Westfield senior center Gabe Dayon announced his commitment to Montclair State University on Tuesday via Instagram.
Dayon was the starting center on a Westfield football team that went 8-3 in the fall and finished first in the American Gold division in the Big Central conference. Dayon started in every game for the Blue Devils, taking on both defensive and offensive duties as well as special teams. An integral part of the team, Dayon will now continue his career at the collegiate level.
“I chose Montclair State because the football team felt just like Westfield’s. It feels great to commit there,” said Dayon. “I’ve always wanted to play college ball and after [the Thanksgiving Day game], when I thought my playing career would be over, [Montclair] wanted me to play there, so it’s awesome for me to be able to play another four years of football.”
(UPDATE 4/22/2023: Dayon announced on April 19 that he will also throw javelin at Montclair State)
Montclair State University is a Division III university that resides in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Red Hawks finished last season with a 2-8 record and went 0-6 in their conference. The team looks toward a brighter future with new recruits such as Dayon and hopes to make its first playoff appearance since 2010. Montclair State recently hired new head coach Mike Palazzo after former coach Rick Giancola retired after 40 years of coaching the Red Hawks.
“Coach Palazzo is bringing new energy to the team,” said Dayon. “I can’t wait to be a part of his new journey as the next head coach. Coach Palazzo was one of the few coaches who came to visit and talk to me, and he is bringing a new energy to the team. Which I’m really excited for.”
Dayon is currently finishing his winter season with the 10-2 bowling team, of which he is co-captain, and will soon look toward his future at Montclair next fall.
