Student Athlete of the Week- Sean Branning

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Sean Branning, a senior basketball player at Susquehanna is the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week.

Branning, who started playing basketball in 7th grade because he wanted “to be around the guys and be a part of a team” has Asperger’s Syndrome, but he hasn’t let that stop him from doing the things he wants to do.

“I like the physical fitness” he says about the sport.

His mother Joelle Napolitano adds, “he loves being able to get to do what the other kids are doing and especially being part of the gang. He does all the running and training. The fitness is an important part of it.”

Branning says Susquehanna’s season “could have been better, but I’ve been doing pretty good.”

His mom said, “There’s a lot of talent on the team that’s very young and they will be going somewhere in the next few years.”

In addition to basketball, Branning also competes in cross country and track.

He attends the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center on the Elk Lake campus in Dimock Twp., and is enrolled in the protective services program. Branning says he would like to go into law enforcement once he graduates.

He plans to continue his education in protective services and is currently finishing up his EMS certification, a big benefit to another major part of his life, firefighting. Branning is a member of the Susquehanna Volunteer Fire Department.

Branning says, “My family pushes me to get good grades and they are very supportive.” His hard work has been met with rewards. He has earned the perfect attendance award and is on the honor roll at SCCTC. He also received an end of season sports award.

Napolitano says that Sean is “a really good kid who is helpful and compassionate. He is always good in spirits and has a positive attitude.”

Branning lives in Susquehanna with his parents, Andy and Joelle Napolitano; and his sister, Chloe Tinklepaugh.