“Marcus is the most modest and unassuming high profile athlete that I have ever been around. He cares about his family, schoolwork, friends, and music as much as playing high school sports. He is the ultimate team player who has truly bought into the idea that you play for the name on the front of your uniform not the name on the back. Marcus reminds me a great deal of Andrew Gellert; both Andrew and Marcus were outstanding athletes who were also excellent students and teammates. One of my favorite stories concerning Marcus occurred near the conclusion of the state semi-final game in which our boys routed Staples High School; Marcus was watching the last 15 minutes of the game cheering on his teammates and applauding their outstanding play and at the conclusion of the game, reporters crowded around Marcus to grab a quote and he said, ‘Are you kidding me? Did you see those guys play (referring to his teammates)? Go talk to them!’ Most high school athletes relish the idea of talking to reporters, but Marcus wanted to push the spotlight off himself and shine it brightly on his teammates. Marcus is unquestionably the greatest student-athlete to ever wear a Newtown High School uniform.” – NHS Athletic Director Gregg Simon