Robby Belmarez turned a negative into positive early in his high school football career.
Belmarez hurt his knee in a 7-on-7 game and couldn’t play wide receiver for part of his freshman year at Lake Travis (Texas) High School. He didn’t’ want to stop playing and still wanted to be part of the program. So with the help of his father, Belmarez started long snapping.
“I never would have thought to do it,” Belmarez said. “It felt pretty natural to me and I started training it and now, it has changed my life.”
Belmarez’s life-changing moment came with his commitment as a long snapper to Army and offensive line coach Mike Viti Thursday. Viti watched Belmarez snap during a Lake Travis spring practice. Army special teams coach Sean Saturnio was in constant communication during recruiting. And, head coach Jeff Monken personally called Belmarez with an offer to play for the Black Knights.
Belmarez had always shown interest in military academies from a young age. Both of his parents have family members, who served in combat World War II and Korea.
“When I received attention from all of them (Army coaches) personally and support from my family, it was an easy choice,” said Belmarez, who was also offered by Air Force. “There was constant hands-on relationship building and brotherhood building from top to bottom from start to finish.”
Belmarez, who will visit Army Friday, met former Army long snapper and West Point graduate Brendan Knoespel in Austin, Texas to talk about the academy. Army senior defensive end Trey Sofia is Lake Travis graduate. Belmarez connected with Sofia’s family for more insight that helped with his decision.
“I’m blessed that I get to play at Lake Travis and get coached and prepared for big things like a chance to be a part of the Black Knight Nation,” Belmarez said.
