Geibel Preview
Geibel Catholic football coach Angelo Dippolito is sharpening his ice pick hoping to chip his way into the win column this year. Geibel has been frozen out of the win column, with only one win since 1997, when the Gators went 1-7 in the 2000 season. “This year, I think we’re a little better and a little stronger,” Dippolito said. “Deep down I think this year Geibel will break the ice and get into the win column.”
Dippolito knew the situation when he took over the Gators last season, and suffered through an 0-9 year. The Gators gave up 414 points while scoring only 81.
However, like anyone who has ever coached, he looked for the positive things. Fortunately for Dippolito there are some positives to build on. Senior running back Dan Chorba rushed for 792-yards and scored five touchdowns last season. Quarterback John Bokat also figures to be more confident with a year’s experience under his belt. The senior signal-caller completed 38 of 116 passes for 564 yards and six TD’s.
“We only have four seniors that will play regularly. They have become good leaders,” Dippolito said. “They really put the time in and worked hard during the off-season.” The other two seniors are RB/DB Ardie Renze and OL/DL B.J. Palmer. A fifth senior returning this season is kicker Katie Andyjohn.
Not having much success in recent years has cut the numbers at Geibel. Only 22 players are going through pre-season drills. “The kids have a good work ethic, but lack of numbers has forced us to make changes at practice,” Dippolito explained. “Because of our lack of depth we’re not doing much live work and getting most of our hitting against the bags to avoid injury.”
Despite the small numbers, Dippolito is impressed by the way the kids are pushing each other in practice and competing for starting jobs. Even though Bokat will be the starter at quarterback, freshman Mitch Erdely has pushed Bokat and opened some eyes.
Dippolito pointed out the Gators are still an extremely young team. Five sophomores lettered last year as freshman and six sophomores are expected to start. Offensive lineman-linebacker Zach Voithofer, a 6-4, 245-pound an All-Conference performer, heads that group.
A couple of juniors are also expected to make an impact. OL/LB Chris Manderino has put in a lot of time in the weight room since last season, improving his overall strength and dropping 10 pounds.
“Chris is the strongest kid on the team, improving his bench and squat totals,” Dippolito said. “Once he started to see results he fell in love with the weight room.” Jeremiah Voithofer, Zach’s brother, returns as a receiver and defensive back, after being sidelined last season with a knee injury. He should provide a big target (6-4, 215) for Bokat.
Dippolito knows the Tri-County South Conference will be tough once again.
“Monessen and Carmichaels are the top two teams coming back,” he said. “After that California is coming off a playoff year and Mapletown will be tough.”
However, Dippolito feels Geibel Catholic will be more competitive this season.
“We’re surviving,” he said. “Barring any injuries I know these kids can win some games.”
Dippolito knows there are athletes in the school that can help that are not playing football this season. But if he can chip into the win column a couple of times this season he can set a good foundation and make the option to play football a little more attractive in years to come.