Columbia Football Commit Xander Menapace talks with SV Sports

Xander Menapace is still in high school, but he already sees the big picture. "It really came down to the coaching staff and the academics. Football is only going to last four years, so it's the next 40 that really drove my decision," said Menapace. Hamburg's 6'5 quarterback signed his letter of intent to play at Columbia University last week. Menapace gave credit to his parents. "As a kid, you never realize that you might be able to go to an Ivy League school. I'm just happy that they pushed me academically," he replied. His father, Aaron, is the athletic director at Hamburg and an assistant football coach. Xander was also able to consult with Luke Painton about his decision. Painton was a standout at Berks Catholic who played tight end at Columbia. Menapace was a three-year starter for the Hawks. He set 14 individual school records! His career records include completions (245), completion percentage (62%), and touchdown passes (32). Menapace piled up 1,833 passing yards during his senior campaign with 16 TD tosses. He ran for 14 more scores. Those are all single-season records at Hamburg. The first team, all-county QB finished his career with 3,061 passing yards and another 844 on the ground. The Hawks went (9-3) in 2022. They averaged 42 points and reached the District 3-3A semifinals. "I'm most proud of our team. We won the first District playoff game in school history. We really changed the culture and I think it's here to stay," stated Menapace. He's part of the only senior class in Hamburg history that didn't have one losing season. That class includes 285-pound DL Charles Sheppard who committed to Division II Kutztown University. Menapace told SV Sports' Paul Roberts that he's a fan of chicken wings, country music, and Josh Allen. He also gave a pick for the Super Bowl.