Name: Marco Plasencia

Sport: Bowling

Grade: Senior

County Tournament

On Saturday Feb. 20, Plasencia, along with the rest of the boys bowling team, participated in the Bergen County Tournament. Plasencia finished second in the county as an individual by just eight pins, while the team finished third.

This performance alone would be an impressive feat for many, but Plasencia's journey to the county tournament has its own twist.

"I had already planned and bought a plane ticket to leave for Florida [the day of the tournament]," Plasencia said. "The day before I was supposed to get on that plane, I was [thinking] 'I can't leave my team.'"

Plasencia was supposed to take a trip with his aunt and grandfather to visit his cousins in Florida, but decided to stay home and stick with his team at the County Tournament - a decision that he was sure was the right one after his performance.

"I really didn't want to miss being there with my team, and then obviously competing with that team," Plasencia said. "I'm so glad I made that decision."

Becoming a Mentor

A member of the bowling team since his freshman year, Plasencia was able to experience his older teammates compete on the varsity level, eventually preparing him for what was to come. As a senior, he attempts to be a mentor for the younger members of the team.

"I was able to make relationships with the older guys, the juniors and seniors, and watch them do all of the things that I was thinking about doing [in the future]," Plasencia said. "Once I got to their position, I was able to talk with younger guys about what it's like [on varsity]."

Recent Team Performance

In a tri-match against Indian Hills and Pascack Hills on Wednesday, the boys bowling team fell to Pascack Hills but was able to come out on top against Indian Hills.

"Whatever you do, make your bed"

According to Plasencia, he is sure to complement or greet his teammates with a high-five after every shot they throw. His rationale behind this may seem a bit unorthodox at first, but shows how much he cares about the team. Plasencia likes to think of the phrase "Whatever you do, make your bed" when he is making sure to complement his teammates.

"Make your bed, because even if your day is terrible, you come home and at least something went right – at least your bed is made," Plasencia said. "It's kind of like the same concept. Even when they don't throw a good shot, I want my teammates to know that there is always somebody cheering them on."

Plasencia's Favorite Part About Bowling

Competing is not the only facet of bowling that makes it special for Plasencia – he values the time he spends with the rest of the team.

"We don't go [to matches] only to compete, we go there to have a good time with our teammates," Plasencia said. "The good spirits that the team has is always a good thing, because we're always cheering each other on even through the bad days."

Favorite Part About Pascack Valley

Even amidst a pandemic, Plasencia still looks forward to coming to Pascack Valley to see his teachers, some of which he sees as "mentors" in this stage of his life.

"The thing that keeps me wanting to come to school, [even though] a lot of kids have lost motivation to come, is seeing my teachers," Plasencia said. "It's not just a teacher-student relationship. It's kind of like a mentor. Somebody you look forward to seeing. Somebody who has literally guided you through four years of a super important time in your life."

Plasencia understands the impact his teachers have had on him, and is not looking forward to not seeing them everyday.

"They're going to be some of the hardest people to say goodbye to from high school," Plasencia said.

Bowling Superstitions

Prior to every shot, Plasencia wipes off his ball to eliminate some of the oil from the lanes.

"I will not bowl if I don't take my towel and wipe my ball," Plasencia said. "I just can't do it."

What Plasencia Does in His Free Time

Plasencia gets outdoors any way he can during his free time, mentioning a number of activities he enjoys.

"[I like] any outdoor activities like, golf, basketball, [and] going for a walk with my dog."

Plasencia and the Palm Trees

Plasencia enjoys the presence of palm trees. Yes, just their presence is enough to uplift him.

"Something that makes me happy that a lot of people don't know, besides maybe my parents, is palm trees," Plasencia said.

He said the idea of palm trees making him happy "might be a little weird" yet he enjoys them nonetheless.

Role Models

Having such a close relationship with his grandfather, Plasencia says he has become a role model in life.

"He calls me everyday, he asks me [about] what's going on all the time," Plasencia said.

Future Plans

"The dream would be to work for SpaceX," Plasencia said. "[I] love Elon Musk. He's creating the future, and I want to be a part of it."

Plasencia says he is "definitely looking forward to college" and is planning on becoming an aerospace engineering major. He hopes this will contribute to his dream to work for Elon Musk's aerospace manufacturing company, SpaceX.