Quick return for Guilderland QB
QB Gitto made quick return after breaking leg during the summer
When Michael Gitto broke his leg at a football camp, it looked like his season was lost, but he’s back leading the Dutchmen again./
When Guilderland senior quarterback Michael Gitto suffered a broken leg during a play at University at Albany team camp during the summer, the injury was devastating to coach Dan Penna and Gitto’s teammates as the leader of the Dutchmen was presumed to be lost for the 2019 season.
Not only was it looking like Gitto’s scholastic career was over, his football career could be done as well depending what his future holds.
But Gitto’s career is not over, and he hopes to continue it well into November.
The combination of excellent recuperative powers and relentless rehabilitation by Gitto allowed the senior to incredibly
return for a Week 5 road game against Saratoga.
“It is really awesome. I never expected to be back at all,” Gitto said. “Every day, I am grateful to be playing football.”
The Dutchmen (5-2 overall, 5-2 Class A A) travel to take on
Christian Brothers Academy (4-3, 3-3) on Friday to conclude the regular-season schedule. A victory by Guilderland secures a playoff berth in the four-team Class A A playoffs.
“It really is a de facto playoff game,” Penna said.
“We are definitely treating this like a playoff game. Everyone is stoked up and ready to play,” Gitto said. “We’re focused on this game.”
Gitto was determined to return to the field before the 2019 season ended, but he even surprised himself by how quickly he made it back. During his time rehabbing, Gitto attended practice every day and helped prepare the scout team against the starters each week.
Penna said Gitto more or less served as an additional assistant coach.
“He stayed mentally stimulated and he was thinking about getting back to the field at the same time,” Penna said.
“I was at practice every day helping out the other guys. I really could not imagine what it would be like to not be part of the team I have been with since Pop Warner,” Gitto said.
In his season debut, Gitto completed 7 of 11 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown in leading the Dutchmen to a 56-14 victory over Saratoga.
“I was not sure how it would go,” Gitto said. “I knew I wasn’t where I was before I got hurt, but I knew I had really good pieces around me and prepared well. I went in confident in myself and it all came together in the game.”
“He is positive, but also is intense,” Penna said. “When you can get the centerpiece of your offense back and he is pushing everyone to be their best, it raises everyone’s level.”
Growing up, Gitto played defensive end and center during his Pop Warner career. When he reached middle school, he tried out for quarterback.
“I was no longer one of the bigger kids and my dad thought I had a good arm,” Gitto said. “I was lucky enough to find my niche. I like to be the guy people look to and help others.”
The senior has f lourished in Guilderland’s spread attack that requires the quarterback to make quick decisions.
When it comes to his future, Gitto believes he has found his path. He hopes to attend West Point next fall.
“That is definitely my ideal situation if I could choose,” Gitto said. “I recognize it is very difficult to get in. They only choose the best of the best of all of the applicants. ( Wednesday), I dropped off my nomination package to Congressman (Paul) Tonko.”
Gitto, who has received interest from several Division III schools to play quarterback, maintain a 95.5 average in the classroom taking advanced placement classes.
Naturally, Gitto wants to extend his play ing career with the Dutchmen. Guilderland has never won a sectional title, having reached the Class A A Super Bowl once in 2007 when it suf fered a 28-17 loss against La Salle.
“It would mean the world to us if we could make it that far,” Gitto said. “If I am fortunate enough to get into West Point, then this would be my last year playing football. I want it to last as long as possible and I am ready and prepared to lead this team.”