Haverford High School’s Pete Corcoran is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior defensive end and offensive guard was named the Haverford High School football team’s Most Valuable Player this past season. Corcoran made 90 tackles, five sacks, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles, and was one of the top offensive linemen for a Fords’ rushing attack that averaged almost six yards per carry. “Peter was the heart and soul of our team this year,” said Haverford High football head coach Luke Dougherty. “His love of the game and desire to be great made him an unblockable force for our defense, and he was one of our best offensive linemen.” Off the field, Corcoran is a volunteer with Eldernet of Lower Merion.
Q: What attracted you to the defensive end position? How did you view your leadership role as a senior on the defensive line?
A: I have always played both offensive and defensive lines, but I have always liked defense more. On defense, it is less thinking and more reacting. I was lucky to be a part of a great group of seniors on our D line – Mario Tascione, Mike McNicholas, Mike Powel – who led our defense.
Q: What did it mean to you to be named Haverford’s football MVP?
A: It means a lot to me. Knowing some of the players who had won it in the past, as well as knowing that our coaches voted on it, is a great honor!
Q: What was your favorite moment of this past football season – can you share your recollection of it with us?
A: Our win over Springfield this season. We were down in the first half by two touchdowns and came back to win the game. It was a great all-around team win! My mom teaches in the Springfield School District, so that made the win even better.
Q: What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I am working on getting faster.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in football. Who have been your top football mentors, and what has been the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: I started playing flag football in 3rd grade for Saint Denis CYO and played on the JV and varsity teams from 4th through 8th. Then I played freshman and JV my first two years at Haverford.
I have had the chance to play for some great coaches: Gary Pergolini, Jack Corcoran, Chris McCreight, Joe Gallagher, Dan Milewski, Joe Powel, Alex Host, Ryan Grabis, and Luke Dougherty. My father, Bill Corcoran, who coached me in 7th and 8th grade, has been my biggest mentor. All of them taught me the importance of giving your maximum effort, that hard work makes you successful and it is important to always be on time.
Q: What sparked your interest in joining Eldernet of Lower Merion? I understand you visit an elderly gentleman two nights a week.
A: Since my grandfather passed away 3 years ago I have been helping my grandmother by doing yard work and dropping off meals. At the end of COVID I was looking to do some community service and looked at something to help the elderly. Eldernet was a good fit for me. I help an elderly gentleman with his mail, take out the trash and we talk usually about football.
Q: What is your favorite course at Haverford High?
A: Ms. Crispin’s English Class.
Q: What do you think you’d like to major in at college?
A: I am looking at Business or Economics.
Q: Is there a career path that currently interests you?
A: A career in business or owning my own landscaping company.
Fun facts – Pete Corcoran
Favorite book: Death of a Salesman.
Favorite author: Arthur Miller.
Favorite TV show: Seinfeld.
Favorite movie: The Irishman.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Many Men from 50 Cent.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Outer Banks, N.C.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta.
Person I most admire, and why: “My Dad. He is very similar to me, and I respect the values that he has instilled in me. I look up to him and value his opinion and guidance.”
Family members: parents Bill and Pam, sisters Sydney Corcoran and Paige Corcoran.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
