Home Page Sports

Star Quarterback Michael Pietropola shocks Wellsboro this morning with his announcement that he is dropping out of the football program at IUP. Ed Weaver has all the details today on Home Page Sports.

Pietropola finished his Senior year at Wellsboro with 23 touchdown passes for the season and 68 for his career, a new Wellsboro Varsity Football Record* and District IV record. He also ended this last season with 2,162 yards becoming the only quarterback in Wellsboro history to throw for over 2,000 yards in multiple seasons. His final career yardage stands at 6,150.

“Michael is a great kid and great athlete, but a better person,” Coach Hildebrand said of his former quarterback. “He has a great work ethic and that’s what has gotten him to the point where he is today. He deserves all the recognition and everything that he gets. It didn’t happen overnight. Michael put a lot of hours and hard work into each off-season, including extra time in the weight room. Michael has set a new precedent for quarterbacks at Wellsboro and in District IV. So, obviously we are all shocked and surprised by Michael’s announcement today. I don’t think any of us saw this coming. That said, if this is what Michael wants to do, instead of playing football, we wish him the very best.” Hildebrand went on to say that Michael often brought cookies and pastries into film sessions. At the time everybody thought that his Mom was making this stuff. But, now the truth is finally out there – it was Michael, not Mom doing the baking.

Some of Michael’s closest friends, who have asked not to be named, said that they have actually witnessed Michael roasting a duck before a big game, along with other entrees like pot roast and Mahi Mahi.

Principal David Krick seemed perplexed over Michael’s decision, but was also supportive stating, “if this is the career path that Michael has chosen, it’s okay with us. I just hope he brings us some samples of his work.”

Home Page Sports also talked with Michael’s Mom and Dad on today’s feature. Mom seemed very happy about Michael’s decision, while Michael’s Dad seemed a little down. Michael’s grandfather was not available for comment.

All of us here at Wellsboro Home Page wish Michael Pietropola the very best in all he does. And Michael…thanks for the memories.