Rustin’s Gallen already at full speed

WESTTOWN » One quick glance on the practice field at West Chester Rustin, and itwould be hard to see anything other than the blur of a human being carrying the football down the far sidelines.

The flat- out speed is breathtaking to watch, even froma distance. So imagine what it looks like if you’re a defender trying to stop it.

That is the challenge for anyone facing West Chester Rustin senior running back Drew Gallen, who has transferred his blinding track & field speed to the fields of the Ches- Mont League.

During the junior indoor track season, Gallen won medals in the 100 and 200meter sprints and runs a 4.4 40- yard dash. Last season, as a Golden Knights running back, Gallen galloped for 857 yards, scored eight touchdowns andwas themain man for a teamthat advanced to the semifinals of the District 1 Class 5A playoffs, where its season ended in a heartbreaking loss toAcademy Park.

“I like both track and football but I am a track runner at heart,” Gallen said. “And running trackmy whole life has really helped me on the football field. Things like acceleration on the football field and straight line sprints have been a little easier because ofmy track training. I have speed- trainedmy entire life and you can apply some of those principles to running with the football.”

“... when a play breaks open and I can see the end zone, it’s like I am running in a track meet. The end zone ismy finish line.” – West Chester Rustin RB Drew Gallen

PETE BANNAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP West Chester Rustin’s Drew Gallen practices last week. Rustin opens at Unionville next Friday night.