Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Patrick Dorunda ’26 could give a lesson to underclassmen titled “This is how it’s done.”

Combining a high work ethic on the athletic field and in the classroom with his capacity to fully own his college process, Patrick committed to play Division I football at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, during a ceremony in the Athletic Center on May 15.

“This came up a bit last minute, but my mom has always told me things work out for a reason and that it was going to be all right, “Patrick said. “I was excited for this night. I never would have pictured myself playing D1 in any sport, regardless of football considering my experience level was quite low freshman year. 

“I saw my brother and sister up here two years ago for their signing at their respective sports and colleges. All growing up, watching them ahead of me has given me something to strive and compete for, to say the least. But being here tonight with my friends and family is one of the best nights I could imagine, and it’s very exciting and rewarding.”

Patrick earned that reward, taking nine AP classes and ranking among the top student-athletes during his time at WMA en route to being offered a spot on the football team at Lafayette, which plays in the Patriot League.

“I went on campus for Admitted Students Day, and I fell in love with the architecture and (thought) the level of programs that they have would fit me very well for what I’m interested in,” Patrick explained. “Whether that’s to continue on the pre-med track or if I felt I wanted to switch onto something else in the future, I felt Lafayette gave me the best opportunity to cover both fields at the same level while also having the opportunity to play football.”

Patrick starred for the Titans on the football field the last two season as a receiver, defensive back and, most notably, a long-range placekicker. He earned All-New England Prep School Athletic Council honors as a junior and senior. In his final season, he helped the Academy reach the league championship game.

“It’s been a lot of fun and (was) definitely a learning experience the first couple years,” said Patrick, who was cut from varsity soccer as a freshmen before trying out football for the first time. “Starting off 11v11 was a very competitive atmosphere to say the least. Some of the teams we played had to really big kids on the team, and I was about 145 pounds and a 5-foot-8 freshman so it was a little intimidating, but it was lots of fun with all the guys throughout the years. The coaching staff has been amazing. It’s a great community to be a part of, and I’m very happy with what I’ve gotten out of it.”

WMA Football Coach Jeff Vartabedian praised Patrick’s ability to … well, do a lot of things extremely well. 

“What I appreciate about him the most is his unselfishness and his leadership and his toughness and reliability,” Coach Vartabedian said. “He never missed a practice, never missed a workout, was there at every game and barely left the field during the games. The way he developed; he worked so hard in the off-season and summer to get himself into the best shape possible and really surpassed my expectations as a receiver and defensive back, the way he came on after his sophomore year and became one of our top kids on the field. And then the kicking on top of all that was really just incredible. He was a great leader and a great example for our younger guys to follow.”