Tired of being pushed around, Gators hit the weights
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – The Geibel Gators football team has been pushed around in recent years, and was not considered a serious threat. With only one win for the program since 1997, it’s understandable to see why. However, kids keep coming back and trying to get the team over the hump with a couple of wins.
Angelo Dippolito is back for his second year with the Gators after going 0-9 last year. One of he biggest problems he saw facing the Gators was being outmuscled in the Tri-County South conference.
During the off-season he instituted a weight-training program to improve overall team strength.
“My son Brian, an assistant coach on the staff, has been here on a regular basis,” Dippolito said. “I think he’s done a wonderful job in getting the kids to buy into the benefits of getting stronger.”
The Gators hope the additional strength will translate into wins this season. The team needs to be stronger because it needs the stamina to go four quarters with only 22 kids on the squad.
Dippolito has been impressed with the efforts of several players since last season. Chris Manderino (OL/LB) has trimmed 10 pounds since last season, dropping down to 235.
“Chris is the strongest kid I have on the team,” Dippolito said. “He fell in love with the weight room when he started to see results. He increased his bench press to 350 pounds and his squat to 600.”
Dippolito feels several other linemen, especially B.J. Palmer and Zach Voithofer, have improved their strength over last season.
“I told Zach he better be ready this season,” Dippolito said. “He was an All-Conference performer last year as a freshman. I told him teams are going to come after him this season.”
One pleasant surprise has been the efforts of running back Dan Chorba. He is only 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, but has reportedly improved his bench to over 300 pounds and his squat to 475.
“Danny has a chance to do something for himself with football,” Dippolito said. “He’s getting letters from a number of Ivy League schools and Division 1-AA. He may not be a Division I player, but he can play for somebody.”
Dippolito hopes the added strength will help Chorba improve on his offensive numbers from last season when he rushed for 792 yards and four touchdowns. He also feels Ardie Renze could be a surprise in the backfield and take some of the pressure off Chorba.
“Both kids are similar, both are good athletes, ranked high in their class, and have good SAT scores,” Dippolito explained. “The kids pushed each other in the weight room, and are pushing each other on the field. We are still a very young team overall, but I think we can win some games.”
To help with that, a couple of Geibel football alumni on the coaching staff can help pass along their knowledge on what it takes to win. George Mikluscak, Brian Henckel and Jason Bandemer have all had success with the Gators in the past, and add to that Brian Dippolito and John Brooks.
Plus it always helps to have a little professional help. Brian Giachetti of Uniontown has played professionally in Canada and the Arena League, and with the Pittsburgh Colts semi-pro team, and will add valuable insight to the backs and receivers.
Dippolito hopes the chemistry on the team is right, and the added strength and knowledge offsets the low numbers so the Gators can take a couple of steps forward in the win column.