Pirate Competitor of the Week – Vinny Gullone Cross Country
Vinny Gullone competed and finished 28th out of 690 runners on Saturday in Peoria. Coach Michael Eyres said, “This meet is a state preview with all of the top runners and teams competing. He ran a PR of 15:45. We chose to drive down the morning of, which meant a 4am wake-up and 4:30 am departure. Combined with the fact that we were rushed once we arrived at the meet, the boys did not feel 100%. His efforts led to us finishing 9th out of 90 teams, including the entire top ten teams in the state. Despite the PR, Vinny was not happy with the race. This kind of attitude of wanting more is why Vinny has made a huge jump this season. He has very ambitious goals despite being just a sophomore, and I have full confidence that he will do everything in his power to reach these goals.”
Other Nominations
Macie Weber Varsity Volleyball – Coach Wills commented, “Macie has really stepped nicely into her role on the Varsity team this year. She played a huge role in our 3 victories this past week with 15 kills and 13 digs. To go along with that, she had an amazing performance serving 47/50 with 9 aces in our huge win over Stockton. Great job Macie!”
Gus Nack Varsity Football – Gus Nack had 11 tackles, including the game-winning sack and forced fumble in a big NUIC win over EPC 27-16. Coach Kyle Knight said, “Gus is a disruptive force on defense and is our leader on that side of the ball. We look forward to seeing what Gus can do with the rest of his Galena Football career.”
Mason Smith Varsity Football – Mason had 5 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. He also had an interception on defense, along with 4 tackles. Coach Knight commented, “Mason has sure hands and is a very dependable receiver. He does a lot of the dirty work, blocking in the screen game and always seems to be in the right spot when we need him.”
Ava Lange 8th Grade Volleyball – Coach Kailyn Stumpf said, “Ava has proven to be a stellar asset to the team this season. Overall, she contributed 12 kills, 3 aces, and 2 blocks in our games against Stockton and Warren this week. Ava has shown tremendous growth since the beginning of the season. She puts in the time off the court and it shows. Ava continues to be a great leader as well. I’m excited to see the great things she will do for Galena Volleyball in the future.”
Roman Romer Varsity Football
Roman Romer was 18 of 24 for 220 yards and 2 tds. Roman also ran for 38 yards and one touchdown. Coach Knight said, “Roman is one of the best offensive players in the league and he stepped it up in crunch time to help lead a game-winning drive.”
Aubrey Peterson 7th Grade Volleyball – Aubrey played a big role in our victories this week against Stockton, Warren, and the Galena tournament. She finished the week with 6 kills, 22 aces, and 17 assists. Coach Makenzie Casper said, Aubrey’s very driven and such an amazing team player. Nice job, Aubrey!”
Barrett Willey 8th Grade Football – Coach Kevin Knautz said, “Barrett had to come into the game as the quarterback when Flynn Loeffelholz went out with an injury and completed the game-winning drive against Oregon Tuesday, winning the game 6-0. We had fourth and goal to go on the six-yard line when he hit Klayton Kampeier on a crossing route in the endzone. Barrett always works hard as the second quarterback, working with the receivers and running backs every day. He is always willing to be coached and works hard in practice.”
