With Matt DiSanto closing the book on his college career a few weeks ago, it’s time for Gabe Angieri to open a new book of his own.

During an anticlimactic all-staff meeting a few weeks ago, Angieri was named Onward State’s 17th managing editor. Before he gets too busy running the world’s most-followed student media outlet, Angieri took some time to sit down with us to talk about the blog, Penn State, and what he does in his free time.

OS: Tell the folks at home a little bit about yourself

Gabe Angieri: I’m a senior majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in sport studies. I hail from Lindenhurst, New York, which is located ON (not IN) Long Island. I’m your typical Italian New Yorker who loves Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra, and I often quote lines from Sinatra’s “My Way” in my everyday life. I’m sadly an avid fan of the Jets, Mets, and Knicks, and I let those three teams directly dictate my mood way more than I should. I’m answering these questions just a few hours after a Mets win, so I’m currently in good spirits.

I joined Onward State just a few weeks into my freshman year, and I’m really grateful I did. My entire college experience has been centered around the blog, as not only have I done a bunch of cool stuff, but I’ve met all of my closest friends through Onward State. I’m excited to see what the next year holds.

OS: Why did you pick Penn State?

GA: Despite having no connection to Penn State growing up, my family and I just always rooted for Penn State football. So, when it was time for me to start applying to colleges, Penn State was at the top of my list. When I toured the school, it was the first time I’d ever been to Happy Valley. I immediately fell in love with the campus and downtown State College. It became clear rather quickly this was the school for me.

Not only was the campus appealing, but the Bellisario College of Communications offered several opportunities that intrigued me. That was the icing on the cake, and it left no doubt in my mind that I’d be a Nittany Lion in fall 2019.

OS: How did you find out about Onward State?

GA: I can thank Onward State editor Frankie Marzano for first introducing me to OS. Frankie grew up in a huge Penn State family and read Onward State throughout high school. Since we went to high school together, he knew I was interested in journalism, and he recommended I apply. However, it wasn’t until former editor Jim Davidson came to one of my classes to recruit people to OS that I seriously considered applying. I was eyeing a different Penn State news outlet at the time, but it was Jim who changed my mind and led me to the greatest student-run media outlet in the world. I can’t thank Jim enough for that.

It just so happens that Frankie followed suit and joined Onward State a semester after me, and now we’re both editors for this blog. It’s funny how life works sometimes.

OS: Do you have a favorite Onward State article?

GA: I hate this question. There are so many articles that I love, so it’s tough to pick just one. However, instead of taking the easy way out like former managing editor Matt DiSanto did two years ago, I’ll actually pick just one article. All things considered, my favorite OS article is “An Oral History Of The Day Cael Sanderson Turned College Wrestling On Its Head”, which was written by Matt’s predecessor, Anthony Colucci.

The amount of time, effort, and work Anthony put into that still amazes me. The article is over 8,000 words and tells the full story of Cael Sanderson’s move to Penn State. It’s for sure one of the most in-depth, informative stories I’ve ever read. What a story, dude.

OS: What are some of your goals for the blog this year?

GA: This is another tough question. I’d be lying if I said I had one specific goal that I can pinpoint right now. As I embark on leading this blog, I have a lot on my mind, and I have high expectations for Onward State as a whole.

This isn’t specific, but one of my goals is for OS to continue to find those types of stories that other outlets aren’t writing. Everyone is going to write about James Franklin’s latest press conference, but what about cocktagons? What about Gurl Fieri? I know for sure there aren’t many publications that send staffers to ride in the NUTmobile. It’s stories like those that make OS so special.

Ultimately, my No. 1 goal is to continue to show everyone why Onward State is the most-followed student-run media outlet in the country. With the talented and eager staff we have, I have no doubt we’ll continue to do what we do (shoutout Bo Nickal).

OS: What inspired you to apply for the position of managing editor?

GA: I’ve thought about potentially becoming Onward State’s managing editor ever since the start of my sophomore year. I always knew in the back of my head this was a very real possibility. Then, when it became clear no one else was going to succeed Matt, reality set in, and I embraced it.

I think there are a few reasons why I decided to go through with this. First off, I love challenges. I feel that if you aren’t challenging yourself in life, then you aren’t living up to your potential. I look forward to the challenge of being Onward State’s managing editor. Additionally, I think I’m a natural leader. The idea of leading our staff of 60+ people excited me, and now, that’ll be my life for the next year. The main reason why I wanted to become managing editor is because I love Onward State. You simply can’t take on this position if you don’t love the blog. Being involved with OS has been so rewarding for me, and I feel like I have a lot more to give. I’m ready to roll.

OS: What have you learned from former managing editor Matt DiSanto?

GA: What haven’t I learned from Matt DiSanto? Matt has prepared me to take on this role, and I can’t thank him enough for that. To this day, Matt is still around to answer all my questions, and I know he’ll be a resource for me for as long as I need him to be. I must’ve asked Matt close to 100 questions over the past few months. I’m not kidding.

Matt’s impact on me didn’t just start this year — it goes back to when I was a freshman. All his advice, feedback, and constructive criticism have helped mold me into the writer I am today.

OS: When you aren’t busy blogging, what do you enjoy doing?

GA: I’m a pretty simple guy. When I get some time to myself, I enjoy watching my sports teams (sometimes), going to the gym, playing golf, and listening to music. I’m a big country music fan, so I’m listening to country pretty much every day. Luke Combs has a song for every occasion or mood. The guy just doesn’t miss.

I love spending time with my girlfriend, Casey, joking around with my two older brothers, Anthony and Andrew, and pissing off getting to see my mom and dad when I’m home from school. I enjoy hanging out with my friends whenever I can, too.

I also like sleeping. I’m a big nap guy.

OS: What’s your favorite part about Onward State?

GA: This is probably the easiest question yet. My favorite part about Onward State is the people involved with it. Onward State is nothing without our hard-working and dedicated staff. The staff camaraderie is unmatched, and it’s what I think is the best part about OS. It makes working for Onward State that much more fun.

I’m extremely proud to lead such a great group of people. I can’t do this without them, and I know they’re ready to roll with me. I couldn’t be any more optimistic moving forward.

OS: As per OS tradition, if you could be a dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

GA: I’d be a Carcharodontosaurus. I don’t have a good reason why, but I think they look pretty cool. They’re named after a shark, which is sick.