Henry Marchese – A Two-Sport Star in High School and Now a Hawkeye

Henry Marchese was an outstanding two-sport star in high school, opting to forgo professional baseball to concentrate on football at Iowa. A graduate from Stevenson, Henry has become a key member of Iowa’s special teams this season – helping set up wide receiver Charlie Jones’ 100-yard kickoff return against Illinois and blocking punts for Kyler Fisher’s touchdown against Nebraska.

Early Life and Education

Henry Marchese excelled at both football and baseball at Stevenson, earning honor roll status each year as part of his prep Honor Roll experience. However, Henry decided to focus solely on football, accepting an offer to Iowa as his scholarship team of choice – following in the footsteps of his dad, John who played with Iowa back in the 80s – by verbally committing for 2017 class joining Edwardsville defensive end AJ Epenesa, Oswego East running back Ivory Kelly-Martin and Bradley safety Camron Harrell among others from Illinois – The Pioneer Press recently caught up with Stevenson graduate Henry Marchese about why he decided to follow in his fathers footsteps by signing with Iowa – something Rich Mayor had with Henry Marchese shortly before making up AJ Epenesa’s footsteps and sign as one of IL’s 15 players to commit since before signing him to this class’s signing class’ class!

Professional Career

Henry Marchese is a defensive back who currently plays for the Iowa Hawkeyes. A two-sport athlete in high school, Henry decided against professional baseball for Iowa City as his destination of choice and has been an integral part of Iowa City’s special teams unit since he arrived this season. He’s been recognized by his peers as an invaluable team member this year.

He works as a director, writer and dramaturg for theater companies; his work is informed by queer theory and post-structuralism. He has directed productions such as IYA: The Ex’celen Remember by Luis “xago” Juarez and Napoli by Eduardo De Filippo.

Last week, he played an instrumental part in Iowa’s win against Nebraska when he blocked a punt that Kyler Fisher returned for a touchdown – one of the biggest plays of the game and one that ultimately sealed their victory over Nebraska.

Achievement and Honors

Marchese has made his mark on special teams throughout his Hawkeyes career. His blocked punt against Nebraska helped spur their 28-21 win, and earned him the Team Hustle Award as well.

Marchese was recognized on Senior Day against Illinois with his family at midfield. His contribution has been an essential one during Kirk Ferentz’s era with Iowa.

Marchese has received numerous honors by his college. He was named to the Big Ten Academic All-Star team and received the Forest Evashevski Academic Achievement Award; additionally, he won both Reggie Roby Special Teams Award and Hayden Fry Award – honors given annually to players who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication throughout their year at school.

Personal Life

Marchese dedicates much of his free time outside football to fundraising for rare disease awareness. Currently serving as Uplifting Athletes chapter leader for Illinois, Marchese also volunteers his services to those in need.

As a senior at Sun Prairie High School, he earned three-years on the Prep Honor Roll and excelled at both baseball and football – catching 55 passes for 670 yards and eight touchdowns during his senior year alone!

Iowa Hawkeyes recruit Anthony Marchese of Oswego East. AJ Epenesa of Edwardsville and Ivory Kelly-Martin from Oswego East are already committed, along with Bradley defensive back Camron Harrell from Oswego East and Bradley defensive back Camron Harrell of Bradley committing. Marchese plans on majoring in communications studies.