High School Playbook Pittsburgh - WTAE- ThePittsburghChannel

ThePittsburghChannel 's activities

-------------

ThePittsburghChannel's profile

report offensive profile

nickname: ThePittsburghChannel

8978 Profile Views

graduating: 2006

This site is proudly sponsored by

-------------

ThePittsburghChannel's stories

Student-Athlete of the Week: Mike Caputo

December 03, 2009

West Allegheny head coach Bob Palko always stresses that football is the ultimate team sport. And his star running back helps to exemplify it on the field.

Mike Caputo, a junior who transferred from Blackhawk during the summer, has made quite the impression at his new school, and on the WPIAL. So far this season he has rushed for 2,389 yards on 319 attempts and scored 34 touchdowns, helping to lead West Allegheny (11-2) to their first league championship since 2001.

His 178-yard, four-touchdown performance in the Class AAA championship game helped the Indians to a 36-28 win over Hopewell. He also had 10 tackles at defensive back, having earned first-team all-Parkway conference honors on both offense and defense, as well as the conference MVP award.

Channel 4 Action News anchor Andrew Stockey stepped from behind the news desk to visit the West Allegheny locker room Thursday and present Mike with this week's Clearview Federal Credit Union Student-Athlete of the Week award. The Indians are preparing for their PIAA quarterfinal matchup against Erie Cathedral Prep Friday night.

Palko says Caputo has fallen right in line with the West Allegheny way from the first day, and is proud to have such a great young man on his team.

"He came in immediately and, because of his work ethic, demanded respect," Palko said. "But what's even better about him is that he's so humble, he cares about other people, He's a great person."

Now he and West Allegheny are in position to do great things, having dethroned three-time defendending WPIAL champion and two-time defending state champion Thomas Jefferson. They then knocked off Hopewell, the team with the WPIAL's leading rusher, Rushel Shell.

The Indians are considered a heavy favorite to win a state title, which would make them the fifth WPIAL team in the past six seasons to win the PIAA Class AAA championship.

"This season has meant everything to me," Caputo said. "It's been my dream to play at Heinz Field, and it's been my dream to really be part of a team."

Previous Honorees: