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Friday, February 1, 2008
A Different Father/Son Story
Greater Reading, PA
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By: Michael J. Esterly / Sam Harris , VYPE
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Photo(s) By: Phil Marabella
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“If we were asked who our best friend is, I know we would both say each other.”
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You can imagine the opportunities as well as the potential pitfalls that present themselves when a parent coaches a son or daughter on a high school sports team. At Muhlenberg High School in the late 1980’s, a father and son experienced some of those difficulties, but the time they spent together on the basketball court forged a bond between them that is even stronger today.
Boys’ basketball coach Roger Gallo coached the Muhls from 1988 to 1995. From 1988 to 1990, his son Christopher Gallo played guard for the team. Though he was a talented ball handler, Chris didn’t get the number of minutes he would have liked, usually coming off the bench as a back-up to Dave Kapaona and Brad Painter. “I was the third guard out of the group,” recalled Chris.
There were times when Chris would get frustrated by the situation and not talk to his father during dinner after the game. “It wouldn’t be for long,” said Chris. “I can look back now and understand what he was doing.” These times took a toll on Dad too, trying to balance what was best for the team while still being supportive of his son. “When you’re coaching, you try to be the coach first, but you never stop being a parent,” explained Roger. During Chris’ junior year, after Brad Painter hit a 25-foot buzzer beater to secure the Muhls spot in the county and district playoffs, father and son shared a special moment. “We ran right up to each other, and my dad picked me up and swung me around like a helicopter,” recalls Chris. “It was such a special feeling to be able to share that with him,” added Roger. Christopher continued to work hard; and by his senior year, he had earned his increased playing time.
Chris has taken to heart what his dad taught him about the game of basketball. As head coach of the Schuylkill Valley Panthers boys’ basketball team, Chris is now the teacher. And to complete the circle, he drafted his father to work beside him as his assistant. “I learned a lot playing for my dad and watching him coach, and now I try to emulate what he taught me. He knows so much about the game,” said Chris. Roger added, “I was asked by people if I would consider being a head coach again; and while the offer was flattering, I wanted to help my son as much as possible. It has been such a great experience working with him and the kids.”
Years spent together on the court have certainly paid dividends. Chris began coaching the Panthers in 1997. During Chris’ first years as head coach, he turned the team’s single-digit wins into double digits. In 2003 Chris achieved a milestone by winning 21 games, breaking the record for wins in a season at Schuylkill Valley. “I usually ask my dad what he would do in certain situations during a game, and it seems as if we are always on the same page,” said Chris. Roger proudly remarked, “He has done a fantastic job with the kids and developing a winning program.” During the 2003 season, Schuylkill Valley faced Penn Argyl in the state playoffs and Panther player Ryan Frasso hit a buzzer beater to win the game. Chris ran and hugged his dad after the game and celebrated as if it was 1989 all over again. “It was like déjà vu,” said Chris.
After spending just a short time with Chris and Roger Gallo, it is obvious they share something special. Chris noted, “If we were asked who our best friend is, I know we would both say each other.”
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