Athleticism was something that John Gullo was born with but always worked hard for. As senior captain for the Plainedge Varsity Football team, Gullo has been waiting for this moment since he was just a child; to help lead his team to a Long Island Championship.
“A championship is always the goal,” said Gullo of the team’s annual ambition. “There is no doubt that we will compete our hardest for that title.”
Since he was a child, Gullo has always enjoyed watching Sunday football games with his father, whom he deems his biggest inspiration as well as his biggest supporter.
Gullo first picked up a football in second grade for the Plainedge Bobcats. He was the fastest player on the field, and not much has changed today.
On his way to varsity, Gullo made the transition from running back to wide receiver and defensive back. Unlike many Long Island football players, Gullo starts on both sides of the ball and is just as good at one position as the other.
“When I step on to the field I put all the jokes and laughter behind me,” said Gullo maturely. “Even though I have a blast while playing, I know game time is work time.”
When he’s on the turf, Gullo’s biggest athletic inspiration and football hero is Walter Payton.
“Payton conducts himself as a role model on and off the field,” said Gullo. “He also shows respect for the game and each player,” he continued, adding that he bases his own playing style off of Payton’s.
With a strict training schedule to adhere to, the young senior doesn’t believe that anyone could have a different mindset other than focus while playing football.
“Train, train, train; that word is in my mind year round,” he said, even noting that during the off season he is lifting and training at AFTLL, a strength and conditioning facility in Massapequa.
A football star in the fall, Gullo shines on the lacrosse field in the spring, where his speed and high energy flourishes. He also wrestles in the winter, which he said makes him a better, stronger and quicker football player.
He also credits his football coach, Robert Shaver with making him a more conditioned athlete.
“Coach pushes me to get better and inspires me to work harder than I did the last day,” said Gullo in gratitude.
Being a three year varsity starter, Gullo has learned a lot. Over time, he has absorbed the skills of previous players such as Ralph Caccavale and Gianfranco Sorriente. As for present day, it is the beginning of the weekend that Gullo waits for with excitement during football season.
“Fridays and Saturdays are a time for the team to really get stronger not in the weight room but as a family,” he said, as it is within those times where the team bonds off the field; a reflection of their performance on the field.
“There is no greater feeling than getting pumped up with the team on the field before kickoff,” said Gullo. “I’ve experienced it for three years and I’ll miss it come next fall.”
Be on the lookout for Gullo and the Plainedge Red Devils as they chase a Long Island Championship this season.
