Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By John E. Sacco, Tri-State Sports & News Service

His dissatisfaction with some of the administration at Washington High School led him to think about giving up coaching football all together, an unthinkable act by someone who is so tied to the game and had been so successful in it.

Walking away was the only thing Guy Montecalvo thought he could do last year.

Not long after the conclusion of his 23rd season as the Little Prexies' head coach, Montecalvo resigned from the only football coaching job he ever wanted or thought he would have.

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"Washington is where my heart was," said Montecalvo, who compiled a 192-71-2 record at his alma mater, including two WPIAL Class AA championships, a PIAA crown in 2001, nine conference titles and 17 postseason appearances. "I envisioned it as where I would end my career."

While he didn't apply for any of the openings around the WPIAL, Montecalvo didn't close the door on his coaching career. By June, he had resigned himself to sitting out the season, having the knee replacement surgery he desperately needs and waiting for opportunities to present themselves for the 2004 season.

But Dan Pallante resigned as Canon-McMillan's football coach and athletic director, and the successor seemed like an obvious choice.

A few weeks later, Montecalvo became a Big Mac.

"I had hoped to go elsewhere to coach someday," Montecalvo said.

"I have found it is possible to land on your feet, put down some roots and make a family somewhere else."

Montecalvo, 47, inherits a program that has won or shared two of the previous three Quad West Conference titles. Canon-McMillan has made the playoffs three consecutive years.

Montecalvo knows the strength of the Big Macs' program is in its talented junior class. But he has some outstanding seniors, including running back-safety Brendon Steele, receiver-linebacker Eric Taylor, and lineman Jeff Monaco to provide leadership this season.

While most are touting Upper St. Clair, McKeesport, Trinity, Fox Chapel and even Albert Gallatin, it seems Canon-McMillan is under the radar screen.

"The kids did a great job of remaining active in the weight room and they made tremendous strides with our running program in a short period of time," Montecalvo said.

"We didn't have a play in until Aug. 11. There's been a lot of learning going on. I've heard about what some of the other coaches feel about us. We potentially have a pretty good team. I wouldn't take us for granted."

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