MAHOPAC, N.Y—Every team needs a spirit like Matt Bentivenga: a selfless teammate who puts team first; a jovial teammate who can crack jokes with the best of them but knows when to get real; a leader who isn’t in it for the glory, but a grunt who’s in it to win it.
Coaches call these rare athletes “gems,” referring to their sheer physical impact as immeasurable and their psychological influence as the intangibles a varsity sports program needs to experience success.
Bentivenga, a two-sport Mahopac High senior, has exhibited those qualities and many more as the starting center and a defensive lineman for the Wolf Pac football team, and as a key reserve infielder on the 2025 sectional runner-up baseball club.
As the All-League center/defensive lineman for the Wolf Pac gridders, the 6-foot-0, 255-pounder is all business in the trenches, but when the time comes to crack a joke, or get under an opponent’s skin, nobody does it better than “Benti,” as he’s best known.
His fearless, cheeky persona helps allow the Wolf Pac to take the field with a sense of confidence and a brassy batch of passion, according to well-versed teammate Michael Trinchitella, a two-way senior offensive lineman/linebacker with high academic honors.
“Benti is a leader on the offensive and defensive line,” said “Trinch.” “Every time someone makes a good play, Benti brings the energy and keeps the team alive. Playing next to him hypes me up to make a good play, and he’s always in our ear screaming at us. That’s what Benti’s known for. Wherever we go, whether it’s practice or a team meal, you always know when Benti’s there. He’s a locker room guy and makes friends with everyone. We wouldn’t be the team we are today without him.”
His importance is not lost on Mahopac coach Dominic DeMatteo, who sees big things in Bentivenga’s future.
“Matt Bentivenga will be one of the better offensive/defensive linemen in Class A this coming season and possibly all of Section 1,” the coach said. “He is a three-year starter who has grown physically, mentally and emotionally every year in our program. Matt is a ‘PAC GUY’ who brings the energy every day in the weight room, on the practice field and especially on game night. Big things are ahead for Matt Bentivenga this fall and beyond.”
Like so many of our local student-athletes, Bentivenga, who has worked hard the last few years to become the best he can be in the classroom, has much to offer the Mahopac community. He’s a griller, a chiller and a comedic killer… Let’s get to know Benti a little better.
What’s been the most challenging part of high school for you?
Waking up early in the morning is definitely the most challenging part of high school.
What’s your favorite memory, thus far, of your time at Mahopac High?
Running out of the tunnel before football games is so much fun I’ll never forget that feeling.
Is there any particular teacher or administrator within your time in the MCSD who has made a difference in your life?
There are so many great teachers and administrators in our school that this is a super-hard choice, but one that sticks out to me is Mr. D’Alessandro because he coached me on JV football my freshman year, and when I had him for Earth Science he made coming to that class so much fun and we made a lot of great memories together.
Would you rather be the funniest person in the room or the smartest person in the room?
I would most definitely prefer to be the funniest person in the room.
People are so divided these days. What trait do you possess to bring us together?
I think I can bring laughter to people and can make their days brighter in that way.
Name a chore that you hate?
Cleaning my room, sorry mom.
A beach or mountain cabin vacation — why?
Beach vacation because I like to let the waves hit me, play spikeball and beach football.
Favorite place to visit?
Madison Square Garden, because of the environment and how crazy sports fans get.
College decision or trades?
Western New England, SUNY Cortland, Springfield.
College major intentions?
Physical Education or Sports Management.
Dog, cat or another pet?
Without question, dogs make your life a million times better.
Best slice of pizza in the area?
Mike and Joes for as long as I can remember and it never disappoints.
Favorite local restaurant?
Kobu is a great spot to eat, they also make it an enjoyable time with the hibachi, which I love.
Favorite birthday meal?
Every year my dad makes amazing pasta with meat sauce and it’s one of my all-time favorite dishes.
Favorite grilled food?
Grilled salmon is the Michael Jordan of grilled foods.
What's your favorite sports footwear?
Adidas makes great shoes, I’ve had the same white pair that have now turned almost black for almost a year and a half now and I’ll never stop wearing them.
A day off from school or practice — what do you have lined up?
A day off would mean loading up the Xbox playing Madden Franchise all day.
What are you an expert at?
Being able to quote movies.
What are you not nearly an expert at?
If you need a person to mess up a math question, I’m your guy.
Favorite pre-game ritual?
I don’t have a ritual for every game but before the first game of every season the night before I watch the movie Remember the Titans.
Favorite music or band (other than your dad’s)?
I think rock music is under-appreciated nowadays, so I love me some Metallica.
Favorite sport to play and watch?
To play is football, and favorite to watch is hockey, especially in the playoffs.
Favorite professional athlete?
Mike Trout, because growing up I loved watching him make crazy diving plays and hitting home runs.
Favorite team in major sports (football, hoops, baseball, hockey)?
Even though they disappoint me with these recent four-win-type seasons and not signing back big-name players, I’ll always tune in on Sundays to watch my NY Giants play.
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