Westlake High School is known for its football. And while last season had a rough ending, this year the Chaparrals hope they’ve left past demons behind to renew the tradition of Westlake winning. Looking ahead and trying his best to learn from mistakes past, one player in particular is hoping the obstacles from last season won’t haunt the team too much longer.

Labeled by recruiting services as Westlake’s “Best Player” and voted captain by his own teammates, senior wide receiver Tony Gulla has a lot to look forward to for the 2004 football season. Working on breaking a seven-year Westlake High School record of 50 receptions, Gulla remains humble about his accomplishments. “I’m trying not to think about it too much,” he says.

As modest as this 6 foot, accomplished high school senior may be, many hope that, along with breaking the record, his future will also include a strong college football career. Though Gulla will not yet divulge which schools he’s actively pursuing, he has already caught the attention of some top universities across the country. Different reports show that Iowa, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Texas A & M and Southern Methodist University are all looking at the talented wide receiver.

Gulla’s current focus is giving his best for his final season with Westlake, however. He asserts the team is getting better every week and by the end of the district, should be ready for the playoffs. Practicing nearly 15 hours a week, Gulla does his best to stay ahead of his game. As a result, Coach Derek Long can see the intensity and determination within him. “He gives 100 percent all of the time,” Long says. “He does work hard and he has a good attitude with yes sir, no sir. Everyone on the team has a lot of respect for him.”

Long also tells stories of how Gulla refuses to give up. In fact, when he suffered a back injury, Gulla still suited up and tried to practice with the team. Long had no choice but to call him over and steal his helmet. “It was the only way I could keep him from practicing,” Long says, laughing.

Living in the Westlake area since third grade, Gulla has always been a fan of Westlake football. And through the years he’s even found a Westlake receiver to emulate — 1997 graduate Ryan Reed — who continued to play football at Boston College. “He has the record I’m trying to break,” Gulla says coyly. Besides Reed, Gulla also admires the legendary Jerry Rice, a wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders.
While Gulla does have high hopes for football is in his future, he also wants to remain attentive to his studies, by finishing his senior year strong, “or at least until second semester,” he says grinning.

Off of the field, Gulla admits his real role models are his parents, who’ve remained unconditionally supportive through his football career. “If I live up to them, I’ll be alright,” he says.