coach.”

As sophomore Stefano Giovannelli found out Arteaga would be captain another year, he was elated to have him back leading the team.

“He was captain last year and that was my first year of football, a good four or five years after I had last (played), and he helped me get right back into it. He made me feel comfortable with everything,” Giovannelli said. “I couldn’t have asked for better. I’m excited he’s back for another year.”

According to Arteaga, since last year was cut short, he was very happy to be a captain another year as he can now further lead the team.

“To see a schedule that consists of more than six games is super exciting, with COVID-19 last year that got restricted so getting to see kind of a full schedule is very exciting, so to have the opportunity to be a leader for that much longer is great,” Arteaga said.

Giovannelli said one of Arteaga’s defining qualities is his ability to form bonds, which further develops him as a leader.

“He checks in with other players and coaches. We are in the weight room together, we talk about football. It’s special to build a relationship with him because he’s just a super hard worker and a great kid,” Giovannelli said.

According to Foster, Arteaga will be remembered for his personality, something that will continually give back to Park.

“The day he graduates and leaves, he’s going to be sorely missed,” Foster said. “But I know his character, he’ll be one to want to give back to Park because he takes great pride in the fact that he’s an Oriole.”