Family is an important part of life, and for many athletes a team can be considered a family. Teammates become brothers or sisters, and unique bonds develop.

For Grand Valley State University brothers Tony and Nick Carreri, the unique team bond is actually a family matter.

The pair, who both graduated from L’Anse Creuse High School in Clinton Township, Mich., currently plays sports at GVSU and looks to help their respective teams reach great heights this season.

Oldest brother Tony starts at tight end for the football team while not-so-little brother Nick, who stands three inches taller than his older brother, is entering his third year on the men’s basketball team.

“We have always been pretty close, and growing up we were always out in the neighborhood playing sports, but being at school with him has brought us even closer.” said Tony, a senior finance major.

Usually the older brother picks at younger while they find a way compete at everything, occasionally to the point of anger. Despite that stereotype, the relationship the Carreris share is one in which they can show respect for each other, and at the same time be there to look out for one another. It is unique and a little bit against the grain of normality, Tony said.

“The transition from high school to college is a big jump, but to have the comfort of having one of your best friends here I’m sure was a help for Nick,” said Tony, who has 13 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown this season. “Being able to relate to each other is big — it kind of gives you someone to vent to.”

Their ability to relate to one another has only added to an already strong relationship. In high school, Tony and Nick played basketball together. Early on, both were undecided on what sports to focus on, but the success they saw in their respective sports helped with their decisions.

“In high school I actually took a year off from basketball and came back my senior year,” Tony said. “Nick even started over me as a sophomore that year, but there was never animosity. I may be at the game on the bench, but I’m his biggest fan.”

Support is another factor both cited as reason why they are together again at GVSU.

“Knowing Tony was here, I knew I’d always have someone to turn to,” said Nick, a junior business major. “I knew it would be tough to come in, go to school and play a college sport, but I also knew he’d be there to support me and help me out.”

A support system will help any college freshman, but the impact the elder Carreri had on Nick was something special. Growing up, Tony was his role model, and one of the main reason he got into sports, Nick said.

“Whenever I need help, I can turn to my teammates, but I can also turn to Tony, too.” said Nick, who averaged 3.3 rebounds per game last season. “I try to get out and show support at as many of his games as possible before my season starts.”

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